AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

The Cool Hybrid Car From Honda

2010-02-20T17:25:00.000-08:00

The Honda Civic Hybrid is a hybrid powertrain version of the Honda Civic sedan. It features a continuously variable transmission and Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system similar to that of the original Honda Insight. Integrated Motor Assist utilizes power assist hybrid technology.
The Civic hybrid was introduced in February 2002 as a 2003 model, based on the seventh generation Civic. Along with the conventional Civic, it received styling update for 2004. The second generation Civic Hybrid is based on the eighth generation Civic, with some styling differences between the USDM and JDM models. As of the end of January 2009, the total global sales of all Civic hybrid exceeded 255,000.

History

The first generation of the Honda Civic Hybrid was based on the seventh generation Honda Civic. The following is a list of its technical features:
1.3 liter single overhead cam i-DSI lean-burn internal-combustion engine with VTEC Cylinder Cut-off System, which allows up to three cylinders to cease operation during deceleration. The engine generates 85 hp at 5700rpm and 87 ft·lbs of torque at 3300 rpm.
15 kW (20 hp) brushless, permanent magnet assist motor, which functions as a generator during deceleration and loads (recharges) batteries.
120 V Nickel-metal hydride batteries with 6.0 A·h capacity.
Honda Multimatic S continuously variable transmission or 5-speed manual transmission (latter available only in USA).
SULEV or optional AT-PZEV certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Low rolling resistance tires (P185/70R14) on aluminum wheels and regenerative braking.
Electric power-steering.

The second generation Civic Hybrid is based on the eighth generation Honda Civic. The following is a list of changes that were made:
Updated to fourth generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA).
Camshaft profile was increased, increasing power to 93 hp (69 kW) @ 6000 rpm.
Updated to three stage i-VTEC and VCM (Variable Cylinder Management), which permits deactivation of all four cylinders when decelerating. In this mode, the car runs only on electric power.
Discontinued the manual transmission option.

Increased the EPA fuel economy estimate to 40 mpg (US) (5.9 L/100 km, 16.94 km/L) city, 45 mpg (US) (5.2 L/100 km, 19.23 km/L) highway.
Updated to 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels (later featured on the Civic DX-G in Canada as well)

Comparison with Toyota Prius
The Honda Civic Hybrid is frequently compared to the Toyota Prius. Civic Hybrid has a smaller but more powerful 1.3L 95 HP gasoline four-cylinder engine, versus a 76 HP 1.5L engine for the second generation Prius. Civic's electric motor is rated at 20 HP, while Prius has a more powerful 67 HP electric motor. The combined power output following SAE J1349 requirement for Civic hybrid is 110 HP, which is the same as Prius.
The third generation Prius debuted in mid-2009 is powered by a 1.8L 98 HP engine, plus an electric motor of 80 HP.
The combined output is 134 HP.

Awards

The Civic Hybrid's engine won the International Engine of the Year "1 litre to 1.4 litre" size category award for three years straight from 2002 through 2004 as well as the "Best Fuel Economy" category for 2003 and 2004. It has won Motor Trend 2006 Car of the Year award, along with the rest of the Civic range.

Resource Wikipedia.

The Fantastic Hummer

2010-01-25T03:22:00.000-08:00

Hummer is expanding its product portfolio and entering the midsize truck market with its 2009 H3T. The vehicle, which is scheduled to make its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, was inspired by the Hummer H3, one of the brand's two sport utility vehicles (SUV). The four-door, five-passenger truck features a 5-foot bed, 32-inch tires, and a standard 3.7-liter, five cylinder engine with 242 horsepower. Production on the H3T is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2008 at General Motor's Shreveport, LA assembly plant before rolling into dealerships later this fall.

Ten of interesting hummer in the world.

Best Engineering From Toyota - Prius

2009-10-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

A decade ago, it was hailed as the car of the future. Today, the Toyota Prius defines the gasoline-electric hybrid genre, and is the benchmark against which every other hybrid is compared. And if the majority of cars sold are not hybrids – yet — hybrids are no longer merely vehicles for the high-tech fringe. Welcome to the future, or at least the beginning thereof.

And, for model year 2010, welcome to the next generation of Prius. It’s quieter, roomier, and more fuel-efficient that its predecessors. It also offers improved performance and a higher level of standard and optional equipment, including such over-the-top luxuries as a solar-powered ventilation system and Intelligent Park Assist self-parking. It’s cleaner than ever, and is built with processes and technologies that reduce its environmental footprint at every stage from construction through driving and to on final disposal.
Efficiency has been increased in mechanical and electrical/electronic systems and in aerodynamics. Although instantly identifiable as a Toyota Prius, just about everything — engine, hybrid drivetrain, chassis platform, body, and interior — is brand-new or significantly improved.
The key to both improved fuel efficiency and performance is an improved drivetrain. The new engine is larger, at 1.8 liters, and more powerful, with a maximum output of 98 horsepower. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system is 90 percent newly-developed, with reduced weight and improved power and efficiency with seamless operation. Before, it was easy to tell when the engine shut off or came back online as there was a noticeable jolt and throttle response could be uneven. No longer – the Prius feels electric-smooth all of the time. Combined maximum power output is up significantly at 134 hp, meaning that the engine and motor don’t have to work as hard at any given speed, which means less fuel used.
Attention to weight also helps, and so aluminum is used for the hood and rear hatch, and for some front suspension components. High-tensile steel is used for inner rocker panels, the central pillars, and for roof reinforcement. Despite a slightly larger size and increased use of sound insulation and vibration-damping materials, weight has only increased by about 150 pounds.
There is one model of 2010 Prius, available in four standard equipment packages with increasing equipment levels. Even the most basic has, among other things, a tilt-and-telescope-adjustable steering wheel with auxiliary audio and climate controls and “Touch Tracer Display”, a multi-information display/trip computer, air conditioning with an electric compressor to uncouple it from the engine, pushbutton start/stop, cruise control, full adjustability for the driver’s seat, a 60/40 split rear seatback, XM-ready AM/FM/single CD or MP3CD/auxiliary jack audio, and multiple driving modes: normal, Eco, Power, and EV. So no sacrifices need to be made. If you want or need more, it’s available — navigation system, upgraded audio, solar roof, and even a Lexus-level package with nav, the Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Intelligent Park Assist.
I’ve just spent a week with a new Prius with the Solar Roof Package. Serendipity, or just plain luck, that was a week of triple-digit heat. Once I figured out how to set the systems (read the manual), the car could be pleasantly cool after sitting in the sun unattended. That’s all very well, but the best news is that the car itself is significantly improved. Disclosure: I’m an old-school mechanical person, and have not previously liked hybrids because of their sometimes-inconsistent throttle response. Note that “previously”. No such problem here (or in any new Toyota/Lexus hybrid). Without peeking at the informative display it’s nearly impossible to tell the power source at any given time – gasoline, electric, or a combination – and in reality that doesn’t matter. And where previous hybrid EPA estimates were at least a little optimistic, the new 51 city, 48 highway, 50 overall is spot-on as far as I can tell. I got 50, in mostly highway driving, and with little regard to maximizing fuel economy until the last gallon was left in the rather small 11.9 gallon tank. But that *was* 500 miles into the tank, so no complaint, really.
APPEARANCE: Form follows function as modifications to the second-generation Prius’s iconic shape are as much for decreased aerodynamic drag as for pure style. Its coefficient of aerodynamic drag is 0.25, the lowest of any production car. The windshield is even more sloped than before, giving an almost single-arch profile in side view. The headlights are more bulbous, and the vertical taillights are even larger and more prominent. Small windows below the thick windshield pillars improve forward quarter vision. Plastic plates over the aluminum alloy wheels add protection against minor curb scrapes, a good feature.
COMFORT: It’s easy being green in a new Prius. No sacrifices of comfort need to be made, there is plenty of useful space for passengers and cargo, with excellent climate control and good audio standard and just about any high-tech option is available. Interior styling has been revamped along the lines of the exterior – form follows function. As before, the main instrument cluster is offset to the center of the car, at the base of the windshield. The shift lever is no longer on the dash, it’s now on a high flying buttress console that has an open storage tray at floor level. My test car had leather seats, with the driver’s adjustable for cushion height in addition to all the usual parameters. Front seat comfort is very good, ditto for the rear, which gets more knee room courtesy of the new front seat design. Dual gloveboxes and the open console space (and a moderate regular console box with the auxiliary jack and power points) more than make up for a lack of door pockets, although the doors do have water bottle holders. Luggage versatility is helped by the 60/40 folding rear seat, and there is some hidden storage under the rear load floor, above the space-saver spare tire.
SAFETY: The 2010 Prius is designed and built to meet all safety requirements in all markets in which it is sold, and also to meet ever stricter future standards. It features front, front seat side, and full-length side curtain airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag. Active headrests in the front seats reduce the possibility of whiplash. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, electronic traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control are all standard. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and the Pre-Collision System are available.
RIDE AND HANDLING: A new platform underlies the 2010 Prius, giving it improved ride and handling characteristics, a quieter driving experience, and greater collision safety. As before the suspension uses MacPherson struts in front and a torsion beam axle at the rear, but changes in geometry and bushing materials make for a better driving experience. It’s moderately soft, but not excessively so, and reacts directly to driver inputs. The electrically-assisted steering lacks road feel, which can make driving a Prius seem a bit like playing a video game — which may be appropriate, come to think of it… Brakes are now four-wheel discs, and are further improved by regenerative braking. In everyday use, you can’t tell that a Prius is anything other than a quiet midsized sedan.
PERFORMANCE: More power and better fuel economy? That shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, as a larger engine that doesn’t work as hard as a smaller one can be more efficient. “Larger” here is relative, as the new Prius prime mover is only 1.8 liters, up from 1.5. It’s still an Atkinson Cycle engine, for improved efficiency, and makes a maximum of 98 horsepower at 5200 rpm, with 105 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The electric motor has a maximum output of 80 horsepower and 153 lb-ft. Engine and motor revs are really irrelevant, as the split between power sources is determined by the Hybrid Synergy Drive computer, and the car can operate under gasoline or electric power, or a combination. Maximum combined output is now 134 hp, considerably better than the old 106. Changes to the inverter, motor, and CVT transaxle have reduced weight and size, and more importantly have made for smoother operation and lower fuel consumption. Driver-selectable Eco, Power, and EV modes are new this year. Power re-maps throttle response so less throttle travel means more response; Eco appears to do the opposite. With the EV button pushed and the battery charged adequately, the Prius can operate as an electric vehicle for about a mile at speeds under 25 mph. Acceleration is noticeably better, as is fuel economy. I never felt the new Prius to be underpowered, and 50 mpg was easily attained.

