USA RECALL #5 - Jeep is recalling the Cherokee models for possible wrong torque tightening to specification.

RECALL Subject : Improper Torque on Seat Fasteners

Report Receipt Date: AUG 10, 2016
NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V590000
Component(s): SEATS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,824 

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

SUMMARY:

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.

CONSEQUENCE:

Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.

REMEDY:

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on September 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

jason Plato wins his 500th BTCC race in style and over the three races, the team took a large haul of points and podium placings.

Silverline Subaru BMR Racing driver Jason Plato started the weekend on a high qualifying with pole position for what would be his 500^th race of his Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship career.

He set an impressive lap time during the final seconds of the qualifying session on Saturday afternoon and came out on top with team mate Colin securing his place in the top five with James setting the fourteenth quickest time and Warren twenty first.

Race One saw Jason take a lights to flag victory and his first race win of the season in his all new Subaru Levorg GT bringing his total wins to a staggering ninety-five.

Jason led the race throughout managing to hold off the threatening BMW of Jack Goff who took second place with Colin bringing his Subaru Levorg home in third and taking the final spot of the podium.

James brought his car home in a point scoring position of fifteenth but there was dismay for Warren who was tapped into a spin and subsequently forced into retirement from the race.

Race Two once again saw Jason lead the race from the off until the chasing pack of Jack Goff in the BMW and Colin in his Levorg were bunched up behind him during a safety car period.  Colin endured a race long battle with the BMW’s of Goff and Tordoff and then Jordan.  The Honda of Matt Neal passed both Colin and Goff and into third after contact was made between the pair at the hairpin. 

With 75kgs on board Jason was eventually passed by both Tordoff and Neal and finished in third position having held them of until the final two laps with Colin was just behind in fourth.

There was disappointed for both James and Warren who had incidents with James being sent into a spin due to contact but managed to bring his machine home in 21^st and Warren was tapped from behind and put into the gravel trap and had to retire from the race for the second time of the day.

The Silverline Subaru BMR Racing drivers were lucky in the reverse grid draw for the third and final race of the day with Matt Jackson’s number being drawn from the barrel, promoting Colin up to third and Jason to fourth.  James started from 21^st and Warren 27^th.

Colin got a good start retaining his position whilst Jason lost a place to the BMW of Rob Collard on the run down to the first corner.  After a brief safety car period allowing the cars to bunch up, Colin was on the attack of the Collard, and the BMW of Goff was in turn on the attack of Colin, bringing yet another Subaru and BMW battle.  Then disaster struck when there was contact between Collard and Colin sending them both into a spin and ending their races.

Jason then enjoyed a third place battle with the Honda of Scotsman Gordon Shedden but managed to keep him at bay.  Jackson took the lead, Tordoff came in second and Jason brought home the Subaru Levorg in third for the final podium spot.

James finished in his second point scoring position of the weekend in thirteenth with Warren completing the race in twenty fifth.

Rounds 22, 23 and 24 of the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship take place at Rockingham on 27/28 August, we hope to see you all in the stands.

Silverline Subaru BMR Racing comments from Knockhill:

Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director of Subaru UK commented:  "Another good day's work for the team, with steady progress continuing to be made.  I was particularly delighted for Jason, who, in true JP style, marked his 500th BTCC race with a pole, and a lights to flag victory.  Colin continues to show gritty determination, carrying out crucial overtaking manoeuvres to keeps his title hopes alive.  Personally, I wouldn't bet against us being there or thereabouts come Brands Hatch.  Roll on Rockingham."

Jason Plato commented: “What a fantastic weekend!

“It was great to get back to standing on the top step of the podium especially as it was on such an amazing milestone in my career. I was on Pole and finished second in my first ever BTCC race in 1997 and nineteen years later went one better in my 500^th BTCC race with Pole and a Win.

“To leave Knockhill as top points scorer with a first and two third places was a fine reward for all at Silverline Subaru BMR Team, they have worked so so hard.

“Race One was pretty straight forward, I nail the start, built up a lead and then controlled the pace, but, the safety car was deployed late in the race which eroded my lead and produced a tense last few laps.

“Race Two on the other hand was tense throughout, laden with 75kgs of success ballast I couldn’t breakaway and was under severe pressure throughout the race until I lost rear grip with four laps to go, as it turned out the one of the other cars was laying oil around the circuit and I lost the lead and slipped back to third when Matt Neal rattled inside me at turn seven. Still a good result.

