Autos
* Volvo has designated its XC60, the midsize crossover that automatically brakes, as a 2010 model. It’s due in showrooms in March starting at less than $40,000.
* Scion has priced its first limited-run vehicle for 2009, the xB Release Series 6.0, from $15,750. It arrives next month with a navi system that uses a touch screen customizable in 32,000 colors, voice recognition and Absolutely Red exterior paint.
* Porsche has annoucned prices for its 2009 Boxster and Cayman. Boxster starts at $46,600 for the base and $56,700 for the S. Cayman starts at $50,300 for the base and $60,200 for the S. Both go on sale in March.
* Tesla Motors and Daimler are developing an electric Smart, with plans to offer 1,000 of the microcars near the end of this year. The gas-powered Fortwo starts at $12,000, but there is no word on the price of the electric or its range.
Recalls
* Lexus is recalling more than 214,000 2006-08 GS, IS and LS cars. Some ethanol fuels may corrode their fuel delivery pipes.
* Maserati is recalling 7,912 2008 Gran Turismo s and Quattroporte s. The ball joint nuts may loosen, causing noise, steering wheel vibration and failure.
* Dodge is recalling 19,024 2005 Durango SUVs. The fuel tank filler tube check valve may not fully close at the end of refueling, allowing fuel to escape.
* Dodge is recalling 32,865 2008-09 Ram 2500 and 3500 cab chassis pickups with Powers and Sons steering linkage. A problem could cause a loss of steering control and limit ability to turn.
FYI
* Garmin has unveiled a free update for its Nuvi personal navigation devices to save drivers gas. Garmin’s ecoRoute software uses a car’s fuel economy and the price of gas to plot the route that uses the least fuel. Visit www.garmin.com.
———-
Quick Trips are compiled from Tribune news services.