New Honda Accord 2010..

2009-08-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Honda Accord lineup is getting a features upgrade on certain models with an expanded application of Bluetooth HandsFreeLink to vehicles equipped with leather seating surfaces (previously exclusive to navigation-equipped models) and new rear-seat ventilation ducts on Accord Sedan EX and EX-L models for more-direct rear passenger airflow. Subtle modifications include graphically optimized climate control buttons and the addition of a trunk roof lining on Accord EX models.

Other available features include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Activation and XM Radio2. The front seats are designed to provide generous lateral support and complement the Accord's sporty side. The fold-down, lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility and also includes a lockable pass-through for long items like snow skis.

Available engine choices include a V-6 and a four-cylinder engine. The 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 271 horsepower and takes advantage of variable cylinder management (VCM) technology that can deactivate up to half of the cylinders while cruising to improve fuel economy. The VCM system contributes to an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/29 miles per gallon in the Accord Sedan V-6.

For safety, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.

Three audio systems are available all with MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system provides a single-disc CD player, six speakers, and 160 watts of power. A radio data system (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating radio stations that often includes call letters, station type (searchable by genre) and programming information. Steering wheel audio controls come standard on every Accord. The Accord Sedan EX and Coupe LX-S add a six-disc in-dash changer.

New Honda City for Young Generation.

2008-12-31T21:53:00.000-08:00

The new Honda City is as radical a change as the previous generation was from the first one launch in 1996. Back then, the first generation was conceived as an 'Asian Car’ to address the issue of models like the Civic having become more expensive and no longer an 'entry-level’ model in many developing markets. It was simple, low cost (to make) and could be sold at affordable prices. However, in some more mature Asian markets like Malaysia and Singapore, it was a bit too simple though it still sold well because it was cheaper than the Civic. The Honda badge helped, of course, as the brand reputation is strong and well established.

Rather than just listening to its dealers’ requirements which were basically 'give us a cheaper car and we can sell a lot’. Honda product planners did their own more extensive surveys and found that while customers did want more affordable Hondas, they also wanted many conveniences and features the Civic had. A big challenge since more features means higher cost but Honda cleverly found a good balance and presented an appealing new model that sold well.

To customers, the City was regarded as a direct rival to the Toyota Vios (which was also conceived as an 'Asian Car’ in the mid-1990s) but Atsushi Fujimoto, MD/CEO of Honda Malaysia said that position was not how Honda saw things. While there is certainly competition with the Vios, he said that the real 'competition' is 'with ourselves’, meaning that they challenge themselves to do better in many areas relating to the product.

“We do not consider just sales numbers alone and we compete with ourselves to offer the best product in its class in Malaysia to our customers. We also challenge ourselves to provide the best customer satisfaction to our customers so it is much more than just selling cars to beat our competitors in volume,” he explained.

Now comes the third generation and once again, extensive surveys were conducted in major markets to see what customers want. In the past 5 years that the previous generation was on sale, a lot has changed in the world and consumers expectations have also changed. Fuel economy is still a high priority, in fact even higher now, but one of the things that was already apparent with the previous generation was that it lacked enough sportiness. The focus then was on practicality, which gave the perception of it being more of a family car and that was not so appealing to younger buyers.

Honda, which is a company that has motorsports in its corporate blood, would have no problem offering better performance but there is also a need to balance things with a model like the City which is a mass market product. It’s not like a Civic Type-R where the customer requirements are specific and the segment is small; with the City, the customer requirements are broader and there are those who want fuel economy and comfort and others who want sporty performance or a 'gutsy’ character, as the new City’s chief engineer, T. Nakamura, put it.

So for the new City, the brief was to start virtually afresh and not just 'evolve’ the previous model. The bodystyle takes a new appearance which is called 'Arrowshot Form’ which is sleeker than before (the bulbous shape that provided spaciousness in the previous generation did receive some negative comments). The front end is also very different and bold with some elements from other Honda models, notably the latest Accord. Some people see influences of 'The Transformers’ in that grille!

Dimensionally, the new City is just 5 mm longer than the previous one but for a better interior package, the wheelbase has been stretched 100 mm. However, the stylists were mindful of visual balance and the ratio of vehicle length to height and vehicle length to wheelbase were carefully managed. The roof line is also 15 mm lower but to ensure this did not reduce headroom, the floor was also dropped by 20 mm.

Under the bonnet, there is only one engine choice now; the fuel-efficient i-DSI engine is no longer offered and the new City comes only with the 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine (same as the one in the latest Jazz). With 82 kW/120 ps and 145 Nm of torque, it is claimed to highest output in its class. The i-VTEC mechanism, as most know, is a variable valve timing system which optimizes output by varying valve opening/closing times and valve lift according to driving conditions. The i-VTEC engine in the new City is improved from the old one in many ways, with changes in components, and produces an extra 7 kW plus additional torque. You can still use cheaper RON92 petrol with this engine, just like before (and also with all the ASEAN-sourced Honda models).
Also dropped for this new generation is the CVT (continuously variable transmission) which was a unique selling point of the previous City. It was the first high-volume model in Malaysia to offer CVT but the surveys told the product planners that while the CVT offered high efficiency and convenience, its character was 'too smooth’ and not 'gutsy’ enough, as chief engineer Nakamura put it. Honda has by no means abandoned using CVTs and they do in other models but Mr Nakamura said they had come to the conclusion that the CVT is not appropriate for the new City and the image they want it to have which is a sportier sedan.

Instead, the car comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission – a first in its class. Having the extra ratio means that the spread can be broader, allowing a higher top gear ratio to lower revs for fuel-saving. The gaps between ratios can also be closer and that allows transitions to be smoother. Also impressive is the Drive-By-Wire system which dispenses with the cable for the accelerator and instead, the driver’s pressure on the pedal is converted into electrical signals which are transmitted to the throttle. The benefits – much quicker response and also better reliability.

Honda Malaysia does not see great demand for a manual transmission so they are not offering it. However, Mr Fujimoto added that they have included paddle shifting (but only with the Type E version) so those who want to shift gears themselves can still do so. But it’s not the same, is it, and with the Vios having a manual transmission option, perhaps Honda Malaysia should think again about the option for Malaysia.

Suspension configuration is pretty much like before but with changes to improve ride and handling

The chassis is still a straightforward affair with the suspension configuration still the familiar independent MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam rear suspension, typical for cars in this class because it is relatively low-cost. It’s an effective layout though and in conjunction with increased rigidity of the body, the engineers have also made changes to various suspension elements for improved ride and handling. For example, at the front suspension, the tilted kingpin axis has been rotated rearwards allowing for an enlarged caster angle and increased caster offset to improve straight-line stability. At the rear, a reduced spring lever ratio and increased trailing arm bush capacity provides more supple riding comfort.

The previous City was also among the early models with EPS – power-assistance using an electric motor than the conventional engine-driven energizer that takes a little bit of power. The system has been improved with increased motor capacity and a modified steering gearbox mount configuration to give a steadier and more direct steering feel. The combination of further optimized suspension geometry and even more intelligent EPS control is claimed to deliver a natural, stress-free and relaxing steering feel throughout the entire speed range. Hopefully, this will address the complaints of some drivers that the EPS made the steering feel a bit too light.

As for wheels and tyres, there are two types. The City Type S gets 15x5J alloy rims with 175/65 tyres while the more expensive Type E version gets 16x6J wheels with 185/55 tyres. The standard tyres are Goodyear GT3 which we understand were specially developed (or tuned) by the tyre company for the new City to provide optimum performance.
For brakes, the new City comes with discs all round, surely something that owners will appreciate. The front ones are ventilated to prevent fading under hard braking and the rear ones are solid discs. Some improvements have been made to the brake system, which includes ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution standard, to give a more linear feel when braking.

As mentioned earlier, the wheelbase has been lengthened and this, along with some clever packaging tricks, has created a more spacious cabin than before. More significantly however is the conscious effort to offer a more 'premium feel’. That’s something which is different from most other carmakers who are cutting costs and reaching a point where such efforts are becoming visible. Honda does, of course, want to cut costs but it’s doing so in a smarter way that does not give a sense of 'cheapness’.

In order to increase seating comfort, special attention was paid to the shape of the side bolsters and the hardness of the seat cushion padding. The seat springs and cushion padding are such that so the occupant’s lower back sinks into the seat cushion and is held in place. The seat backrest has been designed to naturally support upper body when moving in the direction of a turn, thus providing the back with necessary support. Besides greater seat comfort, the driver also gets a more optimized driving position and there’s a tilt/telescopic steering column with seat height adjustable. A footrest has also been added and this was made possible by shifting the accelerator and brake pedals 15 mm to the right, thanks to the wider footwell available. Incidentally, the seat fabric is water-repellant, as before.The rear area no longer has the ULTRA seat feature which many liked because it was a practical and useful feature (the seats could fold upright to create a big open space at the back). Presumably the surveys showed that the feature was not a major attraction and there was also an indication that the rear seats were more needed for carrying people. So the new City gets fixed seats but with the Type E version, there is a useful storage compartment under the seats which can accommodate an umbrella and other items, and the backrest (divided 60:40) can also be folded flat to extend boot length. The boot capacity is also generous at 506 litres, enough for four golfbags, and is claimed to be class-leading.Up front, the dashboard is totally new and functional. The triple meter cluster with amber-coloured is cool and sporty (and no, they have not put back a coolant temperature gauge), set well inside a binnacle. Of note is the provision of a vehicle information display panel in the speedometer which tells the driver the fuel consumption (real-time and average) as well as estimated range on remaining fuel in the 42-litre tank.The audio system on the central console is something Honda wants to shout about. Described as “Advanced Audio”, it has connectivity via USB and AUX jacks which means iPods and other devices can be used, extending the choices of music available. Sound reproduction is claimed to be the highest-quality and tuned to match the cabin’s sound characteristics.

Safety is never forgotten by Honda. New technology has made it possible to increase strength and rigidity without adding weight. Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body offers both enhanced self-protection and better compatibility in collisions with other vehicles, even larger ones. Pedestrian-injury reduction is also incorporated in the body design.

As 2008 comes to an end, the mood at car companies is not exactly one of jubilation even if sales targets for the year have been met (and some even exceeded their targets). The market is in a depressed state and especially during this last month of the year, many buyers think that they might as well wait another month and get a car registered in the new year. In short, it’s a gloomy market environment and with the economic situation, 2009 is a year that’s going to be challenging as sales will be slower.

