Talk About Cars!

A Scam Involving the Innocent Ford Edge Jeep

2008-06-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

The Edge is a premium mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Ford. It made its debut in 2006 at The North American Auto Show. It started its production from the fall of 2006 as a 2007 model. As a crossover vehicle, it is known to bridge the gaps between minivans and sport utility vehicles.

Lately, Ford has been informed by consumers that they are receiving e-mails from Ford stating that they have won a "Ford Edge Jeep". As response, Ford states that these notifications are not coming from Ford Motor Company. It appears to be a scam so that they guilty ones can obtain personal information from unsuspecting consumers. It attempts to invite the victims to respond to the e-mail and aims to get its financial information such as credit card number in order for them to make it easier to somehow hack the account. This strategy is a form of “phishing”- the practice of luring unsuspecting Internet users to a fake Web site by using authentic-looking email with the real organization's logo, in an attempt to steal passwords, financial or personal information, or introduce a virus attack.

Ford further states that they are not affiliated in any way with e-mails, letters of programs related to Ford Edge Jeep lottery drawings. Also they do not permit any company or person to use its trademark for any counterfeit activity such as this.

In order not to be fooled by a suspected scam message, it is advised to check the spelling or grammatical errors in the message; check the improper use of company trademarks and be careful not to spread out any financial account number that you have.

Increasing 'Infiniti' Power

2008-05-21T01:17:00.000-07:00

The redesigned 2009 Infiniti FX was officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2008. The new FX will be offered as the FX35 and FX50. The 2009 FX35 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in two trims, the 2WD and the AWD. This car is a radical expression of sport and utility.

It offers an exceptional level of power; “The 2WD is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 275-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. The AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 275-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.” Each engine is paired with a standard 7-speed automatic transmission featuring Adaptive Shift Control.

The FX has its unique look that may be the key to its success. It features a dark chrome grille, double wave hood, strong front-to-rear shoulder line, integrated rear spoiler, power sliding moon roof. It’s made with lightweight aluminum-alloy hood and doors. And it has its hi-tech speed-sensitive windshield wipers with new aerodynamic flat blade wiper design, low-profile wiper arms and has its rain-sensing function.

The interior features a power-adjustable 10-way driver's seat, available manual thigh support with power bolster adjustment. It has a climate-controlled heating, cooling front seats and an Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition.

Nissan Forum Suited for your Family

2008-05-15T02:51:00.000-07:00

The Nissan Forum is a new concept minivan that debuted during the 2008 North American International Auto Show. This concept seemed to inject more sex appeal into the looks of all minivans. Car choice is a truly family affair so I agree that most cars for family man should look like this one. I think Nissan Forum respects the needs and desires of both grownups and kids. This concept is expected to become a production version of next-generation Nissan Quest.

Rachel Nguyen, the director for Advanced Planning and Strategy in Nissan North America says that in this forum concept, the driver is just as important as the passengers. “It offers a sophisticated space for adults and an engaging space for children – allowing both groups to enjoy themselves in their own individualistic ways while being connected in one vehicle.”

This concept adds a higher level of dramatic styling through its wide stance. It has a trackless sliding side door design, which offers a clean, uninterrupted use of the vehicles door. It has moon roof panels or hidden sunshades, which allow the glass panels to be closed off during hot days. And most important is that its instrument panel design blends to the next-generation communications technology with simple, intuitive controls. With this, it assures enough family entertainment while having a safe trip.

It is very futuristic looking. Some may say it's dull. But for me, this looks like a model for the most modern family car. Wow, it also has extra-wide seats, extra-wide doors, and a built-in microwave. It is truly a fat mobile. Though I won’t buy a minivan, this has got to be the coolest minivan ever.

The Powerful 2008 Cadillac CTS

2008-05-14T01:59:00.000-07:00

General Motors redesigned the popular Cadillac CTS this year. The 2008 CTS was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show and went on sale in late August, 2007. The new CTS Coupe Concept continues the design of its predecessor improving it with its all new sculpted bodywork and upgraded engine performance. They said that this concept was created due to a huge market demand. The new model is absolutely more refined and powerful.

It uses “3.6L V-6 engines, including the 304-horsepower (227 kW) Direct Injection power plant. The CTS Coupe Concept also is designed for a new 2.9L turbo diesel being developed for international markets. This new engine, tailored for use in the CTS, will deliver an estimated 250 horsepower (184 kW) and 406 lb.-ft. of torque (550 Nm).”

The interior is highlighted by black leather. The adjustable Recaro seats keep the driver firmly planted into the front of the steering wheel. It also features a premium audio system and a hard-drive-based navigation system that can store digital music files. It has a very noticeable and unique front fender vents and a rear spoiler integrated into the center high-mounted stop lamp

I can say that this is a very good looking car. Overall, the upgraded interior and promoted engine quality have pushed the CTS into its top status as a luxury sport sedan. It looks so much more distinctive than any of its competitors. With its engine quality there’s no need to use a turbo with this one.

The Stunning Audi R-Zero

2008-05-07T23:58:00.000-07:00

This is one of the major head turners in 2006 car shows. It is a project design that has been developed by the students of the International School of Design in France. The first time I heard and saw it, it instantly reminded me of F-Zero, the awesome game for Super Nintendo way back when I was still a child. Also, the Audi R-Zero concepts reveals a big similarity to the Audi TT.

The Audi R-Zero is a concept car revealed in 2006, developed by the premium German car manufacturer Audi. If you think all environment friendly hybrids and other cars are boring and attractive, this 2006 Audi R-Zero Concept car will change your mind. Audi R-Zero is a battery-driven vehicle that combines sportiness and respect for the environment.

R-Zero has its battery packs mounted behind the hood and that its energy is sent to electric motors contained within the wheels. Based on exterior design, you can expect that such a car would involve a V6 or higher class engine with a great amount of power.

One of the cars noticeable features is a front grille with a chrome frame where you can find the Audi emblem. The cars headlight is made from LED technology.

The R-Zero is an exceptional supercar which is made with an outstanding architecture. This one's a lot better looking than the robot car. By far, I wish I would see them in local dealers.

Honda Civic Tour One-Of-A-Kind Ride

2008-02-28T18:03:00.000-08:00

The 2008 Honda Civic is among the greatest redesigned models today and everyone desires to own one of these rides. If it happens to be your dream car, you’re absolutely in great luck! Starting this week, don’t miss any minute to visit HondaCivicTour because you might have the big chance to win Honda’s One-of-a-Kind Ride.

The Auto Channel reported that music aficionados now have the chance to win a splendid Honda Civic Hybrid with dazzling headlight bulb autographed and designed by the members of Honda Civic Tour '08 headlining act Panic At The Disco. Attendees of the concert will be given the oppurtunity to see the ride up close. In order to win, fans must register first. The winner will be chosen through an electronic kiosk at all stops of the tour all over the country. First stop kicks off in San Francisco on April 10, 2008.

“Not every band gets the opportunity to customize their own car which is just one of the reasons the Honda Civic Tour is so cool. We spent a lot of time on the design to make sure it was something our fans would be truly excited about. And this particular car is a hybrid, so you really can't go wrong there,” says PATD guitarist Ryan Ross.

Furthermore, a preview of the Honda Civic Tour '08 will be presented by the Panic At The Disco when they perform on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on March 25 to concur with their new album launching entitled Pretty Odd.

Ford Shows A Lot In Chicago

2008-02-24T20:26:00.000-08:00

Dearborn automaker >Ford is not exactly in a good shape. With the Japanese automakers attracting more and more consumers away from the Big Three, Ford has found itself having only the third largest market share in the United States auto market.

Sure, the automaker has done much in Europe. But in America, it is still lagging behind. It is giving a good fight though. Recently, it showcased its new F-150 at the Chicago Auto Show along with the Transit Connect which is a vehicle without peer in this country.

Steve Purdy of The Auto Channel writes: "An entertaining press conference at Ford introduced a charming small commercial van called Transit Connect built in Turkey. Apparently on a car platform the van is 6’8” high and boasts 143 cubic-feet of cargo area inside. Also at Ford the new F-150 is being enhanced with more office-on-the-road technology including a system that can tell a contractor if all his tools are in the bed or not. Fleet tracking, Internet accessibility, Bluetooth, in-dash computer with 2-gigs of memory, available printer, a retractable cable-lock system for tools, the recently introduced SYNC system of voice-activated communications and entertainment systems make the F150 perhaps the smartest pickup out there."

The automaker is now focusing on the development of in-car systems apart from bringing European cars here. Thom Cannell of The Auto Channel said that the automaker is leading the field when it comes to these in-car technology-oriented features.

"Ford is doing more with the combination of in-vehicle electronics/navigation/communication/location called telematics than anyone else is. It surely is a product differentiator," said Cannell.

"Like the hit SYNC technology, Ford Works Solutions incorporates Microsoft Auto (a subset of Windows) to make the computer stuff work. I’ve seen twenty-something’s choose a Focus just to get SYNC. They are very satisfied with the vehicle and SYNC. Giving contractors and small fleets the telematics they need could spark another move to Ford," he added. These enhancements to Ford vehicles make them really more attractive than Acura motor mount-equipped RDX.

Love, Marriage, and Vehicles

2008-02-18T17:23:00.001-08:00

Blake Humphrey and Jackie Rohner. These two have been making headlines in the auto industry. No they are not owners of a smacking Chevy Impala dealership in Illinois from which they are from. They have also not created some new product for the industry. They are just a simple couple. A lucky couple, if I may say so. And they have won Dodge’s “Journey of a Lifetime” contest.

As prize for winning the mentioned contest, Auto Channel reported that the couple just got hitched and married last Valentine’s Day. Everything was shouldered by Dodge and they were tied the knot at the hundredth Chicago Auto Show.

A hundred of their close friends and relatives joined the ceremony which took place at the auto show’s floor. They had some music from the band Journey and they started their journey as a married couple in a new 2009 Dodge Journey which was also part of their prize.

Congratulations you love birds!

Infiniti Soon To Compete In Western Europe

2008-02-14T17:36:00.000-08:00

In just two weeks, leading auto manufacturers from 35 countries worldwide will be gathered again in one of the largest auto show events in the industry.

According to worldeventsguide.com, about 700,000 visitors are expected to watch for 900 car brands to showcase their hottest models, including Ferrari, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Ford. I’m referring to nothing else but the upcoming 78^th Geneva International Motor Show which is scheduled next month. Yup, it’s confirmed. It’s gonna be a month-long festival of cars in Geneva, Switzerland.

One of the much-anticipated cars at the auto show are the newest models from Nissan Motor Company Limited’s luxury brand Infiniti. According to edmunds.com, the Infiniti brand was launched for the 1990 model year. It originally started with only two luxury cars - the Q45 and the M30. But on the forthcoming Geneva International Motor Show, Infiniti will be unveiling its second generation Infiniti FX, its V-6 powered G sedan, Ex Coupe Crossover and G Coupe in addition to their various mid-size, full-size, coupe, crossover and sport-utility vehicle (SUV) models.

At infiniti.com , it was revealed that the 2008 G37 Coupe, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $34,500 features a 330 horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, and premium leather-appointed seats that most probably matches the unique style of the Acura MDX car cover. On the other hand, the 2008 Infiniti G35, also known as the G Sedan with an MSRP of $31,850, is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission and an aluminum interior trim. Both are incorporated with an Infiniti intelligent key with push button ignition while the 2008 Infiniti FX35 or FX45 has an MSRP of $38,050. It comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that is capable of producing 275 horsepower. It boasts of an 11-speaker Bose premium audio system as well as a dual-zone automatic temperature control.

According to AutoChannel, the launching of Infiniti’s car models at the Geneva International Motor Show is an important milestone for the luxury brand for Western Europe is considered as the world’s toughest market for luxury vehicles. As we all know, Infiniti is Nissan’s competing brand for other luxury marques such as BMW, Lexus and Audi.

The Top-Of-The-Line Hybrid

2008-02-08T16:51:00.000-08:00

When you think of automakers and their vanity, the drive to have the fastest, the coolest, and the biggest vehicle in their lineup, you would surely think of top-of-the-line vehicles to be some sort of really fast and luxurious cars that they would cost you an arm and a gazillion.

It is of course necessary for automakers to have their best-of-the-best vehicle. These so-called flagship vehicles say a lot of things about an automaker. See, if an automaker's flagship is equipped with a very well-rounded powertrain but cheap-looking materials on the inside, it could be understood that ALL of their vehicles have the same cheap interior.

Now, European cars are classy and their top of the line vehicles are sure to be really elegant. American automakers on the other hand values power, which means the best vehicle in their lineup is the fastest. Then, Asian automakers are known for well, reliability and fuel efficiency.

That is very much apparent in Toyota's luxury division, Lexus. According to The Auto Channel's Carrey Russ, the flagship of the luxury marquee is a hybrid. Now, that means Toyota is really serious with its green credo.

But don't even think that since it is a hybrid, it is not as fast as American cars or as luxurious as European ones. In fact, a hybrid has a lot more power than some of us give them credit for. You see, a hybrid get sits power from two sources. One of these is an internal combustion engine, and the other is an electric motor.

The flagship of Lexus, the LS600h, is equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine powered by gasoline. Now, that engine's power output can be complemented with the power of the electric motor. That would mean significant acceleration boost. And being a Lexus, it is sure to have components more durable than Acura steering racks.

Pink Cadillac

2008-02-05T20:43:00.000-08:00

Goin' ridin' on the freeway of love
Wind's against our back
Goin' ridin' on the freeway of love
In my pink cadillac
Goin' ridin' on the freeway of love
Wind's against our back
Ain't we ridin' on the freeway of love In my pink Cadillac?

That was taken from “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin’s “Freeway of Love” that earned her a Grammy for Bets R & B Vocal Performance - Female category in 1985.

On February 8, that exactly would be the car set for auction in Los Angeles as the 2008 MusiCares Person of the Year Gala in line with the GRAMMY Week gives honor to Franklin, a 17-time GRAMMY winner and Detroit native.

“Cadillac is tickled pink to provide a unique auction item celebrating Detroit native Aretha Franklin at this year’s MusiCares gala. Cadillac is proud to return for the fourth consecutive year as a major sponsor of this prestigious GRAMMY Week event,” George Dross, regional divisional marketing manager for Cadillac in General Motors’ Western Region, said in Autochannel.

The Cadillac CTS, an all-new version of GM’s famous midsize sedan and was given the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year accolade, has been modified with a special pink hue for the auction. Whether its auto parts were coated with pink too, hmm... that’s another story. In such a way, imagining a pink Acura Legend ball joint amuses me.

Courtesy of Autochannel the all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS features the following technologies:

A 40 gigabyte hard drive that allows pause and rewinding of live radio, and is tailored for MP3 player
iPods and other digital devices
a 304-horsepower 3.6 L direct injection V-6 engine
an all-new redesigned cabin with handcrafted accents
a “double" sunroof enabling both front and rear passengers a sky view
heated leather seats
a retractable navigation system with real-time traffic and weather data
On Star
XM Satellite Radio
A BOSE eight-speaker sound system
A six-speed automatic transmission

The 2008 MusiCares Person of the Year gala will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall. This year’s auction, to be presented by Julien’s Auctions and to be broadcasted live at AuctionNetwork.Com will feature a real-time interactive bidding technology. Auction proceeds will go to MusiCares Foundation Inc., an organization with a mission to provide financial, personal and medical support to the music community. Now, let’s keep the music playing!

Goin' ridin' on the freeway of love
Wind's against our back
Ain't we ridin' on the freeway of love
In my pink Cadillac?

The First Green Team At Daytona International Speedway

2008-02-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

Today, car racing will shift into the next level. But first, let me ask you this: have you ever heard of green racing car? Oh yes, in fact, the first-ever “Green Team” car will be launched on the Ford Fusion on February 9, 2008. Furthermore, Auto Channel reported that the pioneering green car will be present at the Daytona International Speedway for the ARCA 200 race. The world shall witness the capability of this new breed of racecar with its dynamic underpinnings, control arms and powertrain next week. The “Green Team” car is owned by Baker Curb Racing and sponsored by EnvirOx, LLC by the way.

Owners of the Baker Curb Racing, Gary Baker and Mike Curb, picked EnvirOx, LLC, a sustainability-powered group that heads in environmentally favored cleaning technology and products, to be its associate for this year’s events.

"We couldn't think of a more appropriate partnership to unveil our Green Team car. EnvirOx transformed the professional cleaning industry with its revolutionary hydrogen peroxide technology and continues to create innovative cleaning solutions that are healthier for humans and the environment," states Gary Baker, the co-owner of Baker Curb Racing.

"Our partnership with the Baker Curb Racing Green Team gives us the opportunity to inform the general public about the leadership role the professional cleaning industry is taking with issues of health and our environment, and how they also can 'green clean' their own homes," states Taylor Stewart, the president of EnvirOx, LLC. "The same hydrogen peroxide cleaning technology that changed the professional cleaning industry is now available to consumers through OurHouse cleaning products. Our sponsorship of the Green Team provides a great opportunity to raise awareness of these environmentally preferred cleaning alternatives."

The Race is on for China

2008-01-30T17:44:00.000-08:00

It must be Feng Shui at work. According to Forbes, American and even European automakers now perceive China as a Messiah amid declining profits in their countries.

Sure, the Chinese economy is still underdeveloped, with an annual per capita income of $930 in the cities and $299 only in the rural areas. But take note of this: General Motors' survey showed that an estimated 74 million Chinese families or about 20 percent of the country's population can afford to buy cars. The secret? Chinese are great savers. Those people I've mentioned earlier were said to hold about 80 percent of the savings deposit in China thus credit is easily available to them.

Auto Channel reported that a recent survey initiated by Sinotrust, a supplier of marketing and credit solutions in China, discovered that more than 80 percent of Chinese car buyers prefer vehicles with engine displacements between 1.3-liter and 2.0-liter, thus causing a decline in sales of small-displacement cars.

"The small displacement vehicles are usually poor in driving experience, comfort, and safety compared to larger vehicles. Therefore I would rather spend more money on a larger vehicle, such as Polo, Fit or Peugeot 206," said a car owner in an interview with Sinotrust. I guess he or she is referring to cars with Acura Legend body parts.

According to China Daily, one of the major reasons for the decline of small vehicles’ sales is the Chinese culture. Since cars are considered as status symbols in China, most consumers give higher value to social status over other aspects such as fuel economy and price when buying cars. Also, many small cars nowadays have failed to satisfy market demands for power performance, safety and environmental protection.

China's low-small segment vehicles started to decline in sales last year in which only 765,977 units were sold and that goes down by 7.2 percent each year.

At present, there are about 12 state-run automakers in China. But there's more to expect from China by way of its budding partnerships with foreign investors like Volkswagen, Toyota, General Motors and Ford Motors.
Now that calls for a merry dragon dance!

Meet BorgWarner's Best

2008-01-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

Let’s play a game.

Audi A3. Ford Mustang Shelby GT/Bullitt. Mazdaspeed3. Mercedes Benz E320 CDI.

What do these four vehicles have in common?

You wanna know the answer? No, they have not been designed to wear truck parts. And no, they are not concept vehicles. Let’s just say that these four vehicles come equipped with engines belonging to Ward’s Auto World’s 10 best engines for 2008. And these engines come with a common denominator as well. They have been produced and manufactured by BorgWarner Engine Group.

The Audi A3 has the FSI 2.0 L turbocharged DOHC I-4 unit. The Ford Mustang Shelby GT/Bullitt has the 4.6 L SOHC V8. A 2.3 L DISI turbocharged DOHC I-4 has been equipped in the Mazdaspeed3. And the Mercedes Benz E320 CDI has been mounted with the 3.0 L DOHC V6 turbodiesel unit.

With their engines receiving such noble titles, the head honcho for BorgWarner is quite happy. And that goes for the rest of those employed by the company. After all, it is yet another feather in their cap. Tim Manganello, the CEO and chair for the company, shared via The Auto Channel, “About 70% of our global business is built on systems and components for engines. We are proud to contribute the important benefits of fuel economy, reduced emissions and enhanced performance to these notable powertrains.” And he even extends his kudos to the four car makers who have chosen BorgWarner’s engines for their vehicles.

It’s kudos to you all!

Prices For New Toyotas

2008-01-25T20:12:00.000-08:00

Japanese automaker Toyota is expected to overtake General Motors this year to become the world's largest automaker. Through the years, the Japanese automaker has been manufacturing high quality vehicles which have been attracting consumers from the United States and other countries across the world.

Recently, The Auto Channel reported that the automaker has announced pricing for new Toyotas which means that the automaker us about to ship these vehicles into dealerships all over the United States. These vehicles can be expected to have auto parts as reliable as Integra washer pumps.

One of these vehicles is the Toyota Corolla which is very popular among Americans for its legendary reliability. For the 2009 model year, the automaker will be launching the tenth generation of the Corolla which has been in the United States auto market for about 40 years. For the 2009 Corolla, prices are as follows according to The Auto Channel:

"The Corolla Standard grade will carry a base MSRP of $15,250 for models with a manual transmission and $16,050 for models with an automatic. The LE grade with automatic has a base MSRP of $16,650 and the XLE grade with an automatic a base MSRP of $17,550. The S grade will carry a base price of $16,320 for a manual transmission model and $17,150 for models with an automatic. The MSRP for the premium XRS grade will be $18,760 for a manual transmission and $19,950 for models with an automatic."

Another vehicle which the automaker is soon to launch is the 2009 Toyota Matrix. This vehicle is a crossover which means it combines the fuel efficiency and driving dynamics of a small car with the large interior space and the looks of an SUV. Pricing for the Matrix follows.

"The Standard Matrix with a five-speed manual transmission will carry a base MSRP of $16,190, while the four-speed automatic begins at $17,000. The Matrix S front-wheel drive with a five-speed manual transmission has a MSRP of $18,260, while the five-speed automatic will begin at $19,450. The Matrix S AWD with a four-speed automatic has a base MSRP starting at $20,400. The Matrix XRS with a five-speed manual transmission has a MSRP starting at $20,660, while the five-speed automatic will begin at $21,850."

NAIAS Basics

2008-01-16T17:58:00.000-08:00

If you want to see cars, lots of cars, then you should head down to Detroit's Cobo Center. What's happening there of course is the largest event of its kind in North America, and possibly, the world. The North American International Auto Show is the stage where major automakers showcase their advanced concept vehicles and production vehicles as well.

Carl Galeana, senior co-chairman of the NAIAS 2008 had this to say according to The Auto Channel: "This world-class event has so much to offer everyone from car enthusiasts who visit the show annually, to kids wanting to see their first concept vehicle. The cutting-edge technologies mixed with interactive attractions and entertaining displays offer an event perfect for the entire family." At the event, I'm sure you can find vehicles and auto parts much more valuable than an Integra axle.

To help you and me and everyone else keen to go to the show, the organizers had these options offered:

Plan in advance. Did you know that you can purchase a parking space in advance? Click and Park is an online parking system that allows show attendees the convenience of purchasing a parking space in select lots near the NAIAS up to 24 hours prior to attending.
Don't want to drive downtown? Shuttle services to Cobo Center from The Henry Ford in Dearborn and the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak are available on Jan. 19-21, 26 and 27. Parking is $5 at these locations and families can then take a shuttle for $5 per person round-trip directly to Cobo Center, children 12 and under travel free.
E-Tickets. To avoid long ticket lines, try purchasing e-tickets online at http://www.naias.com. For families with small children, tickets for children 7-12 must be purchased on-site at Cobo Center. Ticket prices are $12 (US and CAN) for adults; $6 (US and CAN) for senior citizens (65 and older) and children aged 7-12; children six and under are free with their parent.
Taking in the hundreds of vehicles and the glitz and glamour on the show floor can be an all day event. Here are some items to bring along to make your trip more enjoyable. Wear comfortable shoes. Carry essentials in a light-weight backpack -- keeping your personal items close (keys, cell phone, camera), but out of the way. Just in case you can't tear yourself away from the show, bring along any necessary medication or other items you could need throughout the day. Also, remember that hydration is your friend -- bottles of water or other beverages at snack locations are available for purchase and will keep you cool while walking the show floor. Don't forget to bring along your camera to snap those candid photos at the show and submit them to www.naias.com by Sunday, Jan. 27 for entry into the second annual NAIAS Photo Contest sponsored by WWJ Newsradio 950.

Porsche To Offer Panamera Hybrid Ride

2008-01-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

Just when you doubt the possibility of having a sedan flaunting the performance and handling of a sportscar, a 4-door sedan is engineered to retain the unmistakable driving dynamics of Porsche and it will make its debut soon.

Yes, everyone is turning green. Why? Because they certainly want a hybrid Panamera. Good thing it’s going to be available.

That’s true. A hybrid version of the Panamera, which will boost fuel economy as much as 30%, is forthcoming. It will be one of the key variants of the Porsche's first 4-door Gran Turismo. The said version will be featuring the components of the Cayenne Hybrid which will arrive in the market by 2010.

The Stuttgart manufacturer said that Panamera's interior has been designed with high-quality materials to provide comfort and elegance and rear seats will benefit from substantial headroom too. Actually, the sedan’s engineering and styling are among the industry’s most guarded secrets.

