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J.D. Power study sees new car dependability problems increase for first time since 1998

For the first time since 1998, J.D. Power and Associates says its data shows that the average number of problems per 100 cars has increased. The finding is the result of the firm's much-touted annual Vehicle Dependability Study, which charts incidents of problems in new vehicle purchases over three years from 41,000 respondents.
Looking at first-owner cars from the 2011 model year, the study found an average of 133 problems per 100 cars (PP100, for short), up 6 percent from 126 PP100 in last year's study, which covered 2010 model-year vehicles. Disturbingly, the bulk of the increase is being attributed to engine and transmission problems, with a 6 PP100 boost.
Interestingly, JDP notes that "the decline in quality is particularly acute for vehicles with four-cylinder engines, where problem levels increase by nearly 10 PP100." Its findings also noticed that large diesel engines also tended to be more problematic than most five- and six-cylinder engines.

2016 Scion iM is the return of the Corolla Wagon

If you were expecting the Scion iM Concept to magically leap into production unchanged, well, you're a lot more optimistic than most. Predictably, Scion has toned down the production iM, revealing a vehicle at the 2015 New York Auto Show that's is only slightly spicier than the Toyota Auris on which it's based. Gone are the swollen wheel arches and center-exit exhaust of the concept, but the production version is still a handsome five-door hatchback. Compared the Euro-market Auris, first seen in 2012, the iM gets a more aggressive front end treatment. The angular grille and larger lower intakes and grilles are home to hexagonal inserts and gloss-black accents. Fitting with Scion's single-spec single-price sales model, 17-inch wheels come standard. The alloys are are wrapped in low-profile tires, which Scion describes as "fat." Flared side skirts run into the rear bumper, which sits well below a prominent set of taillights and a smallish rear window. The iM's sole engine is a 1.8-liter gas-powered four-cylinder. If that sounds familiar, it's because it's the same 2ZR-FAE engine found in the Corolla Eco model, and features continuously-variable valve timing and lift. With 137 horsepower, the iM cedes 3 ponies to its Toyota sibling, although we don't know if the torque figures are the same. Fuel economy, estimated at 37 mpg highway, is actually 2 mpg better than the Corolla Eco. Again, like the Corolla, the iM can be had with a continuously variable transmission. But fans of fun can enjoy a good ole' six-speed manual, something not available in the Corolla's hotter engine. As for the CVT, Scion claims it's been "sport-tuned for driving." The so-called CVTi-S features both a Sport mode – more aggressive transmission behavior and a more sporting steering sensation – and a manual setting with seven stepped shift points. The 2016 iM is expected to start at around $20,000, making it a potential challenger for the likes of the Ford Focus, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. Deliveries should start this fall. Check back tomorrow for more details, as well as a full set of live photos. Until then, scroll down for the official press release.

Toyota creates GT86 concept inspired by Initial D

Everyone has a favorite movie or TV car of their youths. The love of these cars can ignite a lifelong passion for automobiles. Some lust for the sharp, stainless steel DeLorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future or the decked-out Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger. For anime and manga fans, it's the panda-colored Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno from the Initial D manga and anime series. Toyota, recognizing the significance of the that car, meticulously reimagined it for a modern audience, basing it on the UK market GT86. The GT86, sold in the United States as the Scion FR-S and soon to be rebadged as the Toyota 86, is considered by some to be the spiritual successor to the rear-wheel-drive AE86 Corolla from the 1980s. Both are reasonably affordable, lightweight cars with a propensity for oversteer. The original AE86 from Initial D was a highly modified but realistic drift machine. The amazing feats of that tofu delivery car as it raced everything from Mazda RX-7s to a Honda S2000 turned the little Toyota into a cult icon. That AE86 itself was inspired by the personal vehicle of Japanese racing driver Keiichi Tsuchiya. Tsuchiya served as both an inspiration and supervisor for Initial D. Many of the modifications on the Initial D car, like the TRD carbon-fiber hood and Fujitsubo exhaust, car were exactly the same as Tsuchiya's real-life vehicle. Toyota is no stranger to crafting modern incarnations of classic vehicles. Last year the company created a Back to the Future Tacoma. Toyota's Initial D concept car uses the same parts wherever possible. Like the original, it has a carbon-fiber hood, Fujitsubo exhaust, and black Watanabe F8 wheels. The suspension, lights, and body have all been modified. Even small details like the engine cover and door handles were modified to recall the fictional car. The end result is a fantastic creation that pays great homage to the original. Toyota went as far as hiring UK manga artist Sonia Leong to design a series of backdrops that place the car in the same action shots as the original series. While this one-off vehicle is just a concept, most of the parts are available to purchase for fans who may be inspired to create their own version. Toyota's concept will be on display at various motoring shows across the UK this summer. Related video: Featured Gallery Toyota Initial D GT86 TV/Movies Scion Toyota Coupe toyota gt86 toyota 86