So it was a refreshing change to see Honda Malaysia launching the all-new City today, bringing some excitement to the market and demonstrating that while things may be down, Honda is not going to just go into idle mode. They’re putting a brand new model in the showrooms which will certainly be a draw for weeks to come and keep a sparkle in the market. The much-improved new City – with prices ranging from RM84,980 to RM89,980 - should win many new customers and Honda Malaysia certainly aims to sell at least 1,500 units a month in 2009.

Toyota Camry make up for Legend

2008-12-26T07:15:00.000-08:00

Any new model with a Toyota badge is virtually guaranteed of being a top-seller, if not the best-seller in its segment. The power of the Toyota brand is so great that many people will put their money down for one without being given a confirmed price and sometimes, not even seeing the car ‘in the flesh’. This reputation has been earned through decades of producing cars which have proven to be utterly reliable and more importantly, of increasingly higher and higher quality.

With such a reputation, it’s obvious that the pressure on the chief engineers of the numerous models is great because the model they develop cannot just be ‘good’; it must raise the benchmark in its class as well. For a model like the Camry, it’s an even greater challenge because this model is Toyota’s second global model after the Corolla. In fact, the Camry could be considered even more significant than the Corolla though, as a model line, it is two decades younger. While the Corolla has become the world’s best-selling model nameplate, the Camry has been the best-selling passenger car in the USA on a number of occasions since the 1990s.

Actually, the Camry’s ascent to such superiority is likely to have been due to Toyota USA in the early 1990s when their top management resisted the Camry design that had been planned and even managed to get the personal intervention of then-president Dr Toyoda to instruct the chief engineer to make significant engineering changes. Toyota USA’s two top executives (one of them a Japanese) had refused to accept the design offered because it was typically Japanese (too conservative). Indeed, up till then, the Camry (which had been introduced in 1982) had been an insignificant midsized sedan but the insistence of the American subsidiary for something more advanced saw its styling change direction radically.

Amazingly, the design was changed in about 30 days and the redesigned model had elements of the Lexus LS430. It was thus not surprising that it was a big hit in America and also became the model which Toyota designated as its second global model. Nevertheless, the Japanese engineers didn’t lose face entirely as they managed to have their conservative version (which was boxy) produced, but sold only in Japan!

The rest is history and the Camry has become a major model for Toyota today with as many as 10 million units sold worldwide last year. The version which was influenced by Toyota USA was the first to be introduced in Malaysia in 1994 and successors were introduced in 1998 and 2002. Next week comes an all-new Camry which once again sets new standards in the executive sedan class.

As before, there are 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre engines available and while a new 3.5-litre engine is also available, it is not presently being considered for various reasons. One of them is that the price would be high and going by past experience when UMW Toyota Motor offered a Camry 3-litre and response was ‘below expectations’, it would seem that there is not much point offering the variant.

Besides, APs are required to import the cars and as these are not ‘limitless’, UMW Toyota Motor would probably prefer to stick with models that are assured of being sold. “We have enough APs to meet the sales projections we have set which are 500 units a month,” said David Chen, Managing Director of UMW Toyota Motor.

What’s different from before is that the 2.0-litre version now comes in two grades instead of just one – Camry 2.0E and Camry 2.0G, priced at RM139,066 and RM149,053, respectively. The RM10,000 difference gets a higher level of equipment but with the breathtakingly high level of build quality, it seems to be irrelevant. Whichever one you choose, it still looks exceptionally well finished.

As for the flagship Camry 2.4V, priced at RM168,304, this shares many features with the Camry 2.0G such as leather upholstery, HID headlights, electrically-operated front seat adjusters for both seats and high-quality trim. It is the only version with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) which includes traction control.

The styling of this new generation is certainly more distinctive but is still recognisable as a Camry. According to Y. Kawamoto, the chief engineer for the Asian version (there are also chief engineers for versions for other markets), the Camry in ASEAN is the ‘high-end version’. Unlike the US market where it is regarded as just a midsized sedan (albeit an enormously popular one), the Camry has a higher image in this market and therefore subtle features have been included to give it a more exclusive image.

Although the pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency is not as obsessive as in the 1980s when manufacturers aimed for the lowest possible wind resistance, the new Camry’s aerodynamic efficiency (Cd=0.29) is nevertheless low, thanks to its sleek shape as well as little details around the bodywork. For example, small fairings are installed ahead of each wheel well to reduce air from rushing into the wheel housing and causing wind resistance and noise.

2.4-litre engine is improved with optimized intake and exhaust systems, a higher compression ratio and altered the cam profile
Under the bonnet, the engines installed are the same as before but needless to say, they are improved and claimed to offer around 10% better fuel efficiency. Both are 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engines with VVT-i which is a mechanism that varies valve timing to optimise fuel/air delivery according to driving conditions. The mechanism varies the timing infinitely and can initiate changes in split seconds so there’s peak performance all the time.

The latest 2.4-litre engine has undergone many improvements to increase efficiency and output. Besides optimizing intake and exhaust systems, the engineers also boosted the compression ratio slightly to 9.8:1, altered the cam profile and paid particular attention to reducing friction through strategies such as reducing the tension of the piston rings while increasing their tensile strength. Piston weight has also been reduced while the balance shaft has been further optimised.

Power and torque ratings for the two engines are among the best in their class: for the 2.4-litre, maximum power now is 127 kW/167 ps at 6000 rpm with 224 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, while the 2.0-litre unit, with some internal improvements, now delivers 108 kW/147 ps of power also at 6000 rpm and 190 Nm of torque is generated at 4000 rpm.

For the new Camry 2.0E and 2.0G, there is a 4-speed Super ECT automatic transmission which offers quick response, smooth shifting and fuel efficiency, thanks to its low-friction technology. This transmission also has Flex Lock-Up, a feature which reduces gear changes on slopes and minimizes shift shock.

5-speed automatic transmission also has with manual sequential shifting mode. Only for Camry 2.4V
The Camry 2.4V now gets a 5-speed Super ECT automatic transmission. Besides offering an additional forward ratio for a better spread, this transmission also gives the driver the option of manual sequential shifting when desired.

The suspension layout of the new Camry follows the proven arrangement of the previous generation. However, even though it looks similar, it has actually been totally re-engineered in every detail. Independent MacPherson struts are used for the front wheels with a proven dual-link strut concept for the rear wheels. To improve the handling and driver feel, all lower control arms were lengthened and all spring, shock-absorber and anti-roll-bar values, as well as suspension geometries, were re-thought and recalibrated. Additionally, testing in local conditions was also carried out to ensure that the best levels of comfort and handling would be provided.

Since the mid-1990s, every new Toyota model has had to pass GOA – the Global Outstanding Assessment which is Toyota’s in-house set of safety standards that are comparable or, in some areas, more demanding than international standards. If it cannot pass GOA, it won’t be allowed for sale.

For the new Camry, larger disc brakes have been fitted front and rear to increase stopping power. The brake system has ABS as standard along with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) which works with the ABS control unit to adjust braking force to the front and rear brakes according to road conditions and also the load on board. Brake Assist is also standard and provides extra power during emergency braking to compensate for the fact that many drivers do not apply as much pressure as they should. In factory tests, this feature has shown that braking distances can be reduced by as much as 8 metres at 50 km/h, a distance which could save a life.

For the Camry 2.4V, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is also fitted, enhancing driving safety significantly. This sophisticated system, with integral traction control, was developed by Toyota and detects wheelspin during high-speed cornering or cornering on slippery surfaces, a condition which can cause the car to skid out of control and possibly crash. Whenever such a condition (oversteer or understeer) is detected, the system applies the appropriate amount of braking force on certain wheels and also cuts back on engine power to allow stability and grip to be regained.

Though the Active Safety features in the new Camry can help a driver avoid an accident, there may be times when it can happen and this is where the GOA-certified body provides superior Passive Safety. The structure, designed with advanced computers, absorbs collision-impact forces to minimize deformation to the passenger cabin. High-strength steel is used in strategic areas to help manage overall body deformation in the event of a side collision. Inside the cabin, even the seat frames are designed to receive and help absorb side collision loads and a crossmember in the centre of the floor is used for the same reason. The chassis was made more rigid by connecting the cowl front to the upper suspension. Toyota also thinks of other road-users as the new Camry’s structure is said to be pedestrian-friendly.

Airbags are standard for both front occupants and work together with the seatbelt system which has pre-tensioners to reduce forward motion. The seats also have the Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) concept which reduces the possibility of whiplash injuries that occur during a rear-end collision. The head is normally thrown backwards suddenly which causes injury and the WIL concept provides support for the head and upper back to reduce this type of injury. Though the occupants will be restrained by seatbelts, their heads may be swung about and against parts of the cabin, causing injuries. Throughout the cabin’s upper areas, there is energy-absorbing material used to prevent such injuries.

One of the primary goals the new Camry's design team set for itself was to come up with a stylish design and a luxurious, comfortable interior. Though the external dimensions were not extended significantly, the interior designers managed to further maximize interior space by pushing the cowl (the bottom of the car's windscreen) forward for an increased sense of openness and room in the Camry's passenger cabin. Redesigned front seats also played a role in adding a feeling of spaciousness to the Camry cabin while minimum intrusion of the centre hump has improved comfort for rear occupants. A 30 mm increase in the distance between front and rear passengers provides ample space and increased comfort and at 970 mm, is claimed to be among the best in this class.

To present an image of prestige, the new Camry has a leather and woodgrain trim interior with silver accents. For the Camry 2.0G and 2.4V, the leather upholstery for the seats is a breathable type which should provide a sweat-free ride. These two versions also have a ‘Lounge Mode’ seat position for the front passenger’s seat which allows the backrest to be folded flat. Switches are provided on the side of the front passenger’s backrest so the rear occupant can make the adjustments as well. Both the driver and front passenger also have the convenience of 8-way power adjustment using switches at the side of each seat. Cruise control is also available for the Camry 2.4V.

For virtually any driver, a comfortable and correct driving position can be obtained by not only adjustment of the seat but also the steering wheel which not only tilts up and down but can also be adjusted for reach. The larger Optitron meters, with a 3-dimensional appearance, are highly legible in all lighting conditions while the Multi Info Display (MID) provides information on distances travelled, outside temperature, average speed, cruising range, fuel consumption and journey time. Control switches for the audio system, air-conditioning system and MID are also positioned on the steering wheel, reducing the need for the driver to stretch to the centre area of the dashboard.

In our hot tropical weather, cooling of the cabin is extremely important and the air-conditioning system for the new Camry is said to have been extensively tested here to provide the best performance. The system can be set to Auto mode which maintains a desired ambient coolness throughout the cabin or can be manually set. Rear occupants also get plenty of cool air through the vents at the back of the centre console box.

