“The investment being made by a premier international brand who believes in ‘the best or nothing,’ is a tremendous compliment to all of those who worked so hard to make the stadium what it is today,” said Tom Benson, owner of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints.

Though the details of the deal were not disclosed, the funds from Mercedes-Benz are expected to replace most or all of the subsidies the state pays to the Saints. In a lease that expired in 2009, the team received $186.5 million from the state.

The dome was recently renovated by the state and will host the Super Bowl in 2013. The new branding of the stadium will debut on Oct. 23, when the Saints host the Indianapolis Colts for a Sunday-night football game.

A 36-gallon fuel tank leads the changes on the 2012 Ford F-150 pickup, which makes for a range of 756 bladder-busting miles without filling up. The FX trim gets a new appearance package, and the availability of a locking rear axle is expanded.

The engine lineup is unchanged from that of the 2011 model, with six-speed automatic transmissions as standard equipment.

The new FX appearance package is offered on both the FX2 and FX4 pickups. The package comes with flat-black accents and black fender and tailgate badges with red lettering. Inside, the steering wheel gets red accent stitching to match. The package also includes black leather seats with red piping.

Also new for 2012 are 20-inch, six-spoke wheels, chrome exhaust tips, a black-finished grille and blacked-out headlights and taillights.

Last year’s electronic shift-on-the-fly is replaced with a 4×4 automatic mode. If the truck senses a loss of grip, it transfers power to the front. The system still has four low and four high modes.

Hill Start Assist is new to the F-150. If the computer calculates that the truck is on an incline, it holds the brake for up to two seconds after releasing the pedal. This allows the driver to get going before the weight of a trailer rolls the truck back.

All four-wheel-drive models have a neutral tow option, meaning drivers can now flat-tow the truck with another vehicle. The limited-slip differential is replaced with an electronic-locking diff in a range of axle ratios.

“These changes are centered around making F-150 an even more useful tool for our customers,” said Jackie DiMarco, F-150 chief engineer. “We’re continuously raising the bar when it comes to capability, and these upgrades and new technologies push us even further.”

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110929/CARNEWS/110929870#ixzz1ZNO2sO00

By: Julie Alvin on 9/27/2011

General Motors’ OnStar service on Tuesday said it has dropped plans to keep collecting data from OnStar-equipped vehicles after owners have canceled the service.

The move comes in the wake of complaints about the data-collection plan from consumers and at least two members of Congress.

OnStar had told subscribers that, starting on Dec. 1, the company would have been able to sell or share anonymized data–data that doesn’t identify an individual customer or vehicle–about vehicle location, speed and safety-belt usage with third parties. A customer would specifically have to ask OnStar to shut down the data connection, separate from canceling the service.

“We realize that our proposed amendments did not satisfy our subscribers,” OnStar president Linda Marshall said in a statement. “This is why we are leaving the decision in our customers’ hands. We listened, we responded and we hope to maintain the trust of our more than 6 million customers.”

Democratic Sens. Chuck Schumer of New York and Al Franken of Minnesota objected to the plan, saying that it violated consumers’ privacy.

“By tracking drivers even after they’ve canceled their service, OnStar is attempting one of the most brazen invasions of privacy in recent memory,” Schumer said.

In a letter to the Federal Trade Commission, Schumer called for an investigation of the potentially unfair practice. Schumer also contacted OnStar, asking it to abandon the changes to its policy.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110927/CARNEWS/110929900#ixzz1ZGNPEEuN

By: Luca Ciferri, Automotive News Europe on 9/27/2011

Ferrari has set the price of the 458 Spider at $257,000, with U.S. sales to start in January, In Europe, the sports car will cost 226,800 euros, or $309,000 at current exchange rate. Sales begin in October.

When compared with the 458 Italia coupe, the Spider costs about 15 percent more. It’s a price premium that Ferrari has been charging for the last decade for the open-air versions of models such as the 430 and 360.

Ferrari customers in Europe also usually spend the equivalent of 15 percent to 20 percent on top of the car’s list price to purchase personalization items from the company’s Carrozzeria Scaglietti program. These items include carbon fiber seats ($7,800) and a rearview camera ($3,600).

The 458 Spider replaces the 430 Spider and features an aluminum retractable hardtop instead of the canvas top offered on its predecessor. Webasto AG supplies the 458 Spider’s roof system. The German supplier also sources the roof system on the Ferrari California four-seat convertible.

Ferrari says its patented, fully retractable hardtop is a world first for rear-engine sports cars. The all-aluminum hardtop solution adopted for the 458 Spider offers a number of advantages over the traditional folding canvas top, including a 55-pound weight reduction and a deployment time of 14 seconds.

Fully integrated into the styling of the car, the hardtop was engineered to fit neatly ahead of the engine bay without compromising aerodynamics or the performance of the car.

Ferrari says the small space needed to house the roof enabled the designers to include a generous rear bench for luggage behind the seats.

The 458 Spider’s powertrain is the same as that on the 458 Italia coupe–a normally aspirated 4.5-liter V8 delivering 570 hp coupled with a Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 458 Spider accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in less than 3.4 seconds. Its top speed is 198 mph.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110927/CARNEWS/110929903#ixzz1ZAv4dlP8

By: Jake Lingeman on 9/12/2011

Kia revealed the GT, its first rear-drive sedan, at the Frankfurt motor show on Monday. We brought you a sneak peak of the concept back in August.

The GT is powered by a 390-hp turbocharged V6 engine and, in another first for the company, an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Work on the GT started in November 2010, though the brand has been toying with the idea for a while.

“The classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout of a performance sedan has distinct appeal not just for the Korean market,” Kia design chief Peter Schreyer said, “but also for the European and American markets.”

The company says inspiration came from the GT cars of the 1970s.

Gregory Guillaume, Kia’s European design chief, says he wanted a “sumptuous and elegant vehicle capable of whisking passengers from Paris to the south of France in effortless style and at high speed.”

The GT has a long hood and short rear end with near-pillarless windows. The rocker panels are painted a contrasting color, and a copper-colored line appears from the front of the windshield, along the car’s roof and to the base of the rear glass. Rearview mirrors are replaced with digital cameras that display on monitors in the doors. Fanblade wheels that cover copper-colored brake calipers complete the exterior package.

The front and rear-hinged doors swing slightly upward when opened, giving the car a confident look, according to Schreyer.

Inside, the GT gets a glass instrument panel with three layers of organic LEDs. This frees up the center console from switches, knobs and displays. Controls on the three-spoke steering wheel allow for adjustments of the displays.

Schreyer says this concept is less about design specifics and more about a general feeling of stance, performance and balance.

“One of the things about working on this project was that this is a very real car,” Schreyer said. “It felt good to be working on a car that could roll down the road tomorrow. It’s exactly the kind of car Kia should be making.”

Honda is recalling 310,773 copies of the Pilot SUV to fix a problem that could make the driver’s or passenger’s seatbelts unreliable in a crash.

Honda says a manufacturing error with the belts could mean that stitching on some of the models is incomplete where the lap section is connected to the outer anchor, which could cause the belt components to disconnect in an accident.

The recall affects 2009- to 2011-model-year Pilots. Honda said it is not aware of any injuries or deaths related to the issue.

Honda says affected vehicle owners will be notified in early October to go for a free inspection. If the stitching is defective, the company will replace the belts without charge.

By: Mac Morrison on 9/09/2011

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will not be anywhere near as rare as its 1969 namesake when it arrives during the first quarter of next year, but the most powerful production Camaro to date should deliver performance easily worthy of its model designation.

Camaro engineers on Thursday offered media members a preview of the upcoming Ford Mustang Shelby GT500-fighter, and the tale of the tape is impressive, especially in terms of grunt. The 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V8 will make 580 hp at 6,000 rpm and 556 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, besting Chevy’s original targets for the engine’s output and bettering its efficiency in Cadillac’s CTS-V by 24 hp and 5 lb-ft.

For those keeping score against the GT500, the ZL1 trumps the top-of-the-range Mustang’s ratings by 30 hp and 46 lb-ft.

As the Camaro team explained, the engine’s improved numbers come thanks to “a unique induction system, with a lower-restriction air filter, dual ‘bell mouth’ inlet paths, and improved airflow through the supercharger housing. Other changes include a higher-efficiency supercharger intercooler and electric power steering system, which consumes less engine power than hydraulic steering systems.”

However, Camaro chief engineer Al Oppenheiser and his colleagues made it clear that they intend the ZL1 to be far more than a drag racer right out of the box.

“[This car] is [road course-ready] from the showroom,” Oppenheiser said, pointing to the list of standard equipment to make his point: a liquid-to-liquid oil cooler lifted straight from the Corvette ZR1, a deep-sump oil pan, rear-differential cooler and, according the Oppenheiser, a fuel system with additional pickups that should feed the engine during hard cornering even when the gas tank is low on juice.

The ZL1 also comes with the third-generation of magnetic ride control, which reacts faster than before and now adjusts the suspension up to 1,000 times per second. Chevy said the new MRC “uses new twin-wire/dual-coil dampers at all four corners. The smaller dual-coil system–with one coil at either end of the damper–replaces the larger single-core design of the previous generation.

“The new design allows even more precise control of the electrical current and magnetic flux, allowing greater range than before between the softest setting for ride comfort and the firmest setting for track driving.”

If it works as claimed, the ZL1 has strong potential to join the growing rank of performance cars that provide extreme dynamics with little compromise to livability.

Meanwhile, the latest version of General Motors’ Performance Traction Management is also present, with a Ferrari-like range of five settings spanning conditions from “wet” to “race.”

From a driver-interface standpoint, the engineering crew’s decision to adopt electronic power steering might appear an odd choice for an overpowering, rear-drive performance car, but Team Camaro insisted that the belt-driven, variable-ratio system is instead the best solution for controlling such an extreme automobile at speed while also making it comfortable for drivers at relatively low velocities in “real world” scenarios. “Hydraulic steering wasn’t going to get it done,” Oppenheiser said.

Likewise, he stressed that the optional six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L90 automatic gearbox is “not for poseurs who don’t know how to shift.”

As a general rule, hard-core enthusiasts will choose the six-speed Tremec manual transmission, but at least the auto box has been built for performance, with three different driving modes including a “manual” setting that only shifts when a driver commands. Automatic upshifts will not occur even at redline, and Oppenheiser promised that it will select and hold the appropriate low gear into corners to match the manual-equipped ZL1’s performance.

“Contrary to what we could have done [by taking the easy way out with a simple, off-the-shelf transmission], the automatic is not a compromise,” he said. “We spent a lot of time working on it for the track.”

Other ZL1 items of note include Brembo brakes (six-piston front, four-piston rear), an active exhaust system like the one featured on the ZR1, and aerodynamic elements including a “belly pan” flat-bottom cover beneath the car. (Chevy said it was not ready to reveal final downforce numbers.)

Variable stiffness halfshafts and strengthened joints and suspension parts are intended to help reduce wheel hop under acceleration. As for rubber, Goodyear designed ZL1-specific Eagle F1 tires (285/35ZR-20 front, 305/35ZR-20 rear) to put the generous power to the road surface, be it straight, twisting or somewhere in between.

Chevy still will not confirm final details such as price (expected to fall in the low $50,000 range) or production numbers–figure on about 5,000 ZL1s built per year in General Motors’ Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, assembly plant. But from what we’ve seen at this point, the Camaro ZL1 is armed with plenty to look forward to when first drives occur in about two months–test drives are timed to coincide with dealerships opening their books for orders. The preliminary spec sheet, like the Corvette’s, promises top-notch speed, ride and handling, and enough comfort for daily driving and road trips.

Speaking of which, we have reason to expect that fans who make the trip to Florida’s Homestead-Miami Speedway for NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series season finale in November might very well find themselves on hand for the definitive ZL1 production car’s official public debut.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110908/CARNEWS/110909865#ixzz1XTPeMp81

With the 2011 SEMA show and annual awards just around the corner, the Specialty Equipment Market Association has preliminarily flagged the obvious candidates in the lineup.

Though the exhibitors are the ones who ultimately will select the winners, several vehicles are expected to make a significant impact based on factors gathered from preregistration of the show’s feature vehicles, coverage in enthusiast publications and support of a given brand for the SEMA industry.

The 2011 SEMA Award will go to four models from these categories: hottest car, hottest truck, hottest 4×4 SUV and hottest sport compact.