“Race Three was all about being patient and letting the race come to me, I was sat in fifth keeping a watchful eye on the leading three starting to get a bit feisty and slightly desperate as Jackson was holding them up. Turkington made a last minute silly lunge on Collard which resulted in him taking both of them out of the race, and nicely promoted me to third. I then got onto the back Tordoff and we both applied serious pressure to the leader Jackson for some eighteen plus laps. Despite all our efforts neither of us could get past the “Slow in the corners, too fast on the straights’’ Jackson. A second third place podium of the day was a great reward.

“Rockingham can’t come soon enough, hopefully we should be on the pace but we are all very nervous about not having enough straight line speed for the flat out sections to combat the Ford and BMW cars.”

Colin Turkington commented:  “I come away from Knockhill focusing on the positives and another strong weekend for the team.  We were fast in every session and I was pleased to qualify strongly with championship ballast in the car for the first time.  This was the best the car has felt all season in race trim and I was really able to bring the fight to the table.  We're moving the Subaru forward at a fantastic rate each time out and considering this was our first time at Knockhill we can all be pretty satisfied. I really enjoyed the intensity of the racing at Knockhill.  I had a car that I could push to the limits and there is no better feeling.

“I’m confident about the remaining three events and I'm committed to giving my best.  We may have lost the points in Race Three but nothing changes – I’m here to challenge for the title."

James Cole commented:  “Before we get onto my weekend I first want to once again congratulate Jason Plato and Colin Turkington on another mega weekend. 

"My own weekend was filled with positives and frustrations. The team prepared a perfect car both days. Myself and my engineer, Richard Owen, are now getting into the nitty gritty of the Subaru's performance to best suit my driving style. 

“Our times in Race One showed real top ten pace, which is where I feel I now should be. Sadly driving standards outside the top ten are in my opinion the worst I've ever seen. A distinct lack of respect between a few of the drivers is really ruining it for most. 

“It only takes a few to spoil the party. Hopefully we will start to see improvements in the next round as having your own race ruined by the actions of others is tiresome. 

“My speed is increasing, my knowledge of the car is improving and I'm certain all of this will be reflected in the results if we can all race properly.”

The Ford Galaxy Takes The Scottish MPV Of The Year Award with the S-Max and C-Max taking 2nd and 3rd.

All-new Ford Galaxy claimed overall “MPV of the year” at the 2015 Scottish Car of The Year awards. S-MAX and C-MAX were placed second and third in this highly competitive segment. All-new Ford Galaxy was praised by judges for its space and practicality, as well as high level of technology available.

Alisdair Suttie, President, Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: “If you’re looking for a large people carrier that’s fun to drive, seats seven, and is packed with the latest technology the Ford Galaxy is very hard to beat. It combines family practicality with premium quality in a package that’s top of its class.”

New Ford Galaxy boasts Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system with voice control; Front Wide View camera enabling you to better navigate tight corners; Intelligent Speed Limiter helping drivers avoid exceeding speed limits and incurring costly penalties; and new segment-first ability to raise and fold the third-row seats at the push of a button.

This fourth generation model from Ford offers a sophisticated exterior with slim-line headlamps, raised beltline and a large glass area. The stylish interior features a retractable panoramic glass roof and eight-way adjustable Multi-Contour seats.

Galaxy also delivers a refined driving experience with new integral link rear suspension offering a smoother and quieter ride, and range-topping manoeuvrability and precision with new Adaptive Steering option. The Galaxy tops a totally renewed MPV range this year, with fresh S-MAX and C-MAX also debuting in dealerships.

Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain, said: “This award for the new Galaxy and recognition of Ford’s newly revised MPV range is testament to the ongoing investment Ford is making across its product portfolio. This wave of brand new, high-tech family cars alongside our award-winning small car range, dominant commercial vehicle line-up and spine-tingling performance cars in Focus RS and Mustang is excellent news for Ford’s UK business and its dealers.”

Ford Galaxy first arrived in dealerships in 1995 and since then more than 186,000 have sold in the UK.

DRIVER POWER - Jaguar celebrates a quartet of great results in the AE Driver power 2015 results.

• Jaguar XJ tops executive car class and finishes seventh overall in the Driver Power top 100
• Jaguar F-TYPE finishes second in the sports car category, with the XK in third
• The Jaguar XF scores best-in-class for ride quality, finishing fourth in the executive car class
• Strong scores and rankings prove the current Jaguar model line-up is a hit with owners

Jaguar has scored an impressive set of results in this year’s Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction survey with an executive car category win, second and third place in the sports car category and several best-in-class awards. 

