U.S. examining Mini Cooper steering

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is investigating Mini Coopers for unexpected loss of power steering. NHTSA has launched an investigation of 2004-model Coopers after receiving 54 consumer complaints and a confidential number of field reports, the administration stated on its Web site. The reports state that it is hard to control the vehicle when the power steering fails.

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BMW introduces diesel 2015 X3 before Chicago Auto Show

BMW's successful X3 SUV is getting new features for 2015, the company said on Wednesday before the Chicago Auto Show. For the first time in the U.S., a diesel engine will be offered on the midsized 'ute, as will a lower-cost rear-wheel drive model. The BMW X3 xDrive28d -- quite a mouthful -- will deliver 180 hp and a robust 280 lb-ft of torque using a 2.0-liter, TwinPower turbo diesel engine.