The Porsche SUV boasts of an average fuel consumption of less than 9 litres/100 kilometers. Porsche's Gran Turismo will be the first four-door sports model to feature the fuel-efficient full parallel hybrid technology. The new full parallel hybrid system will consist primarily of the battery unit positioned in the rear luggage compartment, the power electronics, and the hybrid module between the engine and transmission comprising an additional clutch and the electric motor, according to News.com.

The hybrid module then disengages either the combustion engine or electric motor depending on the driving conditions, enabling the Panamera to be driven in a number of modes ranging from all-electric drive - completely free of emissions - to the more familiar driving style of a Porsche, reported Reuters.

The maker of Porsche 968 radiators said that the system will improve fuel economy in city and highway driving and will provide extra power when needed for maximum acceleration. Porsche dubbed it as a full hybrid which means the system is powerful enough to drive the large car on electricity alone up to 25 or 30 miles per hour. Depending on driving conditions, the hybrid module is able to disengage either the combustion engine or the electric motor, or combine both drive systems as one joint power unit, said Freep.com.

The Panamera Gran Turismo makes its world debut in 2009 and will be introduced initially with traditional powertrains. The hybrid version will follow shortly. The release will be dependent on market requirements.

Bugatti Veyron Has A Challenger!

2008-01-10T16:55:00.000-08:00

Wow, can you believe this? The number one and the most expensive car in the planet, the Bugatti Veyron, already has a fierce competition… and I believe it’s even powerful than the Veyron! Whew, this is indeed a great match-up! Better do something to cool your hot radiators because this is a burning and smoking hot stuff!

The vehicle that I’m talking about is the Mosler MT900S Nelson Racing with 1800 horsepower! Yup, it has a greater kick compared to the Veyron. No kidding. It can blast off with 1800 horsepower and that's a huge amount of power if you ask me. And there’s more. According to Top Speed, Nelson Racing obtained almost double than that while is striving to reach the 1000 hp mark and break the Bugatti Veyron’s current record. Wow, unbelievable. That’s what Mosler MT900S is all about… superpower.

Top Speed affirmed that the Mosler MT900S is an American Supercar powered by a mid-mounted 435 hp Corvette Z06 V8. However, Nelson Racing’s "red devil" took away the Corvette engine and instead, they placed a SBC 427 Twin Turbo engine under the hood. It is a small block Chevy with 7 liters and it has been entirely modified.

This engine is packed with ground-breaking technology that lets it recognize two kinds of fuel. One is a "normal" fuel with which it enhances to 1150 horsepower, and a second one that permits the engine to arrive at a maximum power of 1800 horses. The driver has a switch on the dashboard that allows it to shift the power from 600 horses to 1800.

Trivia: The Mosler MT900S is nearly double than the Bugatti Veyron and it only weights 1100 kilos! Believe it.

Barenaked Ladies To Rock The Cobo Arena

2008-01-08T16:57:00.000-08:00

The 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is fast approaching and it’s going to be big! This year, the event organizers have prepared a lot of surprises for the thousands of automotive enthusiasts around the world. The 2008 NAIAS guarantees 100 percent fun and entertainment!

One of the amusements in the much awaited event is the live performance of the legendary pop-rock band Barenaked Ladies. According to the Auto Channel, the group will play their greatest hits inside the Cobo Arena for the annual black-tie Charity Preview gala. The Canadian born pop-rock band is all set to rock the Cobo Arena and bang those condensers on Friday, Jan. 18, 2008. Furthermore, the live performance is sponsored by Sprint.

"Seeing Barenaked Ladies perform at Charity Preview will make this truly a night to remember for our guests," said Carl Galeana, the senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2008. "Anyone with a Charity Preview ticket can watch the band perform in Cobo Arena."

At the day of the show, attendees are required to present their ticket stub right before stepping right at the entrance of Cobo Arena to witness the Barenaked Ladies' performance. The event will provide seating and standing room along with foods and drinks.

’07 & ’08 Minivans That Get 20+ MPG

2008-01-02T17:40:00.000-08:00

First of all, I want to greet every one a happy happy New Year! There you go! Yes I know our radiators were cooled down by the short break granted to us during the holidays. But we’re back and its business as usual. Anyway, to start off, let’s get to know the best minivans that get 20+ MPG. Let’s all check it out.

Here is the list of 2007 & 2008 minivans that obtain 20+ MPG courtesy of my source:

2007 Toyota Sienna CE FWD with 7 Passenger Seating - 22
2007 Toyota Sienna CE FWD with 8 Passenger Seating - 22
2007 Toyota Sienna LE FWD with 7 Passenger Seating - 22
2007 Toyota Sienna LE FWD with 8 Passenger Seating - 22
2007 Toyota Sienna XLE FWD - 22
2007 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited FWD - 22
2007 Dodge Caravan SWB SE - 22
2007 Saturn RELAY FWD 1 - 21
2007 Saturn RELAY FWD 2 - 21
2007 Saturn RELAY FWD 3 - 21
2007 Chevrolet Uplander LS Regular Wheelbase 1LS - 21
2007 Chevrolet Uplander LS Extended Wheelbase 1LS - 21
2007 Chevrolet Uplander LT Extended Wheelbase 1LT - 21
2007 Chevrolet Uplander LT Extended Wheelbase 2LT - 21
2007 Chevrolet Uplander LT Extended Wheelbase 3LT - 21
2007 Buick Terraza CX Plus - 21
2007 Buick Terraza CXL - 21
2007 Buick Terraza CX - 21
2007 Nissan Quest 3.5 - 21
2007 Nissan Quest 3.5 S - 21
2007 Nissan Quest 3.5 SL - 21
2007 Nissan Quest 3.5 SE - 21
2007 Chevrolet Truck Uplander Cargo Van FWD - 21
2007 Honda Odyssey EX-L - 21
2007 Honda Odyssey EX-L w/ DVD - 21
2007 Honda Odyssey EX-L w/ DVD and Navigation System - 21
2007 Honda Odyssey Touring w/ Navigation System - 21
2007 Honda Odyssey Touring - 21
2007 Chrysler Town & Country SWB Base - 21
2007 Chrysler Town & Country LWB LX - 21
2007 Dodge Caravan SWB SXT - 21
2007 Dodge Grand Caravan SE - 21
2008 Nissan Quest 3.5 - 21
2008 Nissan Quest 3.5 S - 21
2008 Nissan Quest 3.5 SL - 21
2008 Nissan Quest 3.5 SE - 21
2007 Hyundai Entourage GLS - 20
2007 Hyundai Entourage SE - 20
2007 Hyundai Entourage Limited - 20
2007 Kia Sedona LX LWB - 20
2007 Kia Sedona EX LWB - 20
2007 Honda Odyssey LX - 20
2007 Honda Odyssey EX - 20
2007 Toyota Sienna LE AWD - 20
2007 Toyota Sienna XLE AWD - 20
2007 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited AWD - 20
2007 Chrysler Town & Country LWB Touring - 20
2007 Chrysler Town & Country LWB Limited - 20
2007 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT - 20
2007 Kia Sedona Base SWB - 20
2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L - 20
2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L w/ DVD - 20
2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L w/ DVD and Navigation System - 20
2008 Honda Odyssey Touring - 20
2008 Honda Odyssey Touring w/ PAX Tires - 20

TACH Reviews Scion xD

2008-01-02T17:37:00.000-08:00

Japanese automaker Toyota knew that to become the largest automaker in the world, it needs to target all demographics. For most of us, the Toyota division caters to our vehicle needs. For well off consumers, Toyota created the Lexus division. And for the youth, the Japanese automaker created Scion. The youth brand of Toyota is offering unique vehicles which appeal to the taste of younger generations of car buyers.

One of the vehicles that the marquee is proud of is the xB. Now, the xB has a sister, the xA. Unfortunately, the xA did not go well with consumers so Toyota saw it fit to replace it with the xD. But is the xD better than the xA and does it have the same toughness as a nerf bar?

John Helig of The Auto Channel had the chance to take one of these xDs for a ride and let us check out how it went and what his review for the xD is like.

He writes: "Like its mates, the xD makes innovative use of the space available. For example, there are cup holders in the door pockets, a fold-out cubby by the driver’s left knee, a small shelf under the instrument panel on the driver’s side, and a huge second glove box over the standard box."

"While we liked the “Scion Pioneer” audio system, it was difficult to learn with regard to tuning, setting memory stations, and even finding what you wanted. I even checked the owners manual (granted, quickly) and still couldn’t figure it out. I was searching for a satellite radio station that wasn’t rock and eventually switched to a CD because I got lost too often."

All in all, he said: "The new xD is a replacement for the original xA and offers the same great features – Scion-ish styling, compactness, excellent use of space and economy. But, being a subcompact, it does require some planning before entering, especially if you’re a senior citizen."

Straight From Adrian Fernandez

2007-12-27T00:21:00.000-08:00

Adrian Fernandez was a newcomer in the American Le Mans Series. But he, along with other Acura teams, etched strong results. Wanna hear the secret? Well, the secret and not-so-secret truth is great to hear straight from Adrian.

Next year, Fernandez Racing will switch from their Lola B06/43 to a new ARX-01b Acura>. The maker of Acura cap and rotor kit could have pretty overwhelmed by the results.

Endurance Info has asked Adrian about his feelings on the season. Here’s an excerpt of the interview:

Adrian, have your ALMS results been beyond your expectations?

"I think our results this year were in line with our expectations. We knew it was going to be a learning year because we were entering a new series. Obviously, our expectations are much higher for next season. We want to consistently be challenging for race wins."

After the second place in the LMP2 category and your first overall podium, did you even hope for better results?

"For sure, you always want to win but at the same time you have to be realistic. Sebring was a great start to the season for us and a great accomplishment by everyone at Acura. But when we left there, we realized the performance of our car was not at the level we wanted and we had some work to do. As the season progressed, it was obvious that the year or more of experience that the Penske Porches had on us was invaluable."

What do you consider as our best race so far in the ALMS?

"I would say the season finale at Laguna Seca where we finished third. For me, the last 30 minutes of the race were great. I had a good battle going with my friend Tony Kanaan and, if it wasn’t for lapped traffic, I thought we had a shot of passing one of the Penske Porsches."

Why do you switch next year to the Acura ARX-01b instead of your Lola? Is it a personal choice or is it an Acura choice?

"It was a joint decision. The Lola chassis has an ideal position or “sweet” spot and it loses that when changes in conditions happen. We just never got a handle on it. The car was great at certain tracks but a real handful at others like Houston. We need to be competitive at every track."

On the tracks, where were the RS Spyders more performing? When braking, on the straights, in the corners?

"It really depended on the circuit but at some tracks, I felt we were pretty closely matched."

Did you notice some differences between your Lola and the AGR and Highcroft Acuras? Handling, braking?

"As I mentioned earlier, the biggest difference was that the Lola was better suited to some tracks as opposed to others. When you go to smooth tracks where you can run the car low, it is good. We struggled on tracks that are bumpy. You had to raise the car and it lost downforce and you basically lose overall grip."

Do you think you will be able to challenge the Porsches next year?

"Absolutely. We have high expectations with the amount of development worked planned in the off-season plus we are now part of a “three-car” effort."

Cool MX-5 For 2008

2007-12-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

Japanese automaker Mazda has been known for its iconic sports car, the MX-5, all over the world. The performance and the overall value of the car have made it one of Britain's most favorite sports cars. Thus, Mazda is also offering British consumers an upscale version of the MX-5 this coming 2008.

The Auto Channel recently reported that come January 1, 2008, Mazda will be making a special edition MX-5 to their British consumers. As it will be launched in winter and it has features for winter driving, it is aptly named after Japan's most prestigious skiing resort, the Niseko.

Here's what Mark Cameron, Mazda UK's marketing director, had to say regarding the launch of the MX-5 Niseko: "Mazda MX-5 customers have traditionally given a warm welcome to each new 'special edition' model introduced during our roadster’s 18 year history. Now, for the first time with the Niseko, we are offering a 'special' model in both soft-top and roadster coupe forms and with co-ordinated brown leather seats and interior trim. Personally, I think the new 'Icy Blue' colour is going to appeal particularly to women buyers, although since launch the third generation Mazda MX-5 has achieved a 50/50, male/female sales mix as predicted."

"Traditionally, MX-5 buyers spend more on accessories and do more to individualise their cars, than other Mazda owners. Although the majority of those buyers use their MX-5s all-year-round, the peak ordering period is from February through to May, so the introduction of Niseko in January will boost sales at the back end of winter and give us a head-start for a spring sales boom," Cameron added.

For sure, this Niseko MX-5 will be equipped with auto parts as reliable as Acura CSX wheels and will have better performance than the common MX-5.

Nissan FORUM Concept: A Perfect Fit For The Family

2007-12-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

Nissan will deliver another great innovation to the auto industry with their Nissan FORUM which is a tentative design concept prepared by Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA). According to The Auto Channel, the FORUM embodies the future’s revolution in family vehicles. It responds to the challenge of producing family passenger vehicles more stylish, attractive and convenient to both passengers and drivers. Talk about sleek vent visors and body styling!

The FORUM concept provides a large selection of ground-breaking initiatives, beginning from its trackless sliding side doors and the riddance of traditional B-pillars - down to the interior features that exhibits a multi-position rotating 2nd row seat and sophisticated amusement and family communications features. The Nissan FORUM will have its worldwide debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.

"From a conceptual standpoint, FORUM is closer to a family limousine than the minivans Gen Xers have grown up with. But unlike a real limo - or sometimes traditional minivans - the FORUM driver is just as important as the passengers. It offers a sophisticated space for adults and an engaging space for children - allowing both groups to enjoy themselves in their own individualistic ways while being connected in one vehicle. Like every Nissan, this dramatic FORUM Concept combines passionate driving, emotive design and an abundance of advanced, user-friendly technology," says Rachel Nguyen, director, Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan North America, Inc.

"We also know that with traditional minivans, both moms and dads sometimes feel like they are sitting in a kids' playroom - losing their identities in the vehicle," continued Nguyen. "FORUM lets kids be kids and grown-ups be grown-ups, with the adults firmly in charge,” added Nguyen on the matter.

"There are many occasions during a week when, with a family's busy schedule, the vehicle is the only place where everyone is together - so we've incorporated features and technology to enhance this precious 'quality time,'" said Nguyen.

Star Racers Divulge Precious Christmas Gifts

2007-12-24T01:56:00.000-08:00

How do racers celebrate Christmas? Does the celebration have something to do with speed? Well, let’s hear it straight from the stars of racing series…

"My best Christmas gift ever was probably when I got my first motorcycle! I was about nine years old and my parents got me an '84 Honda CR80. Only problem was that I couldn't come close to touching the ground when I sat on it. My dad had made a special lower seat for me (by basically cutting away all the padding) so it had a real 'unique' look to it that could never be mistaken. I was sort of thinking that I might get a CR60 but I think my dad thought that it wouldn't have enough horsepower! Anyway, I had lots of good times on that bike and learned some valuable lessons as well. That thing was a screamer!" said Alex Gurney, 2007 Daytona Prototype Champion, GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing.

"My best Christmas gift was a Richard Petty slot car. For a few years running, my brothers and I would all get a slot car set to share. By the time each Christmas would roll around, the previous set was usually toasted so the need was there, plus a new track layout was cause for excitement. I'm not sure exactly which year it was, but one year I got a Tyco set and my car was The King's #43 Olds 440. I was born in 1975, so he was kind of the man and now I had his race car. I would be undefeatable forever from now on! It was a good car and I kept it long after the set was trashed. I don't know where it went, but now I can get one on eBay..." said Jon Fogarty, 2007 Daytona Prototype co-Champion, GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing.

Memo Rojas, driver of the No. 01 TELMEX/Chip Ganassi with Felix Sabates Racing Lexus Riley: "My best gift ever was a Formula 1 R/C car that was the 1992 Mclaren that Ayrton Senna drove to one of his championships. He was my racing hero growing up so it was the coolest gift I ever had."

Travis Walker, Compass 360 Racing Acura TSX pilot, has this to say: "The best Christmas ever was when I was four and Santa brought me a Batman sled. I thought he spoke with Batman and together they made me a sled that looked like the Batmobile and I was the only one who got this cool gift. Of course, I couldn't wait to get it on the hill and see how fast it could go. Even then speed was important. Little did I know then what I would be doing now."

Karl Thomson, Compass 360 Racing Acura driver and team boss, said: "When I was in my late teens, my father spent a few years working in the Middle East. My sister and I, being at school in Canada, would fly to meet my parents there for Christmas. The first time it was pretty emotional because we hadn't seen each other in months. It felt strange, even exotic, to be celebrating Christmas in the middle of a desert."

As expected, a lot of them involved speed!

Let’s change the scenario, if they are to give you a present, what would it be? Would Acura lower control arm suffice?

credit: Grand-Am

EPA Shocks Environmentalists

2007-12-20T17:55:00.000-08:00

The EPA has been a staunch ally of environmentalists for years. Both sides are looking forward to a greener future. With the increasing there of global warming, the Congress passed a legislation which decreed that automakers should manufacture vehicles with better fuel economy. That means greenhouse gas production will be cut substantially. Environmentalists and automakers like Chrysler and Toyota have praised the Congress for passing the law.

But the Environmental Protection Agency shocked environmentalists when it denied California ands 17 other states the right to follow the new regulations regarding the fight against global warming. Jim Trip, general counsel for Environmental Defense said: "EPA is not following science or the law."

Fred Krupp, the president of Environmental Defense said: "This decision is like pulling over the fire trucks on their way to the blaze. For 40 years, EPA administrators have recognized the important role that California plays in innovating new standards to fight pollution."

The Auto Channel reported that: "The Supreme Court ruled decisively in April 2007 that EPA does have the authority and the obligation to regulate global warming emissions. Two other federal courts - the 2nd district court in Vermont in September and the 9th district court in California earlier this month - also enforced states' rights to proceed with clean car rules. The federal courts also dismissed automakers' claims that they did not have the technology to meet such standards."

Despite those decisions, the EPA denied California's waiver saying that the new CAFE standards is enough to cut down greenhouse gas emission.

Vickie Patton, deputy general counsel for Environmental Defense had this to say: "The administration is putting the brakes on state action to address the global warming crisis. The Administration's first bold act on global warming - and it's to stop the states who are trying to do something about the problem. It is just plain shocking." But this is not as shocking as the fact that auto parts like radiators are available online.

Chery A1 Now In Mexico

2007-12-19T16:44:00.000-08:00

Chrysler will start making the Chery A1 available in the Mexican car market. Dodge will be handling the release of the re-badged Chery A1 mini car in Mexico very soon. This is the very first time that the collaboration of Chrysler and Chery would reach success in the Mexican car market. The news was reported by the Xinhua News Agency.

A Chery official was able to inform, "Chery A1 cars, built at the company's Wuhu plant, will start to be sold as Dodge brand vehicles in Mexico as scheduled," but he declined to comment on sales target or distribution channels for the model.

The A1 model of Chery was the subcompact model Chery QQ with a 1.3-litre petrol engine designed to run at a top speed of 156 km/h. The brand new car is opting to hitch younger customers and in its current data, they were able to sell 40,000 to 65,000 yuan (5,000 to 8,125 U.S. dollars) in the Chinese market. This is because of the parts given to the re-badged model like new cargo liners and many more.

The move to collaborate by Chrysler and Chery is now making large fruits according to its officers. Industry analysts say this heralds Chery’s entry into the North America market.

DaimlerChrysler president CEO Zetsche said that "in a first step we are focusing on an existing Chery product only for Canada and Mexico, and in a second step we want to bring out a car defined by Chrysler." This was the statement taken from the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

2 Million Michigan Residents Have Holiday Travel Plans According AAA

2007-12-18T18:33:00.000-08:00

Nothing beats a great Holiday escapade when you can break out from the blistering cold of winter and instead find a cozy spot where you can celebrate and enjoy the holidays with your family or with loved ones. A lot of people are planning to travel during this time of the year and guess what? Michigan is one of the states that are very much eager to take holiday travels. Approximately 2 million Michigan residents are bound to travel over 50 miles away from their homes according to the AAA.

According to The Auto Channel, nearly all (90 percent) vacationers will heat up their steering racks take their car, truck or van to their final destinations this year while some will travel by plane (10 percent).

"Whether driving or flying, travelers face steep increases in their travel budgets this season. Gasoline prices remain at unprecedented levels for this time of year, with prices of $3 a gallon or more a common sight across much of the country. Airfares averaging 16 percent more than last Christmas mean that bargains may be harder to find for those who are flying to their final destination," says Claire Lockley, the vice president of Travel for The Auto Club Group (ACG).

Other survey findings published at TheAutoChannel.com:

The largest share of Christmas travelers nationwide will leave on Friday, December 21, spending an average of 5.8 nights away from home.
The average price for an airline ticket is up 16 percent for travel during the week of Christmas and 9 percent during New Year's.
Hotel rates for AAA-Rated Three Diamond hotels climbed 4 percent and 9 percent respectively compared with Christmas and New Year's a year ago.

Michigan motorists should anticipate a fee of 76 cents or more for a gallon of gas this year ($2.985 as of December 14), compared with last year's prices.

Recall Of 15,600 Tundra Pickups

2007-12-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

If BMW 760 parts are made with quality and excellence, what about Toyota’s propeller shaft? Well, this news will certainly answer that question.

Toyota is now facing another batch of recalls. This time, its 15,600 four-by-four versions of the 2007 Tundra pickup truck made for the US car market shall be sent for recalls because of faulty propeller shafts connected to the rear axle which causes the malfunctioning of the truck.

The rear propeller shaft failed to be heated properly thus leading to an inadequate amount of hardness. According to some news on the net, this existing problem can lead to more serious events like car crashes and other car accidents. The company said that the car part separates at the joint and it can cause the truck to be forced to stop.

According to Toyota spokesman Bill Kwong, the reports did not mention anything like accidents or injuries but the existing problem must be solved at the soonest time possible. The rear propeller shaft helps drive the rear axle, which turns the rear wheels.

The Japanese car maker was able to identify the problem because of the sounds made by it. The abnormal sound produced on car rears could identify such problem.

All owners of the affected truck will receive a letter that says their car has to undergo recall. The dealer will replace the rear propeller shaft for free. They only have to bring their cars to authorized dealers. You can contact Toyota at (800) 331-4331 for further information.

The Best Deals

2007-12-14T16:54:00.000-08:00

If you are looking to buy a car, I am sure that you will be looking to purchase one at a very good deal. You can do your research if you want to buy a car at a good deal. Or you can check out this post from The Auto Channel, the report is about IntelliChoice's list of great deals for vehicles this month.

I would like to share the list with you, so without further ado, here they are:

Subcompact Car MINI Cooper Hatchback
Compact Car over $16,000 Honda Civic Hybrid
Compact Car under $16,000 Honda Civic Sedan
Midsize Car over $21,000 Toyota Prius
Midsize Car under $21,000 Toyota Prius
Convertible MINI Cooper Convertible
Luxury Convertible Audi A4 Convertible
Near Luxury Car BMW 3 Series Sedan
Luxury Car Lexus ES
Large Car Toyota Avalon
Base Sport Car Volkswagen GTI 2-door
Sport Car Chevrolet Corvette
Sport Sedan/Wagon over $38,000 Lexus GS Hybrid
Sport Sedan Wagon under $38,000 Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan
Compact Utility/Crossover Ford Escape Hybrid
Midsize Crossover Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Luxury Crossover Lexus RX 400h
Small Wagon Toyota Matrix
Midsize/Large Wagon Subaru Outback Wagon
Intermediate Utility Hummer H3
Full-Size Utility GMC Yukon
Luxury Utility Lexus GX
Minivan Honda Odyssey
Full-Size Passenger Van Ford E150 Passenger Van
Full Size Cargo Van Chevrolet Uplander Cargo Van
Compact Pickup Truck 2WD Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 2WD
Compact Pickup Truck 4WD Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 4WD
2WD 1/2 Ton Full-Size Pickup Truck Toyota Tundra Regular Cab 2WD
2WD 3/4 Ton Full-Size Pickup Truck Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 2WD
2WD One Ton Full-Size Pickup Truck Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab 2WD
4WD 1/2 Ton Full-Size Pickup Truck Toyota Tundra Regular Cab 4 WD
4WD 3/4 Ton Full-Size Pickup Truck Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD
4WD One Ton Full-Size Pickup Truck Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab 4WD

So there you are, I hope that would help you look for the right car for you. No doubt these vehicles are equipped with parts as reliable as Mercedes radiators.

Mercedes Found A "Treasure"

2007-12-11T21:05:00.000-08:00

The German Mercedes-Benz has unearthed gold with "National Treasure: Book of Secrets." Ah-yes, that Nicolas Cage action-adventure that opens on the 21st of this month.

Two of the automaker's models were used in high-profile chase scenes for the movie. What’s more, Mercedes need not even pay for the exposure. Free exposure that is. Isn’t that awesome!

By contrast, General Motors Corp. spent millions on television spots and other media to support its vehicles' starring roles in "Transformers" during the summer.

Mercedes' newly designed 2008 C-Class sedan, which went on sale here in America last August, is featured in the film's main chase scene, with Nicolas Cage behind the wheel, Reuters reported. Its GL-Class sport utility vehicle is used in a Washington chase scene. Combined, the maker of Mercedes SL5000 radiator believes its vehicles will get screen time of 5 to 7 minutes.

Lisa Holladay, manager of brand experience marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA, said the integration stemmed from the automaker's long-term relationship with the film's producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, who owns several Mercedes vehicles.

However, once Mercedes saw footage of its vehicles in the film at an early screening, it decided to sponsor a game on the "National Treasure" Web site titled "The World's Biggest Treasure Hunt" and to provide the game's grand prize, a C-Class sports sedan signed by Bruckheimer and Cage. It also signed on to sponsor the film's New York premiere Thursday, providing Mercedes vehicles to transport the talent.

The German automaker also paid the costs of transporting and outfitting 6 C-Class and two GL-Class vehicles for filming, all 8 of which were ruined during production process.

"When we did see the placement, which is really what we call 'hero placement' of the vehicle because the placement is so good, we decided to go forward with a full-scale marketing activation program against the movie," Holladay said.

Holladay did not divulge how much the automaker is spending on its online game and other sponsorships. However, watchers believe the amount is far less than most major promotional partners spend on TV ads and other marketing support for tentpole films. Also, Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films declined comment.

Indeed, the automaker has found a precious treasure in the action-adventure flick! No doubt about it.

EPA MPG Rating More Accurate

2007-12-06T17:13:00.000-08:00

The price of petroleum fuel is always on the rise nowadays. Gone are the days when you can buy any vehicle you want without worrying about the cost at the pump. Thus, mpg ratings are becoming more valuable factors considered by consumers before buying a new vehicle. The Environmental Protection Agency or the EPA provides the most mpg ratings for all vehicles sold in the United States.

But the agency's ratings have been continually criticized since they are hard to attain. Thus, the agency has corrected their way of rating the fuel efficiency of vehicles. To put the new EPA mpg ratings, Cars.com tested four vehicles to determine whether the data provided by the EPA is attainable.

"As gas prices continue to rise, fuel efficiency becomes an even larger factor in the buying decision for many car shoppers," said Cars.com managing editor Patrick Olsen. "We wanted to see if the new rating system was in line with our own experiences, so that consumers could see whether to put confidence in the fuel efficiency ratings that are posted for various cars."

The guys at Cars.com drove the four vehicles like any driver would. This is to test the fuel efficiency of the four tested vehicles in real life situation. And the result shows that the new system used by the EPA is more or less accurate.

"Our little test suggests that the EPA's latest numbers -- at least the highway ones -- can be easily attainable. With the pre-2008 figures, you really had to drive conservatively to match the estimates," said Olsen. "With the agency's new figures, you can drive like you normally would and expect to achieve the ratings, which of course is the idea behind the EPA estimates. For regular drivers, these numbers seem much more usable, and helpful, than previous pie-in-the-sky figures."

The test though does not include the fuel efficiency of vehicles which have been enhanced with accessories such as fog lights and other performance enhancing auto components. Nevertheless, the EPA's new ratings are more reliable than they are in the past.

Give A Gift, Gear A Car Nut

2007-12-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

Time is slipping away so fast. And before you know it, time is running out to find the perfect holiday gift for that special car nut of yours. Mind you, the gifts aren’t as traditional as Acura CL fender flares.

Well, I found a helpful article to help you pick that cool and precious gift. DetNews recommends:

RideMakerz -- Big fun from little cars you build
If you've heard of the Build-A-Bear franchise, the concept of RideMakerz will be familiar. Instead of picking out a cuddly teddy or cute puppy to stuff and dress, you'll choose a style and color of a toy car or truck that you'd like to build. Visit the company's Web site, choose a model and then add accessories from a nearly endless list of goodies.

Simple kits can be purchased for about $40. More extravagant motorized kits ring out for about twice that. Visit RideMakerz.com.

Freedom Grill -- Adds new meaning to 'Hot Wheels'
Designed for tailgaters and campers, this line of portable barbeque grills sports an ingenious design. When not on their stand in the backyard, these heavy-duty cookers attach to your vehicle's standard two-inch hitch receiver. Freedom Grill offers two models: the compact FG-50 for $349, and the larger stainless steel FG-100 for $899. Information and pictures can be found at FreedomGrill.com.

Mio DigiWalker -- Gets you where you're going and then some
Walk into any big box store and you'll find dozens of navigation devices. But not one of them will be like the DigiWalker from Mio-Tech. This wide-screen GPS unit includes maps of North American roadways, plus walking, biking, and hiking trails. The DigiWalker also plays movies and music. The list price is $499; the street price is closer to $450. Check out technical specifications at Mio-Tech.com.

The Power Sidekick -- Keeping it clean
It's a powerful washer, a paint buffer, and a super-sucking vacuum. For $99, the all-in-one Sidekick helps transform messy rides into clean machines. Think of it as the cleaning world's version of the Swiss Army knife. Learn more at Powersidekick.com.

MotoCam -- Shoot action video like never before
Custom-designed camera mounts fit on helmets, handlebars, hoods, fenders, and just about any smooth, flat surface. MotoCam sells units that use one, two or four cameras. This technology doesn't come cheap, but it provides the chance to record those crazy things that happen when guys say, "Hey, watch this!" Systems begin at $845. Surf to Motocam.com.

Automotive Sculpture -- Made in Detroit
Mike Caudill eats, breathes, sleeps and generally loves everything to do with cars. His career as an automotive painter led him to begin sculpting and painting on a slightly smaller scale. The store is appropriately on Woodward, just north of 14 Mile in Birmingham. Their phone will ring if you dial (248) 646-5381.

Parrot Minikit - Prepare to talk freely
Did you know that it is illegal to use a hand-held phone while driving in Detroit, Royal Oak, Southfield and Farmington? One way to avoid receiving an infraction is to use Parrot's affordable (under $100) visor-mounted speaker phone. Google "Parrot Minikit" to find specifications, reviews, and prices.

Hummer - Official Stuff
So you can't afford a new V-8-powered Hummer H3 Alpha? No problem. Visit Hummer's official Web site and buy some sterling silver H3 earrings instead (only $119). In addition to loads of branded clothing for men, women, and children, there are "must have" accessories like a Hummer Emergency Off-Road Kit for $285 (it includes first aid essentials plus tools) and Hummer Fragrance for Men at $24 (it's not eau d'Diesel). Find everything you long for at hummerstuff.com.

EthosFR - Save money all year
Give the gift that keeps on giving. With gas prices high and no relief in sight, this fuel additive makes a great gift for anybody that drives. We interviewed Joe Jacobson, CFO of Bavarian Motor Transport in Okemos, about EthosFR. His company's 320 big-rig trucks each accumulate more than 100,000 miles per year, so when he discovered that EthosFR would reduce fuel consumption by 8 percent to 12 percent, he took notice.

Average drivers can enjoy these same benefits. The cost is about $54 for 32 ounces of EthosFR. That will treat more than 300 gallons of fuel, translating to about $1 of EthosFR for a 16-gallon tank. Based on an 8 percent fuel economy boost on a car averaging 18 miles per gallon, the cost savings per tank - with fuel at $3.10 a gallon - totals more than three bucks, netting a savings of $2 per tank. Check it out at 4planetearth.net.

Now you know exactly what to give. Happy shopping! Happy holidays!

New Power Train For New Plug In Hybrid

2007-12-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

FEV will serve as the integrator of the newest power train that is going to be available with the new hybrid cars of today. This new FEV power train is said to boost fuel economy to up to 100 miles per gallon.

The leader of advanced technology and power trains has decided to join others in making the newest equipment that gives the hybrid plug in an even higher fuel efficiency. An agreement between FEV and Raser Technologies, Inc. (Raser Technologies) has been made to integrate Raser Technology's Symetron(TM) electric motor and power electronic drive powertrain technology into a traditional internal combustion gasoline engine. This definitely has the quality of the Acura cold air intake filter.

Raser announced their partnership with the global automotive manufacturer to produce a plug-in electric demonstration vehicle using Raser's technology. The new demonstration aims to prove that this new power train really works.

With the reputations of both companies being on the good side, we certainly agree that these new project is a going to be a sure success.

"We look upon this project as an opportunity to demonstrate powertrain innovation. The speed of change in the powertrain industry requires vision and rapid development. Through projects such as this in conjunction with Raser, we are able to apply practical technologies that will result in reduced fuel consumption and preservation of our environment," said Gary Rogers, the president of FEV's U.S. operations.

Raser's vice president of transportation, Jim Spellman, said, "We are excited to be working with FEV on this project. FEV is a global leader in powertrain and vehicle integration with extensive experience in powertrain development for OE customers. This experience will enable Raser Technologies and FEV to develop a viable vehicle with application in today's marketplace."

Acura Considers Redesigning RL

2007-11-27T17:43:00.000-08:00

One of the best cars to have come from Acura is the RL. But the sale of the luxury division's flagship has not been really that good. After all, there have been some consumers who have been complaining about the RL being left behind by the competition. Its styling has been described as outdated and its V6 engine is subpar already. The latest redesign of the RL was back in 2004 and it might be due for another one next year.

If Acura decides to redesign the RL what can we expect? I think that the RL may be given a new engine. With most of its competitors boasting of high powered V8 engines, Honda may be thinking hard about giving the RL a bigger engine. But since auto buyers are thinking green nowadays, the new engine should be more fuel efficient.

Honda has been known for its fuel efficient and reliable vehicles. Reliability is a given as Honda has made a living capitalizing on that attribute of their vehicles as well a Acura vehicles. Honda's sale has risen in the past years because of their reputation of building durable vehicles thus the new Acura RL should be as reliable as past vehicles. Fuel efficiency though is a bit tricky.

Giving the new RL a bigger engine would definitely increase its fuel consumption. Since the Acura RL is a luxury car, buyers of the RL will not be worried bout the increasing price of gasoline right? Actually, wrong. With the price of petroleum fuel always increasing, even luxury car buyers are looking for a powerful but fuel efficient vehicle. Thus, Honda has to come up with that sort of engine. Apart from that we can expect the Acura RL to have the same tough Acura bumper and other auto parts.

Best Cars For Amateur Drivers

2007-11-26T22:59:00.000-08:00

Now is the moment that you’ve been waiting for…Finally, you’re allowed to have your own car. But the question is: what car should you take home?

If you are a parent of an amateur driver, sure you have fretted over that fact at one point in time. That leads us back to the query: what car should my teen drive?

When amateur driving is the primary issue, aesthetic and performance of the car are of lesser importance than safety. Anywhere we go there is danger. There is a threat to life. This is why we have to have safety equipment to preclude ‘preventable’ risk.

If you are attracted to Acura body parts, consider other features as well. Does the car feature mandatory electronic stability control and airbags?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which performs its own crash testing and ratings, takes a hard-line stand: It does not recommend any small cars or SUVs for younger drivers. Russ Rader, spokesman for the IIHS, said the institute favors midsize or full-size sedans, the latter being the safest vehicles overall.

"For a teenager, big and boring is better," he said. "The vehicles they want to drive are probably the ones you don't want them in."

IIHS research of crash data--comparing models before and after ESC was installed--has shown that ESC systems reduce single-vehicle crashes by more than 40%, and fatal accidents by 56%. Projections indicate that equipping all cars with ESC could avoid up to 10,000 of the 34,000 fatal crashes each year.

In compiling our list, we looked for 2008 models with comprehensive safety features in four vehicle classes: compact cars, midsize and large sedans, and compact sports utility vehicles. We left out subcompacts; although they are ultra-affordable and fuel-efficient, as a class they have easily the highest fatality rates of any cars or trucks. The 2008 Subaru Impreza, one of three compact cars on our list, is the first and only compact car to be designated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The award goes to models that achieve the highest possible scores in front, side and rear crash tests; whose headrests work effectively in crash testing; and that feature head-protecting side air bags and ESC.

Among compact SUVs, the Honda CR-V and Element benefit from Honda’s ongoing effort to be an industry leader in safety. Their features include sophisticated body configurations that also aim to reduce pedestrian injuries if struck in an accident. The CR-V and Element also garner IIHS Top Safety Pick awards when equipped with optional ESC systems.

As a midsize sedan, the Toyota Prius combines the security of a larger car with class-best EPA-rated fuel economy of 48/45 mpg in city and highway driving. And even for parents who demand a beefy full-size sedan, the Chevrolet Impala still manages a frugal 29 highway mpg with its 3.5-liter V-6.

For 3 consecutive years, the Honda Civic has topped all entry-level compacts for Vincentric’s Best Value in America designation, thanks to its affordability, low operating costs and tremendous resale value.

The Honda Accord, meanwhile, topped all 2008 midsize competitors with the highest projected residual value from Automotive Lease Guide, which tracks depreciation; Honda’s lineup as a whole ranks No. 1 among non-luxury brands for its projected residual values.

Nissan Murano Steals Show

2007-11-22T17:45:00.000-08:00

The Los Angeles Auto Show hosted some of the coolest cars around and one of the vehicles which stole the show is the Nissan Murano. This crossover from the Japanese automaker has taken the industry by storm when it was launched.

The guys at Cars.com gave the thumbs up to the Murano which has been built as durable as Dodge running boards. David Thomas has this to say about the Murano: "Nissan whooped up on everybody in L.A. The GT-R stunned the car-guy crowd, while the new Murano won over the practical folks looking for an SUV. The interior had Infiniti-level luxury, the power flip-down rear seats were practical, and the styling up front was crazy, but in a good way."

Joe Wiesenfelder added: "Excellent job on the interior; it's rich and comfortable. (If it seems like we're fixated on interior quality, it's because you shoppers have proved to be, too.) I still don't like knob interfaces for audio/climate control/navigation systems, and when they are employed, they really ought to be closer to the driver than is the one on the Murano, which, like other Nissans and Infinitis, is right in front of the LCD screen. I think the rear end is an improvement over the more bulbous look of the first generation. The Murano is one of a handful of vehicles with continuously variable automatic transmissions that have stood the test of time. Considering how long this crossover SUV has been on the market, the Murano deserves to be better known."

Mike Hanley made it a unanimous decision saying: "The Murano's unique face is contrasted by a rather pedestrian rear end, but the inside of the car can have some nice touches, like a two-tone dashboard and Infiniti-style navigation system. Crossovers are king in the car market today, and the new Murano looks re-energized to make a run at models like the Ford Edge."

The Melodic Facelift Of The Sonata

2007-11-22T17:02:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the Korean ad of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata? It’s pretty cool. The transformation is enormously absorbing. That’s the magic a facelift could create…

I’ve seen plenty of car ads that flaunt a remarkable transformation. But Hyundai>’s ad showcasing a model transforms into its successor is quite tuneful – even if it’s just a facelift.

It isn’t just the ad you know. The redesigned Sonata is more captivating at the Los Angeles Auto Show. While staring at the melodic facelift of the car I can’t help but imagine how much more fun I can have. The redesign is not limited to Hyundai Sonata radiator and other auto accessories.

At the said auto show, the Hyundai Motor America has pulled the wraps off its new Sonata saying it stuck with "very subtle retouching." Called the Sonata Transform in the home market, the sedan is on sale now in Korea. Export versions, meanwhile, are due out early next year.

The automaker would not confirm specifications for the U.S. version of the 2009 Sonata yet. "Specifications of export models may vary slightly from the Korean domestic version," Hyundai said in a statement.

Edmunds.com writes:

The midcycle make-over gives the Sonata a slightly more upscale appearance, with
larger headlights, a fancier grille and new alloy wheels.

Hyundai has upgraded the Sonata's engines, too. The DOHC 2.4-liter four-cylinder now makes 169 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. The DOHC 3.3-liter V6 delivers 239 hp and 228 lb-ft. Hyundai continues to offer four- and five-speed automatics on the Sonata.

The 2009 Sonata gets a new floor console and door trim, as well as auxiliary input jacks. Dual-zone climate control has been added for front-seat passengers, as have high-low switches for the front seat warmers.

What this means to you: You'll have to look hard to see the changes in the '09 Sonata.

Images of the upcoming Sonata sedan have leaked ahead of its debut. The Sonata's mid-cycle facelift isn't drastically different from last year's car, but does include new wheels, modified front and rear fascias, and an updated interior. More pics here.

Compared to the automaker’s first-generation of Theta engines, the Theta II delivers acceleration and power but raises mileage while decreasing emissions. This is done by adding a variable induction system and variable valve timing.

Cadillac CTS Is Motor Trend’s 2008 Car of the Year

2007-11-20T17:28:00.000-08:00

Cars, cars and cars… we have the best vehicles in the market so far and for the next years to come, it would be as twice as exciting compared to our new models today. From all these great vehicles lined up for us, there is only one ultimate winner entitled to the throne of the ‘Best Car’ over-all. I have my own personal choice of course and that is the Dodge Viper packed with powerful Dodge performance chips! And speaking of best cars, Motor Trend has finally made their choice to which they will crown the 2008 Car of the Year. And the winner is…

The 2008 Cadillac CTS! According to TheAutoChannel.com, Motor Trend (www.motortrend.com) announced the proclamation of the new 2008 Cadillac CTS as the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year™.

“The Cadillac CTS marks the first time in decades an American automobile has been designed and engineered with an eye on the global marketplace. Among its many excellent qualities, perhaps the most valuable one is that it shows Detroit can build a world class car to compete with the best Munich, Stuttgart and Toyota City have to offer. With the CTS, Detroit is officially back in the car business, not just the truck or SUV business,” says Angus MacKenzie, the editor-in-chief of Motor Trend.

“The CTS’s winning attributes go far beyond a well-designed façade,” said MacKenzie. “It’s the star of a new GM revival, and with a base car price of just $32,990, the car is truly accessible to a wide spectrum of car buyers.”

Motor Trend editors had a hard time deciding on which car to choose among the great lineup of contenders for the said award. Judges were immensely challenged upon evaluating and coming up with the ultimate winner.

“This year’s 18-car field was laden with truly significant vehicles,” said MacKenzie. “We had all-new interpretations of high-volume benchmark cars that virtually define their respective categories, such as the Honda Accord and Chrysler-Dodge minivan. We had reworked icons such as the Mini Cooper, Subaru Impreza WRX and Scion xB. We had new cars with old nameplates that carried the collective hopes of an entire company, along with all-new vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and Audi.”

Volkswagen Donates $5.75M To Stanford University

2007-11-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

A huge $5.75 million is to be donated by the Volkswagen of America as support to Stanford University's creation of the Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Lab (VAIL) on campus. This is a new program that would support automotive teaching and research.

The new VAIL as well as the CarLab research and teaching program housed at VAIL will be helping improve automotive-related research on campus by increasing the opportunities of the future collaborations between VW and Stanford. The collaboration will be building a global community of academic and industrial partners to have a successful future in research.

Dr. Burkhard Huhnke, the executive director of Electronics Research Laboratory, Volkswagen of America, Incorporated, said, "The VAIL will be a solid foundation on which Volkswagen researchers and Stanford scientists will be able to find new ways to explore automotive technology. The work done at VAIL will help to further develop the future of mobility and autonomous driving that we started with our partnership on the DARPA Grand Challenge vehicles, Stanley and Junior."

The amount of $2 million will be given to Stanford for housing VAIL and the company will also provide $750,000 a year for five years to fund research and teaching activities in Stanford's CarLab, an interdisciplinary research center, based at VAIL.

"The success of Junior and Stanley in the DARPA Grand Challenge events show that when Stanford collaborates with great partners in industry, such as Volkswagen, we can create significant new technologies. Transportation is a vital part of life and our goal as engineers is to find innovative ways to meet important human needs,” Jim Plummer, the dean of Stanford Engineering, said.

Just like Acura strut mounts, this news is also available online at The Auto Channel.

Fernandez Racing Entertains Chassis Shift

2007-11-14T19:03:00.000-08:00

The upcoming season for the American Le Mans Series is fast approaching. And to prepare for the 2008 ALMS season, Lowe’s Fernandez Racing said that it will be shifting to the Acura ARX-01b chassis in the LMP2 class competition.

Additionally, the team announced that the official entry - the #15 Lowe’s Acura ARX-01b - will once again be piloted by Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz, who recorded 3 podiums and 6 top-five results this season.

The Acura ARX-01b chassis, which was made in cooperation with Wirth Research in England, is the latest version of the ARX-01a which was produced by Honda Performance Development (HPD). The chassis was campaigned by Andretti Green Racing and Highcroft Racing this season with the 2 teams combining for 1 win and 7 podiums as well as an additional 3 top-five finishes in 12 events. All 3 Acura teams used the 3.4-liter LM V8 engine and Michelin tires. The V8 engine was designed and developed at HPD.

“What Acura has accomplished in their first season of ALMS is remarkable,” said Fernandez. “They were strong out of the box with not only a brand-new engine but the chassis as well. Expectations are even higher for next year with the amount of development work planned for the off-season. To become a full Acura effort is something that everyone at Lowe’s Fernandez Racing is really excited about because this will definitely help to take our program up to the next level. ”

“The opportunity to run an ARX chassis next season greatly adds to our resource base,” noted Acura’s Team Co-Owner and Managing Director Tom Anderson. “Not only will we benefit from the substantial development work by HPD, Wirth and the AGR and Highcroft teams to date, we will be able to contribute to that database as we begin to operate as part of a three-car effort on all fronts. ”

The maker of Acura spoilers introduced the ARX in a 12-hour simulation run at the 2007 Sebring International Raceway in February. “We are very pleased to have Lowe’s Fernandez Racing compete with our latest version of the Acura P2 chassis, the ARX-01b, in 2008,” said Robert Clarke, the President of HPD. “As the assigned engine development team within Acura’s ALMS program, the Lowe’s Fernandez team worked well with our HPD engineers and contributed significantly to the development of the Acura LM V8 engine, our win in the Twelve Hours of Sebring and our perfect reliability record in our inaugural season in the series.”

“Now, with our on-going Acura chassis development program with Wirth Research and the HPD staff, the Lowe’s Fernandez team will have the opportunity to work together with our other Acura teams on the new chassis as we prepare for a very competitive 2008 ALMS road racing campaign. We believe the combined communication and cooperation of all of our Acura teams will assist us in our quest for race victories and the 2008 P2 class championship,” he concluded.

The team will start testing the chassis in January. To note, the 2008 ALMS season opens March 15 with the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

[credit: Auto Racing Daily]

Expect Green Cars At NAIAS

2007-11-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

It is now official that the auto industry is going green. The increasing price of gasoline and the increasing threat of global warming have caused the trend to shift. At motor shows across the globe, automakers are showcasing green vehicle technologies which environmentalists of course are accepting with open arms.

At the upcoming North American International Auto Show, the trend will continue as the organizers have announced that there will be a focus on the showcase of green vehicle technologies. The Auto Channel reported that the event will be opening in less than 70 days.

Joe Serra, NAIAS 2008 co-chairman has this to say: "Although it's too early for the show to reveal all the plans for NAIAS 2008, we can confirm that we are expecting a great year for vehicle unveilings. Already the trends are showing that there will be a great emphasis this year on fuel-efficient vehicles, as well alternative technologies in powertrain. We also are expecting greater trends toward lighter vehicles that emphasize the role of design in maximizing space."

Meanwhile, Carl Galeana, senior co-chairman of the event said: "NAIAS 2008 is coming together fast. The 10-week construction period is well underway and automakers, show exhibitors and display companies are in high gear preparing for our four separate auto show segments: Press Preview, Industry Preview, the Charity Preview black-tie gala and Public Days. With coverage of this show in every medium available in nearly every country, auto enthusiasts will have their finger on the pulse of the NAIAS with up-to-date news on all the fun and excitement of the show."

No doubt, the vehicles that will be unveiled at the event will not only be very eco-friendly but also as reliable as Dodge fuel pumps.

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe Has Arrived!

2007-11-08T18:22:00.000-08:00

We are in great anticipation and too excited for the arrival of the 2009 models especially when we hear the brand Pontiac! Our efforts have finally paid off when the most awaited moment for all car geeks is here at last. Bring in the 2009 Pontiac Vibe!

“With the 2009 Vibe, we knew we wanted to take everything we liked about the original and push it to the next level - more power, more style, and more versatility. It has the interior room and cargo capability expected of a larger SUV, but with the precise handling characteristics you would expect from any Pontiac,” says Craig Bierley, the Pontiac marketing director.

The ’09 Vibe brings out the kind of receptive performance required to securely steer those unforeseen daily driving circumstances with a package of more off-the-line power than the current model. The 2009 Vibe carries a 132-horsepower (98 kW) 1.8L DOHC four-cylinder which is a standard on base models. It revs up with over 128 lb.-ft. (174 Nm) of torque. It is even more powerful than ever! So great that it will definitely crash your VW parts!

The 2009 Vibe includes a number of all-new and superior features, including:

More powerful 1.8L base engine and a new, high-output 2.4L engine (optional on the base model, standard on the AWD and GT)
Athletic exterior styling with a faster windshield, all-new sheet metal and lighting elements
Refreshed, driver-focused interior styling with more harmonious integration of the controls
Standard electronic vehicle stability control and tire pressure monitoring systems
Six standard air bags
Enhanced functionality with integrated cargo management system and fold-flat front seat

Safety

StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability system
Tire pressure monitoring system
Dual-stage frontal air bags with a passenger sensing system
Head curtain side air bags
Side thorax air bags for the front passengers
Active head restraints
Three-point safety belts in all seating positions
Front safety belt retractors
Rear-seat LATCH child safety seat provisions in all three seating positions
OnStar

Ford Says Personalize Your Ride

2007-11-07T16:21:00.000-08:00

The Ford Motor Company is finally making your dreams come true as they revealed that they are going to give every buyer a chance to customize their rides. Well that is if you visited the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

Ford is rolling out car parts from Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealerships and makes them available as an option. Car parts displayed include Genuine Ford Accessories and Ford Licensed Accessories which allows buyers to choose which car parts to purchased.

Kim Irwin, the Ford Customer Service Division manager of Vehicle Personalization and Accessories, said, "There's no better place to customize a vehicle than at the dealership at the time of purchase. It's convenient for customers, great for dealerships, and now it will be easier than ever before."

Other parts available on the new programs are SYNC, interior lighting kits, HD radio and DVD headrests. These are only some of what's included in the lot and you can check out more information from the touch screen display for the customers to know the modifications that their cars need.

"This will allow Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealers to conquest customers who, in the past, went elsewhere for customization," Irwin said.

"It's all about personalization these days. In years past customization was an afterthought or limited to the 'fast and furious' urban consumer, but now we have suburban moms coming in, asking to see custom wheels on their Expeditions. That never happened 18 months ago,” said Kirk Stump, owner of Dale Jarrett Ford in Indian Trail, N.C.

Stump, one from Ford's Dealer Accessories Council, said the dealers he knows are very excited about getting the Custom Accessories kiosk. He said, "The ability to have a customer put their choice of Ford wheels on their new car and see what their personalized vehicle will look like will make sales pop.”

Acura Perks Up 2008 RDX

2007-10-31T04:49:00.000-07:00

Auto gadgeteers I got good news for you. Our fave small sport utility wagon has entertained gadget perk up for the 2008 model year. Yes, Acura OEM parts will now be mated to the most refined auto gadgets!

The gadget department of the new Acura vehicle has more to lure shoppers. Its redesign paved the way for sophisticated features, safety, ergonomics, and a smooth-running turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The automaker’s first production turbo motor builds noticeable advancement.

But there’s more you know…

Specifications Performance & Efficiency Hide
- Turbo compressor
- 2,300 cc 2.3 liters in-line 4 front engine with 86.0 mm bore, 99.0 mm stroke, 8.8 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder engine code
- Premium unleaded fuel 91
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 18.0 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 15.0
- Power: 179 kW , 240 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 260 ft lb , 353 Nm @ 4,500 rpm

Handling, Ride & Braking Hide
- Four-wheel ABS
- Brake assist system
- Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs
- Electronic brake distribution
- Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
- Immobilizer
- Rear and center limited slip differential
- Spacesaver steel rim internal spare wheel
- Stability control
- Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs

Exterior & Aerodynamics Hide
- Body color front and rear bumpers
- Day time running lights
- Driver power heated body color door mirrors indicator lights, passenger power heated body color door mirrors with automatic indicator lights
- External dimensions: overall length (inches): 180.7, overall width (inches): 73.6, overall height (inches): 65.2, ground clearance (inches): 6.2, wheelbase (inches): 104.3, front track (inches): 61.9, rear track (inches): 62.6 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 39.2
- Front fog lights
- Projector beam lens Xenon bulb headlights
- Luxury trim leather on gearknob, leather on doors and alloy look on dashboard
- Pearl paint
- Fixed rear window with defogger and intermittent
- Roof spoiler
- Glass electric front sunroof
- Tinted glass on cabin, rear and side
- Underbody protection for fuel tank
- Weights: curb weight (lbs) 3,924 and gross trailer weight braked (lbs) 1,500
- Windshield wipers with automatic intermittent wipe

Interior Hide
- 12v power outlet: front and 2
- Air conditioning with climate control 2
- Roof antenna
- Peripheral anti-theft protection
- Manufacturer's own RDS audio system with satellite, Disc Autochanger and six-disc remote changer CD player reads MP3
- Automatic drive indicator on dashboard
- Cargo area cover/rear parcel shelf
- Cargo area light
- Cargo capacity: rear seat down (cu ft): 60.6 and all seats in place (cu ft): 27.8
- Clock
- Coming home device
- Computer with average fuel consumption and instantaneous fuel consumption
- Full dashboard console with open storage box, full floor console with covered storage box, partial overhead console
- Delayed/fade courtesy lights
- Cruise control
- Front seats and rear seats cup holders fixed
- Door ajar warning
- Door pockets/bins for driver seat, passenger seat and rear seats
- External temperature
- Floor mats
- Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment, passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
- Sports heated electrically adjustable driver seat with height adjustment, lumbar adjustment, five adjustments and tilt adjustment, sports heated passenger seat
- Height adjustable 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
- Front seat center armrest
- Garage door opener
- Two height adjustable active head restraints on front seats, three height adjustable head restraints on rear seats
- Headlight control with time delay switch-off
- Illuminated entry system
- Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 38.7, rear headroom (inches): 38.3, front hip room (inches): 54.4, rear hip room (inches): 53.0, front leg room (inches): 41.8, rear leg room (inches): 37.7, front shoulder room (inches): 58.2 and rear shoulder room (inches): 56.3
- Low tire pressure indicator
- Remote power locks
- Vehicle speed proportional power steering
- Front power windows with two one-touch, front and rear power windows
- Front reading lights
- 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side
- Rear seat center armrest
- Three asymmetrical split bench front facing rear seats with zero adjustments
- Rear view mirror
- Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
- Remote fuel filler door release
- Front and rear side curtain airbag
- Front seat back storage
- Leather seat upholstery with additional leather
- Seating: five seats
- Service interval indicator
- Front side airbag with occupant sensors
- Seven speaker(s)
- Leather covered multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment
- Tachometer
- Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror
- Ventilation system with micro filter

[via: AutomobileMag.com]

Honda Odysseys Converted for Wheelchair Accessibility

2007-10-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

Disabled veterans are in so much gratitude as Vantage Mobility International (VMI) donated wheel-chair accessible Honda Odysseys to the New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities and the Office of Veterans Affairs! There were two converted Odysseys delivered by American Honda Motor Inc. which was supplied and adapted by VMI. The Northstar conversion will offer a power in-floor ramp for open entrance and better interior movement for all kinds of wheelchairs. Anyone with any type of disability will bounce like Chevrolet shocks if all vehicles offered to them are like these converted Odysseys!

"To have use of a vehicle of this caliber and convenience will impact tremendously the work we do to provide assistance for people with disabilities in New York City," says Matthew Sapolin, Commissioner of MOPD.

According to TheAutoChannel.com, Mayor Bloomberg recognized the special gift by meeting up with CEO of VMI, Doug Eaton and representatives of other contributing groups at Gracie Mansion.

"Mobility is paramount to freedom and independence," said Eaton. "VMI provides technologically-advanced solutions, like the Northstar in-floor conversion we used in the two donated vehicles, for people with disabilities to help them face any mobility challenge."

Various organizations helping out observe the vehicle donations were Accessible Vans and Mobility (AVM), both local dealer concentarting in converted vehicles, councils from Veterans Affairs and American Honda Motor Corporation, Inc. and United Spinal.

"Working with the Office for People with Disabilities has been an amazing and humbling experience," said Eaton. "Commissioner Sapolin and his office serve the New York City community of people with disabilities in an unparalleled capacity. We only hope this donation helps them accomplish even more good work."

2008 Odyssey: Flaunts New Level Of Sophistication

2007-10-22T23:39:00.001-07:00

Honda's Odyssey 7-passenger minivan is back for 2008 with full redesign since its debut in 1995. The Japanese automaker has significantly reworked its esteemed stunner for 2008 starting with the engine…

While you'll still find a 3.5-liter i-VTEC six-cylinder powerplant under the hoods of the LX and EX models' hoods, the automaker has revised the same unit for the EX-L and Touring models to include Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). The new technology has been updated for 2008 to deactivate either 2 or 3 of the engine's cylinders while the Odyssey is decelerating or cruising, resulting in better fuel efficiency.

The new motor produces 241hp and 242 lb-ft of torque and is able to achieve a city/highway fuel efficiency rating of 17/25 mpg. The VCM-equipped motor also features Active Noise Cancellation and an Active Control Engine Mount to trim down noise and vibration associated with the deactivation of cylinder.

The Japanese automaker also freshened the minivan’s styling. The 2008 Odyssey is equipped with new 6-sided front grille design and catchy front fascia. This is Honda’s effort to give its minivan a bolder, more upscale aura.

Underpinning the Odyssey is an independent front and rear suspension with disc brakes at all 4 corners and 16-inch wheels. ABS is standard as is Vehicle Stability Assist to keep the Odyssey tracking straight in extreme conditions and maneuvers. The features are mated to OEM Honda parts clutch for utmost performance.

Safety features include active front seat head restraints and daytime running lights as standard equipment. Dual-threshold front occupant, front-side, and three-row side-curtain airbags also equip the minivan. Using Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering, the minivan’s body structure has also been optimized for crash protection in frontal collisions.

Since the redesign has elevated the minivan to a new level of sophistication expect higher pricing this time. The base LX model will start at $25,860. The slightly upmarket Odyssey EX includes more standard features and will cost $28,960, while the topline Odyssey Touring carries a $40,610 MSRP. All Odyssey prices exclude a $635 destination charge.

2008 Honda Odyssey Specs

Distinctive New Exterior

Aggressive Front and Rear Styling
Sleek Tailgate Spoiler
Redesigned Alloy Wheels

New styling cues at the front and rear, including a new hood and tailgate spoiler, are bolder and more powerful, conveying a sense of strength and integrity. And Daytime Running Lights (DRL) have been added to help increase visibility to oncoming cars. Trace the aerodynamic lines from front to rear and you'll immediately sense that this quiet, peaceful ride is one of the best around. Power sliding doors can be easily operated with the remote entry system from up to 50 feet away. And Touring vehicles offer a power tailgate and body-colored parking sensors (front and rear) for ultimate ease of use.

Advanced Technology

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® (Touring)
MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack
Rearview Mirror with Rearview Camera Display (EX-L and EX-L with RES)

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® Technology (Touring) lets you make and receive calls with your compatible cell phone while your hands stay on the wheel. An MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack is standard on all models. And XM Satellite Radio®* is standard on EX-L and above trim levels. The available Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System, with a 9-inch display, lets rear passengers enjoy a movie or even a video game. When DVD-equipped, a 115-volt outlet in the third row lets you plug in your video-game console, laptop or other electronics. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice recognition and Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System, now standard on Touring vehicles, make it fun to find your way.

Refined Engineering

Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) (EX-L and Touring)

You might just forget that you’re driving a vehicle that can seat up to eight. A 244-hp, 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC VTEC® V-6 engine offers exceptional power while running on unleaded fuel and meeting CARB’s ULEV-2 emission rating.

On EX-L and Touring vehicles, the revised Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) engine increases the cruising range. Odyssey puts a priority on safety with features like Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on all vehicles. And with the ingenious Michelin® PAX® System run-flat technology available on Touring vehicles, you can travel on a punctured tire at 50 mph for up to 125 miles.

[credits: Honda.com]

What To Do In Winter

2007-10-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

It’s that time of the year again when we start to hear Christmas carols blaring out from huge speakers on malls. And with that realization come the thought about the holiday season and the coming winter. That in turn will remind you that you will soon be driving over slippery roads and will be sometimes blinded by snowstorms. Motorists who have seen the wrath of winter knows just how hard it is to just start your engine on those cold mornings. What are you driving? A diesel? Good for you because that naturally comes with a heater, the duty of which is to make starting easier. And if you own a high-end car like a BMW or something in the vein, you are even luckier, and probably wealthier. Yes you are very lucky because you can start your car from the comfort of your living room.

But of you own a Saturn Vue or something with its reliable Saturn Vue parts, you need not despair as there are things that you can do to make driving this coming winter not too troublesome. If you are knowledgeable about cars, you can do these things on your own. Things like checking all the lubricants in your car are filled to the right level is something that you can do on your own and it will save you a lot of time and not to mention money if you do not enlist the aid of your local auto repair shop in preparing your daily driver for the winter.

Things that you need to check in your car that might need a bit of professional help s checking if your battery can survive the winter. The harsh and unforgiving cold months shortens the life of automotive batteries. So if winter catches you with an already old battery, chances are, you will be trapped somewhere along the road with nothing to power your car's heater. So make sure that you have it checked by professionals.

Also, don't ever forget to give your radiator the right amount of antifreeze. With very cold weather outside, it can freeze the coolant in your radiator. And without antifreeze, it will surely freeze. Now, when water freezes, it expands before solidifying so you are putting your entire radiator at risk if you are not using antifreeze in your coolant. Windshield wipers are also something that you should pay attention too as you would probably end up wishing for a good pair of wiper blades if you are cruising on a slippery road with the snowfall giving you only a few feet of visibility ahead.

These are just some of the things that you need to check on your car. Ask your local technician what you can do to protect your car from the oncoming winter.

2008 Sports/Utility Vehicle Of The Year Goes To…

2007-10-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Motor Trend has poured down a number of awards this week. One of the highlighted recognitions was Motor Trend’s 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year! And guess what car grabbed the major award? It’s Mazda’s CX-9! Motor Trend announced the winner yesterday and it was published at TheAutoChannel.com.

Out of the pack of 11 nominees for the said award, the ultimate CX-9 has dominated the competition. The award is one of the premier excellent fields Motor Trend has seen since it began assessing sport/utilities. The sport/utility or crossover class provides a vehicle that practically any driver could ever want today - a kind once kept for little off-road specialists from nearly all any auto manufacturers.

Angus MacKenzie, the editor in chief of Motor Trend, guaranteed that this year’s grounds, while minor than 2006, consists of major new entries, including the best Buick in decades - “not just the best Buick SUV, but the best Buick, period” - and a Hyundai that may have car buyers think twice about getting a Lexus. Mazda’s conquest was however an undisputed decision by the board of judges.

“We wondered if it would be possible for Mazda to inject its sports car DNA into their first-ever three-row crossover - a crossover that happened to be one of the largest in the lineup. After three days of testing, that question was answered in full. It was arguably the most enjoyable sport/utility to drive, and a great reminder that SUVs can be as exciting as any car,” added MacKenzie.

Motor Trend’s editorial staff carried out exhaustive off-road street and track testing to evaluate competitors for the award and cautiously measured fundamentals such as safety and features and driving performance. Actually, the Sport/Utility of the Year is not a comparison test because every nominee was reviewed adjacent to three plain criteria: significance (its impact on the market) superiority (engineering, design, utilization of resources), and value (what buyers get for their money versus the competition). The competition was stiff - as tough as a Saturn timing chain that is! But in the end, the CX-9 emerged as the certified champion!

The Sport/Utility of the Year is exclusively open to the latest or significantly improved vehicles that have been on sale in 12 months from November 1 of the previous year to the present. Motor Trend seeks for the winner from each year’s batch of new SUVs and it does not include vehicles which have been on sale for the past few years.

In addition to the Mazda CX-9, Motor Trend evaluated:

Buick Enclave
Hyundai Veracruz
Jeep Liberty
Jeep Patriot
Land Rover LR2

“Make no mistake, the sport utility or crossover is enmeshed in the American psyche,” said MacKenzie. “Despite concerns over the economy and rising gas prices, more than two million SUVs rolled off dealer lots in the first six months of 2007 alone.”

“The Mazda CX-9 spins the traditional ‘ute’ in a new direction,” said MacKenzie. “It’s a sleek, elegant, sophisticated vehicle that is comfortable going to midtown, the market or the mountains.”

Ford SYNC With The Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award

2007-10-15T17:22:00.000-07:00

The popularity of the Ford SYNC is rapidly increasing especially today when they grabbed another title for being such a genius! Yes, the Ford SYNC is the masterpiece of a genius.

Yesterday, I bumped into a headline - news as cool as the Dodge bumper - that recognizes the greatness of Ford. The Ford SYNC has become a phenomenal success since the day it was first introduced by the Ford Motor Company. Ford has carried out the best car technologies in the industry, and the Ford SYNC is the most innovative so far. Just this week, Popular Mechanics, the world-renowned magazine gave honor to the Ford SYNC by awarding the company with the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award! This is the third straight year for the most popular magazine to hand down recognition and awards to individuals, group etc.

According to the headline, Ford SYNC was recognized with the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award at the Hearst Tower in New York City last Wednesday. Now on its third year, the Popular Mechanics Awards was formed to identify products that mark new levels in design, engineering and creativity. Individuals and teams that offer their dedication to improve lives and expand possibilities in the realms of science, technology and exploration are recognized sas well.

“Popular Mechanics is, at its core, devoted to recognizing innovations that re-imagine the role that technology and science plays in our lives. All of this year’s group of Breakthrough Product Award winners do just that - and demonstrate the wide range of industries that can be transformed through smart, creative engineering,” says James Meigs, the Editor-in-Chief of Popular Mechanics.

The editors of Popular Mechanics surveyed a large array of specialists and academics to prepare a list of deserving nominees in picking the candidates and winners of the 2007 Breakthrough Awards program. The PM’s Board of Advisors then evaluated the nominations to assist the editors of Popular Mechanics in selecting the final winners. On behalf of the SYNC team, Jim Buczkowski, the director of Electrical Systems Engineering at Ford, received the award last Wednesday. Buczkowski thanked and acknowledged the editorial staff of Popular Mechanics for recognizing SYNC as “a game-changing technology that will make in-car connectivity more affordable and more widely available than ever before.”

“The system is as flexible as a Romanian gymnast. Since its functionality is software based, adding capability simply entails downloading a file. Voice command is another sweet spot - the best we’ve tried,” noted senior editor Chuck Tannert. At present, he is writing about the new system in the October 2007 issue of Popular Mechanics.

In summary, Tannert added, “It's affordable, upgradeable and comes in a wide variety of rides. Well done, Ford.”

Here’s more about the Ford SYNC:
It is an advanced software platform that provides consumers the convenience and flexibility to bring digital media players - Apple iPods, Microsoft Zunes, and other MP3 players - and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones into their vehicles and operate the devices via voice commands or with the steering wheel’s redundant radio controls.

Commuting: A Daily Dose Of Nightmarish Trip

2007-10-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Nightmarish trip. I have a daily dose of that thing. It’s the reason why I have to wake up so early yet arrive home late. It’s also the reason why I have to limit my escapades. Just imagine the spoil.

True, commuting is a nightmare. The hours I spent on the roads, add in the reckless accidents I get to witness, the blood, the fight and all sorts – whew! Who would wish to stay on the road? Anyone?

If only I can get rid of it – I won’t think long. If being lazy is a nice attribute, I would rather be a movie buff. Over a glass of carrot juice and a plateful of potato chips, I would love to watch my favorite movies.

But it isn’t the case. For a resident of New York, commuting is a must. Commuting is a nightmare. Traffic jams are usual. They are as ordinary as boredom and frustration.

But I wasn’t shocked to learn that other areas are almost as bad. I won’t also be astonished if you say commuting in Canada is terrible. Honda Canada knows that. So are other automakers.

"Highway growth in the last 20 years has been less than 5 percent. It certainly hasn't kept up with population growth and urban sprawl," said Joe Reed, vice president of products and operations at Navteq Corp., which monitors traffic conditions in 108 markets. "The result has been much more volatility on the road. It adds up to a perfect storm in traffic."

According to a new Bizjournals study, nowhere is this problem more severe than New York City, which ranks as America's worst market for commuters. Nearly 6 million workers leave their homes in Connecticut, New Jersey, Long Island, the Hudson Valley and the city itself each weekday morning, clogging New York's intricate web of expressways, bridges and tunnels, the study said.

The typical morning commute in the New York City area takes almost 36 minutes, longer than anywhere else in America. Nearly 460,000 New York road warriors spend at least 90 minutes battling their way to work, reported MSNBC.

"New York can be a real challenge," added Reed. "An overturned truck can be catastrophic for commuters there. It can mean hours of delays. But most of the big markets have similar problems. They all have the same hub-and-spoke arrangement of highways. They all have congestion and volatility."

Bizjournals created a 9-part formula to rate traffic conditions in the nation's 65 biggest metropolitan areas, searching for the places that offer the roughest and easiest commutes. The formula utilized 2005 data complied by the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.

The 65 markets, taken as a group, are home to 76 million commuters, including 55.5 million who make the trek during morning rush, defined as the four-hour period from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Behind New York City on Bizjournals’ list of commuter headaches is Washington, D.C. Just 44.9% of Washington's workers get to their jobs in less than 30 minutes. Atlanta area is the third-worst. Its average morning commute of 32.54 minutes is longer than all but New York City's 35.81 minutes and Washington's 34.87 minutes.

Bizjournals’ America's 10 Worst Markets

1. New York
2. Washington D.C.
3. Atlanta
4. Chicago
5. Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.
6. Baltimore
7. Bridgeport-Stamford, Conn.
8. Miami-Fort Lauderdale
9. Boston
10. San Francisco-Oakland

Experts say good commuting is a positive quality. "It's a huge selling point," said Mike Bruening, economic development manager for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. "When you can move people around quickly, it's a tremendous advantage for a business. You can get to the airport more easily. You can attract workers from a larger area."

You want to ask me when commuting will become a happy thought. I’d say: Next question please…

RankingsAndReviews.com Ranks Best Cars & Trucks For You

2007-10-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

Good news to all new car buyers and enthusiasts! U.S.News & World Report, the publisher of the America's Best Colleges and Best Hospitals rankings, has launched their new web site - http://www.rankingsandreviews.com/! This is U.S.News & World Report’s latest web site that allows consumers to get the most details and information to help them in selecting and purchasing cars. Online customers are given tips on buying and decision-making through rankings and meta-reviews of major customer merchandise. Now, car shoppers will have an easy time deciding on what car to buy because everything they need to know is just a click away - it’s as easy as installing a Saturn spark plug wire!

According to news on TheAutoChannel.com, RankingsAndReviews.com web site reveals its first complete consumer type which includes Best Cars and Trucks. U.S.News & World Report’s newest web site is a one of a kind free-of-charge website! The site creates ranking systems that extracts all of the automotive details it gathers into a particular numerical score (between 1 and 10) so it thus enables consumers to make head-to-head comparisons of car models within their respective categories.

"This is a major step in our expansion of the critically acclaimed 'America's Best' series. Offering consumers a free online destination, which provides independent, trusted information to support their significant investments and critical decisions, is entirely aligned with our broader journalistic commitment and information sharing mission," says Mortimer B. Zuckerman, the editor-in-chief of U.S.News & World Report.

The website uses proprietary technology and U.S. news editors analyze thousands of published car and truck reviews from hundreds of experts, government safety ratings, and reliability statistics. The rankings methodology relies on U.S.News & World Report's highly successful, proven and trusted system currently used to assess the nation's best hospitals and colleges.

Editors from RankingsAndReviews.com screen the combined knowledge of the country’s auto press and specialists on safety and reliability to note down one complete, easy-to-read meta-review for each automobile. U.S. News & World Report's Best Cars and Trucks will give consumers improved and more inclusive information.

"By essentially offering a 'review of reviews,' Best Cars & Trucks eliminates the confusing and cumbersome task of sorting through the substantial amount of auto information currently available online and allows consumers to easily make sense of the best, most usable information. Our research shows a strong consumer need for comprehensive and reliable online purchasing guidance," says Brian Kelly, the editor of U.S. News & World Report.

RankingsAndReviews.com unveiled the Top Ranked Automobiles (according to U.S.News & World Report's http://www.rankingsandreviews.com/ as of October 5, 2007, the top ranked vehicles in the most popular categories are):

Affordable Small Cars: Honda Civic
Upscale Small Cars: Audi A3
Affordable Midsize Cars: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry (tied)
Upscale Midsize Cars: BMW 3-Series
Luxury Large Cars: BMW 5-Series
Affordable Sports Cars: Mazda MX-5 Miata

Audi R8: Guess The Future Engine

2007-10-04T04:30:00.000-07:00

It’s guessing time once again...

What do you think is the engine that will equip the R8? Think hard.

When you take a glimpse at R8’s engine bay, you can’t help but wonder – what would the future be like? Perhaps you have the idea of the future Audi PS pump but how about the engine?

An article from Cars Guide also pondered on the same query:

With a car so meticulously designed and engineered for light weight; why would they expend extra poundage and materials in creating the cavity; making it larger than the 309kW/430Nm 4.2-litre V8 powerplant it carries?

The obvious answer is that another engine is on the way, and we could start salivating about the possibility of it being a thumping V10; sourced from stablemate Lamborghini. However, Audi is not about to confirm that.

The R8’s former head of technical development, and now head of vehicle dynamics, Dirk Isgen; who is understandably proud of the mid-engine beast can’t bring himself to deny a higher-powered version could be on the way. “I can’t say we’re not thinking bigger,” he quips. “There is some investigation going on, but nothing has been definitely decided.”

Isgen’s calculation of the car’s future suggests a larger engine. “The car is capable and the engine bay is large enough,” he said. “There would be no structural changes necessary. And any transmission changes (to cope with bigger wads of torque) would be easy. The gearbox has some potential.”

Though he did not confirm whether a second engine would have more pots or simply more capacity and power, his hint of “not a couple more cylinders” suggests it’s the latter, which rules out the Lambo 10. According to the report, he is also ruling out the foreseeable future; developing a road version of the diesel engine that took the R8’s racing parent to glory in the Le-Mans 24 Hour.

“At the moment this is not really a question for Audi,” Isgen noted. “Diesel is very important for Audi in passenger cars. But I think a lot of sports car drivers are not ready to accept a diesel engine. However this will change if customers’ minds change. We could think about it then, but it’s not on Audi’s agenda now.”

Just the thought of a bigger and better engine in the Le-Mans make thrills me. That’s quite a milestone for the team. It is something to look forward to especially for rally and race aficionados like myself. But in the meantime let us just be happy with the bigger gasoline engine.

More Road Safety Tips

2007-10-01T20:58:00.000-07:00

Keeping your kids safe this coming Halloween is of course a priority for you as it should be. According to statistics, Halloween has the highest rate of child related pedestrian reported theautochannel.com. The report went on to say that according to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are four times more likely to be involved in a pedestrian related injury on Halloween than on any other night. These statistics should not be taken lightly and you should.

Insurance.com offered some tips for parents to keep their kids safe during Halloween. According to insurance.com: "Children often get very excited while trick-or-treating and tend to run across yards and streets, which creates a hazard for many drivers. Help make your child more noticeable by adding reflective tape and glowing accessories (such as glow sticks) to your trick-or-treater’s costume."

By using glow in the dark products on your kids' costume, you are making them visible to drivers thus the risk of them getting run over is greatly reduced. Since kids are highly energetic especially when excited about trick or treating, even vehicles with quality brake parts and Monroe shocks may not be able to stop soon enough to avoid children crossing the streets at night.

Other tips offered by Insurance.com are:

Attaching an emergency identification card (including the child’s name, address, phone number) discreetly to trick-or-treater’s costume or inside their Halloween bag
Reviewing the trick-or-treater’s phone number and what to do in an emergency with them before they head out
Having a refresher course on how to properly cross the street
And reminding them never to talk to strangers

For your child's protection, it would be very advisable if you follow these tips. You can also consider other alternative activities that does not involve your kids going out at night. You can check out your local mall, amusement park or zoo if they have a Halloween activity for children.

Toyota, Chrysler Tops Annual Automotive Public Relations Survey From Motor Press Guild

2007-09-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

Public relations play a very important role in promoting products especially when you have a range as big as the earth! Public relations are promotions intended to create goodwill for a person or for an institution’s image. Companies like car manufacturers’ use marketing and public relations to send out information about the products they make or the services they offer to potential customers in order to carry out their direct sales efforts. They usually support sales for short or long terms, as well as setting up and polishing the company's branding for a strong, continuing market. It’s how you make a good reputation on your merchandise like great performance shocks support you all the way!

Now talking about public relations, America's biggest professional automotive media association, Motor Press Guild (MPG), has declared the top companies who gave their best overall performance in media relations! The 1st ranked are Toyota and Chrysler.

According to the news at TheAutoChannel.com, Motor Press Guild’s third annual Automotive Public Relations Survey revealed that these two giant companies have shown the best mutual relations with media groups around the world. The survey was conducted by Gronstedt Group of Denver, Colo., which measured the media's fulfillment of seven criteria out of the 20 major car makers recognized as being essential to the accomplishments of their programs about public relations. Journalists were requested to evaluate each manufacturer's Web site, press materials, level of a PR staff's knowledge, frequency of contact, and more.

According to the survey respondents, Toyota, which had ranked third in the 2006 study, surpassed Chrysler to take the top spot. Chrysler was second, followed closely by General Motors, Honda and Hyundai in a three-way tie for third. The journalists gave "most improved" marks to Porsche and Honda.

"Our intent is to provide auto manufacturers with usable information from a respected national pool of journalists. The 2007 survey had a record 342 journalists from 36 states participate, thereby giving the automakers a truly nationwide perspective of informed opinions," says MPG's Survey Manager John Rettie.

Chrysler trailed Toyota out of the 20 companies assessed in the survey. By running ahead in six of the seven measured criteria in the industry, these two companies in fact, had topped the rankings two years in a row. On the other hand, General Motors, which continued a growing trend, had ranked near the last place in the first survey in 2005 which revealed a four percent increase in media satisfaction to place itself in 3rd place in overall public relations effectiveness in 2007.

"Disappointingly, three out of four car companies saw the ratings of their online media rooms decline from 2006. And sadly, the perception is that the PR teams among most manufacturers lack the product knowledge required to meet the needs of the media. The bottom-line goal is to help auto manufacturers provide the best service possible to journalists, so that, in turn, journalists can give the public the information it needs and wants," said Rettie.

The Lincoln MKX Belongs to Dana Delany

2007-09-22T01:09:00.000-07:00

It was maybe when the producer of the soap opera Desperate Housewives on ABC asked: “Who wants to drive the Lincoln MKX?” That was maybe when Dana Delany raised her hands and so the car belonged to her. And you read that right. Dana is joining the fabulous cast and with her is a 2008 Lincoln MKX she will be driving down Wisteria Lane. She was given a role of a soccer-momish gal who lives in the neighborhood of the rest of the desperate housewives on that fictional street.

While the character Gabrielle Solis as played by the super gorgeous Eva Longoria may not experience driving an Aston Martin DB9 Volante with a Monroe shocks, Dana will enjoy driving with a 2008 Lincoln MKX. That has made the Ford Motor Company proud that another car model in their line up joins the remarkable TV series. It made the domestic car maker glad that the Lincoln MKX is from their company while other residents of Wisteria Lane drives with other cars like Nissan Titan, Nissan Maxima and a Volvo Wagon.

Ford revealed the prices of the 2008 Lincoln MKX which starts at $36,095 including the shipping charge of $675. The new car is equipped with a standard 3.5L V6 capable of producing 265 horsepower - just right for a mommy in the neighborhood.

The Ford F-150 will be seen in NBC's Las Vegas. This maybe is their own way of advertising their brands and models like Audi and Porsche which has been doing the same thing years ago. Ford started the same strategy three years ago with Ford's Global Brand Entertainment.

So, this only means that even guys can watch the TV series, right? Imagine the hot cars driven by these hot moms.

Saturn Adjusts To Woo Online Shoppers

2007-09-18T22:02:00.000-07:00

The Web is truly a useful invention. You can get a lot of information especially from Wikipedia or buy things from eBay. And now, more and more car buyers are shopping online. It has its advantages which includes the absence of pushy sales persons. But this revolution is affecting General Motors's marque - the makers of the Vue and the Aura, and the supplier of auto parts such as the Saturn oxygen sensor.

Saturn is known for its excellent customer relation. In fact, it is one of the strongest selling points of the brand. Aside from developing and producing vehicles aimed to please consumers, Saturn also takes a lot of care in dealing with potential customers. On their dealerships, cars with the window sticker stating the price are "telling the truth". That's because whatever price you see on that sticker is what you are actually going to pay for.

The brand has gone to great lengths to make its showrooms more attractive to consumers. But today, with more and more of consumers spending more time online than on the dealership lots, it is changing the way Saturn do business. But a change does not mean that the brand will no longer put the same degree of importance to their customers. Chris Bower, the brand's manager of retail strategies, said: "Our old retail strategy was to nurture our customers, and our new strategy is to empower them and to allow them to interact with the brand as they want to."

The target of the brand has shifted also. According to General Motors' study they are now catering to more female auto buyers. "Our audience is urban, educated, open-minded and progressive," with the majority being female," said Bower. He added that compared to their past clients, "they are younger, with higher income and education and care more about style and the driving experience than value and pricing issues."

Since they are now looking to attract the attention of younger car buyers who grew up connected to the Web, Saturn is looking to speak in a language that the consumers know.

Part of Saturn's change in retail operations is changing the layout of their dealerships across the country. They will provide computer stations so that consumers can make their research online even without the presence of a sales representative. This means that a consumer can see what Saturn has to offer and then go online and check what the competition has to offer without having to leave the dealership.

Check Engine Light: When And When Not To Worry

2007-09-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

When should you worry about check engine light?

It may seem like a tiny amber lamp in the dashboard but it's capable of making big trouble or of providing protection. That tiny bulb conveys a big message. And it could be unnerving. The word “check engine” or “service engine soon” are inscribed.

Auto mechanics have a knack for deciphering that Audi or Volkswagen Phaeton part. "It's your car's way of telling you, 'You might be meeting Larry the tow-truck guy soon,"' said Bill Jaap, the owner of Good Carma Volkswagen and Audi Repair in Minneapolis. "It's a warning, and it can be menacing. Even though the car still runs well, I think it's a good idea to bring it in."

When that mystifying orange light shines, how are you to react? That simple light should not be disregarded for long. Associated Press has a nice article about this:

What is it?
The light is called MIL or malfunction indication light.

Today's cars are equipped with dozens of sensors and a computer that make on-the-fly adjustments to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize carbon emissions. If a sensor detects something amiss, it sends a code to the computer, and voila: "CHECK ENGINE."

That code is stored in the computer - and the light stays on - until it's retrieved. And that part is surprisingly simple: It's just a matter of plugging a handheld gadget into a connector that's usually located beneath the steering column.

What not to do
Panic. Unless your car is idling rough, starting hard, hesitating or smoking, it's OK to keep driving when the light comes on.

But it's unwise to ignore it. For one thing, the problem will likely mean a failed emissions inspection down the line. For another, many of these small, undetectable problems can cause costly engine damage if left untreated.

"It's kind of a false signal to some people who maybe have been driving around with it on for a year," Jaap said "Even though the problem can be very slight, my opinion is that you shouldn't get desensitized to it. It's on for a reason."

Tip: Don't pay a mechanic to read the code unless the shop offers to credit the money back in related repairs. The service is easy enough to get for free.

What to do
Obviously, if the car is under warranty, take it to the dealer. But with older cars, many mechanics and auto-parts stores will retrieve the code gratis.

Do-it-yourselfers can purchase code readers for $50 to $200, and some software programs will turn your laptop into a scan tool with a special connector. Some readers give a number that needs to be cross-referenced; more expensive scanners will display details.

But this is where a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing, Jaap cautioned. The readings are often vague, and won't necessarily tell you what needs doing.

At the very least, the code can help you (or your mechanic) decide whether it's something that can be put off for a bit.

Mazda Invades Poland

2007-09-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

Japanese automakers are enjoying much success. Toyota is on track to become the world's largest automaker next year. Honda is making waves in the industry and is about to get the younger generation of car buyers interested in the new Accord. Nissan is just making an impression with environmentalists with the Altima Hybrid and is coming up with its own hybrid powertrain. Subaru is teaming up with Toyota to make a sports car. Mazda is also doing well. So well, in fact, that the automaker is about to establish a national sales company in Poland.

The Mazda Motor Europe will be in charge of this expansion. Already, the European arm of the Japanese automaker is having talks with possible dealers in the country. It is, of course, obvious that Mazda will begin its invasion of Poland by having its cars marketed at key urban areas such as Krakow, Poznan, Wroclaw, Warszawa, and Katowice. The goal for the automaker is to make the new national sales company in Poland operational by May of next year.

James Muir, the president and chief executive officer of Mazda Motor Europe, said that it is the right time for them to move into the country with their products. Sales of Mazda vehicles in the country are rising and it is only logical that a national sales company be established to overlook the sales of vehicles as well as parts such as Mazda coil springs, steering gears, tie rod ends, and other components of the automaker for Poland.

"The time is right for Mazda to establish its own sales network in Poland," said Mr. Muir. "The Polish economy continues to recover and its automotive market is growing, so a Mazda-owned subsidiary has the potential to increase our customer-base in Europe," he added.

Mr. Muir also said that they will be offering the new Mazda2 and the Mazda6 in the country. "And in 2008, we will offer Polish customers our strongest line-up ever with all-new versions of the Mazda2 and the Mazda6," concluded Muir.

The last five years has been good for Mazda in Europe. Within that span of time, the Japanese automaker has doubled its sales in the continent. It has already established nineteen national sales companies in 20 European countries. As a result, the automaker now controls 90 percent of its distribution in Europe.

Mazda is the maker of the Mazda B2300, B3000, B4000, CX-7, CX-9, MPV, MX-5 Miata, the Mazda3, Mazda2, Mazda5 and the Mazda6.

Time Magazine Releases the 50 Worst Cars of All Time

2007-09-10T22:41:00.000-07:00

We are used to see list of the top gorgeous cars in the US car market. Most of the time, these lists describe the cars as the few chosen car models with distinctive features compared to other cars. Most of the top cars are compared with regards to specific parts like Camshaft Canada, or they could also be compared with regards to characteristics like dependability, quality and eco-friendliness.

But we are not used to receive a list of the top cars with the worst reputation. But just recently, Time Magazine revealed the 50 Worst Cars of All Time as released by Dan Neil of L.A. Times.

I found this list at the Time newspaper online . Here take a look at the list.

1990-Present
1995 Ford Explorer
1997 GM EV1
1997 Plymouth Prowler
1998 Fiat Multipla
2000 Ford Excursion
2001 Jaguar X-Type
2001 Pontiac Aztek
2002 BMW 7-series
2003 Hummer H2
2004 Chevy SSR

1975-1989
1975 Bricklin SV1
1975 Morgan Plus 8 Propane
1975 Triumph TR7
1975 Trabant
1976 Aston Martin Lagonda
1976 Chevy Chevette
1978 AMC Pacer
1980 Corvette 305 "California"
1980 Ferrari Mondial 8
1981 Cadillac Fleetwood V-8-6-4
1981 De Lorean DMC-12
1982 Cadillac Cimarron
1982 Camaro Iron Duke
1984 Maserati Biturbo
1985 Mosler Consulier GTP
1985 Yugo GV
1986 Lamborghini LM002

1960-1974
1961 Amphicar
1961 Corvair
1966 Peel Trident
1970 AMC Gremlin
1970 Triumph Stag
1971 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron Two-Door Hardtop
1971 Ford Pinto
1974 Jaguar XK-E V12 Series III

1940-1959
1949 Crosley Hotshot
1956 Renault Dauphine
1957 King Midget Model III
1957 Waterman Aerobile
1958 Ford Edsel
1958 Lotus Elite
1958 MGA Twin Cam
1958 Zunndapp Janus

1899-1939
1899 Horsey Horseless
1909 Ford Model T
1911 Overland OctoAuto
1913 Scripps-Booth Bi-Autogo
1920 Briggs and Stratton Flyer
1933 Fuller Dymaxion
1934 Chrysler/Desoto Airflow

The Ford Model T was included on the worst car list and was classified to be part of the group 1899-1939. If I can remember it right, it was one among the first cars ever made by Henry Ford back in 1909. In the group 1940-1959, the super famous Ford Edsel was also included. It was my grandfather’s first car back then. The Amphicar was also considered one of the worst cars made. Even the Lamborghini has its own entry. I was impressed by Toyota and Honda. Their car models were not included on the list.

Top Tech Car Manufacturers

2007-09-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

There’s no denying it. Most of today’s cars come equipped with cutting-edge technologies that were only products of sci-fi movies a few decades back. Nowadays, the advances in technology have invaded high end cars from top tech automakers.

And if you are searching for the most technology in a road machine, head to a BMW, Cadillac or Jaguar dealership. Why? According to Telematics Research Group (TRG), a Minneapolis-based auto tech consultancy, those luxury brands are the top three in its 2008 Technology Availability Index. The index measures 32 telematics, navigation, digital entertainment and driver assist features.

TRG rates the top model at 100 and scales the others as percentages relative to the car in first place, reported ExtremeTech. BMW and Cadillac have been first and second in the past couple of years. Cadillac closed the gap with its 2008 models. Last year Cadillac was at 94.79; this year it's up to 97.62. Jaguar, meanwhile, came out of nowhere (15th) to claim the third spot, but a long way back, at 85.71, it added.

One technology feature TRG does not include in its hot-list of 31 tech features is a cockpit controller, such as BMW's iDrive, the report continued. It does count LCD touchscreens, which for many users do a fine job of eliminating or reducing the need for an iDrive.

“When I looked over TRG's Technology Availability Index, the top brands seemed to make sense. BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes and Lexus are heavy on tech;Jaguar is, too, with newer models. At the bottom of the list, you can find cars with plenty of technology that fell in the ratings because they lack backseat entertainment, for example - which is more likely to be found in SUVs and vans than in small passenger cars,” Bill Howard wrote. “I was surprised to see Audi fall off the face of the earth: It's down to number 26 from a still-modest 14, and Acura dropped from to 13 from 6. Those are lower scores than I'd associate with those two seeming technology leaders.”

TRG president Phil Magney has this to say: "Acura has fallen off a bit. While once a technology leader, Acura has not introduced anything new in the past couple of years." Magney has this to say: "The fact that BMW leads says that BMW deploys more technologies across more of its models than anyone else. Jaguar and Lexus have moved up, as have the Chrysler brands (due to MyGig). Cadillac's strong showing reflects GM's push on bringing high-tech features into that nameplate."

The makers of BMW 633i radiator redesigned its 5 Series. As a result, it earned the top spot with a score of 23 (23 features out of a possible 32). The car was followed by the Cadillac STS, Lexus LS, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with 22; and the Lexus LX and the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, with 21.

Automakers are building cars that are phenomenal. Would you rather have them keep on this route, or concentrate more on practical aspects like mileage?

The Missing Link

2007-09-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

Traffic safety should always be a concern for all of us. And if you have a son or a daughter who is just starting to drive his or her own car, you must be concerned at all times about how they drive. And you should have a hand in training them on how to become a good motorist. After all, parent participation is recently fond out to be the missing link in teen driving safety.

According to a report from the autochannel.com, studies conducted by concerned groups shows that in spite of tough reforms, the number of teens involved in accidents is still at a very high level. According to the report, a longer graduated drivers license has been implemented by various states. By increasing the time that a teenager has to wait before he or she is given a license to drive gives them enough time to learn how to be good drivers. Unfortunately, this seems to be not working so well.

Keeping your teen driver safe means that you have to cover all the bases, just like how the brake pad sensor Canada for Canadian motorists keeps track of the braking system. One of the safety feature's which most of us tend to forget to use is that magnet stuck into the car telling other drivers that the one behind the wheel of the car is a novice driver. The reason for this is maybe because we don't want our kids to object. After all, they wouldn't want to advertise to the word that they are just learning to drive.

Corinne Fortenbacher, the president of Rookie Driver.Net said, "Inexperience is the leading cause of teen driving accidents. We must increase awareness of new drivers, and it is a parents' responsibility to insist that their child is taking advantage of every safety measure available. The parent must take full charge - absolute authority when a teenager begins driving. Today you are parents with a child. Do everything you can so you are not one of those families who has lost their child."

Experience behind the wheel will make teen drivers much better motorists. Thus, it is important for parents to guide teens in their driving. "Experience is only gained through practice," explains Fortenbacher. "In order to minimize traffic related deaths and injuries, we must produce skilled drivers. This vital 'road preparedness' ultimately falls on parents. No one can eliminate the chance of an accident, but we as parents can lower the odds."

Subaru on Top Safety Star Ranking

2007-09-04T17:25:00.000-07:00

I personally found this attainment a surprising event. “Subaru has become the first automotive company in Australia to achieve maximum independent safety ratings for its entire range of local specification vehicles,” stated in autoweb.drive.com.

The Subaru Impreza was able to attain the top five-star ranking for occupant safety. That was the result of the crashworthiness testing made by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). Few other models got the highest possible star ranking and the list includes the all-wheel drive Forester, Liberty, Outback and the Tribeca. And the Impreza also gained a top four-star pedestrian rating. That makes the Impreza the first locally tested car that achieved the maximum double star rating and the second unit to do so in the world.

According to Nick Senior, the Managing Director for Subaru Australia, “Safety is a major consideration during the vehicle purchase. It is now undeniable that we are producing some of the safest vehicles in the world.” He further said, “This new Impreza has five-star occupant safety and four-star pedestrian safety partly due to its passive safety features.”

They have been very much dedicated to bring forth the highest quality of safety they could offer, as Senior said, “These ratings are testament to the superb engineering of Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru cars, and our own Australian engineers, who have worked closely with their Japanese counterparts to ensure every car in our range offers optimum crash protection for occupants. And Safety has been a long-term commitment for Subaru and we’re delighted to gain five stars for every car in the range.

These were the results of the Subaru Impreza's tests:

Offset test:14.93 (out of 16)
Side impact test:15.73 (out of 16)
Pole test:2 (out of 2)
Seat belt warnings:2 (out of 3)
Total = 34.66 (out of a possible 37)
Pedestrian test: 27.76 (out of 36)

So, what makes the new Impreza deserving of such recognition? Aside from having a premium Subaru control arm, the 2008 Impreza is found to be stuffed with new technology to ensure safety. Well, here are its safety features, which are also available in other Subaru models sold in Australia:

Constant All-Wheel Drive, for optimum grip in all conditions
ABS brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Child seat anchor points
Dual front and side airbags
Front seatbelts feature pretensioners and load limiters
Rear door child locks
Ring-shaped reinforcements surrounding the passenger cabin
Front seatbelt indicator lights
Side intrusion bars
Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt
Audible warning if front seatbelts not engaged

They say, “New generation Tribeca and Impreza add Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which also features on every Model Year 2008 automatic transmission naturally aspirated 2.5 litre Liberty and Outback plus Liberty GT, Liberty 3.0R Premium, Liberty 3.0R spec.B and Outback 3.0R Premium.”

A broader discussion about this matter is found in the site that I have mentioned earlier. You could simply give them a visit for more information.

A Go For Eccentric Roadsters

2007-08-24T00:31:00.000-07:00

Cars are all about freedom and expression. And the best way to confirm those attributes is by driving your very car. Do you find your car satisfying or disappointing?

You’ll feel good if your car gives you that sense of pride. But it doesn’t mean you have to shell out a hefty sum just to purchase a cream-of-the-crop car. Enjoyable cars need not be costly. It could be ordinary or even eccentric.

But most of the gen-Y drivers go for eccentric roadsters. Yep. For them, the two-seat roadster is the ultimate gauge of freedom and expression. Why do you think so? An eccentric roadster is a deviation from dull practicality at the same time a subtle escape from reality.

A roadster is likely the second or perhaps the third auto in your garage. This is because you find it impractical to use it on a daily basis. Now would spending too much or too little on a roadster bother you?

Jason Harper of the Bloomberg News has given 3 eccentric roadsters with distinct pricing. Ready your score cards. Jason writes:

Inexpensive: Saturn Sky Red Line

When you check out the stats of the Saturn - 260 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in a sexy-sleek two-seater package, with a starting price of $29,025 - you just might wonder how you can afford not to have it in your garage.

The Red Line actually looks expensive: Sensuously sculpted, it has two humps that rise from the back lid, and a broad, aggressive snout. Saturn fender plus other auto accessories could have lured into buying a roadster.

Moderate: Audi TT Roadster 2.0T

The TT's day seemed to have come and gone - a once-novel look of rounded corners that came out about the same time as the new VW Beetle. For 2008, Audi has completely refreshed both the roadster and coupe versions, adding folds and crisp lines along the body and wheel wells.

The 2.0T begins at $36,800; as tested, with upgraded leather and sound system, $41,425. The 3.2 with the S Tronic transmission has a base of $45,900 and quickly spirals above $50K with options. Oh, and the ragtop? Opens and closes automatically in just 12 seconds.

High End: Mercedes-Benz SL550

The Mercedes' SL-Class has been around since the '50s -- a classic roadster. In this era, though, Benz is obsessed with ever more complicated models. Simplicity is not their game, which works against a roadster's nature.

And the SL isn't simple. It has an aluminum hardtop that retracts in 16 seconds -- mine even had a moonroof in the hardtop, a bit of overkill. There's also a temperature-control system worthy of NASA.

The base price of $96,075 reflects that complicated nature. Still, it's a great-looking car, taking cues from the SLR McLaren: long, angled hood, with the cockpit sitting way back near the haunches. With the top up, you might not even know it's a convertible, even while inside.

So what’s your verdict? Does the price actually matter?

Safe But Not Pricey

2007-08-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

Car and Driver recently released a list that will certainly be a guide to car buyers on their next purchase. As the summer season winds down and so does car buying, Car and Driver’s list made it just in time to give consumers a guide in choosing a safe car which will cost them less than $25,000. If you think that the cover of the September issue of the publication is included in the list, then you would be disappointed really. Although the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is not included in the list, there are some that I think you would like.

The list is composed of vehicles which have been checked by the publication to have a stability control system and a minimum of six airbags. Some of the vehicles on the list has these features as optional. But since the price ceiling is $25,000 and adding them will not bring the price more than that, some cars made it to the list.

According to Mike Dushane of Car and Driver: “Car buyers and enthusiasts know they can count on CARandDRIVER.com for expert research and analysis when considering a new car purchase, and both safety and overall value are paramount factors to most of those in the market to purchase. This list will help guide car buyers to safe vehicles at a very reasonable price, and it clearly shows how safety technology has moved to the mainstream. It's not just for the luxury car buyer anymore.”

The top ten safe vehicles include the 2008 Astra which is a rebadged version of the European Opel Astra and will be hitting showrooms this fall. It costs less than $25,000 with the stability control system. The all-new Scion xB which has been made boxier by Toyota’s youth division is also included in the list. And so is the 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit with its reliable tie rod end is also included in the list.

Not surprisingly, the smallest and newest Volvo, the C30, is included in the top ten list. This means that no matter what shape Volvo cars come in, they are engineered for safety. The 2008 Dodge Charger is also included in the list. The 2008 Honda Accord, which will have no more hybrid siblings, is also included in the list. The 2008 Mazda CX-7 is also a safe car according to Car and Driver and it costs less than $25,000. The two 2007 model year cars in the list are the 2007 Toyota Camry and the MINI Cooper.

Beijing Olympics Ban 1.3M Cars

2007-08-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

Sure, Beijing Olympics is a famous sporting event in Asia. But would you believe the preparation for that grand event has caused the banning of 1.3 million cars! The ban affects state-owned vehicles as well as the city’s 2.4 million private-owned cars, which are allowed to run on alternate days based on odd and even license plate numbers.

The traffic measure is aimed at slashing air pollution in the territory. If you happen to be one of the owners of those cars, would you find the measure tenable? Your Toyota engine, Ford muffler, GMC filter, and VW strut mount could be of state-of-the-art quality and yet you're going to be banned.

The daily commute got tougher on Friday for Lu Xiandan and millions of other stressed out Beijingers as they coped with a ban on 1.3 million cars in a dry-run for next year’s Olympics, reported the AFP.

Lu, a 27-year-old office worker, said that she had to wrestle her way onto the bus during rush hour as car-less commuters swarmed subways, taxi ranks, and bus stations. “I go by bus every day but this time I had to fight just to get a ride, never mind a seat,” Lu said.

On the positive side of it, Lu’s commute time was slashed nearly in half to just 30 minutes because fewer cars on the road reduced the daily gridlock. But despite the fact it visibly thinned out congestion, the ban was unable to shift a layer of smog that hung stubbornly over the capital throughout the day, the report added.

The measure coincided with a series of test events for the 2008 Olympics in the host city. The test events include road cycling, beach volleyball, canoeing, baseball and archery.

Ignoring the haze, Du Shaozhong, the deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau, classed the air quality as ‘good.’ “Today is a good day in terms of pollution. You can go out and do sports or whatever you want,” he said.

Transport authorities laid on 800 extra buses and 240 extra subway trains to cope with 2 million more trips that passengers were expected to make from 6:00 am to midnight on the first day of the ban that runs through Monday. Crowds, nonetheless, were thick and lines were long as commuters hailed cabs and waited for buses and trains.

“I cannot believe it is so crowded. Two trains have just passed and I just could not squeeze myself on,” said businessman Wang Xindong, who normally drives to work but found himself stuck at an inner-city subway station.

Li Ouyang, a station security guard, said that trains were full an hour before the usual morning rush-hour. “The volume of passengers is several times more than normal and it started one hour earlier than usual,” he told AFP.

To note, Beijing is one of the most polluted cities around the globe. The fact is blamed partly on the city’s 3 million cars – a number growing by 1,200 a day.

But still, the ban is such a tough traffic measure…

More ZAP Cars To Be Built In China

2007-08-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

If you have been following the developments of alternative fuel cars in the market, then you surely have heard of the Xebra. Or about ZAP. ZAP is the maker of the Xebra - that three-wheeled car that runs on electric power alone. Although it looks comical, the Xebra is one advanced car that leaves the Prius behind in terms of taking care of the environment. Even the Saturn Vue Green Line (which is a mild hybrid) with its catalytic converter still produces more carbon dioxide than the Xebra.

These three-wheeled electric cars are actually made in China and are shipped to the United States where environmentalists can use them to promote the use of eco-friendly vehicles. And now, more Xebras will be coming out of China as a new assembly facility is nearing its completion. According to the makers of the Xebra, the factory will have the capacity to produce as much as 4,000 electric cars monthly.

ZAP is actually working with Chinese company Shandong Jindalu in the production of these electric cars that only need to be plugged in for it to run up to 25 miles. If you can charge this car during your lunch break, or anytime during the day aside from charging it overnight, it can cover 40 miles. Top speed is a meager 40 miles per hour. But this is not something that you’ll end up racing with fellow motorists so the 40 mph top speed is kinda okay.

The makers of these electric cars already have a factory but can only produce a thousand units in a month. The new facility is more technologically advanced than the existing one so it can be expected that quality will be much better. The reason for the production expansion is the increased sale for the electric cars. Last year, sales have tripled and with the increasing price of gasoline, it is expected that more auto buyers will be looking to buy an electric car for their city driving needs.

ZAP’s Chairman Garry Starr has this to say: “Our research over the past 12 years tells us that new approaches to transportation like the XEBRA are possible. Scientists, climate and pollution data, the current political state of affairs, as well as the price of oil are telling us that we must change our ways. What is needed is real leadership. We are proud to be part of a true collaboration between the USA and China in the manufacturing, design and distribution of our first generation of ZAP cars.”

Fuel Mandates Will Cut Automakers Profits Says Ford CEO

2007-08-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

FoMoCo President and CEO Alan Mulally said last Wednesday in an interview at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City that federal regulations to improve fuel economy will cut into automakers' profits by pushing them to build more small cars than demand warrants.

“You're trying to force-feed the market rather than being market driven,” he said. “I've never seen a market-distorting policy like CAFE.” He added that some of the standards being discussed in Washington are not achievable with the present technology.

Since the start of fuel proposals in the Congress, giant automakers have persistently argued that mileage requirements would dramatically hurt their profits. This is because they would be forced to manufacture small and fuel-efficient cars and limit the production of lucrative huge vehicles.

Based on his speech, Mulally seemed to assent to U.S. Rep. John Dingell’s proposal regarding the raise in the gasoline tax. But he said that he wasn’t endorsing such a raise and that it should be included in the upcoming debates.

Mulally noted however that the Dearborn-based automaker favors fuel economy, energy independence and being good stewards of the environment.

In July, the automaker has posted an increase in its first quarterly profit in two years. And it is expecting that the increase will be stable. Ford surprised analysts by gaining $750 million in the second quarter, and Mulally said that the company is trying to aggressively cut its capacity to meet demand, and trying to grow that demand with new cars and trucks.

"We need to accelerate the development of new products and services. This is a big deal for Ford. This is a tremendous transformation for the Ford Motor Co.," the CEO said. Mulally was encouraged early on when the company sought a loan. "We looked in their steely eyes and at the end of the day; we wanted to raise around $17 billion. And we ended up raising about $23.5 billion because they believe in the Blue Oval."

It can be recalled that 70% of the company’s sales were huge sport utilities and pickups - Ford’s bread-and-butter vehicles. Amazingly, last July, the automaker has been able to balance its production to half sport utilities and pickups, and half cars.

The company famed for its Blue Oval logo is devotedly enforcing its turnaround plan. And since the formulation of such plan, dramatic results were accorded the company. Ford expects to be back into profitability soon.

Just like its product lines, the company along with its executives has to be BUILT FORD TOUGH!

Hydrogen Mazda To Be Delivered

2007-08-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

When you hear Mazda, you probably think Asian, reliability, and Wankel engines. But do you even think about the company’s drive for a cleaner car? Well, this bit of news may change (or not) your perception of the automaker based in Japan and which is partly-owned by an American automaker in the form of Ford.

This bit of news came from fuelcelltoday.com, another firm working for the promotion of alternative fuel vehicles. According to the report which I have read while I was surfing the net, Mazda will deliver a dual-fueled RX-8 Hydrogen Rotary Engine to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. This is a continuing effort of the automaker to come up with a solution that will make them a part of the increasing drive to reduce the threat of global warming. Aside from the contest which I have told you about, this hydrogen engine is also aimed to promote green cars.

The said engine can run on either gasoline or hydrogen. The development of this engine means that more and more automakers are finding ways to produce clean engines. In the country, Honda has already come out with the FCV, a car which runs on oxygen. The cost of these vehicles though means that it is not yet practical for mass production. While common Mazda auto parts like axles and other powertrain parts are easily available, fuel cells where hydrogen fuel is stored is expensive to produce.

But I’m sure that Mazda is working on lowering the cost of production of the said hydrogen fueled engine. After all, they have started the development of the engine in 1991. It is interesting to note that Mazda really perseveres with what it sees as a challenge. Take the Wankel engine for example. While other automakers have given up in the development of two-stroke engines, Mazda pushed through with it and is now offering wide choices of auto models equipped with Wankel engines.

As Seita Kanai, the Senior Managing Executive Officer of the company puts it: “Based on Mazda’s hydrogen technology, we have been advancing research and development of hydrogen vehicles for over 15 years as part of our initiatives for a future hydrogen society. We are extremely pleased to be delivering this RX-8 Hydrogen RE to METI. Hydrogen rotary engines demonstrate the still untapped potential of internal combustion. Going forward, we will continue to develop vehicles for hydrogen rotary engines and improve their performance in order to contribute to the realization of an eco-friendly, hydrogen-based society.”

With that perseverance, I think that we can expect Mazda to come up with a clean, hydrogen powered, mass produced engines.

Pop Up Hood

2007-08-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

Safety of car owners have been the trademark of carmakers such as Volvo and Saab (the Swedes really know how to make safe cars). Must be in the blood, eh? But these two carmakers are not the only ones making safety features worthy of a second look from consumers. While protecting the people inside a car is the main focus of most carmakers, Nissan expanded the safety of their cars to people outside the car.

Pedestrian safety features in today’s cars involve bumpers designed to absorb much of the impact when the car collides with a person. Some vehicles are designed with the bumper raised to a certain height so that there will be less risk that it will hit a pedestrian on the hip or the knees. Well, maybe you can consider the horn as a safety feature designed for pedestrians, right? So that’s already two safety features dedicated to reduce the risk of severe injuries to pedestrians.

Since people inside of a car are protected by airbags in the event of a crash, why not do the same for pedestrians? Nissan has done just that - in a way at least. Of course, putting a huge airbag on the front of car that will be activated before you hit a person would mean that you would have to install an in-car ESP system. Not the Electronic Stability Program but the extra-sensory perception that will detect the exact time that the ‘airbag’ will be deployed prior to contact.

Of course that’s impossible but that’s just my mind wandering again. Anyway, Nissan developed a safety feature for pedestrians. An engine hood which pops up in the event of a collision. Told you it works like an airbag. What this does is it reduces the risk of severe head injuries. With the hood slightly raised, the head of the unlucky pedestrian will not be rammed into the hard metal of the hood where pounds of metals lay deadly and solid underneath. The slightly raised hood in effect gives ‘cushion’ to the pedestrian’s head.

The said pop-up engine hood will be used by the new Nissan Skyline coupe. But Nissan is not the first one to actually use this technology. In fact, Honda has developed a similar safety feature three years ago. The pop-up hood developed by Honda used three sensors to determine when to pop up the hood by about 10 cm. I think that that much clearance spells the difference between a major and a minor concussion.

Wish that in the future, all cars will have this safety feature. Job well done by Nissan and Honda.

Automaker + Students = Conservation Contest

2007-07-31T17:54:00.000-07:00

The call for energy independence is continually widening its scope. We have been seeing the change in the global climates which experts say is the effect of too much greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere.

Automakers have been looking for ways to make their cars greener. This not only refers to the paintjob but also for its emissions. Green cars are those that produce limited or no greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide as we know by now contributes a lot to the global warming threat.

According to scientists, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere emanates heat aimed towards the earth and not upward. After all, without heat, we would all die. But with a lot of them trapping heat from the sun and not allowing the heat to escape, the temperature of the Earth increases. The result? Icecaps on the extreme poles of the world are melting. Well, that’s as far as I know about this global warming thing.

But apparently, my knowledge will be bested by high school and college students. The reason: Mazda and the Student Conservation Association’s “Conservation in Action Contest”. I came across this bit of news while I was surfing the net. You know, with nothing to do, I just check out the news online, of course, news pertaining to the auto industry.

I found the article at this site. Well, you can read the article but I want to fill you in on the basics.

The contest is for students aged 15-25. According to the report, the contest is aimed to let students “think beyond the normal bounds” in energy conservation. I’m just left wondering if the Mazda, with all their expertise in manufacturing green car and parts like the defunct Protégé’s radiators, and other components have run out of ideas and is looking to tap the help of student in the country. Lol.

Anyway, this contest is actually a good step for the automaker and the SCA. With the problem of climate change becoming more and more serious, Mother Nature needs all the help that she can get from us mortals. And as for saving energy, while you’re online, you can use the search engine Blackle.

ZAP Electric Car Reached 100-Mile Mark

2007-07-28T00:49:00.000-07:00

Electric cars… a fascinating creation! Probably the best ground breaking discovery in the auto industry. Who needs unpleasant and expensive gasoline when you can have a car that gets its energy from a regular household outlet! It is such a great innovation to have an alternative for gasoline and fossil-fuels. I wonder if they use the same parts like the Subaru cold air intake or the air filter Canada. What do you think about it? I just know that they have the same stuff like my Nissan pickup radiator.

Anyway, I’m going to share something with you about an electric car - an article which I’ve just read a while ago while inquiring some of Subaru’s aftermarket parts at autochannel.com. It’s all about the Zap electric car that achieved a mark of 100 miles! Now that sounds interesting, right? So here’s the story…

ZAP, the world’s pioneer in electric cars, claimed that their very own XEBRA city-truck went over 100 miles on just one powerful charge! The drive test happened at a Danish laboratory and the XEBRA happens to have an advanced lithium battery system. That sounds cool, right? There are two ZAP XEBRAs in Denmark which is presently undergoing modification with the new lithium batteries and Danish technology firm Lithium balance’s highly developed battery management system.

"The XEBRA seems like the perfect vehicle to test our advanced battery management system and the results are extremely encouraging. We believe that, combined with our battery management system, ZAP will be able to offer a commercial version of a XEBRA that has a range in excess of 100 miles per charge in the very near future," said Ivan Loncarevic of Lithium Balance.

Loncarevic went together with Steve Schneider, the ZAP CEO, on a recent cross-country trip through China. They were to visit ZAP's various manufacturing partners which include Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc. the lithium battery developer and producer. ZAP decided to buy $5.168 million of polymer and nano batteries from Advanced Battery Technologies as materials to be used in the XEBRA and to ZAP’s vehicles and battery systems previously this week.

"After working with ZAP for several months now, I believe this to be one of the few ventures today that have a serious near-term business plan to mass produce electric vehicles. The XEBRA is the perfect entry and test-bed for this new battery technology and will pave the way for the development of ZAP's highway capable electric vehicles," added Loncarevic on the whole event.

Fiat 500: Simply Legendary

2007-07-26T01:10:00.001-07:00

Decades ago, the simplest concept brought by Fiat, the 500, has emerged as one of the most well-known vehicles today. What’s the secret behind the Fiat 500’s fame?

The town streets of Italy are the most familiar venue for the 500. Turn your head around, and you’ll spot this cute car everywhere in the place. And I believe that the 500 is not only famous in Italy, but in some places in the around the world as well. Usually, the most seen type of the Fiat 500 is the vintage model, or the very first model that Fiat has made. It may be too old or rusty, but the Fiat 500 is well respected and loved by most of the Italians and some of the car lovers around the planet.

The Fiat 500 was designed by Dante Giacosa. The 500 was Fiat’s entry model along with the vaguely bigger 600 model. The 500 made a significant contribution to Italy when the country was so down after the Second World War. Through Fiat’s 500, the country was once again powered and was able to rise!

1975 was the when the 500’s production ended. Since the start of the production, Fiat has built 3.9 million units of the 500 until 1975. And in 1960, there were 32 vehicles per 1000 population in Italy. By 1970, that figure rose to 167. From then on, the Fiat 500 has taken over the country and the basic vehicle.

"The 500 is just as important now as it was 50 years ago. Back then it provided freedom for the masses at a very low cost; now it shows what can be achieved in vehicle packaging when a little bit of lateral thinking is applied. And I love it because it proves that driving can be fun with only 18 horsepower," shares Gordon Murray of F1 McLaren.

"I've got a 500R and a one-off Barchetta version I designed. The 500 is an old car but it doesn't behave like one. It starts every time; the brakes are good if you look after them. I like the simplicity, the democratic nature of the project. And when you drive it, everybody smiles," relates Peter Stevens, one of Europe's leading designers, who also worked on the F1.

"There was an orange one that had been Moray Callum's. Then some Germans rolled it. So I had it for parts. In 1997, I came back to Detroit and had to buy one older than 25 years so I didn't need to federalize it. There have been times when my other cars aren't working, and I've driven to work in the 500. And it's great for parking so if there's a festival downtown; I can park right out front of the building and people open the door for me. For the last couple years it's been in my living room, which is also my painting studio, sitting next to my Ferrari BB512i," Ford GT designer Camillo Pardo remembers.

Car leather Seats Maintenance

2007-07-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

Your car’s interior appears clean when you preserve the looks of your car seats. Mostly, these leather car seats are the first one to wear out in a long time because, of course, this is the part which you and your passenger sits on every time you use your car.

But did you know that you can preserve the looks of your leather seats by doing only minimum efforts when it comes to taking good care of them? Well, now, it’s the right time for you to learn more about prolonging the life of your car seats. Read the steps below.

The first thing you need to do the task is to identify the possible cause of wearing out. Sunlight is one of them. So, you have to take sometime to cover your windows with a windshield to avoid direct sunlight from touching your car’s leather seats. These are available in the nearest stores in your area.

Always bring a clean rug in your car. This will save your car seat from accumulating that huge amount of dirt it can acquire during your travel. This dirt can be dust, spilled soft drinks or coffee or many other more types of dirt. A clean old shirt can be a good cleaner. You only have to make sure that these rugs are clean to avoid scratches on your car leather seats.

Protect your leather seat by purchasing quality seats cover. These seats covers need not to be expensive. You can get these covers by purchasing them through online car parts stores or you can visit the nearest auto parts shop to get them yourself.

Make sure you generously spread the leather seats protection on the entire car seats. This protectant will help avoid scratches on your car seats. Clean it regularly by applying lotion onto the rug and wiping it liberally. This will keep the shine and luster of your car seats and you will maintain its glow.

Take some time to let your car seats breath. Avoid too much heat on it by allowing some air to get inside the car in your home garage. Most car seats can only tolerate a 70 degree heat so make sure that your car does not reach the 100 degrees to avoid giving your car seats too much stress.

Also avoid too much pressure. These seats are made better to colder temperature so take some time to turn on the air conditioning system to cool down your car hot car seats.

Now you know the different ways to preserve the functionality and glamor of your car seats. So you don’t have any reasons not to do it. Make it a habit and you’ll also get what you deserve.

Quantum to Deliver Hydrogen Vehicles to Iceland's SMART-H2 Project

2007-07-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

Iceland’s SMART-H2 project is presently one of much awaited development in the industry. The SMART-H2 Project in case you didn’t know stands for the Sustainable Marine and Road Transport. It is a sustained market introduction where participants compel a variety of demands on hydrogen technology in different market purposes. Quantum, a fully intact alternative energy group, will provide ten hybrid VistOrkas and Priuses to be used in the SMART-H2 project.

VistOrka's role in the SMART-H2 includes leading the steering committee for the project, financing its management, subsidizing hydrogen vehicles, and providing support to follow up all parts of the project. The SMART-H2 will be one of the largest hydrogen demonstrations in the world. The first stage of the project is to introduce VistOrka hydrogen powered vehicles with their technical support. The first target customers will be energy companies investment funds and the Hertz car rental service. In 2008-2009, the second stage of the SMART-H2 project will be expanded.

"The demand for Quantum's hydrogen hybrid Prius continues to grow around the world as a clean, fuel efficient alternative to petroleum fueled vehicles. We are proud to provide Quantum's OEM-quality hydrogen vehicles to Iceland's innovative SMART-H2 project," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, the President and CEO of Quantum. "We believe that opportunities will continue to emerge to supply additional vehicles to hydrogen projects throughout North America and Europe."

For more information about Quantum Company, just visit http://www.qtww.com/ and they’ll be glad to give you the answers to your questions!

40 Million For Mazda

2007-07-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

Hooray for Mazda! Once again, a Mazda milestone hits the company record. The company has reached 40 million units of growing production in the land of the rising sun!

The unforgettable day took place at its Ujina Plant No.2 headquarters of Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan during an honoring ceremony. Seventy-five years and nine months… that’s how long it took them to achieve this milestone - but it’s worth the wait! Mazda’s Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, along with executive officers and union representatives celebrated and looked on as the 40 millionth Mazda which is the all-new MAZDA2 spin-off from Mazda’s production line.

“Mazda was able to achieve 40 million units of cumulative production due to the great support of our customers and the steadfast efforts of the many employees and people associated with Mazda,” said Misakazu Imaki, the President and CEO of the Mazda Motor Corporation. “Mazda’s appetite for embracing challenges and a spirited corporate culture drives us to develop new technologies and create new value. To maintain this track record of success going forward, we will continue to provide our customers with vehicles that are inviting to drive, fun to drive and make you want to drive them again.”

The Mazda Motor Company originally founded itself as a manufacturer of light trucks. In 1931, they began producing three-wheeled trucks and eventually, they started to build vehicles for the passenger cars segment back in 1960 were the birth and production of the R360 Coupe mini car began.

40 million cheers for Mazda Motor Company!

The 2008 Toyota Sequoia

2007-07-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

If it wasn’t because I was looking for a good radiator for my car, I would not have chanced upon a snippet about what’s happening to the Japanese car maker Toyota. Edmunds.com released news about how they spotted the new 2008 Toyota Sequoia on the test road displaying its new looks and designs. The new car according to the release was heavily decorated with camouflage accents. The new car was also given a new independent rear suspension that replaces the current set-up of the Sequoia vehicle which is currently still in production.

The new suspension given to the new 2008 Sequoia promises a better performance. Toyota also gave it new interior trimmings and a usable third row seats for cargo as well as passengers. The video also shows the functional declinable rear sear power folding 60/40-split bench.

The new vehicle is somehow closer to an adaptive cruise patrol. The looks were enhanced by a sensor on the huge front bumper on an SUV. The spoiler is added as well.

The new Sequoia will also claim the V8 4.7-liter and 5.7-liter engines just like what Toyota gave to its Tundra. The SUV will also be available on five or maybe six automatic transmissions.

The market for huge SUVs is maybe not impressive these days. But Toyota is not looking after the competition which they have between Ford and Chevrolet. They will also make a new statement out of the revelation of the new 2008 Sequoia.

140,000 Altimas Could Fire Up

2007-07-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

I like the way Nissan Altimas are built. No wonder it's Nissan’s best selling car with more than 114,000 units sold from January all-throughout May which places itself as the fourth best selling mid-sized vehicle in the United States.

The Altima is good enough to set the road “on fire”! Actually, based on facts, Nissan Altimas can really set the road on fire! I know you’re probably wondering right now and asking yourself how come the Altimas can cause a possible inferno in the streets. The reason is, Nissan will recall 140,000 Altimas in the United States to replace its air filter that is suspected to create fires or explosions once ignited by a hot object or any ignition source. It’s pretty dangerous so Nissan should promptly fix this problem before Altima owners get a third degree burn or even suffocate to death because of the fire created by these faulty air filters.

The voluntary recall will affect 2007 Altimas with four-cylinder, 2.5-liter engines produced between September 2006 and May 2007 which was manufactured at Nissan's Smyrna plant and between October 2006 and May 2007 at its Canton, Miss., plant. Its a good thing that the company officials have responded to the call of Altima owners before it’s too late.

Most-Researched New Vehicles Named By Kelley Blue Book

2007-07-10T22:41:00.000-07:00

It’s about time we all get familiar with the hottest and most-researched new vehicles during the first half of the year. Of course, we have to rely on the most trusted resource for used and new vehicle info… the Americas most trusted - Kelley Blue Book! Please leave your Subaru exhaust or your Mercedes Benz expansion tank in the garage and try to check out Kelley Blue Book’s top ten most-researched new cars on the first half of 2007!

Kbb.com's Most-Researched New Vehicles During The First Half of 2007

Toyota Camry
Honda Civic
Honda Accord
Honda CR-V
Nissan Altima
Toyota Corolla
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Highlander
Honda Pilot
Honda Odyssey
Toyota Prius
Toyota Sienna
Infiniti G35
Ford Mustang
MAZDA3
Ford Escape
Chevrolet Tahoe
Jeep Wrangler
Toyota Avalon
Acura TL

Japanase automakers such as the popular Toyota and Honda brands had once again dominated the first half of 2007 on Kelley Blue Book’s list of most-researched new vehicles. Toyota went beyond Honda for the top spot while the hybrids made its first appearance in Kbb.com’s list. 12 out of the top twenty cars were included on the list from the Japanese automaker; seven from Toyota and five cars were from Honda. For the first time, Toyota surpassed Honda by taking the top spot with their all new designed Toyota Camry, placing the Accord and the Civic in second and third places correspondingly.

The Toyota Prius came in at number 11, marking its debut on Kelley Blue Book’s list of most-researched new vehicles. Infamous models such as the Ford Mustang, Ford Escape and the Chevrolet Tahoe have strongly continued to be a part of Kbb.com’s list.

"The stranglehold Toyota and Honda have on the top 10 most-researched spots anticipated the sales results in June and demonstrates that those brands are on many consumers' must-shop list," said Jack R. Nerad, the executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "Meanwhile, the list shows that prospects for the domestic manufacturers remain bleak, because they offer too few 'gotta-have-it' products."

Vincentric’s Best Value in America™ Awards Goes to…

2007-07-05T23:44:00.000-07:00

The number one provider of insights, data and knowledge about the automotive industry with the application of numerous aspects of automotive value, Vincentric, has declared the winners for the 2007 Vincentric’s Bets Value in America™ Awards. The best of the best cars were selected from their respective segments. And guess what? Hybrid cars took over and earned honors from the said award.

"Hybrids benefited from three main factors," stated David Wurster, the President of Vincentric. "First were their strong fuel economy ratings, resulting in lower fuel costs for these vehicles. Second were their strong residual values due to high demand, resulting in lower depreciation costs. And third was the federal tax credit that went into effect this year. This combination of factors creates extremely strong value for consumers."

The Toyota Prius, Ford Escape hybrid, the Honda Civic hybrid, and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid were the selected winners from the range of hybrid vehicles. Each has won the Best Value in America™ award in their particular class. The Mercury Mariner hybrid, the Lexus RX400h, and the Honda Insight were also recognized and given Excellent Value ratings.

Here is the rest of the 2007 Vincentric’s Best Value in America™ Awardees!

PASSENGER CARS
Compact, over $18,000: Honda Civic Hybrid
Compact, under $18,000: Honda Civic Sedan
Convertible, over $29,000: Chevrolet Corvette
Convertible, under $29,000: Mazda MX-5 Miata
Large: Toyota Avalon
Luxury: Lexus GS 450h
Mid-Size, over $23,000: Toyota Prius
Mid-Size, under $23,000: Toyota Prius
Near-Luxury: Acura TL
Prestige Luxury: Lexus LS 460L
Sports Car, over $41,000: Chevrolet Corvette
Sports Car, under $41,000: BMW Z4
Subcompact, over $17,000: Honda Civic Coupe
Subcompact, under $17,000: Toyota Yaris
Wagon, over $23,000 BMW 5: Series Sports Wagon
Wagon, under $23,000 Toyota: Matrix

TRUCKS
Compact Pickup, 2WD: Toyota Tacoma
Compact Pickup, 4WD: Toyota Tacoma
Full Size Pickup, 2WD: GMC Sierra 1500
Full Size Pickup, 4WD: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Heavy Duty ¾ Ton Pickup, 2WD: Ford F-250
Heavy Duty ¾ Ton Pickup, 4WD: Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Heavy Duty 1 Ton Pickup, 2WD: Ford F-350
Heavy Duty 1 Ton Pickup, 4WD: Chevrolet Silverado 3500

SUVs and CROSSOVERS
Crossover, over $29,000: Infiniti FX45
Crossover, under $29,000: Saturn VUE Green Line
Compact SUV, over $23,000: Honda CR-V
Compact SUV, under $23,000: Honda CR-V
Mid-Size SUV, over $30,000: Honda Pilot
Mid-Size SUV, under $30,000: Honda Pilot
Large SUV, over $42,000: Infiniti QX56
Large SUV, under $42,000: Nissan Armada

VANS
Full Size Passenger Van: GMC Savana 1500
Minivan, over $27,000: Honda Odyssey
Minivan, under $27,000: Honda Odyssey

IntelliChoice.com Releases "Best Deals of July”

2007-07-05T21:45:00.000-07:00

Maybe I should give up fixing my Ford pickup parts for I have exciting news to announce. Guys, intellichoice.com released the “Best Deals of the Month” list on theautochannel.com just early this morning. The leader on auto ownership costs and car analysis website announced the most famous SUV, truck, minivan and subcompact vehicles today. The winners on this month of July recently had an increase in incentives and rebates.

Intellichoice.com’s publisher, James Bell, said, “So far, our perennial winners, which cover everything from hybrids to trucks, are holding their own in the face of increasing incentives. Our list is an important reminder to prospective car buyers that they need to pay attention to much more than cash back and other incentives before making this big purchase. Among other things, they need to consider how long they’re going to own the vehicle and its potential resale value.”

The list below shows the different winners on the particular categories. A special thanks to theautochannel.com for sharing the list with us.

The car models that were able to join the “Best Deals” for July 2007 identified according to size and type:

Subcompact Car: Cooper Hatchback (MINI)
Compact Car over 16000: Civic Hybrid (Honda)
Compact Car under 16000: Civic Sedan (Honda)
Midsize Car over 21000: Prius (Toyota)
Midsize Car under 21000:Prius (Toyota)
Convertible: Cooper Convertible (MINI)
Luxury Convertible: A4 Convertible (Audi)
Near Luxury Car: IS (Lexus)
Luxury Car: ES (Lexus)
Large Car: Avalon (Toyota)
Base Sport Car: Civic Si Coupe (Honda)
Sport Car: Corvette (Chevrolet)
Sport Sedan/Wagon over 38000: GS (Lexus)
Sport Sedan/Wagon under 38000: G35 Sport Sedan (Infiniti)
Compact Utility/Crossover: Escape Hybrid (Ford)
Midsize Crossover: Highlander Hybrid (Toyota)
Luxury Crossover: RX 400h(Lexus)
Small Wagon: Matrix (Toyota)
Midsize/Large Wagon: Outback Wagon (Subaru)
Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV): Yukon (GMC)
Intermediate Utility: H3 (Hummer)
Luxury SUV: GX (Lexus)
Compact Pickup Truck 2WD: Tacoma Regular Cab 2WD (Toyota)
Compact Pickup Truck 4WD: Frontier King Cab 4WD (Nissan)
Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 1/2 Ton: Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 2WD (GMC)
Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 3/4 Ton: F250 Super Duty Super Cab 2WD (Ford)
Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD One Ton: Ram 3500 Quad Cab 2WD (Dodge)
Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD 1/2 Ton: Silverado 1500 Regular Cab 4WD (Chevrolet)
Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD 3/4 Ton: Sierra 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD (GMC)
Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD One Ton: Ram 3500 Quad Cab 4WD (Dodge)
Minivan: Odyssey Passenger Van (Honda)
Full-Size Van: Express 1500 Passenger Van (Chevrolet)
Cargo Van: Grand Caravan Cargo Van (Dodge)

J.D. Power and Associates Gave Award to Volkswagen Jetta and GTI

2007-07-04T01:08:00.001-07:00

You read that right guys, the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL award was given to both the Volkswagen Jetta and GTI this 2007, according to the Volkswagen of America, Incorporated. The 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) of J.D. Power and Associates have undergone several criteria to identify which cars should receive the award. Then finally after the study, about its delightful designs, layout, content and the high performance of these vehicles, both of them received the award.

The Volkswagen of America’s executive vice president Adrian Hallmark commented, "These awards and our overall rankings show that Volkswagen builds compelling, quality vehicles that our customers love to drive. Our vehicles strike a strong emotional chord with owners."

On the compact car segment set by J.D. Powers, the Jetta topped the ranks and was followed by the Rabbit. The retuned GTI also made waves on the compact sporty car segment as it conquered the top position while the all-new EOS ranked on the third spot. The Passat also won the second spot in the competitive midsize car segment.

The study shows that the car which has the highest APEAL score commands a higher gross profit and is selling faster as compared to the other cars. The J.D. Power and Associates’ 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) is based on the gathered information between February and May of this year. The gathered info are from the 91,000 purchasers as well as the lessees of their new 2007 model-year trucks and cars which have been part of the survey for the past 90 days of ownership.

As for the Ford Motor Company which is known to be the maker of quality Ford parts, Ford truck accessories and Ford Mustang parts most of their cars are found on the list of the winners meaning they are still doing quality cars for us. It is impressive that no matter how hard it is to move on from being a cash-craving car company, they still managed to sell quality cars with great value.

Fiat 500 Festivities

2007-07-03T01:03:00.001-07:00

The launching of the brand new Fiat 500 has been the most anticipated event in Turin, Italy. It’s not just about the car, but it’s also going to be the celebration of life, love, joy and compassion. The launching of the all-new Fiat 500 in will be celebrated with fun-filled festivities.

Fifty years ago, the launching of the first ever Fiat 500 model was welcomed with great festivity - a celebration of a very symbolic mark in the history of Turin, Italy. Now, fifty years have later, the same old commemoration to the Fiat 500 will be given to this brand new vehicle. Several personalities will partake in this big event in Turin.

The event will shall witnessed by a massive set of visitors up to 7,000 spectators from 63 countries which includes 3,750 importers, dealers, famous personalities from sports, fashion and entertainment world, businessmen, large company representatives, up to 1,000 journalists, 200 suppliers, 1,000 guests including authorities and 100 financial analysts. From the 4th day until the 5th day of July, the celebration will be covered with a lot of programs and activities mostly for the benefit of the children and some non-government groups in Italy.

Here are the series of programs that will take place during the 50th year celebration of the Fiat 500.

Fiat 500’s program for 4 July 2007 as announced by the company:

Piazza Castello

From 9.30 am children from Estate Ragazzi, church parishes and private and public schools will be able to have a good time with the Great Children’s Party, the 500 Snakes and Ladders game and the Great Game of the 500 Week
From 7.00 pm the evening will become a music and entertainment get together for adults with the concert by the Orchestra di Ritmi Moderni;
From 9.00 to 9.30 pm, the Orchestra of the Teatro Regio will pay tribute to the new Fiat;
After 9.30 pm young hair stylists will interpret “500 brush strokes”…under the stars;
From 11.00 pm Ugo Alciati will interpret the “Taste… of the 500”;
From 12.00 am Guido of Pollenzo will prepare 500 kg of Gragnano pasta offered by Eataly while the games, entertainments and jazz continue.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto

From 9.00 am display of 800 historic Fiat 500s belonging to the numerous European clubs;
From 2.00 pm to 12 am 6 mobile post offices will be available to provide cancellations for a commemorative stamp dedicated to the Fiat 500 (the design reproduces the work called “Fiat Nuova 500”, done in 1968 by the painter Antonio Aimone);
Various animations and award ceremonies are planned throughout the day.

Piazza San Carlo

From 7 pm to 7.30 pm a fabulous Aperitif party with Campari "Cin Cin Cinquecento".
Photographic exhibition dedicated to the Fifties;
At 12.00 am “midnight toast” with Asti Spumante served by Piedmontese sommeliers;
From 12.00 am arrival of the “Band 500” on board 15 historic cars that will perform jazz, swing and evergreens.

Borgo Dora

From 6.00 pm an exceptional street market of modern antiques dedicated to the Fifties;
In the Cortile del Maglio the public will be able to taste a new beer created for the occasion by Teo Musso of the “Birrificio Le Baladin”;
From 7.00 pm theatre with period scenes and ballroom dancing;
From 7.00 pm to 12.00 am “The Theatre of Taste”, five Slow Food Osterie: the Antiche Sere, Con calma, Frà Fiusch, I Saletta and La Betulla, interpret the Fiat 500.
At 12.00 am “Pinocchio’s risotto”.

Quadrilatero Romano

From early afternoon, display of vintage cars;
From 7.00 pm various restaurants will prepare aperitifs and themed dinners;
Thereafter DJ set and groups of jazz musicians will ride around in period cars.
From 9.00 pm to 2.00 am, stalls with Toscani cigars, Barolo Chinato and cakes.

Another Ferrari to Surprise the World

2007-06-29T00:39:00.001-07:00

We just can’t get enough of these Italian beauties! The Ferrari fever has just begun and in response to our prayers, we were given the unveiling of Ferrari’s latest creation - the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Sessanta.

From the likes of the 612 Scaglietti’s body which was introduced during the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, the Sessanta was created! This gorgeous ride is available only with an F1 gearbox and it assures (as always) a comfortable and powerful performance from a luxury car. This is the greatest way of celebrating Ferrari’s 60th anniversary! With all the hot stuff coming out from Ferrari’s stable, we just can’t simply refuse to jump for joy as well.

Special contents of the 612 Scaglietti Sessanta:

Grigio scuro (Colori Classici ’50-’60)/Nero with grigio scuro side line Rubino Micalizzato / Nero Daytona with Rubino Micalizzato side line.
Special colour of underbody black in technical black
Colour treatment of the front headlight and rear bumper details in silver.

Exterior Features:

Electro-chromic panoramic roof panel with three transparency positions
New monolithic and forged 19”/19” wheel rims
Specific wheel cups
Radiator grill with specific painted frame
Chromium-plated rear grids with black chromed special exhaust pipes
"612 Sessanta" emblem on front fender

Interior colors:

Interiors are featured by a single-colour environment, with slightly contrasting stitching. Two choices are available. New Natural leather, “Terra Bruciata” coloured (exclusive colour on 612 Sessanta), including:
Marrone carpets
Interior details in Grigio Scuro (dash cross member, door panel details, tunnel plate)
Black seat belts
Terra Bruciata colour for steering wheel, dashboard, rear shell, and upper interior part
Those interiors are exclusively available with Grigio Scuro / Nero livery. New Natural leather Charcoal coloured, including:
Grigio Scuro carpets
Interior details in Rubino Micalizzato (dash cross member, door panel details, tunnel plate)
Grigio seat belts
Charcoal colour for steering wheel, dashboard, rear shell, and upper interior part
Those interiors are exclusively available with Rubino Micalizzato / Nero Daytona livery.

Interior features:

Steering wheel with three-position Manettino and Engine Start button
Exclusive upholstery style for seats, door panels and rear sides
Specific central tunnel upholstered and fully equipped, with 2 cup-holding compartments and rear handles
Four pockets on door panels, two of them closed
Specially-styled instrument cluster
Unique plate celebrating the 60-year anniversary on F1 gearbox plate
Leather upholstered and equipped boot
CCM braking system with black calipers
Bose Media System
Rear Parking Camera
TV Tuner
Cruise Control

U.S. Pick-up Trucks Battle in the Arena

2007-06-26T01:07:00.001-07:00

Every time I ask my friends which among the auto brands showcase all qualities of full size pickup trucks, I usually get two reactions - exhaustion and confusion.

Basically I can’t blame these people. Just imagine, every now and then, you watch television and an auto brand says I’m better than the other. If you read the newspaper, you’ll see the same battle - Detriot brands vs. import brands. If you surf the net, starting from forums, blogs up to recent press releases, the same issue shows up along with topics on car parts like those Mercedes Benz turn signal lenses, Mercedes Benz tail light lenses and others.

Well folks, if you do have the same problem, worry no more. The auto channel site www.autochannel.com was able to get the video where U.S. automakers hosted a competition where both the local and internationally full size pickup trucks boasted and showed what their brands has. Each and every truck was matched up with each other and it’s up to the customers which among those pick-ups would get their attention.

General Motors was the one that initiated the said event and it took place at GM’s 4,000-acre Michigan Proving Grounds. The U.S. manufacturer requested all truck companies to display their vehicles to automotive reviewers. This event was conceptualized because of the upward sloping competition between Detroit automakers with the Japanese car brands.

Pick-up trucks are considered to be second in U.S. in the selling vehicle segment - money-spinning and the most profitable segment in the auto industry. They believe that on that test drives and evaluations, those trucks that participated in the said event will have a better advantage. See, customers will be aided in deciding and weighing up the qualities, driving performance, and behavior of the pick-ups.

Before, the segment was dominated by American brands like Shelby, Ford, GM, and Dodge. But recently 2 leading brands - Toyota and Nissan - came grabbing the center stage from those four famous brands.

And in this one rare opportunity, automotive critics were given the chance to assess all the competing brands in that single segment. They were asked to drive all vehicles and were requested to use the vehicle to tow, accelerate, and brake. Included on the test were trailing, handling, and test controls under one set of standards to make the event fair.

According to Marc Phelan, an auto critic from Detroit Free Press, this rare opportunity will give you an idea which brand will boost your confidence if you are in an emergency maneuver or when you need to do panic stop braking. If you want to watch the video just log into www.autochannel.com.

PennDOT Motorists Tips for Safe Summer Travel

2007-06-22T01:21:00.000-07:00

For those of us who shy away from the heat and humidity that summer months can bring we try to look for some other things that we can do. For most people, they would rather ride under the sun of summer. And statistics say that most people take that drive during the summer compared to all other times of the year.

With that Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reminded motorists to guarantee their vehicle is well-maintained and functioning as it should be. This is to ensure that they would be out of harm's way as travel all through the summer months.

PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler attested that car failures are by no means convenient and will give you a total headache especially during hot weather so better let a professional mechanic check your vehicle to avoid hassles and inconvenience during your drive. That way, you can also take pleasure in your summer travels.

Remember that engine hoses and drive belts should be checked by a mechanic for wear, and the cooling system should be tested to assure that it is working appropriately. This could help you avoid over-heating. Add to that, the car battery should also be checked since battery failure is the most common and a frequent dilemma during the hot season.

It is also advisable that motorists on a regular basis should check their vehicle’s fluid levels and tire tread depth. In case you do not know how to verify the tire tread, just pop in a penny in the tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down. Then if you can see the entire head, your tires are damaged and needs replacement. Time to change tires!

And to attain the utmost fuel efficiency, it is also important to have tires appropriately inflated. Given the very hot weather, the air pressure within the tire can expand and that can be the cause for a blowout - especially if the tire is in poor condition.

Aside from those car troubles mentioned, this hot season can also further add problems on roadway surfaces. PennDOT said that severe heat is a ground that causes oils placed on vehicles to be absorbed into the road. And if there’s an extended period without rain, motorists should take further concern if rainstorms come along the way since rain forces those oils to the surface to generate slick spots.

Added tips for safe summer driving from PennDOT are:

Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle
Plan your trip early on in the day or later in the evening if you’re going to drive long distance
Cell phone and charger in your seat pack is never a bad idea
Have extra water and non-perishable food
Headlights should be turned on; oh my, seems I have to replace my Saturn headlight cover now!
Use wipers when driving; well this one will never be a problem I just bought Saturn wiper blade yesterday.
Keep in mind at all times to buckle up and never drink and drive
Lastly be smart, don’t take stupid chances and ride on ozone action days or in circumstances that are inhumane if you don’t feel any better.

The Caparo T1 Supercar: Made for Street Driving

2007-06-19T23:46:00.000-07:00

Can you handle a car in the street with a hammering weight of 1,213 pounds along with blazing 575 horsepower? Or the question can be - is it legal to drive this car on the road with such outrageous specs? Oh yeah!

Adrenaline-junkies have the reason to smile because the Caparo T1 supercar offers a splendid driving experience with a speed that will definitely knock you out of your feet! The Caparo embodies a power-to weight ratio that is likely to be much better than the million dollar Bugatti Veyron. The Caparo achieves the 60 mile mark in just around 2.5 seconds. And of course 100 miles per hour in less than five seconds! A super car indeed! The Caparo has a price of $378,000 - fast enough to clear an average man’s bank account, if I may say so.

The T1 is the brainchild of Ben Scott-Geddes and Graham Halstead who have been both popular because they have provided a job-well-done in the 1994 McLaren F1 supercar.

"I have no desire to be the next Enzo Ferrari. The T1 is a showcase, a marketing tool for the brand. It allows us to develop our know-how and demonstrate our technical prowess. This will help us to sell more components," says Angad Paul, the 37-year-old CEO of Caparo.

"No one can knock the Bugatti Veyron; it's a fantastic car. But it cost billions of [dollars] to develop and VW loses money on every one it sells. I can't see anyone doing another. This is an odd project. It is not really like a road car and it's not really like a racecar," shared Scott-Geddess. He admits that the T1 would fall afoul of most racecar regulations. "To get the maximum performance from as little mass as possible, we basically cheat - we don't have to contend with any of the restrictions facing normal racecar design. You could enter the car into an open formula race, but you'd be so fast that you'd piss off everybody else," admits Scott-Geddes.

Comfort & Power In The 2007 Toyota Highlander

2007-06-13T23:42:00.000-07:00

Last night, I surfed the net trying to look for some Saturn header pipes and some SUV models that exhibits quality performance and convenience. There were lots of vehicles to choose from - I mean you’ll be dazed because of the several good pickups that are being offered today. They were all awesome!

One of the top picks I have is the 2007 Toyota Highlander - it’s probably my number one pick! I was amazed upon checking its specifications because it guarantees new car buyers a splendid power performance! I mean it’s reliable and industrious when we talk about off-road adventures and tough terrains etc. A premium SUV indeed.

Okay, so performance is unquestionable. How about convenience? Now that’s what I want to show you - the cool interior features of the 2007 Highlander! Try to check them out!

Colorkeyed foldable power outside mirrors, grille, door handles, front and rear bumpers, and body side moldings
Heated foldable color-keyed power outside mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer grid
Colorkeyed grille with chrome inserts and rear license plate garnish
Chrome grille and rear license plate garnish
Chrome door handles
Chrome-tipped exhaust
UV reduction glass windshield
Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers
Colorkeyed front and rear mudguards
16-in5-spoke styled steel wheels with P225/70R16 tires and full-size spare tire
17-in. 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P225/65R17 tires and full-size spare tire on aluminum alloy wheel
17-in. high-polish 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P225/65R17 tires and full-size spare tire on aluminum alloy wheel
17-in. split 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P225/65R17 tires and full-size spare tire on aluminum alloy wheel
Roof rack system
Rear window with electric defogger and intermittent wiper
Color-keyed rear spoiler
Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and tailgate windows
Full-time 4-wheel drive (4WD)
4-wheel drive with intelligence (4WD-i)
LED (light-emitting diode) for tail and stop lamps
Towing Prep Package – includes trailer prewiring and transmission oil cooler
Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
Defroster-linked CFC-free air conditioning with air filter
CFC-free automatic digital climate control system with air filter and integrated multi-information display
3-in-1 AM/FM Cassette/CD with six speakers and in-glass antenna
3-in-1 AM/FM Cassette/CD with six speakers and fixed mast antenna
JBL® 3-in-1 AM/FM Cassette/CD with eight speakers in six locations and in-glass antenna with FM diversity reception
JBL® 3-in-1 AM/FM Cassette/6-disc in-dash CD changer, eight speakers in six locations and in-glass antenna with FM diversity reception
Touch-screen DVD navigation system
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system with rear-seat audio and two wireless headphones (includes 115V power outlet and RCA jacks)

Interior Standard Parts of the 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

2007-06-11T23:34:00.000-07:00

I was actually looking for an Iceman cold air intake when I read about the new 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. I was never interested about this car because I still have my own. But then I tried browsing the official website of Chevrolet, and that was when I began to like it.

I am looking for a car comes with the ultimate driving performance as well as entertainment. I am a music lover and I want to bring my music on the road. The Monte Carlo is packed with the Electronically Tuned Receiver (ETR) with AM/FM stereo, the Theft Lock and the 12 FM and six AM station presets. This particular player and sound system can store up to 36 FM, AM and XM satellite radio stations without actually affecting the other frequencies of the band.

These are the standard and optional features of the new 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. I was able to visit their site at Chevrolet.com and here is what I got.

INTERIOR:

Accents - brushed-metallic; instrument panel and doors
Accents - techno-metallic; instrument panel and doors
Air bags - driver and right-front passenger, seat-mounted, side-impact
Air bags - dual-stage, frontal, driver and right-front passenger, includes Passenger Sensing System
Air conditioning - manual, single-zone with air filtration
Air conditioning - dual-zone
Assist handle - front passenger
Convenience net - cargo-area
Convenience Package - auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, heated outside rearview mirrors and Universal Home Remote transmitter
Cruise control
Cup holders - dual, front and rear
Defogger - rear-window, electric
Door locks - automatic, programmable, includes driver-lockout protection
Driver Information Center
Floor mats - carpeted, front and rear
Instrumentation - four-gauge analog cluster with speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature, fuel, trip odometer
Instrumentation - deluxe four-gauge analog cluster
Instrumentation - race-inspired gauges
LATCH - (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children) system for child safety seats
Lighting - delayed entry/exit with theatre-dimming
Mirror - inside rearview, manual day/night with dual reading lights
Mirror - inside rearview, auto-dimming with dual reading lights
OnStar3 - one-year Safe & Sound Plan
Remote Keyless Entry
Remote vehicle starter system - includes Remote Keyless Entry
Remote vehicle starter system - prep kit
Steering column - Tilt-Wheel, adjustable
Steering wheel - leather-wrapped, includes steering wheel-mounted audio controls
Sunroof - Theft-deterrent system
PASS-Key III Plus with rolling code-encrypted technology
Trunk release - remote
Universal Home Remote transmitter
Visors - vanity mirrors, driver and front passenger
Visors - illuminated vanity mirrors
Windows - power with driver's Express-Down feature and passenger lockout

I must be really saving money now so I can have the car in a few months. Well, I guess it’s worth it with the prices of $28,425 on its SS model, $23,310 on its LT and $21,700 on its LS. I think the vehicle is really worth spending on.

Toyota Prius Tops 13 Great Fuel-Efficient Cars

2007-06-07T00:22:00.000-07:00

I found this list on autospies.com and egmcartech.com when I was searching for the BMW M3 parts and BMW M5 parts online. Here take a look at the list.

