Modification Contest

Jaguar has issued a recall covering 6,475 2010-11 XJ sedans built between July 28, 2009 and November 3, 2010 due to defective windshield wipers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration details the exact problem with these XJs, saying:
“The front wiper arms to spindle fixings were not torqued to specification during manufacturing. As a result, the securing nuts could fail to perform as intended, resulting in a loss of wiper arm synchronization and a clash of the wiper arms.”
Clashing wiper arms mean they could detach from the vehicle altogether, which is perhaps the last thing any driver would want to have to deal with on a rainy (or snowy) day. The full recall is expected to commence on or before December 13, and dealers will ensure that the wiper arms are securely fitted to the spindle. To read the full details, follow the jump for NHTSA’s release.

We have quite the soft spot for the Mazda5 mini-minivan. It’s a taller, more capacious version of the zippyMazda3, and it stands totally alone in a class of Americanized small MPVs (until the Ford Grand C-Maxarrives on our shores, that is). Mazda has given the 5 a healthy once-over for the 2012 model year, and the automaker has just announced that the swoopy new people-mover will be priced from $19,990 (including destination and delivery).
That sub-$20,000 price point gets you the base Sport model, which has 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, tilt/telescope steering wheel, remote keyless entry and safety features like Dynamic Stability Control and traction control. The $21,990 Touring model adds 17-inch alloys, a five-speed automatic transmission, Bluetooth, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The top-rung Grand Touring ($24,670) will net you a moonroof, automatic xenon headlamps, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, heated leather front seats and an upgraded audio system with Sirius satellite radio.
The entire Mazda5 range is powered by the automaker’s 2.5-liter inline-four (found in the Mazda3, Mazda6and CX-7) that produces 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. Base Sport models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed autobox is the only transmission available on Touring and Grand Touring models.

Look for the 2012 Mazda5 to hit dealerships in January of 2011. For the full details, follow the jump for Mazda’s press release.

Porsche Cayman R

We recently tested Porsche's lightened Boxster Spyder and raved about pretty much everything save the awkward top. Just like when the original Cayman was released, the Cayman R solves the convertible dilemma.

The Cayman R bumps horsepower over the Cayman S, just like the Boxster Spyder, losing 121 pounds via racecar-style seats, straps instead of door handles and lighter materials.

The show car's lime green paint job and the black spoiler and side mirrors really make the Cayman R stand out. The surprising livability of the Boxster Spyder makes this Cayman more palatable. Porsche's claims of a 5.0-second zero-to-60 mph time with the manual and 4.9 seconds with the PDK — top speed is an unadvisable 175 mph — help matters.

Nissan Murano

Perhaps no car has been so oddly conceived as the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet since the Pontiac Aztek debuted. While the Aztek was aimed at a very specific niche of buyers, the CrossCabriolet looks to capture a larger audience searching for an almost practical luxury-priced convertible.

If that's you, the Murano CrossCabriolet is quite remarkable. It promises more room than a traditional convertible, so rear passengers can actually enjoy the open-air ride. If the elements don't allow it, the soft-top also features an added piece of glass for an open-air look.