Tesla asks NHTSA to investigate fires

In response to concerns following a recent accident which appeared to result from road debris damaging the underside of a battery compartment of a Tesla Model S, causing a fire in the engine compartment, the company has announced that it has requested that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conduct a full investigation into the fire incidents. In a blog post, Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote the following about the investigation: "While we think it is highly unlikely, if something is discovered that would result in a material improvement in occupant fire safety, we will immediately apply that change to new cars and offer it as a free retrofit to all existing cars. Given that the incidence of fires in the Model S is far lower than combustion cars and that there have been no resulting injuries, this did not at first seem like a good use of NHTSA's time compared to the hundreds of gasoline fire deaths per year that warrant their attention." Tesla has also released a software update to the cars which will maintain their standard ride height at highway speeds, preventing the air suspension from lowering the car an extra inch at highway speeds for greater aerodynamic efficiency.

Kia going rear drive

Kia told its dealers it will launch a new full-size rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan in the U.S., and it is expected to be in showrooms here early next year. Kia's first-ever U.S. RWD production sedan will be called the K900 and is the same vehicle sold as the K9 in South Korea and as the Quoris in other overseas markets.

Calling All Original Mustang Owners

If you've had your 1964 Mustang under your name and in your possession since it was new (i.e. all 49 years) then let Kathy Miller know. So far she's found 11 people who have had their 'Stangs all 49 years.