Top 13 Great Fuel-Efficient Cars:
Luxury Sedan - Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec - 23 city / 32 highway
Mid-Size Sedan - Nissan Altima Hybrid - 35 city / 33 highway
Small Sedan - Honda Civic Hybrid - 40 city / 45 highway
Compact Pickup - Toyota Tacoma - 20 city / 26 highway
Full-Size Pickup - Chevrolet Silverado - 15 city / 20 highway
Small SUV - Ford Escape Hybrid - 34 city / 30 highway
Mid-Size SUV - Toyota Highlander Hybrid - 28 cty / 25 highway
Large SUV - GMC Acadia - 16 city / 24 highway
Mini-Van - Honda Odyssey - 17 city / 24 highway
Sports Car - Mazda MX-5 Miata - 22 city / 27 highway
Hatchback - MINI Cooper - 27 city / 36 highway
Wagon - Pontiac Vibe - 26 city / 33 highway
Overall Champ - Toyota Prius - 48 city / 45 highway

As usual, when it comes to hybrid cars, nothing will ever beat the all time best hybrid car of the world - the Toyota Prius. Just recently, the Kelley Blue Book released the results of its survey and the Prius got the Overall Champ spot among the thirteen vehicles presented.

We can never deny the fact that hybrid cars are on demand nowadays. US has the famous strict government emission standards and so car makers have to do more efforts on building new cars so that these would come having better fuel efficiency. China and Japan were also noted to be greener as well. Europe is also practicing the same eco-friendly features on their cars.

The Kelley Blue Book made the Top 13 Great Fuel-Efficient Cars. These thirteen cars have undergone several evaluations before they were given the awards on the different categories. It was a little surprising that Honda got only two of 13 categories presented. The leader of hybrid cars won the small sedan and the minivan categories - the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Honda Odyssey respectively. Honda said that they will do efforts to improve the Civic Hybrid as they plan to set a competition with the Prius.

The list also shows that European cars are also making good names in fuel efficiency technology. We all knew about the reputation of Euro cars right but now I guess they are making a good name on the green market.

All Praise to the 2007 Nissan Titan: The King Cab

2007-06-02T00:20:00.000-07:00

If there’s the king of the road, there’s the King Cab too! The 2007 Nissan Titan was crowned as the king of all cabs because it is a combination of a powerful off-road vehicle and a splendidly luxurious vehicle! Are you kidding me?! I know that’s what you’re going to say. But I’m telling you it’s for real.

Okay, okay. Just check the vehicle out with these bits of data that I’ve prepared. I’m sure all Nissan parts are great and some of its styling somehow resembles the Nissan Frontier parts.

Engine:

VK56DE - Endurance 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine
- 317 hp @ 5,200 rpm
- 385 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)1
Emissions - LEV
Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS)
Nissan Direct Ignition System
Platinum-tipped spark plugs
Electronic drive-by-wire throttle
Alternator (130 amps)
Battery (650 CCA)
Heavy-duty battery (710 CCA)
Oil pan skid plate (4x4 models)
Fuel tank skid plate
Transfer case skid plate
Lower radiator skid plate
Additional 7-pin wiring harness
Trailer brake pre-wiring

Drivetrain:

Front engine/rear-wheel drive
Switch-operated 2-speed transfer case 4-wheel drive (4WD high - 1.000; 4WD low - 2.596)
5-speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul Mode
Final gear ratio (2.94); similar to a 4-speed automatic 3.73 ratio
Lower final gear ratio (3.357:1); similar to a 4-speed automatic 4.10:1 ratio
4-wheel Limited Slip (ABLS) - 4x4
2-wheel Limited Slip (ABLS) - 4x2

Brakes:

Front and rear vented disc brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
Brake Assist

Suspension and Steering:

Front: Independent double-wishbone with stabilizer bar and Dana® axles. (Dana® axles on 4X4 only)
Rear: Multi-leaf with solid Dana® axle
Rancho® off-road performance shocks
Engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering

Wheels and Tires:

18" x 8.0" Steel wheels
18" x 8.0" 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels [PR]
18" x 8.0" 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels
18" x 8.0" Unique 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels
20" x 8.0" 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels
P265/70R18 Tires
P265/70R18 Goodyear® Wrangler® tires with raised outlined white lettering
P275/70R18 BFGoodrich® Rugged Trail® tires with raised outlined white lettering
Full-size spare tire

Styling/Functionality:

Automatic on/off headlights
Step rails
Fog lights
Class IV receiver hitch
Tow hooks (standard on 4x4 models)
Splash guards (LE and all 4x4 models)
Body-color front bumper and grille (Smoke on XE)
Black door handles
Chrome door handles
Dual black manual outside mirrors
Dual black power heated outside mirrors
Dual chrome power folding auto-dimming heated outside mirrors with puddle lamps
Extendable tow mirrors
Utili-track Bed Channel System with four tie-down cleats
Factory-applied spray-on bedliner
Driver-side lockbox
Tailgate illumination
Locking tailgate with dampened assist
Cargo bed light
Bed rope hooks, stake holder and separator/shelf provision
Body side moldings
Fender lip moldings
Sliding rear window
Rear privacy glass
Rear sonar system

Drive and Shine with 2007 Toyota Sienna

2007-06-01T00:01:00.001-07:00

We all have our own top lists of favorite cars and vehicles that we fancy the most. Aside from the cool cars that we dream about, what vehicle interests you? Let’s not talk about the styling and awesome auto body parts. Let’s talk about excellence and practicality - a car that lets you experience the pleasure of a quality vehicle. The ideal car that has these features and is included in my list is the 2007 Toyota Sienna!

As I recall the features and information that I got last night about this car, it is pretty obvious that the car speaks about it all. The 2007 Sienna is your home away from home with all the amenities that it offers! You can’t go wrong if you drive this car! Go check on some of the features of the 2007 Toyota Sienna while I fix my Nissan strut mount and Nissan tailgate handle.

Exterior features:

Chrome accents on front grille, rear license plate garnish and body side moldings
Color-keyed bumpers, door handles and body side moldings
Color-keyed rear license plate garnish
Aerodynamic multi-reflector headlamps with auto-off feature
Auto on/off headlamps
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with manual level control
Fog lamps
Power front disc/rear drum brakes
Rear disc brakes
Foot pedal parking brake
16-in. steel wheels with full wheel covers with P215/65R16 tires
16-in. 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P215/65R16 tires
17-in. 7-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P225/60R17 tires
Tow Prep Package [4] -3500-lb. towing capacity with heavy-duty radiator, heavy-duty fan, 150-amp alternator and power steering oil cooler

Interior:

Wood-grain-style interior trim
Chrome-trimmed door handles and driver and front passenger air vents
Chrome-accented transmission shift plate
Driver’s seat with manual adjustable lumbar support
Front passenger seatback with fold-flat function
6-way adjustable driver's and 4-way front passenger captain’s chairs with armrests and height-adjustable headrests in all seating positions
8-way power-adjustable driver’s and 4-way front passenger captain's chairs with height-adjustable headrests
8-way power-adjustable driver’s and 4-way front passenger power seats with height-adjustable headrests

Travel with the Best Explorer Ever

2007-05-26T00:32:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that the 2007 Ford Explorer is the greatest Explorer ever! We could not ask for more from this ride - from the exterior to the interior down to its safety features, we all praise the mighty Explorer! And the fact that it is the recipient of both the Consumer Guide® Automotive Best Buy 2007 and the Recommended 2007 Awards, would you still doubt the 2007 Explorer? It has efficient spark plug wires which are as reliable as Chevrolet pickup spark plug wires or Chevrolet pickup overhead racks. You can’t go wrong with the 2007 Ford Explorer! Well, let’s see if some of the specifications and features will convince you too!

Some interesting features:

MP3 capability
Sirius Satellite Radio
DVD Entertainment System
Intelligent Safety System™ (ISS)
Dual Stage front airbags
Standard AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control) offers
5-star crash test rating*
4.6L V8 engine
6-Speed Transmission
Control Trac® 4WD System
Fold-flat 3rd row seat
PowerFold™ 3rd-row seat
18’’ Chrome Clad Aluminum Wheels
Ironman® Package

General specifications:
Engine Specifications

Engine type: 4.0L V6 SOHC
Engine electronics: EEC-V electronic engine controls with integrated Displacement 4.0L (245 cu. in.) 4.6L (281 cu. in.)
Horsepower (SAE net@rpm): 210@5,100 292 at 5,750
Torque (lb.-ft.@rpm):254@3,700 300 at 3950
Compression ratio: 9.7:1
Bore x stroke (in.): 3.95 x 3.32
Main bearings: 4
Valve lifters: Hydraulic lash adjuster with roller Fuel delivery Recommended fuel Unleaded regular
Exhaust manifold: Cast iron
Fuel economy: EPA est. mpg 4x2: 15 city/21 hwy
Transmission type 5-speed automatic O/D
Engine block material: Cast iron
Cylinder head material: Aluminum

Chassis Specifications

Front suspension: Independent short and long-arms (SLA) architecture with coil-over- shock and stabilizer bar
Front shocks: HD gas-charged
Rear suspension: Independent trailing blade short- and long arms (SLA) architecture with coil-over shock and stabilizer bar
Rear shocks: HD gas-charged
Front and rear brakes: Anti-lock power, 4-wheel disc
Steering Power: rack-and-pinion

Updated Picanto Goes to Barcelona

2007-05-26T00:31:00.000-07:00

The Kia Picanto is a model not sold in the US. But just as we all crave for small city cars, Kia is bringing a new version of its Picanto in Europe. The South Korean Auto maker based the small vehicle on the ongoing Hyundai Getz. We all know that like citizens of the US, Europeans are so into tiny cars with great quality, and so the Asian car maker will be bringing this small vehicle to Spain.

Kia gave the Picanto a few revamps so it will be ready for its unveiling in the Barcelona Motor Show next month in Spain. The new Picanto is given a more different look than those which are sold in Asian - Kia gave it a little dose of the Hyundai Elantra’s looks, just like the one being sold in the US car market.

The rear bumper as well as the front clip grew a little as compared to the previous Picanto. It grew 1.57 inches, but the looks as well as the design are still the same. The interior also received upgrades. The interior are chiseled and was given a huge amount of hard plastic.

The new look of the Picanto is going to Barcelona next month. But I guess the revamped model looks like it will be soon delivered to the US car market. Americans will definitely love the new look of the Picanto. After all, they are so into small cars as well.

Anyway, Kia made all the standard parts available as well. Like Airaid intakes, knock sensors and other Kia parts will all be available on the new Picanto.

The Online Phenomenon 2008 Ford Escape

2007-05-23T00:04:00.000-07:00

It was a boring afternoon yesterday so I went on with my usual habit - gathering auto updates online! I love this stuff aside from getting some Hollywood buzz and everything. While checking on some quality auto parts like the Chevrolet pickup bra and the Acura RSX coil over suspension kit on some car related sites, I visited Ford’s newsroom. I found out that their very own 2008 Ford Escape has been acknowledged as the best vehicle for online buyers. I didn’t know about it, so I opened autos.yahoo.com and edmunds.com to verify the 2008 Ford Escape phenomenon. I was shocked upon reading all online consumers’ comments and compliments to this vehicle. I mean, they really love the Ford Escape and it is definitely a big hit online!

Here are some of the comments of the online consumers regarding the 2008 Ford Escape:

Ford Should Build Everything This Good! - “I just recently test drove the new Escape, and I think it is much better than the model it replaces. First, the styling is much improved. It has more definition, more character. The seating position is first rate, and all of the controls are easy to find and use. It rides firmly, yet comfortably, and the handling is much improved over the old model. The V-6 ought to be standard equipment on all models; the trade-off between power and economy is very good. What’s more, the price is right, and everything suggests that the Escape will be a great value for the money. The new Escape is now at the top of my new-car shopping list, and I hope Ford can improve all its models the way they improved this one.” - posted to Yahoo! Autos by Keith from Baton Rouge

A Good Vehicle, Made Even Better in 2008 - “ Just bought the 2008 Limited, Black Pearl Slate Metallic with the charcoal interior and all the bells and whistles except for the navigation system. This is my third Escape after a 2001 and a 2005. The ‘05 was only two years old so I really didn’t need this but I wanted it and so now it’s in my garage. So far it is miles above the last generation (which was pretty good) in terms of comfort, ride quality, performance and ergonomics. The new interior is a home run and the new ‘butched up’ exterior, which I wasn’t wild about at first, has grown on me and looks much better in person than in photographs. If you can swing it, get the Audiophile speaker sound system - totally worth the extra bucks. A winner all the way around.” - posted to Yahoo! Autos by Rick from Los Angeles

A Convenient Solution That’s Ford Truck Tough - “First hybrid vehicle for our family. We have had Ford trucks in the past and this one has the same rugged feel to it. Hybrid drive system seems to be transparent to driver unless you are paying close attention. It is great to be sitting at a light with no engine noise or vibration, allowing you to listen to the great sound system (with DSP). Acceleration is good and does not feel sluggish at all. If you drive cautiously you can keep the gas engine from turning on up to 30 mph! Regenerative braking works seamlessly, and climate control is very capable. I would highly recommend this truck. I have been averaging 34 mpg back and forth to work in mixed highway/city driving.” - posted to Yahoo! Autos by Jeff from Cary, N.C.

Best “Bang For the Buck” Hybrid SUV - “Hats off to the ‘08 Escape Hybrid! I had an ‘06 Escape Hybrid 4WD (not loaded) and for $1,500 more I now have a loaded ‘08 Escape Hybrid 4WD. The reason is starting with the ‘07 hybrids, Ford lowered the price. The exterior has a new aggressive look and even makes it appear larger. The new interior design is a plus. I noticed that the cabin is quieter and feels more solid on the road than my ‘06. The new EPA sticker shows a more ‘real world’ estimate because right off I was doing 29 mpg and over on the first tank. It comes standard with dual climate, which is great because my wife is always colder, and an auxiliary jack for the iPod/MP3 addicts, two 12V power points for front and rear users, auto on/off headlamps and tire pressure sensors. The center stack has totally improved: larger touch screen GPS, six CD/MP3 in-dash instead of the changer under the passenger seat, and a high mount info screen (time, date, exterior and interior temperature, bearing). The console is VERY sly! It can hide a 14-inch laptop and power it as well, thanks to the 110V plug right there in the front of the shifter. The center console attachments can be configured in a number of ways for convenience. It’s one of those things you have to see for yourself! This hybrid is one to consider over the pricier Toyota and Lexus.” - posted to Yahoo! Autos by Clay from Vallejo, Calif.

Great Changes! - “We have a XLT 4WD and what a dramatic difference from the older versions... especially the interior... thank goodness. This new version is so much better in my opinion. Dramatically quieter and more comfortable and the prices are actually lower than last year’s model. We have some very steep hills in our area with gravel roads. The all wheel drive handles them with ease without any loss of traction. The transmission does all the braking on the way downhill with little effort, saving my brakes the wear and tear. Love this CUV!” - posted to Edmunds.com by Rob

Well Sculpted, Smartly Organized and Sexy - “I first test drove the Limited V-6 today and plan to buy one. Initial impression is that the overall look is well sculpted and smartly organized, with a sexy black leather interior. Ride is quiet, although a little rough on bad roads. I don’t particularly like a mushy ride, so the feel of the road appeals to me. Seats are comfortable and will serve well on a long ride, as will the Audiophile speaker sound system, tuned to SIRIUS. Quality of interior is immediately noticeable. The only down side is the pebble grain dashboard and need to remove headrests from back seats in order to lay seats flat, although a compartment for storing headrests is provided. Chrome front grille looks a little cheesy. My preference is for a solid color grille. Clean and simple. List of safety features and new extended 60,000 mile warranty is impressive and should coax many buyers that it’s time to come back to Ford. Bottom line... it looks good and is fun to drive. Sold.” - posted to Yahoo! Autos by Yogidog from the Far North

Escape Hybrid Hits the Mark - “I picked up my 2008 Escape Hybrid one week ago. First impressions are excellent. Gas mileage is 36 mpg in mostly city driving. The leather interior is well done. The build quality is flawless. I traded a 2005 Honda Accord because I needed more interior room and better gas mileage. The Escape gave me both. Time will tell if the reliability will match Honda.” - posted to Edmunds.com by kpick

Good Job - “This is the first new Ford I purchased in 29 years. I traded in a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In fact the last five new SUVs I purchased were Jeep Grand Cherokees. After two years of driving the 2005 Jeep I had enough of the poor service and lack of concern by Jeep. I was hesitant to purchase and did quite a bit of research before doing so and glad I did. The Escape Hybrid is fun to drive, has better visibility, and the gas mileage is twice that of the Jeep! We did drive the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the bottom line was about the same but I am tall enough that when getting in and out of the Toyota I scraped my head. This is not the case with the Ford. Also, GM has nothing to offer in hybrids.” - posted to Edmunds.com by Richard

Great Buy! - “I just bought a ‘08 XLT with the SIRIUS Satellite and Moon Roof package. I couldn’t be happier with it! It’s an absolute joy to drive. I have the metallic silver paint with the stone interior. At first, I wasn’t too happy with the inside color, but it has grown on me quickly. It looks really sharp and is easy to keep clean. The two tone cloth seats and convenience package makes it feels more like a luxury vehicle. For this being my first SUV, I love the fact that it feels like I’m driving a mid-size car and I don’t feel like I’m driving a boat down the road. I also love the new all around side curtain airbags. I’m definitely very happy with my purchase and I look forward to driving it for many more years!” - posted to Yahoo! Autos by Melissa from ND

Best SUV on the Planet - “After buying this SUV, I got all the money back I paid in federal taxes for the entire year. It is the best hybrid on the road and is great for off-roading. I have the four wheel drive model and I use it every weekend. I have 20,000 very trouble free miles on it in only 4 months. This is the best SUV Ford has ever made and there is NO comparison to the Toyota Highlander. This wins hands down!” - posted to Yahoo! Autos by Frank from San Diego

BMW X3 to be Produced in the US?

2007-05-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

Right. According to Magna Inc., one of BMW's supplier, the German automaker plans to end the production of the current BMW X3 compact luxury crossover SUV in the Magna plant in Austria, instead, BMW will continue producing the vehicle in the United States. Sounds good? Well, check out the other details regarding this issue according to a Magna Inc. official press release.

"BMW AG has informed us of its intention to commence in-house assembly of the next generation BMW X3 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, following end of production of the current generation BMW X3 at our Graz, Austria facility. While end of production for the program is at the discretion of BMW, Magna Steyr currently expects BMW X3 production to end in 2010. We are currently a significant supplier to BMW's Spartanburg facility.

We have been the sole production source of the BMW X3 since we began producing the vehicle in 2003. BMW X3 production represented approximately 45% of total vehicles assembled at Magna Steyr in 2006. We are in discussions with customers about future potential assembly opportunities for our Graz facility.

We are the most diversified automotive supplier in the world. We design, develop and manufacture automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers of cars and light trucks in North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. Our capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; metal body and structural systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.

We have approximately 83,000 employees in 235 manufacturing operations and 62 product development and engineering centres in 23 countries."

Now instead of upgrading your old Chevy Blazer model with Chevy Blazer parts, why not save your money for this BMW compact SUV?

Prius: the Next Toyota Brand?

2007-05-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

What’s this?

Was checking out new traction bars for my car when I stumbled on this piece of news.

According to the Automobile Magazine giant Japanese and world’s number one automaker (wow that sure feels weird to say) Toyota is currently mulling over creating another brand, named after its very successful Prius to better market its hybrid cars.

The report says that after the 2011 model year, Toyota hybrids will no longer be sold under the Toyota nameplate, but instead under the Prius brand. The Prius line of cars will reportedly be significantly different from their Toyota counterparts – unique sheet metal and hybrid powertrains.

The Prius line will reportedly be available in three different models which have been internally dubbed Prius A, Prius B and Prius C, ranging from Yaris to Camry in size. The Prius A will be introduced in 2009, "B" will be introduced in 2010 and the "C" will launched in 2011.

The Toyota Prius is the first mass-produced and marketed hybrid automobile/car. It went on sale in Japan in 1997, and worldwide in 2001. By the end of 2003, nearly 160,000 units had been produced for sale in Japan, Europe, and North America. The Prius (2000 to 2003 model years) is certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Volkswagen Releases New Concept

2007-05-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Poof! German automaker Volkswagen has released the initial details of its newest concept vehicle, the VW Golf GTI W12 650 Concept. Surprised about this new model? Me too. Inspired by motor sports racing, the VW Golf GTI W12 650 Concept boasts the W12 6.0-liter Biturbo engine under its hood that pumps out 650 HP (477 KW) at 6.000 rpm and delivers 750 Nm of peak torque at 4,500 rpm.

Unfortuntely, Volkswagen did not release the full specs and features for this vehicle. Well at least they gave us the initial details on what we would expect for the production model. Check out the rest of them.

- 6-speed automatic transmission
- Performance: 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds with a maximum speed of 202 mph Width
- Width: 1.88 m, 235er tire in front, 295er tire in the back
- Chassis components of the Golf GTI W12-650 were adapted directly from super sports cars - GTI design cues on the headlights, doors, front hood and tail lamps
- Carbon fiber roof diffuser
- Alcantara leather interior
- Disconnectible electronic stability program (ESP)

Watch out for other Volkswagen press releases for other information about this new concept vehicle. You can also upgrade your auto parts like Volkswagen or Mercedes CV boot to boosts your car’s handling and performance.

Mercedes-Benz Reveals New Brabus Mercedes C-Class

2007-05-18T00:06:00.001-07:00

Mercedes, Mercedes, Mercedes… Oh I miss writing blogs about it. My son has an assignment about car parts such as the Mercedes K&N air filter, Superchips and Weathertech parts and I had to help him do it. And I read this news about the new Brabus.

The C-Class Mercedes-Benz with Brabus will have a new program to generate new enhancements for the previous car model. The new Brabus will now have the 4L V6 that is so capable of producing 332 horsepower for the new four door vehicle.

There are also other choices for the Brabus like the 175 horsepower performance kit that has been made exclusively for its C200 CDI as well as the 332 horsepower kit for the C350 with a top speed of an impressive 170 mph. The new engine is perfected by matching it with high performance brakes as well as sport suspension systems. Other car parts added were front spoiler, rear valance, side skirts, spoiler and aerodynamic body additions like auxiliary lights.

The interior car parts were also replaced with more gorgeous Brabus gearlevers, illuminated Brabus logos, stainless-steel panels, a new steering wheel and the leather-and-Alcantara on the interior upholstery in the trim.

The new cars’ prices have not yet been revealed as well as some specs. But soon when the car company delivers the news about that, we will be bringing them to you.

Ford Motor Company’s 2007 Annual Meeting Shareholders Voting Results

2007-05-15T00:55:00.000-07:00

In a big company like Ford, every one is entitled with the right to express his/her own initiatives, the right to choose independently, and the right to be heard by the people. And I think this is one reason why companies are progressive because they never stand alone.

Take for example a Volvo V70 model, it won’t run a mile without the significant role played by small or major V70 parts or its Volvo fuel pumps, right? But with the best and reliable auto parts, expect that it’ll endure a thousand mile drive across the borders. This is a lot like the companies - its all about teamwork and unity. And in this sense, voting results have been officially in during the 2007 Annual Meeting Shareholders of Ford Motor Company. Check this out!

The votes are finally in! The Ford Motor Company's 52nd Annual Meeting of Shareholders took place last May 10, 2007 at Hotel du Pont which is located in Wilmington, Delaware. A total of 79 delegates were present during the said event and the results of the preliminary voting shows that 1,560,296,500 is the sum of the total common stock shares while 70,800,728 is the number of the Class-B shares that were signified in person or by a substitute. 91.3 percent of these shares personified the votes.

Here are some of the proposals which were discussed and voted on during the mentioned meeting.

Proposal 2: Relating to the ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Ford's independent registered public accounting firm for 2007.
For: 98.04 percent
Against: 1.96 percent
Abstain: 1.95 percent

Proposal 3: Relating to disclosure of certain compensation paid to executive officers.
For: 9.80 percent
Against: 90.20 percent
Abstain: 0.92 percent

Proposal 4: Relating to the Company reporting adopting quantitative goals for reducing total greenhouse gas emissions from the Company's products and operations.
For: 14.12 percent
Against: 85.88 percent
Abstain: 3.97 percent

Proposal 5: Relating to allowing holders of 10% of common stock to call special shareholder meetings.
For: 19.71 percent
Against: 80.29 percent
Abstain: 1.25 percent

Proposal 6: Relating to consideration of a recapitalization plan to provide that all of the Company's outstanding stock have one vote per share.
For: 27.44 percent
Against: 72.56 percent
Abstain: 1.20 percent

Proposal 7: Relating to the Board of Directors publishing a report on global warming/cooling.
For: 3.62 percent
Against: 96.38 percent
Abstain: 4.02 percent

Proposal 8: Relating to the Company removing references to sexual orientation from its equal employment policies.
For: 4.25 percent
Against: 95.75 percent
Abstain: 2.07 percent

Proposal 9: Relating to the Company adopting a policy that a minimum of 75% of future equity compensation awarded to senior executives be performance-based.
For: 9.01 percent
Against: 90.99 percent
Abstain: 1.22 percent

Proposal 10: Relating to the Company issuing a report on how it plans to position itself to address rising health care expenses without compromising the health and productivity of its workforce.
For: 6.57 percent
Against: 93.43 percent
Abstain: 4.00 percent