New for the Camry air-conditioning system is the plasmacluster system which generates ions similar to those found in large quantities at the base of waterfalls. By their presence, the ions, refresh the air inside the cabin, an important feature as most motorists here usually drive with the ventilation system set on recirculation mode which often leads to the air becoming stale and causing drowsiness. The plasmacluster system also helps to reduce airborne germs, mold spores, microbes, fungi, odors and many types of bacteria inside the cabin.

The high-quality Toyota audio system with 6 speakers has been customised for the cabin of the new Camry, The head unit can receive radio signals and play music CDs in the MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) formats as well. For the Camry 2.4V, a 6 CD-changer is also provided as standard.

The new Camry has many storage spaces around the front-passenger area including pockets at the side of the centre console which are useful for handphones or small items. There’s also a large console box which can store up to 23 CDs in their cases and also a smaller compartment equipped with an accessory power socket that can be used to charge a handphone. Cup and bottleholders are also available for front and rear passengers.

Boot space is important to many buyers who will want to know how many golfbags can go in. The new Camry’s boot, with a width of 1300 mm, can take four golfbags or four large suitcases. Loading and unloading can be easily done with the wide opening and low sill. There is, however, no latch to open the boot manually – you either press the button on the remote control unit or insert the key into the bootlid to unlatch it.

Unlike the previous generations, the model is no longer assembled in Malaysia. But it does not have to come from Australia or Japan either; instead, it is imported as a completely built-up (CBU) unit from Thailand where Toyota has a big factory to serve ASEAN markets. This is part of Toyota’s strategy to rationalise its production in the region which is supposed to be a single market but unfortunately political and trade issues are still making it difficult for manufacturers.

MOTHER TRUCKER - NISSAN NAVARA LAUNCH!!!!

2008-12-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

NAVARA AT THE MALAYSIA

Nissan Navara with 174 PS launched in Malaysia! - follow the link for full information on prices, specifications and photos!

Edaran Tan Chong Motors Sdn Bhd will be launching the Nissan Navara before the end of the year, and the new pick-up truck will be a fully imported CBU model, revealed its executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng in a report by Bernama.

There are also on-going talks with Nissan for more fuel efficient compacts to be brought in. This likely means moving downmarket and offering cars

smaller than the Latio such as the Nissan Pino, Nissan Note, and Nissan Moco (rebadged Suzuki MR Wagon).

NAVARA AT THE WORLD

In the UK the current Navara has been the market leader for a number of years with the largest bed space and a market leading 174 bhp (169 bhp on post September '06 vehicles with the introduction of the Euro IV compliant engine). With its four spec's the S, SE, Outlaw and Aventura the Navara has the ability to cover all market areas from workhorse to executive plaything. The Aventura comes with all the toys you would expect on a modern luxury car, leather Upholstery, Dual Zone Climate Control, 6 CD/MP3 changer and satellite navigation as standard.

In Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, the D40 Navara has a few differences from the UK versions. There are 2 engines available, the popular common-rail 2.5 liter Turbo-charged Diesel engine and the V-6 petrol. The Diesel engine in 4WD models produces 128 kW (172 hp) at 4000 rpm and 403 N·m (297 lb·ft) at 2000 rpm, with the 2WD models producing slightly less at 106 kW (142 hp) at 4000 rpm and 356 N·m (263 lb·ft) at 2000 rpm. The high-powered V-6 a breath-taking 198 kW (266 hp) at 5600 rpm of power and 385 N·m (284 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm of torque. Both engines come with a standard 5 speed Automatic, with a 6 speed manual available for the Diesel. These models are not a luxury as the UK versions and do not have leather, climate control and satellite navigation system.

The 2008 model of the Navara was launched on July 2nd. Although the same truck underneath, the Navara now has a new style of alloy wheels, bluetooth as standard, side work lights and indicators on wing mirrors.

The 2008 Single Cab became available in Thailand since March 6th. The 2.5 engine reduces the torque down from 356 N·m (263 ft·lbf) to 294 N·m (217 ft·lbf) @ 2,000 rpm. Using 15" wheels and exclusively reserved modified chassis. Power steering is standard, also available electric mirrors and central locking as optional extra. Nissan planned to sell the single cab and began to export worldwide at the same month. But because of its retail prices, so Nissan still selling D22 pickups with minor updates for cheaper choice along with.

The Nissan Navara Double Cab became available in Malaysia on November 5, 2008. It is available with a 2.5L diesel engine producing 128 kW (172 hp) and 403 N·m (297 ft·lbf), only with a 5-speed automatic. The D22 series Nissan Frontier remains on sale in Malaysia with a manual transmission.

NAVARA AWARD

Awards & Accolades & Country
2006 Consumer Digest’s Best Buy- US
4×4 Sport Nature Award 2006- France
2006 Van of The Year Argus Trophy- France
VUL de l’annee- France
Off Road Award 2006 (Pick-Up of the Year)- Germany
Off-Road Award 2007 (Pick-Up of the Year)- Germany
Auto Bild Allrad Award “Pick-Up of the year 2006″- Germany
Best Pick-up 2005 (Fleet World)- UK
Pick-up of The Year Award 2006/2007 ( 4X4 magazine)- UK
Used Double Cab of The Year 2007 (4×4 and MPV driver)- UK
Lifestyle Pick-up of The Year 2007/2008 (4X4 magazine)- UK
Ute of The Year 2006- Australia
2006 Double Cab of The Year- South Africa
Best Bakkie 2007- South Africa
Navara Pick-up of The Year 2006/2007 (Todo Terreno Magazine)- Spain
Navara Pick-up of The Year 2008 (Todo Terreno Magazine) - Spain
Pick-up of The Year 2006- Belgium
4×4 Vehicle of The Year 2007- Czech Republic
Car of The Year 2006/2007/2008- Russia
4WD Internationales 2006 - Austria
Car of The Year 2006 Pick-up Segment - New Zealand
Turkey’s The Most Approved Pick-up in 2008 ( Hurriyet Otobil competition) - Turkey
The Best Off-Road Vehicles of 2007 - Poland
Best Pick Up 4WD under 2500CC of Grand Prix Group 2008 - Thailand

NAVARA SPECIFICATIONS.

New Exotic Car From Porsche - Boxster -

2008-10-24T03:51:00.000-07:00

Many years ago, when I was but a boy, this magazine started a project that apparently has no end. Editor Bidrawn leveraged the power of family and their associated check books to 'team buy' a 1997 Porsche Boxster. The goal was to make the best Boxster in the world. Apparently there's some sibling rivalry within the Bidrawn clan. Being an editor for a car magazine, this was his chance to get something stuck on the proverbial family fridge.

It started out simply enough with some bolt-on power mods from Performance Products. A Dansk performance exhaust, a Powerflow intake and GIAC software netted almost 186 wheel-hp, which was deemed adequate at the time. Suspension was augmented with H&R coilovers that allowed for ride height adjustment and corner balancing. To scrub off speed, Brembo supplied a GT kit that increases not only stopping power but also capacity. All-day canyon running will not show any sign of fade. The giant brakes also look great, the red calipers look factory-correct, while sharp eyes will notice the bigger rotors.

Keeping with the factory-look theme, RH supplied Cup wheels for a slightly more aggressive demeanor. The polished lip has just enough shine to improve the looks while still honoring a classic Porsche design. For better aerodynamics, LL Tek in Montreal provided a Caractre body kit that uses appointments from other Porsche models and applies them to the Boxster for extra downforce, better cooling and, of course, more street presence. Wet Works Garage in Newport Beach did the install and everything was good.

That is, until someone decided more power was necessary. Bidrawn can't leave well enough alone, so a supercharger kit was sourced from Turbo Performance Center. Countless man-hours went into trying to get the kit to function properly. Engine bay was a bugbear, but the biggest problem came when the fuel mixture leaned out under boost and grenaded the engine.

The poor Boxster sat immobile for several years while a suitable fix was devised. As the old adage goes: there's no replacement for displacement. The Boxster left the factory in Finland with a 2.5-liter flat six that provided 201 hp at 6000 rpm. Considering the 911 came with 202 hp way back in 1984, it's no surprise this wasn't satisfactory. So most recently, a 996 3.6-liter X51 engine was sourced straight from Porsche for a swap.

Although this is an easier swap than say, turbine power, it's still significantly more work than swapping a Boxster S engine would have been. The largest problem stems from the fact that the 3.6 has an e-throttle; there's no mechanical link between the throttle pedal and the throttle body-it's all done electronically. The Boxster uses a standard throttle cable. The second problem was that the Boxster originally had single-cam variable valve timing, while the 3.6 utilizes timing control on both bumpsticks. All this combines with the fact that the 3.6 is substantially taller than the 2.5.

writer: Michael Febbo, Rob Mullner
photographer: Michael Febbo, Rob Mullner
from http://www.europeancarweb.com

New Car From BMW-BMW6 For M3 Model.

2008-10-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

I've never owned an SUV, or had any desire to. To me, they're gas-guzzling bricks hauling spoiled, DVD-watching kids, while being accident-safe by crushing the other car. But then I got in a BMW X6.

"This is the X6? Interesting," I thought, not sure what to compare it to. On the outside, the front stays in theme with BMW's new 1 and 3 Series coupes; the large wheels and flared fenders giving a wide, more exotic stance.

Inside, it's as roomy as a mid-sized SUV with 20 cubic feet of storage good for four golf bags and four passengers (50.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded down). Additional features like a keyless engine-start button, a paddle- or lever-shifted sequential six-speed automatic transmission and automatic lumbar-squeezing seats put the X6 in the high-performance direction.

BMW doesn't call this car an SUV but an SAV, meaning Sport Activity Vehicle. The base xDrive35i is powered by the company's glorious 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight six and the xDrive50i has a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. Fabulous.

In the latter, at high speed, the driver could whisper a request of a passenger to remove their coffee mug from the dash before it spills, while discerning the cello counterpoint amid the symphonic sounds from the optional 12-loudspeaker, iPod-integrated audio system. It's incredibly smooth, quiet and luxurious. But under load, the signature V8 roar comes to life with a passenger-startling tug. With silenced Garrett turbos, the sound from the cabin is similar to an E39 M5's, while from the outside, the V8's exhaust note is akin to the drop of the green flag at Daytona, but slightly more civilized.

Confident of its new car's abilities, BMW provided some track time. The dry section of this test track allowed the X6 to be flogged like a sports car, with exit speeds in some turns exceeding 90 mph, full-ABS braking zones and a right-to-left switchback that would put a world of hurt on a top-heavy car with grippy tires. At over 5,000 pounds, the X6 never swayed from its intended path. The xDrive50i can lap just about as fast as a stock E36 M3 sedan. With a lag-less 442 lb-ft of torque from 1750 to 4500 rpm and 407 hp at each shift point, such a broad powerband soon puts other cars into the rear-view mirror.

