Corvette Fire Bug?

California Couple Gets $3.4M Judgement for Fire Caused by Corvette.

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For many automotive enthusiasts, our cars mean the world to us. While they may not be living, breathing things, they make a difference in our lives and bring us a lot of joy. So when something goes terribly wrong and a beloved car is the cause of serious damage to property or life, it’s that much harder to swallow.

According to the Boekamp family of southern California, that’s exactly what happened with their Corvette back in January of 2010, allegedly causing a fire that burned the couple’s home to the ground. This was a definite tragedy, but as we found out, some justice may be heading the couple’s way after a jury found General Motors liable for the damages and awarded the family $3.4 million. Unfortunately for the Boekamps, GM has already stated that they will be appealing the judgment against them.

A California jury found that a 2005 Corvette like this one was the cause of a fire that burned a family's house down back in 2010.

The Boekamp family lived in the same 5,300 square-foot home in San Diego’s east county for 29 years before a fire erupted in the structure on January 16^th, 2010. Although hardwired fire alarms didn’t wake the couple the night of the fire, the smell of smoke did and they were able to escape unharmed. Unfortunately the house and the couple’s two Corvettes, a 2005 and a 1962 model, weren’t as lucky.

But as it turns out the ‘05 Corvette owned by Pattie Boekamp may not have been a victim in the fire, but actually the culprit. The fire ignited just a couple hours after the Corvette was parked back in the garage on the evening of January 16^th, and upon exiting the house with the fire raging, Herbert Boekamp noticed a trail of gasoline leading from the car to the outside of the garage. That was enough to make him think that the Corvette may have actually caused the fire.

Upon investigation by someone appointed by GM to look at the burnt car, it was determined that the fire did in fact start in the car and that the mechanism inside the telescoping steering column was to blame. Although the case seemed cut and dry, GM apparently told the Boekamps that they had no case against the automotive manufacturer, to which the Boekamps responded with a lawsuit.

Just recently, a jury found GM to be liable for the fire and the home’s destruction, awarding the family $3.4 million. The judgment against GM was entered as of Monday April 2^nd. While the money won’t bring back the family’s home or personal processions, it is a start for rebuilding. Unfortunately, the family can’t rebuild on the property until all the legal issues surrounding the case are resolved.

But the Boekamp family may not even get that far. GM has 60 days to appeal the judgment against them and stated that they planned on doing so after the court’s recent ruling. We just hope that if the Corvette was the cause of the fire that justice is served for the Boekamp family. ##

Safety First for Toyota/Lexus Vehicles

Regulators want brake-throttle override systems in all cars

Federal regulators plan to require automakers to design a brake-throttle override system into their vehicles to reduce the risks of high-speed, unintended acceleration.

The proposal by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a result of a horrific 2009 crash of a Lexus ES 350 in San Diego and a subsequent flood of complaints about incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

Were it not for these high fuel costs, one would have to wonder if the acceptance of these little Italian get-a-rounds would be as great as it is.

They go fast with great maneuverability, with all the inherent characteristics of a relatively inexpensive Italian vehicle.  There was a time dependability was not the primary objective; i.e., Fiat X-1-9 of the 70’s. Today’s buyer is looking for not only dependability, but also performance.  To get this performance, the manufacturers are using tuners. Fiat has chosen to enlist the services of Carlo Abarth.

During the early days, Abarth influence on Fiat made them perform far better than they should have. It was in 1971 when Abarth became a permanent fixture at Fiat. It was a long time coming, but finally the proof is in the finished product.

The little 1.4-liter MultiAir four with its oil-induced intake valve system seems to be a good match for the weight. The Abarth engine has a number of components a far cry above Fiat’s predecessors; like a crankshaft and connecting rods of forged steel. What really sets the Abarth apart, and kicks horsepower from 101 to 160 at 5500 rpm, is an 18.0-psi turbocharger plus a pair of intercoolers set low in front behind outboard grille vents.

Torque gets a similar boost from 98 lb.-ft. to 150 in Normal mode or 170 after you push the Sport button. Just as important from the fun side of things, that torque is on hand from 2600-4100 rpm.

Engineers also opened up both the intake and exhaust systems for better breathing, though what you’ll love most about it is the thrumpy exhaust note.
Matched to the turbo four is a 5-speed manual gearbox and beefier half-shafts.

Suspension changes include lowering the ride height 0.6 in., stiffening the springs and rear torsion beam axle, and using Abarth-specific front lower control arms as part of a general firming. Brakes are now 11.1-in. discs at the front and 9.4-in. rear discs. Standard wheels are 16s with Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-seasons, the step up being 17s with Pirelli P-Zero Nero tires at 205/40-R17.

Fiat wants to emphasize the Abarth’s dual fun-on-weekends, off-to-work week nature and gives its electronic stability control three modes: On, Partial Off and Full Off.

Then comes what some consider the really important differences versus the stock 500, mainly a more aggressive appearance with added vents up front for cooling, side skirts, red brake calipers and a spoiler at the top of the lift back. Add a new lower rear design with a diffuser look and a pair of Abarth exhaust outlets to go with the new sound. Plus, of course, plenty of Abarth badging.

The 0-60 time drops to 7.2 seconds, the quarter-mile now in 15.5 sec, while  reaching an unconfirmed top speed of 129-mph.

Driving the Fiat 500 Abarth is simply a lot of fun. You can smoke the front tires off the line and that great exhaust note follows you right up to triple digits on the speedo.

The Abarth is a bit different than one would expect. Many small tuner cars’ suspensions have been stiffened to the molar-cracking level. Not the Abarth, which leans more than expected when you crank it into a corner. It’s actually quite fun, though you must be sure to brake in a straight line or it can be a bit darty under heavy braking. It would be nice if the shifter were more exact.

So what does all that--plus pricing between $22,700 and about $27,000--get you?  A decent driver, but we yet have to experience dependability and service costs in the long run.  Here’s hoping it’s better than prior experience with Italian vehicles.