2001 Oldsmobile Alero Front Drivers Side Door Panel Trim on 2040-parts.com

Toyota recalls Highlander and Lexus hybrids, IS and GS sedans

Toyota announced two recalls on Wednesday that include 369,000 vehicles worldwide, 235,000 of which are in the United States. The hybrids have a problem with a transistor, while the 3.5-liter V6 is having problems with its variable valve timing control device. The first recall includes Highlander Hybrid models from 2006-2010 and the Lexus RX 400h from 2006-2008.

GM contacting Chevrolet Volt owners as NHTSA investigates battery fire

General Motors on Monday said it is contacting all owners of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid to reassure them that the car is safe as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigates a battery fire from a Volt that was crash-tested. GM said any Volt owner who had safety concerns would be offered a different GM car as a loaner vehicle. Executives also stressed during a teleconference that the battery issues were seen only in vehicles in the crash tests.

A brief history of the 'Le Mans-style' start

The famous ‘Le Mans start’ Since the race’s inaugural meeting in 1923, tradition dictated a standing start. This later became known as a ‘Le Mans start’, and involved drivers lining their cars up along the pit wall in the order they qualified in. Racers would then have to stand on the opposite side of the track, and when the French Tricolor flag dropped the drivers would have to sprint to their cars, strap themselves in and begin racing.