The wet track section gave the vehicle's stability controls a workout. With traction control on or off (it has mild and full TC-off setting), the X6 is difficult to upset in the wet. The xDrive technology is brilliant, the first of its kind with Dynamic Performance Control for agility, tracking stability, precision and traction in any situation. While power distribution is controlled front-to-rear by the all-wheel drive system, the DPC controls power between the rear wheels, left and right, stabilizing function under sudden load change and in overrun.

With the recent introduction of the 1 Series and now the X6, coupled with a new pair of twin-turbocharged powertrains, BMW is on a mission to blow away the competition. Considering the X6 went from an idea to a mass production in just two years is a tell-tale sign that this company is perfectly capable of just such a feat.

I'm intrigued. I dream myself as a well-to-do gent owning the twin-turbo V8, with upgraded software for more boost and a free-flow exhaust system combining an extra 75 lb-ft of mid-range torque and 50 hp horsepower up top, complemented by 15-inch six-pot brakes all around. I imagine the look of drivers I'd pull on in the straights, let alone from a traffic light. It would be a full-blown luxury family hauler and a weekend racer all in one. Yeah, I get it.

Mazda Furai,Concept Car On The Circuit.

2008-10-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

When Mazda was challenged to turn its stunning “Flow” concepts into a real car, they rose to the task — but not in the way one would have expected.

Every major auto show sees Mazda unveiling a new concept based on Nagare (Japanese for “flow”) design language. They are beautiful but clearly not practical, so the launch of a 450-horsepower race car based on their concepts was an unexpected but smart approach for the Japanese automaker to take.

Inspired by the fact that on any given weekend, there are more Mazdas and Mazda-powered cars road-raced in the U.S. than any other brand, the Furai (Japanese for “sound of the wind” and pronounced “foo-rye”) with its rotary engine makes a great deal of sense. The car runs on ethanol produced in partnership with BP.

Furai takes Mazda’s Nagare design language a step further as it is translated into a concept car based on an American Le Mans Series (ALMS) race car. The car utilizes the Courage C65 chassis the company campaigned in the ALMS series only two seasons ago.

Franz von Holzhausen, Mazda’s North American director of design, said Furai “purposely blurs boundaries that have traditionally distinguished street cars from track cars. Historically, there has been a gap between single-purpose race cars and street-legal models — commonly called supercars — that emulate the real racers on the road. Furai bridges that gap like no car has ever done before.”

New Car concepts From Audi - Locus

2008-10-21T01:48:00.000-07:00

The name LOCUS means a condition that defines a continuous figure which is a curve.

The main characteristics of the design are the way its surface shapes are formed with a continuous flow from front until the back of the car. Inspiration for that was obviously the Mother Nature we deal with daily but somehow we usually do not realize that everything in the nature has somehow its specific curves and flowing lines it is very rarely to spot perfectly straight lines. The main goal was to implement this design aspect into a car which creates a relaxing, energetic, vibrant and confident feeling.

It is clear to see a curved sharp edged line that starts at the very front, flowing through the middle section, slightly curved down after the A pillar and then going back up again at the rear wheel arches to follow its way back until the diffuser. This same curve language is also applied to the greenhouse and the way windows are shaped. The front is somehow aggressive looking with the traditional AUDI grill and air intakes that are shaped very much like the headlights to create a coherent feeling. The rear section is obviously very organic with defined curves and subtle details, tail lights are designed to have integrated air outtakes underneath them to avoid any unnecessary details. With dual exhaust and fairly empty rear section, it creates a feeling of subtleness. Another feature is the air intake at the end of the roof which is designed to avoid any distracting design elements on the top of the car combining elegance with functionality.

For Malay's Reader...Mini Cooper From Alpine

2008-10-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

KERETA pada sesetengah orang, fungsinya tidak lebih daripada sekadar sebuah pengangkutan yang membawa manusia dari titik A ke B. Sejak hari pertama kereta dijadikan asas pengangkutan umat manusia, jentera empat roda ini telah berinovasi dengan begitu cepat.

Sejak 100 tahun dahulu dan untuk 100 tahun kehadapan, jurutera memandang jauh dengan membawa limpahan teknologi menjadikan kereta semakin selamat dipandu.

Namun, selain teknologi keselamatan dan automasi yang diperbaharui, bahagian kosmetik tidak pernah dilupakan. Sesetengahnya berfungsi sebagai aerodinamik, sementara selebihnya sebagai nilai estetik.

Kereta seperti Mercedes R Class dan Diablo memiliki rupa bentuk sedemikian rupa kerana keupayaannya membelah angin, sementara kereta seperti Mitsuoka dan RR Phantom, dibina kerana seninya.

Dalam erti kata lain, membina sebuah kereta adalah bergantung kepada falsafah. Apabila berbicara tentang kereta yang memiliki falsafah dan prinsip, Mini dan Beetle adalah dua contoh yang berjaya.

Semenjak BMW mengambil alih mini pada awal tahun 2000, kereta ini telah kembali ke persada permotoran dengan imej moden-klasik yang menjadikan ikon permotoran ini semakin bernilai tinggi.

Di mana sahaja di pelosok dunia, Mini sekali lagi menguasai jalan raya. Kalau dahulu, sebagai pengangkutan pilihan kereta murah yang mampu milik, kini menjadi sebahagian dari senarai kereta kompak yang mahal. Ia kemudiannya termasuk dalam budaya modifikasi yang melibatkan pelbagai lapisan masyarakat.

Seperti dilihat pada foto, ini bukanlah kereta sebarangan. Mini yang dibina semula oleh pihak pengeluar audio terkenal, Alpine ini berubah bentuk menjadi kenderaan futuristik yang memukau.

Seluruh bumbung kereta MINI Cooper ini sudah ditanggalkan, tempat duduk pemandu dipindahkan ke tengah dan diletakkan di atas lantai bermotor yang dapat menggerakkan bahagian boot kereta hingga keluar untuk menyambut atau menurunkan pemandu.

Unik bukan? Tetapi itulah yang dilakukan oleh pihak Alpine untuk menjadikan kereta demo mereka benar-benar menarik perhatian pengunjung di mana sahaja di dunia ini. Tahun demi tahun, Alpine tidak pernah leka dalam mempersembahkan hasil kerja mereka.

Kereta Mini yang dipadankan dengan kerja custom penuh ini memang telah dibina khusus dengan sistem audio mantap untuk dihidangkan kepada pendengarnya.

Spesies terhad ini lebih istimewa kerana ia telah ditukarkan daripada hatchback kepada convertible, dibalut dengan cermin tanpa bingkai di kelilingnya, satu tempat duduk, bentangan meter custom malah setiap peralatan elektronik dan pembesar suaranya dipadankan dengan cukup teliti.

PENCINTA automotif pasti terpesona dengan kehebatan jentera ini.

Tanpa pintu untuk mobiliti, untuk masuk ke dalam kereta ini, butang khas ditekan dan tempat duduk akan mengundur keluar secara automatik.

Kemudiannya, pemandu akan masuk menerusi bahagian yang dahulunya tailgate belakang. Tempat duduk ini kemudiannya bergerak sekali lagi dengan unit motornya untuk membawa pemandu ke bahagian hadapan.

Bunyi yang terhasil daripada kereta demo ini merupakan sistem SQ (Sound Quality) pertama yang dibina Apline di mana kebanyakan projek demo mereka adalah sistem SPL (Sound Pressure Level).

Jadi untuk duduk rapat dengan kereta mendengar dendangan rentak bass perlahan memang sesuatu yang mengasyikkan. Ia menampilkan komponen terbaru dari siri Type X dengan komposisi dari V12.

TEMPAT duduk akan bergerak ke belakang apabila anda menekan butang khas untuk memasuki kenderaan ini.

Tidak dinafikan bahawa ini adalah antara kereta demo paling canggih untuk sistem audio antarabangsa. Namun, dek kecanggihan teknologi ICE yang kini lebih menjurus kepada sistem AV, Mini ini tidak terkecuali.

Ini memaksa Alpine memadankan peralatan multimedia dengan bahagian papan pemuka terdiri daripada unit 9835/ DHA-5680 yang digandingkan dengan unit pemproses Alpine PXA-H701. Kombinasi berkuasa ini menawarkan kawalan bunyi yang lebih luas lalu memaksa penalaan yang sangat teliti.

Sebagai tambahan, unit pemproses utama dihasilkan dengan sistem Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II dan DTS dan lebih penting konfigurasi saluran 5.1. Proses rekaannya juga sangat kompleks dengan corak pemasangan kelas satu yang menampilkan kekemasan, interpretasi dan juga kualiti bunyi.

Penampilan Mini ini juga cukup untuk menggambarkan betapa kereta ini dilahirkan untuk kelihatan sempurna. Kelihatan ialah rim 20 inci OZ Racing yang disalutkan dengan tayar Toyo.

Tahap kerendahannya juga membolehkan roda berputar dengan selamat tanpa meretakkan komponen badan kereta atau merosakkan mana-mana bahagian audio kereta ini.

New Concept From Korea Manufacturer.

2008-10-18T04:22:00.000-07:00

Conceived by Kia’s design team in Europe under the guidance of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, and manufactured in Europe, the new concept car, whose name remains secret at present, is a 2+2 coupe with an imposing road presence.

Revealing the first ‘preview image’ of the new car, Schreyer enthused, “Kia has given me the opportunity to shape its whole brand design and character. Seldom does a designer have such a clean sheet to work with. We started this exciting journey with the Kia ex_cee’d cabrio concept at the Geneva Show back in March, and at Frankfurt I’m sure Kia will surprise the entire automotive world when people see our new sports coupe concept in the metal.”

Schreyer was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his contribution to automotive design by the Royal College of Art (RCA), the UK’s pre-eminent school of art and design. The 53-year old Bavarian studied transportation design at the RCA in 1979/80 and worked at Audi and Volkswagen for the next 25 years, producing designs for vehicles such as the Audi TT and the new VW Beetle. He was appointed to his newly created role at Kia Motors in September 2006.

articles from www.allcarnews.com

Latest Model From Top Company - Audi A4

2008-10-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

Audi is on a mission to reinvent itself in the United States, and the 2009 Audi A4 is an important part of that quest. The company hasn't yet grabbed the entry-luxury market by the throat in America as it has in Europe. After spending about a billion dollars thinking about its stance relative to the Bavarian competition, Audi thinks it has the solution in the redesign of the A4, its best-selling car.

