Articles by Karla Pincott

A Chicago father has been stunned to get junk mail addressed to him and "daughter killed in car crash". The envelope address's second line had the designation about his 17-year-old daughter, who was tragically killed last year when the SUV in which she was a passenger crashed into a tree. Mike Seay told US media he mourns his daughter, Ashley, daily, and that the letter from office and stationery supply firm OfficeMax caused he and his wife more pain. He was also mystified as to how the corporation sourced the information. "Why would they have that type of information? Why would they need that?" Seay said in an interview with NBC Chicago. "What purpose does it serve anybody to know that? And how much other types of other information do they have if they have that on me, or anyone else? And how do they use that, what do they use that for?" When Mr Seay first contact OfficeMax about what had happened, a manager told him it was impossible. However the company has since blamed a mailing list supplier, and apologised to Mr Seay. "We are deeply sorry that Mr. Seay and his family received this mailing from us, and we are reaching out to Mr. Seay to convey our sincerest apologies on this unfortunate matter. This mailing is a result of a mailing list rented through a third-party provider. We have reached out to the third-party mailing list provider to research what happened," a spokesperson told NBC. This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott  

Nissan is stoking up its sports car mojo. It's developing the next-generation GT-R, looking at developing the IDx Concept, and has unveiled a slew of hot variations of the GT-R, Juke and Pulsar from its Nismo tuning arm.So what's happening with the Z car, with the 370Z having been around for six years and starting to now look a little long in the tooth against new rivals like the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ?Expect to see a departure from the current car, with a smaller vehicle powered by a similarly downsized engine -- a turbo-charged four-cylinder, according to Autocar -- rather than the 3.7-litre V6 carried by the 370Z. Power is likely to slightly rise over the six's 245kW, while torque will likely at the least match its 363Nm, depending on the expected lighter weight of the new Z (the 370Z rings the bell at 1468kg).The design is yet to be signed off but Nissan design boss Shiro Nakamura confirmed to the Britsh site that a plan was already in place and that the coming Z "could be smaller" while product chief Andy Palmer pointed to the turbo four engine, adding that we'll see both a standard version and a Nismo one.With Nissan Australia still working on a business case for the Nismo offerings, there's no certainty we'll see that model here, but we're sure to get the cooking Z, following in the footsteps of the 370Z that arrived first in 2009, and a lineage of 44 years that stretches all the way back to the Datsun 240Z in 1970.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

BMW is planning to add an M car to the 2 Series range that is hitting Australian showrooms in March. Tipped to join the rest of line-up in 2016, the M2 has reportedly been the path BMW has chosen after first considering, and then dropping, plans to produce a street-legal version of their M235i Racing -- the track variant of the M235i, according to Auto Express.A source told the UK site the track-to-road conversion plan was axed because it would “step on the toes of something else higher up the range", adding that it was a new M car.The M2 is tipped to be powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the M235i's 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder, but delivering a lift above the current 240kW of power and 450Nm of torque -- perhaps up to 45kW and 50Nm more to make 285kw and 500Nm, still leaving a gap to the 317kW/550Nm of the M3 and M4.The transmission will probably be a tweaked version of the M235i's eight-speed sports automatic with a launch control mode and F1-style steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, plus the possibility of the six-speed manual seen in the M135i hatch.There's also likely to be an improvement on the M235i's 0-100km/h time of 4.8 seconds, particularly if the M2 is the target of weight-trimming strategies, with the M235i tipping the scales at around 1600kg -- a hefty hike over the 1495kg of the 1 Series M Coupe (which was an M1 but couldn't carry that nameplate because of confusion with the iconic mid-engined sports cars of the late 1970s).A lighter weight would also help braking and handling, which are also likely to get attention with uprated discs and an M-division suspension tune with multiple settings, plus an electronically-controlled limited slip rear differential. And there's a chance we could see a toned down derivation of the M235i Racing's flared fenders housing wide M wheels.Expect to start looking for the M2 at a motor show next year, with roll-out to follow in 2016. In the meantime, stay tuned for our first drive of the BMW 2 Series range later today.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Hyundai has recalled its popular ix35 for a production defect on the tensioning cable in the seatbelt pretensioner, with insecure crimping meaning the cable could be unleashed and injure occupants or fail to offer full seatbelt restraint in an accident.The recall affects 6552 of the top-selling small Hyundai SUV, which last year led its segment with 19,098 sales -- overtaking the 2012 leader Nissan Dualis with a resounding distance to its 12,434.  The build dates affected by the recall from August 23, 2011 to 24 February, 2012, and the VIN number range is  KMHJT81BLCU373966 to KMHJU81VSCU485865. The VIN number can be found on the build plate in the engine bay.Hyundai says the defect has not been responsible for any injuries in Australia, and that the seatbelts will still continue to operate and protect occupants in the meantime. "There have been no incidents here yet," Hyundai spokesman Guido Schenken told Carsguide. "The defect only affects the pretensioner, so the rest of the seatbelt mechanism works fine. The fix will take about 30 minutes at the most."Hyundai is notifying affected owners by letter, instructing them to return their ix35 to the nearest dealership, where the seatbelt pretensioner will be replaced.  

