The Chevrolet Cobalt has been put under federal investigation due to a large number of steering complaints, according to multiple reports. The investigation covers model year 2005-09 Cobalts and 2008-09 SS models, possibly afflicting 905,000 vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has received 1132 complaints about the Cobalt, concerning “difficulty controlling the vehicle, such as departing from the desired travel lane.” Most of the complaints were made in the last six months.

The Department of Transportation reports eleven crashes and one injury relating to the complaints, but no fatalities.

“We are cooperating with the agency in the investigation,” General Motors spokesman Alan Adler told Automotive News.

Source: NHTSA, Detroit News, Automotive News

The U.S. Department of Transportation is including Toyota electronics as a possible conduit in its investigation of unintended acceleration, Automotive News reports. The news Web site cites an unidentified Transportation official who confirmed the inclusion of possible electronic problems via email.

Thus far, Toyota has suspended production and sales of key models in its lineup while it rushes to revise its pedal assemblies. The world’s largest automaker has also issued recalls affecting some 7.5 million vehicles worldwide (Click here for our timeline).

“We’re not finished with Toyota and are continuing to review possible defects and monitor the implementation of the recalls,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in an unrelated statement today, chastising the automaker for what he feels was a reluctance to initiate a recall.

Toyota issued a response on its media site today, saying, “Since these issues first came to our attention, we have understood that the soonest possible action would be in the best interests of our customers and have acted accordingly. We are very grateful for the advice of all the government agencies involved and feel that through our handling of the recall we have a chance to regain the trust of our customers.”

Source: Automotive News, Detroit Free Press, Toyota

BMW’s most athletic 7 Series sedan, the 2011 Alpina B7, can be had for a starting price of $122,875 when it hits North American dealers this spring. A long wheelbase version will sell for $126,775. Both prices include an $875 destination and handling charge.

For the uninitiated, Alpina is the sole BMW-backed tuner and car manufacturer that bases its products on the Bavarian luxury machines. Each of its models is sold, warrantied, and serviced at authorized BMW dealers.

This latest B7 is the second generation to come to the States. Like its predecessor, it reeks of exclusivity and performance. Its twin turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 boasts an impressive 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque courtesy of new pistons, larger intercoolers, and a revised 14.5 psi boost pressure.

Power output is some 100 hp and 66 lb-ft more than a 750i with the same base mill and catapults the four door to 60 mph in a reported 4.5 seconds. Rowing through the Alpina-tuned six-speed auto takes only a “few hundred milliseconds”.

Handling is beefed up through shorter springs and 21-in. forged alloys wrapped in sticky Michelin rubber. New splitters fore and aft also reduce lift by 30% up front and 15% out back, while at the same time providing a clean look.

Swing open a door and you’ll find Lavalina leather matched with Myrtle Burl wood trim. Alcantara headlining and Alpina badges round out the customized interior.

Source: BMW