Automotive column correction

To the editor :

In my last automotive column featuring the Chevy Uplander, I said, "It won't run away from a 255 -horsepower Odyssey, but it will beat it in fuel economy, which GM feels is a more important issue to the average cash-strapped family." That's incorrect.

The Chevy Uplander is rated 18-mpg/city and 24-mpg/highway, but the two V-6 engines available in the Honda Odyssey make more horsepower and more torque and achieve better estimated gas mileage. Thanks to its VTEC (variable timing and lift electronic control) technology, the Odyssey achieves the seemingly conflicting goals of increased power and performance, improved fuel efficiency and lowered exhaust emissions. Honda's i-VTEC merges variable timing control with an advanced form of VTEC.

There are four Honda Odyssey models. The base LX and the EX come equipped with a 24-valve 255-horsepower VTEC engine rated 19-mpg/city and 25-mpg/highway. The Honda EX with leather and the Touring models come equipped with the i-VTEC engine with the same horsepower and torque but better fuel mileage: 20-mpg/city and 28-mpg/highway. This engine features cylinder deactivation, which shuts down half the cylinders during cruise mode.

I attempt to make my columns informative and entertaining while striving for accuracy. Readers should be able to depend on the information I give them. Unfortunately, when writing on a technical subject, mistakes can be made. I regret the error. I appreciate it when a reader points out a mistake.

STEVE ROBERTSON, Automotive Columnist,

Cape Girardeau