Kia has rolled out the revised version of its flagship Optima, with the good-looking Peter Schreyer designed sedan getting further cosmetic tweaks, plus extra equipment -- including high-end safety technology for the range-topping Platinum spec -- with small prices rises. The cosmetic refresh includes restyled grille and front bumpers, new headlight clusters -- with xenon lights, LED daytime running lights and quad LED foglights, according to model -- with the tail getting a new boot lid with integrated spoiler and a redesigned diffuser. Appearing for the first time on the Platinum as standard will be blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert systems -- making it easier for the driver to avoid unexpected surrounding traffic -- plus modern quad-type LED front foglights. The new features join with hill holder and the array of twin front, side and head airbags to make the five-star ANCAP rated car even safer. Both the Platinum and the mid-spec SLi also sport redesigned LED tail-lights, while front parking sensors now join the standard rear ones for the entire range, starting with the base model Si. Reshaped bumpers and rear diffuser, plus new alloy wheel designs -- 17-inch for the Si and 18-inch for SLi and Platinum -- complete the exterior updates. The interiors have been given a makeover, with a fresher layout for the centre stack and new accents and materials, with the SLi getting the biggest upgrades and moving closer to the Premium level with leather upholstery and the top-spec's Infinity audio system. Under the bonnets, the GDI 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine carries on, delivering 148kW of power at 6300rpm and 250Nm of torque at 4250rpm, getting that to the front wheels via the six-speed sports automatic transmission with F1-style paddle shifters on the steering wheel -- which itself bristles with remote controls for audio, phone and information. Fuel economy remains at 7.9l/100km for the combined cycle. Kia Australia chief operating officer Tony Barlow said the revision would offer more sophistication while retaining a high-value proposition. “With the latest version of the Optima, Kia continues to advance value to new levels of sophistication without any compromise on safety or core values,” Barlow said. “The Optima is the cornerstone of Kia’s design evolution and epitomizes the brand’s goal of building highly-captivating, value-positioned vehicles. Along with Kia Australia’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year capped price servicing, roadside assist and Family Like Service commitment, the styling story on Optima paints a compelling picture.” Despite the extra features -- plus currency exchange rates not favouring the Aussie dollar -- price rises on the Optima have been restrained, with the base Si asking just $300 more, the Sli $1000 and the Platinum $1200. 2014 Kia Optima prices This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott

Mazda has joined the car manufacturers offering capped price servicing -- but with a twist that raises the bar for the industry. Unlike other brands, where the capped servicing is available for only a set number of years (usually three or five), Mazda's Service Select will cap the price for the entire life of the carThe lifetime servicing will roll out first on the coming Mazda3 in February, and then to other models by mid-year, applying to both new and current model used cars.There have also been changes to the service schedule, with cars now needing to be services only every 10,000km or 12 months, rather than the current 10,000km/six months.In addition, Mazda will publish the full list of service prices for all models on its website and through dealerships, so all buyers -- and prospective buyers -- are aware of the ongoing costs.Mazda Australia managing director Martin Benders said the lifetime servicing and schedule changes recognised that vehicle owners had vastly varying driving habits, many of which were reflected by a shrinking number of kilometres travelled per year.“Mazda is committed to ensuring customers have a safe and enjoyable driving experience irrespective of what distance they travel and Mazda Service Select matches a service program to individual owners based on their driving habits rather than the ‘one size fits all’ approach adopted by some other brands," he said.”Mazda Service Select means our customers are not locked into a schedule that may not reflect their driving habits. Over time the average number of kilometres travelled by our customers has dropped from 15,000km five years ago to 13,000km today. That means a typical Mazda customer will only have to service their car every nine months or so, meaning just four rather than six trips to their dealer over three years.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