Initial impressions revealed nothing but good news. Even hidden under heavy camouflage in spy photos, the 2009 Audi A4 began to excite. It became obvious that the car would borrow many of its razor-sharp lines from the A5 coupe, like its aggressive flat face and austere Bauhaus lines.
Editorial Coverage

* Audi Hooks Up With iPhone To Launch 2009 A4
* 2009 Audi A4 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350
* Price It: 2009 Audi A4
* Full Test: 2009 Audi A4
* First Drive: 2009 Audi A4 Avant
* 2009 Audi A4: Audi Reveals Powertrains, Estimated Price
* 2009 Audi A4 Avant
* Spy Photos: 2009 Audi A4
* 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: 2009 Audi A4
* First Drive: 2009 Audi A4
* Frankfurt Preview: 2009 Audi A4

Then the new A4 made its worldwide debut at the
2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. Audi's chairman of the executive board, Rupert Stadler said that dynamics, performance and technology would be the new corporate mantra. The company went further to proclaim that the 2009 Audi A4 is dramatically more engaging to drive, and is the sportiest car in its class. Audi is genuinely hoping to usurp the BMW 3 Series as the driver's choice.

Audi has good reason to have high expectations. The new car is built atop an entirely new all-steel chassis, which Audi calls a Modular Longitudinal Platform (MLP). The new design allows for the placement of engine and transmission a full 5.9 inches rearward by mounting the differential forward of the gearbox, which in turn allows the front wheels to be located closer to the nose. This translates to better driving dynamics.

On the topic of differentials, Audi has changed the all-wheel-drive system around, too. The company states the purpose of the new 40/60 torque split is to increase stability in low-speed corners. But the unwritten goal is, of course, to come closer to the rear-wheel-drive feel of offerings from BMW and Mercedes.

We drove the revamped A4 last October and were immediately able to spackle some concrete behind Audi's bold claims. We wrote of the handling as "a revelation," saying that the car turned in briskly and inspired real driver confidence.

If the chassis is something to write home about, the powertrain options are short of revolutionary. As before, Americans will have a choice of a turbocharged, two-liter four-cylinder in front-wheel-drive models (initially) or a 3.2-liter V6 for the AWD A4.

The grass is greener in Europe, where buyers can opt for three different turbodiesels: a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a 190-hp 2.7-liter V6 and a new "clean" 3.0-liter V6 that makes 240 hp and 369 pound-feet of torque. We wait with the Europeans for the S4, which will likely carry the same 354-hp V8 of the S5.

With $3 billion and three years invested in a complete redesign, the refocused 2009 Audi A4 is sure to make our radar in the months before its release. And its new performance-geared promise makes us all the more eager to put it under the gun of our test equipment.

Subaru Impreza WRX Chop-Top by Car Service Hiro

2008-10-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

There is a simple formula for making the GDB-generation Subaru Impreza look absolutely stunning, a formula that Subaru could have applied when it designed the car in the studio. It's a design strategy that makes any car look fast, even when it's not moving.

And so we present a Subaru Impreza WRX with a chopped roof, something you don't see every day. In fact, you'll have to go to Japan to see one.

This conversion by Car Service Hiro in Japan makes you forget about the serious high-minded intentions of Subaru. All you have to do is chop the top and voilà; your Fuji Heavy Industries transportation appliance is magically transformed into a proper-looking high-performance car, something you might see at SEMA along with all the other hot rods.

The Hot Rod Roof
Takahiro Nakamura of Car Service Hiro was well aware of what needed to be done when Subaru approached him in 2000 and asked him to turn a stock Impreza WRX (the GDB generation car built from 2000-'07) into an all-out showcar. He went right to it and chopped down the top. Then he thought about what to do next.

Of course chopping a roof is not the easiest modification, which is probably why we don't see more owners of the Impreza making an attempt at it. Lucky for Nakamura, he owns a body shop called Car Service Hiro and knows how to get the job done right.

It didn't stop with just cutting down the roof line, as Nakamura also designed a custom body kit all the way around. The front and rear fascias, hood, trunk and rear wing were all designed by Car Service Hiro.

The result is absolutely sensational. It looks like it came out of the factory like this.

From Showcar to Racecar
Nakamura built this particular car as a Subaru showcar, so it was equipped with a killer stereo system. After Subaru decided to sell off the car, he quickly snapped it up and began changing it into what it is today. First thing, he ripped out the stereo.

Ever since Nakamura was a kid, he has wanted to be a professional racecar driver. He knew he would need a lot of money to kick-start his racing career, so the natural thing for him to do was open up a body shop to make money.

Over the years he has gained experience while building and racing several cars, including a Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline R31 and Toyota Altezza (Lexus IS 200), all of which earned respect on both the streets and tracks. Once Nakamura owned this Subaru outright, he was finally able to realize his dream for it. He wanted the car to not only look sleek but also be able to back up its looks on the street and the track.

So the Subaru Impreza WRX chop-top is much different from the showcar it used to be. It's not even the same red color it was when it was touring the show circuit. One of the most amazing things about this Impreza WRX is that Nakamura made the conversion from showcar to street/racecar in only two weeks. But that's just how passionate Nakamura is about building his cars right.

Getting up to Speed
To get the Impreza converted from showcar to racecar, the Subaru EJ20 boxer engine got the full treatment to bring the power up to Nakamura's requirements. All the internals were carefully evaluated and anything deemed not strong enough to handle extra boost from the turbocharger was swapped out for upgraded pieces.

The EJ20 now sports upgraded Marley forged pistons and metal head gaskets. WPC treated the connecting rods and crankshaft to reduce internal engine friction. New camshafts from JUN with more aggressive profiles help the boxer engine breathe like it should. The Brova exhaust manifolds help prevent the cylinders from overheating, a syndrome common to the EJ25. An AVO turbo kit was put in place to crank up the boost.

To keep intake temperatures under control with all that boost, Nakamura added a massive intercooler from ARC V. It not only gets the job done but also looks serious with all that Darth Vader-style plumbing. A MoTeC engine control unit keeps the spark in check and 800cc injectors with a Bosch fuel pump feed the hungry beast all the fuel it needs. A Trust 15 oil cooler keeps the engine's overall heat in control. Car Service Hiro also custom fabricated a dedicated radiator, muffler and even a catalytic converter.

The stock six-speed transmission is still in place, but an ORC twin-plate clutch and Cusco limited-slip differentials both front and rear help the power get to the 18-inch SSR wheels. After that, 265/35R18 Yokohama tires grip the tarmac with the tenacity needed for serious cornering.

Speed Isn't Cheap
Total cost to build the car is at about $250,000, or roughly 10 times the cost of the car when it was new. This is proof that this combination of beauty and speed doesn't come cheap. Anyone who has ever built an all-out racecar or even modified a daily driver knows how fast the bills add up.

With this machine, you do get your money's worth because it can tear up the racetrack, drag race on the highway or attack a Touge run in the mountains with ease. While it may not be the fastest car out there, it does have the honor of having the fifth-fastest time-attack lap at the Tsukuba Circuit, rocking the short circuit in just 59 seconds. Not too bad considering how many modified Subarus there are in Japan.

To keep it safe on the track, a Maruyoshi six-point roll cage and a seat with four-point seatbelt harness protect the driver from harm. The interior is now set up mostly for race mode only, with no signs of a stereo in sight or much of a dash for that matter.

The Subaru following among gearheads in Japan is staggering. Almost every Impreza in Japan has at least one modification, whether it be aesthetic or power-related. Few of them can tear up the track like this one, however, and none of them come close to even looking as good as the Subaru Impreza WRX chop-top from Car Service Hiro.

By Erik Adelson-http://www.edmunds.com.

PROTON LAUNCH A NEW MODEL GEN 2 TYPE -PERSONA

2008-10-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Proton has expanded its GEN-2 range with the addition of two dual fuel models able to run on either petrol or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). At around 58p per litre, LPG has become an increasingly attractive alternative following the huge rise in the cost of petrol and diesel, but to convert your car to run on LPG currently costs between £1,500-£2,000. However, there’s finally some good news for the motorist in Proton’s new ecoLogic GEN-2. At exactly the same price as its petrol equivalent, Proton’s new ecologic range offers customers the rare chance to start saving money immediately. Even allowing for the slightly increased fuel consumption when running on LPG, customers can save around 40% on their fuel costs (Autogas Ltd). Based on an average annual mileage of 10,000 miles and the prices of petrol and LPG at £1.12 and 58p respectively (source: Fleet News 20/08/08), this is an annual saving of over £500.

Not only is Proton offering a full factory-fitted LPG conversion at no additional cost to the customer, ecoLogic owners will also benefit from 3 year/60,000 miles total vehicle warranty and 3 years RAC cover.

LPG is not a new concept and is used to run over 140,000 vehicles in the UK currently and 11 million worldwide. Humberside Police have been running LPG-converted Proton vehicles for over 10 years, and with just over 300 on their current fleet, have saved up to £300,000 on fuel costs per year. Proton ecoLogic owners won’t miss out later either, with residual values on LPG dual fuel vehicles recently found to be up to 7.4% better than their petrol equivalent (Fleet News).

It’s becoming increasingly easier to fill up on LPG, with over 1,400 refuelling sites around the UK, including motorway service stations and at major supermarkets.

Not only is the Proton ecoLogic GEN-2 more economical to run, but it has been proved to be more eco-friendly than petrol and diesel. Typically, LPG produces less carbon monoxide, particulates and nitrous oxides than other fuel sources, plus a 15-20% reduction in carbon dioxide compared to petrol. Even the production of LPG is environmentally friendly; it’s a by-product of the extraction and refining of crude oil, which also means there’s a plentiful supply in the UK.

There’s nothing complicated about dual fuel operation, the GEN-2 ecoLogic starts on petrol and then switches to LPG when it’s most efficient to do so, usually after about 20 seconds. Any very slight differences in performance will go unnoticed and the only visible addition to the interior is a switch on the centre console that shows the fuel level. There is a second filler cap next to the petrol cap, which is matched to the exact colour of the car. The LPG tank is situated in the spare wheel well, so owners lose only the smallest amount of boot space.

The Proton ecoLogic GEN-2 has a 1.6 litre engine and is available in a sporty hatchback or saloon version, priced at £10,995 and £10,795 respectively. Customers will be impressed with the high specification that comes as standard, such as reverse distance sensors, air conditioning with pollen filter, electric front and rear windows, automatic central locking and alloy wheels. Both models are available with a leather interior, an option at £1,000, but for a limited time customers can benefit from a stylish black leather interior on the GEN-2 ecoLogic hatchback absolutely free.

Cheaper fuel, reliable motoring, eco-friendly and at no additional cost. Available at Proton dealerships from September 2008, the Proton GEN-2 ecoLogic is a practical solution for the UK motorist feeling the pinch. No catch.

