Subaru engineers are working on a 'black box' device that will detect if owners have been 'chipping' their Imprezas. The device will detect any unapproved additions to the engine management system and then make a warranty claim for mechanical problems.
The problem is particularly acute in Britain, where 'chipping' as it is known, has become popular with the high performance Subarus. The benefits are faster acceleration but the downside is increased pressure on engine parts. When things go wrong, owners may be tempted to de-chip their car and try to get repairs under the existing warranty. Subaru, keen to rule this out, are designing a black box system.
VW has given the go-ahead for a cabriolet version of its Golf. Based on the concept shown at Geneva, the new hard-top will be a full-four seater and is expected on market by July 2006. It's just one of a series of new models that are set to entice motoring professionals in the coming months. Of most interest will be the new Passatt, the facelifted Polo and a five-seater MPV based on the Golf platform and called the Golf Plus.