The vehicles deemed worthy of this year’s awards are:

Hottest Car

– Chevrolet Camaro

– Chevrolet Malibu

– Chrysler 300

– Dodge Challenger

– Ford Mustang

– Kia Soul

– Lexus CT 200h

– Mazda 5

Hottest Truck

– Chevrolet Silverado

– Chevrolet Tahoe

– Ford Transit Connect

– Ford F-Series

– GMC Canyon

– GMC Sierra

– Ram pickup

– Toyota Tacoma

– Toyota Tundra

Hottest 4×4 SUV

– Dodge Durango

– Dodge Journey

– Ford Explorer

– Hyundai Santa Fe

– Jeep Grand Cherokee

– Jeep Wrangler

– Kia Sportage

– Toyota RAV4

– Toyota FJ Cruiser

Hottest Sport Compact

– Chevrolet Cruze

– Chevrolet Sonic

– Ford Fiesta

– Ford Focus

– Fiat 500

– Honda Civic

– Honda CR-Z

– Hyundai Veloster

– Lexus IS

– Mazda 2

– Scion iQ

– Scion tC

– Subaru Impreza

Owners of the vehicles listed will have the chance to showcase them at the 2011 SEMA show through the SEMA Award Contender Contest. Details are available at www.sema.org/semaaward.

Winners will be announced on the first day of the show in Las Vegas, Nov. 1.

Remote starters are a hot item on the automotive electronics market–and it’s not difficult to guess why! When you want to combine convenience with practicality, a remote starter from Mr. Kustom is the perfect accessory to get your vehicle through the tough Chicago winter.  And its never too early to get your ride ready! With a remote car starter, you’ll be able to turn on your vehicle’s engine from a distance, without ever coming within feet of the ignition, let alone having to put the key in.

Starting your vehicle with a remote car starter has several advantages. If you’ve ever had to climb into the freezing interior of a car that’s been in subzero temps in the cold Illinois elements, you know what it’s like to wish your car could warm up instantly. At Mr. Kustom, we share your distress. We offer a full line of remote starters so you’ll be able to start your vehicle several minutes before you even open the door.  By the time you snap into your seatbelt, you will be as warm as you were inside the heated building you just left! As well as preserving a comfortable temperature for your car’s interior, a remote starter is very beneficial to the performance of your engine. When turning your vehicle’s engine on a few minutes before you start to drive, it ensures that the engine is properly warmed up before it starts working hard. In doing this, you can and will seriously decrease the amount of wear and tear on your engine, thus extending its lifespan!

Whether you have decided to purchase a remote starter as a stand-alone measure of convenience, or it is included in a complete car alarm package, it requires professional installation in order to work effectively. At Mr. Kustom, our specialists guide you through the selection process to ensure the right match for your vehicle and preferences, and then install it competently.

It is imperative to keep in mind the special safety considerations with the use of a car starter, mainly that the vehicle will be running without anyone inside. Remote starters come with security features that reduce risk, but having an expert installation to ensure the proper safeties are installed is crucial. At Mr. Kustom, we have the expertise you can rely on for automatic car starter installation done right!

If you’re ready for the convenience and security that can only come with a remote starter, visit Mr. Kustom today to check out your options.

Most people are unaware that the odds of recovering a stolen vehicle is less than 5%, so it’s important to take preventative measures when protecting your ride. When you have Mr. Kustom install a high-tech car alarm, you can rest assured that your vehicle, its accessories and the people in it are safe and sound.  Mr. Kustom installs top of the line alarms to protect all of your possessions–from your vehicle to the gadgets and toys you have in it. Don’t spend thousands of dollars pimping out your ride with custom bull bars, in-dash navigation, cutting edge HID lights, or anything else you can name just to have it ripped off. Remember, the better your ride looks, the more someone is going to want to make it their own or strip it for its parts.  In order to prevent the unavoidable worry, anxiety, and problems that come along with vehicle theft or defacing, protect your ride with a first-class car alarm and vehicle security system.

Remote car alarms are multipurpose and have a wide range of options that will custom fit any and all your needs.   With the variety of choices today’s consumer has, Mr. Kustom can help you find the perfect car alarm system to fit your vehicle and your budget. Our team will work with you to identify the best car alarm security options for your specific needs. Some of the more popular car alarm options are:

Keyless entry
Remote starters
Two-way remotes
Dual shock sensors
Glass sensors
Ignition interruption

In order for the sophisticated technology of car alarms to work effectively, they need to be properly installed by an expert. The installation specialists at Mr. Kustom have decades of experience and can install any remote car alarm with precision and efficiency. We want to put our expertise and experience to work for you to make sure your investment in a vehicle or sleek car accessories are always protected. What are you waiting for? Don’t settle for a mediocre car alarm system–call Mr. Kustom today!