The last version From Suzuki -Grand Vitara 2.4

2008-10-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Suzuki's Grand Vitara is regularly overlooked in the busy compact SUV market. That's surprising, as Suzuki's 4x4 was largely responsible for creating the segment in the first place. A new engine and a mid-life refresh give the competent Grand Vitara a better chance among its numerous competitors.

What are its rivals?

Obvious rivals for the Suzuki Grand Vitara include Japanese competition such as Toyota's RAV4, the Nissan X-Trail and Honda's CR-V, though the Suzuki is a good deal cheaper than its home-market rivals. So that really places it against some of the Korean contenders such as Kia's Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson - though the Grand Vitara has a little more brand cachet than the Korean budget machines. New crossover models from the mainstream manufacturers make life trickier for the Grand Vitara too, while the 'green' push against SUVs means many buyers might also look at an estate car as a potential alternative to the Grand Vitara.

How does it drive?

The key revision on this new Grand Vitara model is the addition of a 2.4-litre petrol engine, joining a 2.0-litre unit in the line-up. The new, larger engine addresses some of the criticism levelled at the 2.0-litre powerplant, bringing more power and refinement. Still taking almost 12 seconds to reach 62mph the 2.4-litre equipped Grand Vitara isn't exactly lightning fast, but what power it does offer is delivered with new levels of refinement. The new engine features a balancer shaft for greater smoothness, Suzuki also adding soundproofing, deeper carpets and even thicker glass to reduce sound intrusion.

The result is good: the Grand Vitara 2.4 is very refined indeed - even when you rev the engine right around to the red line. Few will push their Grand Vitaras hard, but it's surprisingly capable should you choose to. The steering is precise and light and the handling nicely judged. The ride suffers as a result and there's a good bit of body roll when cornering, but the Suzuki grips hard and can even raise a grin on the right road.

What's impressive?

At just under £18,000 the Grand Vitara 2.4 comes nicely equipped with leather seats and a MP3 enabled in-dash six-CD stereo featuring in the mildly refreshed interior. The Grand Vitara drives well too and those measures Suzuki has taken to improve refinement have been very effective. It's also a handsome car, having a cool chiselled look to its lines. Permanent four-wheel drive and a built-in ladder frame within its monocoque construction make it surprisingly capable off road, as well. Already a decent performer regarding pedestrian impact safety, the revised Grand Vitara has had even more work done to its bonnet and bumpers to increase its pedestrian friendliness.

What's not?

The Grand Vitara might offer decent space in the back, but up front it's difficult to get comfortable. The driver's seat doesn't move very far back leaving you perched up near the steering wheel. The gearshift is pretty long in throw and needs working a lot to get anywhere quickly. The 2.4-litre engine is undeniably an improvement over the 2.0-litre engine but we prefer the better mid-range punch of the turbodiesel - even if it is at the expense of refinement. Similarly, the diesel's 36.7mpg capability is preferable to the 2.4-litre petrol's 31.3mpg.

Suzuki may have revised the interior, but you'd need to be a dealer working for the brand to notice. Though the car feels well built, the plastics aren't the most attractive to look at or touch and the leather isn't going to worry the people at Connolly for its finish.

Should I buy one?

You won't ache with desire to own a new Grand Vitara, but it is a sensible, well-priced proposition. Korean rivals might have better warranties, but they lack badge cachet when compared to the Suzuki. It drives decently enough, looks good and offers respectable interior space too. It'll also take you off-road should you need to. We'd certainly consider it, but it's likely we'd have the diesel despite the new petrol engine being the smoother, quieter choice.

New from Mercedes-Merc SL 500

2008-10-15T16:12:00.001-07:00

Introduction

The SL has always appealed for its ability to blend sports car with GT in a beautifully finished package. The 5.5-litre V8-equipped SL 500 is a mainstay in the range, with power aplenty to give it serious performance when you need it, without asking too much of the chassis. Refreshed at the beginning of this year, the new SL will be around for a few years yet, but it's beginning to feel its age.

What are its rivals?

The SL is one of those unusual cars that covers a huge breadth of possible rivals. More so when you consider the wide engine range you can choose from - the AMG SL 65, for instance, with its twin-turbocharged V12 engine, has Ferrari 599 GTB pace and a price not far off the Modena car's. In SL 500 guise tested here it costs a few pounds shy of £78,000, which is Porsche 911 Cabriolet money. Jaguar's XK and BMW's 6 Series - in either drop-top or coupé guise - are also possible alternatives, the SL's folding hardtop meaning it'll appeal to both sets of buyers. Maserati's GranTurismo is another potential - if slightly leftfield - choice in this marketplace.

How does it drive?

The numbers say that the SL 500 will reach 62mph in just 5.4 seconds. That's mightily quick, though it doesn't feel that rapid from standstill. The 5.5-litre engine delivers its best in the mid-range, peak torque being delivered from 2,800 to 4,800rpm. Leave the seven-speed automatic in Comfort mode and you'll be lamenting its slovenly response and lack of urgency to kick-down, but put it into Sport or take over control yourself and the SL 500 reveals a wickedly fast side.

Fitted with the Mercedes ABC (Active Body Control) suspension the SL can do a half-decent impression of a sports car, but ultimately its responses and feedback are too lacking to really involve like some of its rivals do.

What's impressive?

The SL does a phenomenal job of covering all bases. It's an accomplished cruiser, a cool coupé and a smart roadster too - the folding hardtop mechanism is something you'll never tire of watching. It's a great looking car as well, the facelift that we weren't entirely sold on earlier in the year having grown on us. The stylists have done a good job at freshening up the SL's looks and there's a real hint of the classic Pagoda SL to the front now. There's technology aplenty inside too, the SL always among the first models to feature Mercedes' latest equipment. It's comfortable, easy to drive and there's a huge boot as well - even roof down the SL manages to swallow a decent amount of luggage.

What's not?

Good as the SL is at being everything for everyone there's no denying that it falls slightly short as a driver's car. There's precious little feedback from any of the controls, meaning you're left guessing how much or how little grip there is. Usually there's plenty, but in the wet the SL would be a handful if it weren't for its electronic safety nets.

The ride quality isn't quite as good as it could be either, which is not helped by the optional 19-inch wheels and tyres fitted to our car (18-inch wheels are standard). The fascia inside feels tired as well, the air conditioning controls fiddly and the satnav system has some very funny ideas about how to get places quickly - an aftermarket TomTom or the likes is far better. Good as the recent facelift Mercedes gave the SL is, the big roadster is beginning to feel a bit old.

Should I buy one?

You're either an SL kind of person or not. We love its roundedness here and its crushing competence across the board and it looks fantastic too. It is and always has been a very impressive demonstration of Mercedes' finest qualities. As a machine to lust after we're not so sure; it just doesn't get our juices flowing like more sporting rivals do. It's not cheap either, especially if you start picking desirable and expensive options. A Porsche 911, BMW 6 Series or Jaguar XK will deliver a more intimate driving experience, but the SL remains a very desirable choice - despite its advancing years

10 step you must know for maintain your car.

2008-09-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

In general maintenance works consist of cleaning, refueling, providing proper lubrication, fixing, checking, adjusting wheels and car parts. Proper maintenance is the guarantee of a long life of your vehicle. However if you want to save on car maintenance, follow these helpful tips and discover how to have it up and running for lower costs.

Tip #1. Buy a newer car.

Does it sound rather vague to you? Some new cars from a manufacturer can last for years without any repairs. It mostly depends on your driving habits indeed. Once you have a new car you can forget your mechanic's address for a while even though regular maintenance is still required. But if you already have an old car... well, see below.

Tip #2. Get good auto insurance.

Good car insurance is the best way to save on car maintenance when it comes to breakages and failures. Try to do some research and find such car insurance which best fits your needs. When you get car insurance with a low deductible payment it will help you reduce your technical maintenance expenses considerably. If you already have auto insurance with a high deductible... hm, continue reading.

Tip #3. Do it on your own.

In case you have a mechanical breakdown, try to fix it by yourself. There are many online support services that can help you check your car and discover the fault. If you still need to take it to a repair service keep in mind that they get new car parts to change the broken ones with a high markup. Thus in some cases buying spare parts by yourself (if you know exactly what you need) will help you reduce the expenses by 4 times! Just shop around and look for better offers online.

Tip #4. Prevention is better than cure.

You can save money and prolong your car's working capacity if you take some preventive measures. By changing oil, charging batteries in time as well as doing total check-up of your car once a month, you can help your vehicle last longer.

Tip #5. Use your car wisely.

You'll be surprised how much you can save if you give some thought to the ways you use your car. One should stop the engine at red traffic lights and in the jams.

Tip #6. Maintain your speed level.

From my own experience I can say that when I speed up and pull up fast, it does good neither to my brakes nor my fuel economy. One should stick to some certain speed level. That way one can achieve the lowest fuel rate and save the brake pads from wearing out. Using deceleration technique to make your car come to a halt is better than applying the brake.

Tip #7. Check your tires.

Partially deflated tires do not help save money at all. First of all if there isn't enough air in the tires they can wear out faster. Secondly underinflation increases fuel rate by 4-6% which makes you spend more fuel than usual. You can read technical characteristics and check the best tire inflation pressure for your car.

Tip #8. New spark plugs every once in a while.

Statistics show that changing old spark plugs in time cuts fuel costs down by 25-35%. Moreover new spark plugs also help improve car's performance and capacity.

Tip #9. Wash it in time.

At first blush one could say that washing doesn't reduce maintenance costs at all. However cleaning your car in time will help you prevent if from corrosion which is caused by accumulation of mud and dust that stay wet and stimulate corrosive wear.

Tip #10. Read the manual.

When you know your car as the back of your hand you are definitely aware of what it needs, when its engine has to be tuned-up or what oil it's better to use. It's always helpful to read the owner's manual and look under the hood once in a while.

Important Tip To Find the Best Car Hire Companies in Murcia

2008-09-19T04:50:00.000-07:00

Finding the best deals for your hire car in Murcia couldn't be easier. Why not let our comprehensive search engine do the work for you? With soaring competition amongst companies in Murcia you can be sure of getting a good deal.

Local public transport from the airport is not very good, with only 3 busses a day to downtown Murcia provided by 'Lat Bus' and no train connections a hire car is a very sensible idea.

Several national and international hire companies operate from Murcia Airport, currently there are around 20 offering various deals to holiday makers.

Instead of looking at these companies individually let our search engine do the work for you and compare prices from all of the competition. Simply fill in the form once and it will search out the very best deals for you and your requirements. You're not even restricted to pick up the car and drop it off in the same location. If it suits, it can be picked up from one place and deposited at an entirely different location. Making a tour of Spain or finding cheaper flights from differing airports possible.

