Marty Padgett's Inside Scoop on Auto News and 2005

NHTSA Opens Ford F-150 Airbag Investigation

By Bengt HalvorsonBengt Halvorson, October 2nd, 2009

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has opened an investigation regarding inadvertent airbag deployment on some Ford F-150 pickups.

In the eight consumer complaints that prompted the investigation, the driver airbag had deployed unexpectedly, either when starting the engine or shortly thereafter.

Five of the eight F-150 owners who experienced the issue suffered injuries from the airbag deployment. The investigation summary says that one tech attributed wire chaffing as the cause or potential cause.

So far, the investigation covers only the 2005 Ford F-150, but if you've experienced this...

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has opened an investigation regarding inadvertent airbag deployment on some Ford F-150 pickups. In the eight consumer complaints that prompted the investigation, the driver airbag had deployed unexpectedly, either when starting the engine or shortly thereafter. Five of the eight F-150 owners who experienced the issue suffered injuries from the airbag deployment. The investigation summary says that one tech attributed wire chaffing as the cause or potential cause. So far, the investigation covers only the 2005 Ford F-150, but if you've experienced this... Read More

Tags: Pickups, Safety, airbags, NHTSA, F-150

Posted in: 2005, Ford, F-150

2010 Acura NSX? Dead Like Elvis

By Marty PadgettMarty Padgett, December 17th, 2008

Here's why time zones suck: when you went to bed last night, all was good in the world (well, all was as you left it). Now you wake up to find out that Honda's cancelled the 2010 Acura NSX that had been out there in prototype form, shutting down GT-Rs and 911s on the Nurburgring with a shatteringly powerful V-10. Now it's tot wie der Alte Elvishoffer. No more. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui says not only is Honda axing the new NSX supercar before it takes flight, it's also pulling out of a plan to start up the Acura brand in Japan. The failing global economy and all, you know. In other excitement, he says Honda will instead pursue drivetrains that... Here's why time zones suck: when you went to bed last night, all was good in the world (well, all was as you left it). Now you wake up to find out that Honda's cancelled the 2010 Acura NSX that had been out there in prototype form, shutting down GT-Rs and 911s on the Nurburgring with a shatteringly powerful V-10. Now it's tot wie der Alte Elvishoffer. No more. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui says not only is Honda axing the new NSX supercar before it takes flight, it's also pulling out of a plan to start up the Acura brand in Japan. The failing global economy and all, you know. In other excitement, he says Honda will instead pursue drivetrains that... Read More

Posted in: 2005, 2010, Acura, Honda, Coupes, Sports Cars, NSX

Rumored Acura NSX Has Front-Mounted V-10

By Colin MathewsColin Mathews, November 20th, 2008

Am I the only one disappointed by the rumored Honda/Acura NSX as presented over at Autocar? It looks to my eye like the meeting of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro and Nissan's just-launched 370Z. Both attractive cars, indeed, but neither one possessing the NSX's legendary mid-engine layout, unique silhouette, and lightweight frame ensuring ultra-precise handling. Opposed to the original NSX's minimalist 3.0-liter V-6 that launched Honda's revolutionary VTEC variable-valve timing, this new vehicle is rumored to house a honking V-10 that takes up significant real estate in front of the driver. And look at all that dead space between the crankshaft... Am I the only one disappointed by the rumored Honda/Acura NSX as presented over at Autocar? It looks to my eye like the meeting of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro and Nissan's just-launched 370Z. Both attractive cars, indeed, but neither one possessing the NSX's legendary mid-engine layout, unique silhouette, and lightweight frame ensuring ultra-precise handling. Opposed to the original NSX's minimalist 3.0-liter V-6 that launched Honda's revolutionary VTEC variable-valve timing, this new vehicle is rumored to house a honking V-10 that takes up significant real estate in front of the driver. And look at all that dead space between the crankshaft... Read More

Tags: Spy Shots, Industry, Enthusiasts, Rumor Mill, Cars We Love, Car Publications

Posted in: 2005, 2010, Acura, Honda, Sports Cars, NSX