2012 Porsche Cayman

Do you love the Porsche Boxster's performance, styling, and price, but want a hard top? If so, the Cayman is what you're looking for. It's built on the same basic architecture, and in many ways, it's a great stand-in for its bigger, more expensive brother, the 911.

Few changes arrive for the 2012 model year, though a new Cayman R model joins the ranks. Not changing much is good news, however, as the Cayman is already a great car. Sexy lines, classic Porsche details, and the clear look of a dedicated sports car mark the outside, while inside, there's perhaps less Porsche heritage than we'd like, but it's a coherent, well-styled cabin, and highly customizable. 

Performance, as you'd expect, is fantastic. Grip is phenomenal, with or without the optional adaptive suspension, and power from the mid-mounted flat six sings. Steering is precise, the brakes deliver pedal feel that's rare outside the brand, and the PDK dual-clutch transmission clicks off shifts with unflappable ease. The 19-inch wheel upgrade adds style without destroying the ride quality, and the Sport Chrono package sharpens the whole car into a truly vivid experience. 

Three Cayman models are available: Cayman, Cayman S, and Cayman R. The base Cayman comes with a 265-horsepower 2.9-liter flat six-cylinder, while the Cayman S upgrades that to 320 horsepower and 3.4 liters. The razor-edge Cayman R, which strips out about 120 pounds by reducing features and content, gets a 3.4-liter six rated for 330 horsepower. 

Seating is perhaps the one weak point in the base Cayman configuration, with somewhat less bolstering than we'd like given the car's capabilities. The upgraded adaptive sport seats are much better, though the active bolsters during cornering can be distracting. Headroom is great, as the roof is higher inside than it appears to be outside, and the long-haul comfort in general is very high. 

Standard Bluetooth connectivity and a universal audio interface make the base-spec features list a bit more thorough, but cruise control is still an option, as is navigation, as are the adaptive sport seats, adaptive headlights, and adaptive suspension. Using some of the higher-tech optional features can be frustrating due to the button-heavy control scheme, but the LCD display is crisp and clear. 

The 2012 Porsche Cayman hasn't been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but all models include dual airbags for driver and passenger, pre-tensioning seat belts, side-impact protection, standard ABS plus stability and traction control, and optional dynamic cornering lights.

Robo Tires: Yet Another Enabler for Today’s Dumber, More Distracted Driver

By next month, all new cars are required to have tire-pressure-monitoring systems. But, of course, there’s still a disconnect between noticing a squashed sidewall or a glowing idiot light and finding the time and gumption to pull over at a gas station, dig out a couple quarters (remember when air was free?), and bring the pressures up to spec. Lazy motorists, rejoice! Goodyear may soon relieve you of that messy, fussy task.

In August, the Akron, Ohio, company was awarded a $1.5-million Department of Energy grant to develop tires for commercial vehicles that keep themselves pumped up, and, in July, Goodyear’s European operations obtained a similar grant to develop a consumer version there. Company reps are not divulging details on how their Air Maintenance Technology system works, but after studying U.S. Patent 643243, it appears the concept is forehead-smackingly simple.

The “pump” is designed right into the rubber of the tire sidewall and works like many heart-lung machine blood pumps do: A loop of tubing is flattened by a roller or some other device, pushing a volume of fluid (here, it’s air) ahead of it and sucking in new fluid behind it. In the case of a rolling tire, the road serves to compress a tube mounted in a cavity in the sidewall up near the wheel rim while spring-loaded ball valves admit the pressurized air into the tire cavity if the pressure has dropped, or vent it back out the inlet hole if the tire is properly aired up (thereby purging the inlet filter). As illustrated, the tube and check valves are designed to be pressed into a cavity formed in the tire mold, and all the check valves operate in axial (parallel to axle and ground) channels so they’re unaffected by centrifugal forces.

The system is designed only to counteract a tire’s natural leakage rate of 1 to 3 percent per month–it won’t compensate for a puncture, so TPMS is still required. It seems hard to believe nobody thought of this before the December 21, 2009, patent filing date, right?

Actually, on February 21, 2008, Czech firm Coda Development SRO filed an application for a design that looks mighty similar to these non-patent-lawyerly eyes. A more elaborate system of check valves seems to allow users to alter the pressure level to be maintained, for example, to allow a higher pressure for autobahn speeds/high loads. Neither company would comment on the record, but I’m guessing the Goodyear patent particulars pertain to the simpler commercial-vehicle application (which would always operate at the same pressure), and the European-developed consumer design may incorporate some provision for altering the pressure.

It’s a great idea, and the government investment probably makes sense in the face of quoted statistics — annually, roughly 30 percent of vehicles have at least one tire 25 percent underinflated, and such underinflation contributes to $3.7 billion in wasted fuel, the premature replacement of 4.5 million tires, and 660 tire-related crash fatalities. But I have to wonder, with lubed-for-life suspensions, 100,000-mile transmission and spark-plug service intervals, oil that lasts 15,000 miles, and now tires that air themselves up, how will anybody bond with the maintenance-free cars of the future?