British businessman and car fan, David Brown, is apparently dissatisfied with what's on offer in the sports car segment. So he's decided to produce his own, launching a new brand with a production model to be unveiled in April showing what he says is a new approach to the classic British sports car.“I wanted all the impact and style of a classic sports car, but with modern capabilities and conveniences," Brown said in a statement. "This is what I want in a car, but it’s not something anyone really offers. So, I’ve created it myself.” He will put the car into production under the brand name David Brown Automotive -- albeit in limited numbers. “I thought that if I’m looking for this, others might be too,” he said.There may be some confusion over the name David Brown, which will already be familiar to car fans -- and almost hallowed in British car history. However that is as the late head of Aston Martin, who bought both it and Lagonda in the 1940s and whose initials have designated some of the brand's most desirable cars, but who died more than 20 years ago. But there's no doubt the new venture could benefit from any confusion between the two.More details on the car, codenamed 'Project Judi' for now, will be released closer to launch, but Brown said it  will "combine a classically-inspired exterior design, with the latest in performance, dynamics, technology, comfort and refinement".To help him, Brown has secured Land Rover's former chief designer -- who served there for 19 years until 2005 -- from whom he's commissioned a completely original design, sourcing bespoke Brit suppliers for interior trim and materials, and wedding "the latest manufacturing techniques with traditional craftsmanship".This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

The current generation of the Porsche 911 may not see a GT2 variant arrive, with the man responsible for 911 development, August Achleitner, reportedly suggesting it could be off the table.“Right now all I can say is that a decision has not been made,” he told Autocar. “There are reasons inside the company, and to write today that there will be a GT2 in the future would not be correct.”Achleitner said internal politics are preventing the GT2 getting the nod, but there are also technical hurdles arising in the comparison with the new Turbo S, which Porsche says will deliver a 0-100km/h time of 2.9 seconds. Autocar points out the 997 GT2 with its 390kW/680Nm twin-turbo 3.6-litre inline six did it in 3.7 seconds, while in the same era the 997 Turbo S with a 390kW/700Nm twin-turbo 3.8-litre did it in 3.4 -- so Porsche may decide the uprated new Turbo S performance is enough to make a GT2 unnecessary.However Achleitner did raise hopes for a GT3 RS, with a more powerful version of the 373kW 4.0-litre carried by the Limited Edition version of the 997 GT3 RS 4.0 in overseas markets -- a notch above the 'standard' 331kW/430Nm 3.8-litre GT3 RS sold in Australia at the time.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

The fourth generation of the Mazda MX-5 is nearing, and is tipped to have dropped weight and grown a longer nose to accommodate more efficient SkyActiv engines. The roadster is being developed on a new platform that will also be shared with the next Alfa Romeo sports car.Expected to be unveiled at the 2015 Chicago motor show -- 26 years after the first generation debuted there in 1989 -- the new MX-5 will have a lengthened wheelbase and bonnet to house the extra long exhaust manifold of Mazda's efficiency-focused naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre Skyactiv mills, with the company having decided not to go down the turbo path for the two-seater, according to Autocar.Australian specification is a long way from being announced, but at the moment we get a single 2.0-litre engine with the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed sports auto transmission. Skyactiv technology is predicted to considerably improve the fuel economy, currently 8.1L/100km.While the longer bonnet -- with the front axle pushed forward -- has a functional basis, it will also contribute to what a Mazda insider told the UK site was the carmaker's "best-looking car ever" with “very clean and simple” lines. “It is such a good-looking car - recognisable as an MX-5, but with very clean styling,” the source is reported as saying.That means we're unlikely to see the five-corner grille and detailed styling of the rest of the recent Mazda product make its way onto the MX-5, with the nose expected to continue with uncluttered, smooth planes and lower air intakes.Mazda was previously trying to get the weight down to the 1000kg level, and while that target has been abandoned, you can still expect the coming MX-5 to shave around 70kg off the current car's 1167kg (manual) and 1177 (auto), aiming to be the lightest in its class.The car will be offered in both soft-top and folding hard-top versions (depending on markets around the world) however Australia currently takes only the hard-top. The good news is that the roof also reportedly is lighter, and has been redesigned to swallow less space in the boot.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Winter is coming, in Nissan fantasy land. And bringing with it a horde of evil snowmen intent on destroying al before them. It's pure commercial nonsense, but an amusing way for the carmaker to show off its Rogue SUV (not sold in Australia).The ad has been well-done, with the deranged snowmen easily as scary as anything the current fascination with zombies has dished up in recent times. Bur from the snowmen themselves, to the way the Nissan ploughs through them, it's probably a certainty to give the younger kids nightmares.Created by TBWA for Nissan Canada, the spot should have the local infants thinking twice before they venture out into their winter wonderland.Watch the desktop version of the Nissan defeats evil mutant killer snowmen video here. Are we seeing the start of a trend to jump on the booming horror/zombie bandwagon. Hyundai has previously revealed the SUV you'll need to survive a zombie apocalypse.Watch the Hyundai zombie commercial.And we've also seen what could be the scariest ad ever made in the automotive field, coming from a tyre campaign in Japan.Watch the terrifying Japanese tyre commercial.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott