In the midst of an intensifying NHTSA investigation, Toyota issued a voluntary recall of 1.13 million 2005 to 2008 Corolla and Corolla Matrix models. The recall relates to problems with engine stalling.

Here’s Toyota’s official explanation:

On vehicles equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive, there is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on the electronic component used to protect circuits against excessive voltage (varistor), on the ECM’s circuit board. In most cases, if a crack occurs at certain solder points or on certain varistors, the check engine may illuminate, harsh shifting could result, or the engine may not start. In limited instances, if cracking occurs on particular solder points or varistors, the engine could stop while the vehicle is being driven.

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The Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid is preparing to shake-up the green auto world with its stylish, luxurious looks, roof-mounted solar panels and 400-hp powertrain. Before it does, Fisker is giving us a little peek in a new promotional video.

The Karma is a rear-wheel drive sedan that is driven by two electric motors that combine for 403 hp. A 260-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine works to generate electricity to power the lithium-ion battery and provide up to 300 miles worth of range. The solar panels on top also kick in a little charging. The car can travel up to 50 miles on electricity alone, hit 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and top out at 125 mph.

The short, one-minute clip below features some nice Karma action and a pair of stilletos–what more do you need? [via WCF]

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The latest installment of Ken Block’s iconic rally video series “Gymkhana” is officially underway, with a release of the first part of Gymkhana 3 yesterday. Unfortunately for fans of the past videos, Part I is more like a rap video than a rally video, watching more like a teaser of what’s to come. In fact, it’s even called “The Music Video Infomercial (feat. The Cool Kids).” On the plus side, there’s as much T & A as your average rap video, and there’s some allusion to the car action we’ll see in the future. Check out the full video and whet your appetite for what’s next. [via Motor Trend]

If you spend any time ogling cars on the Interwebs, then you’ve probably seen a picture or two of a Ferrari 458 on fire. Like this one. According to the BBC, you’ve had 10 opportunities, because that’s how many of the Ferraris have caught fire–from California to China. And that’s just this summer.

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It looks like Toyota may have another major recall in the works for the disastrous year of 2010. According to the NY Times, the NHTSA has raised its investigation of stalling Toyotas from “preliminary evaluation” to “engineering analysis,” which is one step below a full-blown recall. The investigation applies to 1.2 million 2005 to 2007 Corolla and Matrix models.

The NHTSA began its preliminary evaluation last November, and has received 163 complaints about an issue that relates to the engine suddenly stalling without any warning–a rather different problem than the oh-so-popular “unintended acceleration.” The engine control unit is thought to be the cause of the stalling. Toyota said that it received six complaints of accidents but no injuries were reported. [ NY Times via Carscoop]

Hot off its big Eva GT unveil, Morgan has spoken candidly about a few other cars that it has planned. The first bears the brutal name of LIFECar 2 and is a diesel-electric hybrid that promises to offer up to 1,000 miles worth of range. Morgan had less concrete details to spread on the second car, but said that it will be a “fun weekend car” that delivers “more extreme, with real entertainment value.”

The U.K. company plans to produce the cars within the next three years. It plans on making a production version of the Eva GT that is very similar to the concept it showed at Pebble Beach. [via egmCarTech]

Back in May, German tuner Gemballa shut down suddenly as its owner and founder–Uwe Gemballa–remained missing since February. Mr. Gemballa is still MIA, but the tuning shop that bears his name is now back on the rails. Andreas Schwarz is the new CEO, and he and investor Steffen Korbach purchased the rights and assets of the company, intending to bring it back to tuning. The first model from the restructured company is expected in October.

The reopening of Gemballa, a tuner that’s had it’s share of hits and misses–much like most tuners, is the latest chapter in an odd saga that began this past winter. Uwe Gemballa went missing in February after a scheduled meeting with potential investors in South Africa. The disappearance appeared to be a kidnapping, but happened at a time that Gemballa was going bankrupt, casting question and doubt all over it. Gemballa subsequently shut down three months later. [via MotorAuthority and AutoEvolution]

Mercedes has offered up details, pictures and video of the new 2012 CLS-Class. Set to make its world debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the 2012 CLS gets some a new stand-apart grille, full LED headlamps and LED taillights, a new “dropping line” along the sides and a muscular shoulder line over the rear wheels. The side line and rear wheel arches give the new Mercedes a profile akin to a pouncing cat.

Inside, the CLS features a wraparound dash, stitched seat covers, premium leather and choice of high-gloss brown burl walnut and high-gloss black ash wood trim, carbon fiber trim or piano black lacquer trim. Mercedes’ introduction today didn’t include any information on what will power the new CLS, but we expect that it’ll fill that void in the near future. [via WCF]

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The English venture Arash Motor Company has been ironing out details on the AF-10 supercar for five years now and they’ve just now gotten to making a model of the car. We’re not sure what they’ve come up with was worth five years’ wait, but it is definitely worth a look.

I can’t say I’m in love with the rather sharp, boxy flanks and rear-end, but it looks alright–if rather derivative–up front.

If the AF-10 ever gets to production, it will feature a 550-hp 7.0-liter GM LS7 V8 engine with a six-speed Graziano GT-ME1 transmission. Weight will be kept down with a carbon fiber body and aluminum honeycomb panels. Many more pics follow… [via WCF]

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