Illustrator: Rob Warnick

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IIHS releases latest driver death rates

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released its latest study on vehicle death rates, with the Nissan 350Z and small cars like the Chevrolet Aveo coming in as the biggest losers. The IIHS study also concluded that SUVs, once considered among the most dangerous vehicles on the road due to their propensity for rollover accidents, now rank towards the top in terms of total death rates.

The study, which calculated the driver death rate of vehicles from the 2005-08 model years during 2006-09 based on registered vehicle years, found that the Nissan 350Z had the highest driver death rate of any vehicle, tallying 143 deaths per million registered years. The Nissan Titan crew cab ranked second with 126 deaths per million registered years, followed by the Chevrolet Aveo with 119 and the Chevrolet Cobalt with 117.

On the whole, mini cars have the highest death rates of any vehicle segment, with an average rating of 82. Midsize sports cars are close behind with 80, followed by small cars with 72.

On the other side of the coin, the study found minivans to be the safest vehicles in terms of death rates, with an average rating of 25. The Toyota Sienna led the pack with a rating of 0, while the Dodge Grand Caravan ranked last with a rating of 63.

SUVs showed a marked improvement in the latest study, moving to second place behind minivans with 28 driver deaths per million registered years. The IIHS attributes the segment’s improvement to the widespread adoption of electronic stability control programs.

“The rollover risk in SUVs used to outweigh their size/weight advantage, but that’s no longer the case, thanks to ESC,” said Anne McCartt, the Institute’s senior vice president for research.

The Ford Edge, Nissan Armada, Land Rover LR3 and Range Rover Sport ranked as the safest SUVs, all managing a 0 rating.

Despite some weak segments, the study concluded that today’s vehicles are far safer than those from just a few years ago, as reflected by the study’s average death rate of 48. In comparison, that figure was 79 for 2001-04 models during 2002-05 and 110 for 1989-1993 models.

View the original article here

Tune–up Tps For Today's Driver

Tune–up tips for today's driver to help keep your car in great running condition. Learn how to do a tune-up on your car and why it's important. Spark plugs, oil and oil filter and the cooling system flush and fill are all important for your vehicle.

(NC)—Back when your parents were teenagers, getting a Canadian drivers license was a true rite of passage. It meant independence and responsibility.

It also meant that if you were fortunate enough to have a car, you knew how to take care of it. However, today more than 40 percent of consumers don't know how to tune–up their cars. How to solve this quandary?

Here are three must–dos to keep in mind next time your ride is in need of service.

1. Replace The Spark Plugs

– According to Autolite, a leading spark plug brand, one of the most economical ways to maintain an efficient engine and avoid wasting fuel is to change spark plugs at regular intervals, according to your owner's manual. As spark plug electrodes wear, the voltage required to jump the gap increases. Regular replacement of your car's worn spark plugs will help your engine to run properly. Spark plugs should be checked at least once a year, however it's best to check the owner's manual for maintenance intervals.

2. Replace The Oil And Oil Filter

– The job of oil is to lubricate the engine, help it run smoothly, and prevent friction between the parts. The oil filter helps remove engine–damaging dirt and grit from the oil during every pass through the filter. Regular oil and oil filter changes help keep the inside of the engine both lubricated and clean, so it can run as efficiently as possible. Check your oil level regularly and change your oil and filter at least as often as the recommended maintenance intervals in your owner's manual. Pay close attention to the description of driving conditions for normal or severe service intervals.

3. Do A Flush/Fill

– A flush/fill means that you flush the cooling system to clean it and remove sediments that have built up over time, and fill it with new antifreeze/coolant to keep the engine cool and prevent overheats and freeze–ups. Coolant should be checked at least twice a year, however it's best to check the owner's manual for maintenance intervals.

More information on tune–ups is available online at Autolite.com, Fram.com, and Prestone.com.

View the original article here

'Toyota Friend' Links Driver, Car, Dealer and Factory

Toyota has developed a new telematics system called “Toyota Friend”, which looks to bring interactive social media into your Toyota automobile.

Developed jointly between Toyota and Salesforce.com, the system allows communication between the driver, the car, the dealership and the factory via instant messaging. The goal is to keep car owners aware of their car’s condition, and to allow direct communication between owners.

Toyota Friend will advise you when it’s time to schedule an oil change, and may even go so far as to advise of your dealership’s service schedule. Recalls could be handled in real time (assuming there were no replacement parts involved), since the factory would be able to communicate directly with the owners of specific Toyota models. Conversely, owners would be able to advise their dealership and the factory of a breakdown or problem as it occurs, potentially shortening the amount of time between the origin of a problem and the recall to resolve it.

For plug-in hybrid (or eventually, EV) owners, Toyota Friend can advise you of the ideal charging schedule to reduce demand on the electric grid. If that time isn’t convenient for owners, Toyota Friend can be used to schedule a delayed charging via any internet-connected device. A separate telematics project with Microsoft will use cloud-based computing to monitor systems such as a hybrid vehicle’s state of battery charge.

Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s president, is a big proponent of onboard telematics and social networking. Toyoda sees the implementation of such technology as necessary, saying, “Social networking services are transforming human interaction and modes of communication. The automobile needs to evolve in step with that transition.”

The Toyota Friend system will be implemented in Japan beginning in 2012. Toyota will introduce it first on the Prius plug-in hybrid, followed by their new electric vehicle. While Toyota ultimately has plans to launch the system worldwide, there is no current timeline for a rollout beyond their domestic market.

[Automotive News]

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Tune–up Tps For Today's Driver

Tune–up tips for today's driver to help keep your car in great running condition. Learn how to do a tune-up on your car and why it's important. Spark plugs, oil and oil filter and the cooling system flush and fill are all important for your vehicle.

(NC)—Back when your parents were teenagers, getting a Canadian drivers license was a true rite of passage. It meant independence and responsibility.

It also meant that if you were fortunate enough to have a car, you knew how to take care of it. However, today more than 40 percent of consumers don't know how to tune–up their cars. How to solve this quandary?

Here are three must–dos to keep in mind next time your ride is in need of service.

1. Replace The Spark Plugs

– According to Autolite, a leading spark plug brand, one of the most economical ways to maintain an efficient engine and avoid wasting fuel is to change spark plugs at regular intervals, according to your owner's manual. As spark plug electrodes wear, the voltage required to jump the gap increases. Regular replacement of your car's worn spark plugs will help your engine to run properly. Spark plugs should be checked at least once a year, however it's best to check the owner's manual for maintenance intervals.

2. Replace The Oil And Oil Filter

– The job of oil is to lubricate the engine, help it run smoothly, and prevent friction between the parts. The oil filter helps remove engine–damaging dirt and grit from the oil during every pass through the filter. Regular oil and oil filter changes help keep the inside of the engine both lubricated and clean, so it can run as efficiently as possible. Check your oil level regularly and change your oil and filter at least as often as the recommended maintenance intervals in your owner's manual. Pay close attention to the description of driving conditions for normal or severe service intervals.

3. Do A Flush/Fill

– A flush/fill means that you flush the cooling system to clean it and remove sediments that have built up over time, and fill it with new antifreeze/coolant to keep the engine cool and prevent overheats and freeze–ups. Coolant should be checked at least twice a year, however it's best to check the owner's manual for maintenance intervals.

More information on tune–ups is available online at Autolite.com, Fram.com, and Prestone.com.

View the original article here

How To Find The Right Car For The Teen Driver In Your Family

How to find the right car for the teen driver in your family so you know your teen is safe behind the wheel of a car.

(ARA)Your teen is beyond excited because he finally passed his driving test. You share his enthusiasm - until you suddenly realize your baby will soon take to the open road alone for the first time in his life. For a split second, concern fills your head, but you tell yourself everything will be all right.

The harsh reality is, per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why? Several factors are in play, but one of the main reasons for the increased risk is that teens are more likely than mature drivers to underestimate dangerous situations and not know how to react appropriately.

As a parent, you want to protect your child, even when you can't be there. When it comes time to find him the perfect first car, you probably want to look at options that are sensible, reliable and safe. Not surprising, your teen may prefer something that is sporty, fast and fun for driving around with friends. Finding a good compromise is important. Start by sitting down with your teen to discuss what types of vehicles you both like and what exactly attracts you to each model in particular. Once you understand each other's priorities, finding a car you both love should be simple.

When it comes to tips on buying a car for your teen, safety features are among the most important things to look for. Here are some important ones for both of you to research:

1. New car review

Whether you are buying a new model, or looking at used options, it's smart to look at reviews and see how the car rates, particularly in crashes. Consumer Reports and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are good places to start. Encourage your teenager to participate in the research process, especially if he has his heart set on a certain kind of vehicle. Have him gather information on the model he wants and present what he found to you. This also will help your teen to become more educated about vehicle safety in general.

2. Air bags

Car manufacturers began to make cars with airbags in the 1980s and early 1990s, but older cars may only feature airbags in front for the driver and passenger, or sometimes just the driver. Some older cars may not have an airbag at all. Having an airbag can decrease the risk of injury in a car accident. Research what types of airbags are in the car you are considering, including side impact airbags. For teens that are still learning to navigate tough road conditions, side airbags may really help to reduce injury for the driver and passengers in a major accident.

3. Stability control

Buying new cars with stability control may be a good idea. According to Edmunds.com, stability control systems use electronic sensors to monitor the driver's intended path and the actual direction the car is headed. If the system senses something is wrong, it can slow the engine power or activate braking. The system isn't perfect, but it may help a teen who finds himself in a driving situation he didn't expect. Have the seller or dealer explain how the system works so your teen understands how it will help in an accident scenario, but also what the system's limitations are.

4. New tires

Buying a car for your teen can be a difficult decision, but if you decide to purchase a used vehicle, you should inspect the tires. Good tires help grip the car to the road and will help your teen driver stay in control. Get the wheels aligned for increased safety and remind your teen to check for proper tire pressure regularly. It's also smart to discuss with your teen how different weather conditions can affect how your teen should drive. Good tires help prevent slipping and sliding in inclement weather, but they can only go so far. Make sure your teen understands to drive slower and monitor road conditions, particularly in rain, ice and snow conditions.

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