Honda Accord hybrid brake, acceleration claim under U.S. review

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating a claim into whether some Honda hybrid vehicles are prone to unintended acceleration. The federal auto safety regulator said today it had agreed to look into a complaint stemming from a fatal July 2005 crash. The driver of a 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid said she was driving over rumble strips on the side of a freeway when she tried to apply the brakes.

Honda Gear Concept

Rather than fighting for headlines at NAIAS, Honda debuted its new GEAR Concept at the Montreal International Auto Show. The subcompact GEAR is apparently inspired by fixed-gear bicycles (although quite how is unclear), described as a customizable vehicle that demonstrates the carmaker's way of providing vehicles for young, urban, Gen-Y lifestyles. "Subcompact cars are usually either utilitarian, but uninspiring or they're fun, zippy cars that are impractical and too expensive for the Gen-Y buyer," said Dave Marek, Design Director at Honda R&D Americas, Inc.

Lexus GS-F to get LF-A V10

Lexus are said to be preparing a GS-F with the V10 from the LF-A (pictured) There have been rumours that Lexus are going to produce a range-topping GS-F for some time. But with car makers looking at downsizing and trying their best to stick smaller and more economical engines in its cars it seemed the possibility of an M5 competing Lexus GS were going nowhere soon. But according to Japan’s Best Car magazine that couldn’t be further from the truth.