BMW Recalls, Halts Sales of 1 Series Models; Cites Fire Risk

New information released on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website shows that BMW is recalling all 1 Series models sold in the U.S. between 2008 and 2010 for a potential fire risk. According to the manufacturer, cars built between December 1, 2007, and May 27, 2010, may not have sufficient clearance between the seatbelt tensioners and the sound insulation in the B-pillars. Should a crash occur, the tensioners could overheat. In rare instances, the excess temperature could possibly ignite the insulation material. BMW has not yet released a fix for the issue, but has notified NHTSA of the recall and halted sales of all...

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Stunning Stingray: Convertible Chevy Corvette Stingray Concept Spotted?

Allow us, if you will, to play paparazzo for a moment and show you what may be an up-and-coming movie star. Photos of what appear to be a convertible version of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (or Centennial) concept recently appeared online, and we wouldn't be surprised if the car is destined for a career in Hollywood. You may have seen the coupe version of the Stingray in person at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, but there’s a better chance you saw it on the silver screen. GM’s Corvette Centennial concept was tapped by director Michael Bay for Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen, his 2009 sequel to Transformers. So, then, what is this? We’ve...

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Eight Great Volkswagen-Italdesign Collaborations(1970)

1970 VW-Porsche Tapiro The notion of an entry-level Porsche roadster -- built with some help from Volkswagen -- wasn't a horrible idea, but the blocky styling used on the 914 was divisive, to say the least. Giorgetto's solution was simple: take one 914/6, strip it down to the floor pan, and replace the awkward bodywork with a sleek coupe body. The "folded paper" look may have been commonplace in the 1980s, but a decade prior -- when the Tapiro was unveiled at the Turin motor show -- the result was rather groundbreaking. Gullwing doors provided access to not only the interior, but also the engine compartment and luggage bay -- a subtle nod to...

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Report: Saab in Talks with BMW on Underpinnings, Engines for Revived 92

It’s no secret that Saab is hard at work on plans to reintroduce its 92, but it’ll need some help to before the car can be produced. The automaker is preparing to enter into talks with BMW to do just that. Instead of developing a costly platform from scratch, Saab is in talks with BMW to source underpinnings for the car. Saab is reportedly eyeing Mini’s architecture to underpin the new 92. Saab CEO Victor Muller wants the brand’s new model to closely resemble the teardrop shape of the original car, which was dropped from the Saab lineup in 1956. According to the report, Saab is also looking into sourcing engines and transmissions from Mini....

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Toyota Has No Plans to Return to Formula 1

A difficult economy forced Toyota to withdraw from Formula 1, but don't expect the automaker to return to the series should the automotive industry improve. Corporate officials -- even those once tied to the F1 program -- admit the racing series doesn't reach its customer base. "There is a big gap between Formula 1 and Toyota's actual [owners]," said Tadashi Yamashina, Toyota's Senior Managing Director. "President [Akio] Toyoda's stance on motorsports is geared more to the customer." Although Yamashima himself broke down in tears when Toyoda held a press conference last year to announce the F1 withdrawal, the executive seems to have adopted...

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