2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra Trunk Lid H Logo Emblem 863203x000 New on 2040-parts.com

OnStar 'ignition block' disables stolen vehicles

OnStar, General Motors' in-vehicle safety and communications system, has launched a service to keep car thieves from starting a vehicle that has been reported stolen. As of July 20, three stolen cars had been disabled by the technology, called "remote ignition block." The feature is available on select 2009 and 2010 GM models. Subscribers must report their vehicles stolen to police officials and request assistance from OnStar, which then sends a signal that prevents the car from restarting.

GM recalls 15,627 Chevrolet Captiva crossovers

General Motors is recalling 15,627 Chevrolet Captiva crossovers from the 2011-12 model years because the power steering fluid could overheat under certain conditions, leading to an engine compartment fire, the automaker said Wednesday. The recall includes 3,150 vehicles sold to rental car fleets in the United States. No fires have been reported in the United States, where the Captiva is available only for fleet sale.

Ford once planned to race fiberglass-bodied Mustang touring cars

Tucked away on page nine of the May 9, 1964 issue of Competition Press and Autoweek is an intriguing little story: “FIA Rejects Ford Bid for Homolgation [sic].” At the time, the Mustang had just made its world debut, but Ford was already scheming to fold the car into its “Total Performance” campaign. The automaker apparently proposed to do so with a fleet of crazy fiberglass-bodied touring cars. According to Competition Press, Ford tried to get the new Mustang classified as a touring car for international racing.