Kawasaki Prairie Ignition Switch on 2040-parts.com

Scion sets sticker prices on limited-production xD, xB models

Scion has set base pricing for its 2012 limited-production xD and xB automatic models at $16,980 and $18,840, respectively, including delivery charges. For the manual-transmission versions, prices for the xD and the xB increase to $17,780 and $19,790 respectively. Both models debuted at the Texas State Fair on Thursday and are slated to begin filtering into dealerships in October.

Ford and GM tie-in with Apple

Having established a relationship with Nike for recycling materials as demonstrated on the Ford Reflex concept, Ford has now joined GM in collaborating with Apple to ensure their cars are iPod compatible. Rather than the retrofitted wire many drivers have had to resort to, cars will offer a bespoke area in the glove compartment that also acts as a charging point, the iPod instead controlled through the car?s GUI. By the end of the year, 70% of all new models sold in America are expected to be iPod compatible, an arrangement that furthers Apple?s continuing domination of the MP3-player market and one that will introduce Apple to the car-computer market, anticipated to be worth $6billion by 2010.

AutoWeek Best of the Best 2011: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, Jeep Grand Cherokee

Several decades have passed since we handed out an award whereby AutoWeek editors picked the best new vehicles in a given model year. We've dabbled in things such as "America's Best," when we've asked you--our faithful, opinionated and knowledgeable followers--to vote on the best vehicle in certain categories. We drive hundreds of vehicles each year (including all of the newest hardware), report the cold, hard facts and give you our opinions about which vehicles are worth your consideration when the time comes to make one of life's biggest purchases.