Top of the executive car table was the Jaguar XJ, scoring 92.46 per cent for customer satisfaction. Owners praised the flagship luxury saloon for its eye-catching styling and winning blend of comfort, performance and in-car technology. 

Plaudits also came for the XJ’s ease of use and, thanks to its aluminium construction and efficient 3.0-litre V6 petrol and diesel, and 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engines, its running costs. As a result, the XJ finished comfortably inside the overall top ten, in seventh place. 

The Jaguar F-TYPE finished second in the sports car category in its Driver Power survey debut. As you’d expect for a Jaguar sports car, owners sung the praises of the F-TYPE’s blistering performance and its handling, seat comfort and ride quality. 

Finishing just behind the F-TYPE was the XK, which won plaudits for its glamorous looks, ease of use and comfort. Owners ranked the XK as second overall in terms of performance.

Completing an excellent run of results was the XF, which was voted best-in-class for ride quality and finished a brilliant fourth overall in the executive car class. Owners eulogised about how easy it is to drive and also how impressive its performance is, with top ten finishes in both these categories

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-chief of Auto Express said: “Jaguar has stormed back to the top in the Driver Power ratings recently, and its cars continue to impress owners. The XJ took an impressive victory in the executive class and finished in the top 10 overall. Jaguar’s sports cars also score highly with owners – both the F-Type and XK/R ranked highly in Driver Power 2015.” 

Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director, said: “We’re enormously proud of these results as they’re proof that the Jaguar range is strong across the board, with all our cars winning praise from owners whether they are looking for a comfortable executive car or a thrilling sports coupé. What is even more exciting is that with the XE, new XF and F-PACE on the way, the Jaguar line-up is only going to get stronger.”

Earlier this month, Jaguar Land Rover UK launched a new Approved Used Programme offering increased benefits and peace of mind to customers wishing to buy a used Jaguar. 

It provides vehicles under five years old and under 100,000 miles with a premium-sector leading two-year unlimited mileage warranty, 165 checks and a consequential damage guarantee up to the vehicle purchase price.

Vehicles purchased through the programme also get an independent history and mileage check, MOT cover, complimentary seven-day drive away insurance, UK and Europe road side assistance and a 30-day/1,000 mile vehicle exchange policy.

Penultimate race weekend proves to be a great boost for Kellett

With the season quickly coming to a close, and the racers fighting for every point that they can draw in, James Kellett once again proved to be the driver to beat, a stunning qualifying saw James take pole in both races, a great result as they head into the last four races of the year, it is therefore a disappointment that James was not able to use the consistency at the end of the season, from the start, I feel that if he were able to utilise the great skills we see now from the start, he would have walked away with the title.

But, however, we are here with James in second for the year, which is a great achievement in any ones book, and can only build upon this for the remaining races and into next season, wherever James decides to go, but, that's for the future, on to the Silverstone weekend.

Having started in pole position for the first race on Saturday, James was unable to keep hold of the position, and valiantly held on to Jack Mitchell's bumper to finish second by the most slimmest of margins, 0.1 of a second, so although the positions show where they finished, in reality, it was a a whole lot closer than that, and it could have gone either way, right up to the flag.

SUNDAY

With James taking pole for the second race, the cars are off for the warm up lap following the Ginetta pace car around the short Silverstone track, They are lining up in their respective grid places, awaiting for the lights to change, and off they go with James slightly ahead, but he gets bogged down and goes back to third, but there is a huge incident with a large number of cars crashing into each other, and pits and pieces flying around and bonnets are up, but the safety car has yet to be sent out.

The cars are coming around for the en of lap one and James s fourth, but is fighting, to get back into contention, both JHR cars are out, due to the incident on lap one, James is weaving from side to side, to try and get back up to third, and then onto second, James has pulled into third place and has held it, Mitchel is now fourth and needs to stay in that position while James moves forward to get the points he needs.

Lando gets forth and moves Mitchell goes back to fifth, James has a great first corner, and is right in the bumper of P2, and he does it, James is up into second, followed by Lando, and James is now looking to get first, Mitchell into third, as the start lap 5, James is still pushing hard to get past and first which he has done, James takes first place, and this is where he needs to stay, but no one is giving any inch, Lando in second and Mitchell third, James is pulling away from the remainder of the group as 2-5th all are fighting for position, a great race this is.

Contact with Lando, and they are all pushing, as the end lap 6 and start lap seven, Pearson is second, with Norris third, the gap is now getting bigger with each passing corner, Brands Hatch is going to be a storming conclusion to the season, Norris and Mitchel are jostling with each other, and there is now a group of five for 2nd place, James is looking like taking a win, half way around lap 8 and Mitchel has now moved up to third, James has pulled a gap of 1.6 seconds, Caroline and Zelos took Mitchel, has he got an issue?

lap nine and the fighting is as intense, all fighting for position, and Pearson remains in 2nd, Lando pushed Pearson to take 2nd, with Caroline all pushing and barging each other to get past, they need to stay on the track to leave James with the margins he needs to a take it to the final brace of races, Caroline takes Pearson, and Mitchel takes Pearson, wow, this is getting so intense, round the last corner to finish lap ten and now onto the last lap.

Zelos is all over Norris, with James well out in front, and they take the final corner and James makes it a total clean sweep of the weekend, two poles and one win and one second, AWESOME weekend for James, and with a bit of in team manipulation Mitchel gets to move up to 4th, I hope that the scrutineers look at the manoeuvre that resulted in that 4th place, as it was far from safe to brake like that on the start finish straight, and the excuse of missing a gear would not make the front wheels lock up on a rear wheel drive car.

So, Lando takes 2nd and Dan Zelos takes third, and with the title still to be decided James is now only 57 points behind and Lando 35 points further back, so it all goes down to the last races at brands Hatch in two weeks time, but James definitely gets my vote for driver of the weekend, with both races dominated by him, lets hope this run of wins carries on into the decider.

AUDI A8 L RECEIVES ITS OWN AUTOMOTIVE “BAFTA”

Official car of the 2013 EE British Academy Film Awards  gets some recognition of its own in industry-acclaimed chauffeur awards

• Audi A8 L takes home trophy in £50,000 to £75,000 category
• Second consecutive win and third overall victory since awards began
• Priced from £57,650 OTR to £95,440 OTR
• Engines range from 204 PS 3.0 TDI to 500 PS W12 quattro
• Audi A8 L hybrid priced at £65,405 OTR

The Audi luxury car that whisked many of the stars of stage, screen and TV to the red carpet last night for the 2013 EE British Academy Film Awards (the BAFTAs) has just attracted some limelight of its own. The long wheelbase A8 L has been voted Chauffeur Car of the Year in the £50,000 to £75,000 category by leading online industry magazine thechauffeur.com.

This year’s Chauffeur Car of the Year category award is the third for the opulent long wheelbase luxury saloon, which also took the top spot in 2005 and 2011. It was bestowed not just on the strength of the car itself, but also by virtue of the successful Audi UK chauffeur programme through which professional drivers can run one on a contract hire basis and benefit from exceptional support.

Paul Gibson, Editor of thechauffeur.com, commented:  " The A8 L offers the chauffeur an excellent all-round package. Excellent economy, comfort, all-wheel drive and workable boot space are key factors which helped it clinch the award.”

He added: “ When putting it against its competitors, it was also obvious that the manufacturer’s dedicated chauffeur programme is one of the best in the marketplace.”

James Douglas, Head of Fleet Sales at Audi UK, added: “I am delighted that thechauffeur.com not only believed the A8 was deserving of such a hard fought award, but also saw fit to commend the Audi chauffeur programme which provides access to it. We have gone to great lengths to structure a programme which we believe makes obtaining and running one of our luxury cars as stress-free as driving one, and it is immensely encouraging to know that this specialist title views it so positively.”

Luxury now with even greater efficiency

The excellent economy which was instrumental in the latest victory for the A8 L is commonly associated with the TDI versions, but it can now also be enjoyed in petrol models with even lower CO2 output and the potential for zero emissions driving – the A8 hybrid and A8 L hybrid.

Powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI four cylinder petrol unit working in conjunction with a 40 kW electric motor, the A8 L hybrid can drive using electric power alone at  speeds of up to 62 mph. When outright performance takes precedence, outputs of 245 PS and 480 Nm enable acceleration from zero to 62mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 142mph. At the same time, equally important running costs can be kept in check  thanks to the potential for in excess of 44 mpg, equating to CO2 emissions of 149g/km – the lowest in the A8 L range.

In common with all A8 L models, the hybrid adds 130mm of extra leg room for rear seat passengers, and expands the lavish A8 equipment list to include features such as heated front and outer rear seats, electric sun blinds and deluxe four-zone climate control.

Prices start at £57,650 OTR for the A8 L SE, rising to £95,440 OTR for the flagship 6.3-litre W12 quattro. The A8 L hybrid is priced at £65,545 OTR.