Upon arrival at Murcia San Javier airport you will find the various offices of many of the car hire firms inside the terminal building. There are also several companies who function from 'portacabin' type offices and mini vans in the car parks. Although this looks strange to begin with they are extremely convenient for key collection and drop off.

An important factor to consider is what size vehicle you will need. Obviously it will need to accommodate your group and their luggage but remember that generally the smaller the car is the cheaper it will be. Don't let this stop you however if you feel like treating yourself to a convertible and seeing the Costa Calida in style.

Air conditioning is one feature worth having so unless you like feeling the heat of the sunny Spanish summers all the time make sure the car you hire includes it.

The rental companies today offer a fantastic range of vehicles, you can choose between the most economic, most luxurious, convertibles, or mini busses to suit all sizes of group and vehicles with automatic transmission.

The vast majority of rental cars are under a year old and maintained to a very high standard. Some companies at Murcia even change their vehicles after just 5 months use. So don't panic your hire car will be clean and modern what ever your budget is.

Be aware that cheapest might not always be best though. Ensure you are getting a comprehensive car hire package with no hidden extras. Be sure that your insurance cover doesn't have a huge excess to be paid if you have an accident. Often you can upgrade your cover to waiver or reduce the excess; this can often be a small amount of money and is worth taking out to avoid any unforeseen costs. Find out about brake down cover, replacement vehicles and their policies on accidental damage. Doing all of this before you set off could save time and money in the long run.

Generally all of the operators at Murcia offer fantastic all inclusive packages, but some can offer better than others. Once your results have appeared after your initial search there may be several companies offering similar deals at the same prices, this is the time to compare the finer details of their offers.

A hire car will offer you great freedom during your holiday and could save you money against having to use lots of taxis.

A Car Hire Murcia is the perfect way to explore the region. With so many interesting places to discover a Car Hire Spain is the recommended and most cost effective transport option.

All-new 2008 Lancer Evolution

2008-09-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

Mitsubishi Motors is introducing the 2008 Lancer Evolution, the newest and most sophisticated version of the legendary high-performance model series that began 16 years ago. While remaining true to the core values that have made the Lancer Evolution synonymous with thrilling performance, the next-generation model offers all-around capability and user technology that distinguish the world's best performance models.

The strikingly styled 2008 Lancer Evolution showcases new performance and handling technology, including an all-new 291-bhp 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system. S-AWC offers an extraordinary level of control at each wheel, going well beyond the capabilities of other all-wheel drive systems.

Two Lancer Evolution models will be offered in the U.S. market for 2008: the GSR with a new 5-speed manual transmission and the Lancer Evolution MR with a new 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), a new-generation automated manual transmission. The MR model is also equipped exclusively with Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs, two-piece brake rotors for better heat dissipation, BBS forged-alloy wheels, HID headlamps and additional interior features. Significantly, the newest Lancer Evolution will have less differentiation from market to market than the previous generations.

Design Evolution

The 2008 Lancer Evolution design makes a maximum performance statement, blending concept car themes and sound aerodynamic principles while conveying the brand's rally heritage. A shark-nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the basic new-generation Lancer design. Building on those themes, the 2008 Lancer Evolution looks the part of the street-wise sports machine with its a unique front end, aggressively sloping hood with integral air scoop and engine heat outlets, boxed fenders, and 18-inch alloy wheels with Brembo brakes.

Inside, the Lancer Evolution presents a "class up" approach and shows a new international flair. Available user technology, including high-end Rockford Fosgate® audio and navigation systems, reflects the tastes of a broadening customer base.

All-new 2.0-liter Turbo Engine

The 2008 Lancer Evolution's 4B11 engine is an intercooled-turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder. Beyond that description, it differs greatly from the legendary 4G63 it replaces. The 4B11 is built with a reinforced cast-aluminum cylinder block versus the cast-iron block used in the 4G63, and aluminum is also used for the cylinder head and cover and the timing chain case.

The new 4B11 T/C produces more power than its predecessor: 291 bhp at 6,500 rpm (vs. 286 bhp at 6,500 rpm) and 300 lb-ft of peak torque at 4,400 rpm (vs. 289 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm). The 4B11 T/C provides a broader torque curve, as well. A revised turbocharger yields up to 20-percent quicker response at lower engine speeds versus the 2006 engine's turbocharger.

New TC-SST Automated Manual Transmission

Exclusive to the Evolution MR model for 2008, the 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) is an automated manual transmission capable of executing lightning-quick upshifts with no drop-off in engine power. The TC-SST features both a console-mounted shifter and magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters and offers manual and fully automatic modes.

Essentially, the TC-SST is a manual transmission that can select two gears at a time: one gear is engaged by one of the two wet multi-plate clutches, and the other is pre-selected, awaiting to be engaged by the second clutch. The gear change is made - either manually or automatically depending on mode selected - when the electro-hydraulically operated clutches are "swapped," which occurs simultaneously, with no perceptible lag time.

Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC)

In the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) is not simply the name of a new all-wheel drive system. Rather, S-AWC regulates drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of dynamic handling technologies, including: Active Center Differential (ACD) 4-wheel drive, Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC), and Sports ABS brakes. Integration of ASC is new for all markets and also provides a significant advance in both dynamic capability and safety.

Base Price: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X - $32,990

All New Subaru Forester With New Price

2008-04-10T06:10:00.001-07:00

Submitted by AnthonyF

Last January, Subaru of America, Inc. had sent out the all-new Subaru Forester to have its world debut. This was held during the North American International Auto Show. But that would not be the last thing we are going to hear about the 2009 Subaru Forester. See, a month after the debut of the vehicle, the car maker has already announced that the 2009 Subaru Forester would be available in the market come this April.

How much would be the price tag state? That would be a question that most interested folks would be asking. According to Subaru, they would be sending out the vehicle with a $19,995 tag price as its starting price and that amount is $1,200 cheaper than the previous Subaru Forester model.

Subaru’s vice president for sales, Tim Colbeck, shared, “For 11 years, the Subaru Forester has been an icon of functionality, dependability and durability. The 2009 Forester now adds greater interior room, improved comfort and more amenities than before, yet with a starting price that is significantly lower than the outgoing model.”

Producing power for the 2009 Subaru Forester are two engines which have been available. One is a 2.5 liter naturally aspirated unit while another is a 2.5 liter turbo engine. The former is mated to either a manual or an automatic transmission while the former is matched only to an automatic. Available in three trim levels the X, the 2.5x Premium Package, and the 2.5X L. L. Bean, the natural aspirated model would give consumers more choices. However, the turbocharged unit would not be left behind for it is available in the X trim and the Forester 2.5XT Limited.

If you are going to choose a 2009 Subaru Forester that is equipped with a 2.5X Premium Package, you would find its tag coming with a price of $22,495 and for that amount you get a power moonroof, a rear seat center tray, reclining seat backs for the rear, roof rails, audio controls on the streering wheel, and alloy wheels measuring 17 inches.

For the 2.5X L. L. Bean version, you would have to shell out $25,995 for this one. For that amount, you get upholster that is trimmed in leather. The vehicle also has an automatic climate control system, fog lights, an all weather package, L.L. Bean floor mats and cargo trays, and an AM/FM stereo with CD changer. It has not been mentioned though if you would be getting a NHT calipers premium brake caliper with any of the 2009 Subaru Forester’s versions.

Mazda To Test Safety-Oriented Vehicle In Public

2008-04-10T06:09:00.001-07:00

Submitted by AnthonyF

Japanese automaker Mazda announced recently that it will be testing the Mazda ASV-4 in public shortly. The said vehicle is designed by the automaker loaded with safety features pursuant to the Japanese government's call for the creation of vehicles which would reduce traffic accidents.

Development of the said car is already on its fourth phase and it will commence on Hiroshima public roads on March 11 this year. Mazda will be working with Mitsubishi Motors Japan and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. during the public test of the ASV-4.

The fourth phase of the development of the safety car will be focusing on vehicle to vehicle communications. The said Mazda car is equipped with sensors which enables it to communicate with other vehicles similarly equipped with the same sensor. The theory is that even during driving conditions when the drivers will not be able to see another car, the car will be able to detect a vehicle ahead. This principle is designed to reduce traffic accidents on blind curves.

Mazda and the other automakers will be gathering and analyzing data from phase four of the development process. The result of the testing is expected to give Mazda enough information to forge ahead in the development of safety features for vehicles.

According to the automaker, vehicle to vehicle communication will be able to reduce traffic accidents caused by driver error. A misjudgment in distance and speed during turning maneuver could lead to accidents without a sensor on the vehicle warning the driver if a presence of a vehicle is detected.

Mazda plans to conduct tests on two-vehicle blind collision avoidance shortly. Thereafter, the automaker will be testing the right turn and rear end crash avoidance systems. These systems have been designed by the Japanese automaker to immediately alert the driver if a vehicle on potential collision course is detected. Apart from warning the driver, said systems are also designed to take over braking when needed.

The first three phases of testing the vehicles has resulted to Mazda developing a safety feature which warns the driver if a speeding vehicle from the rear. By warning the driver of this, the system reduces the risk of the driver being unaware of a potentially dangerous situation behind him.

Apart from vehicle to vehicle communication, Mazda is also testing road to vehicle communication features. This involves sensors embedded on the road and the vehicles which interact with each other constantly to give the driver an idea of how well the vehicle is moving with respect to the road.

The safety features that Mazda are developing can be expected to come with future Mazda vehicles also equipped with Mazda valve cover gasket.

Jaguar and Rover are Sold

2008-04-10T06:07:00.000-07:00

Submitted by AnthonyF

Some months back, the automotive industry has been bombarded with various pieces of news as per the fate of the Ford Motor Company’s Jaguar and Land Rover brands. These two are actually luxury brands that are part of Ford’s Premium Automotive Group (PAG).

What has been the seed as per the rumors regarding the fate of the two brands, it actually started with how the brands’ vehicles are doing in the market. For quite some time, Jaguar and Land Rover have been performing poorly in the market so much so that the Ford Motor Company has not been gaining much profit from the two brands. It is also not a secret that Ford has been under much financial stress lately because of declining profit and one of their solutions so as to help better their financial situation was to sell their two luxury brands.

When Jaguar and Land Rover was put up for sale, there were quite a number of parties and individuals who were interested in owning the two brands. However, Ford wanted to make sure that they were getting the best deal on the two brands. And what the Dearborn-based car maker did was to set up a system where interested purchasers could put in their bids for the luxury brands. This process took quite some time and experts were looking at the situation as a tactic from Ford so that they could properly study where they would be getting the best deal for Jaguar and Land Rover.

It seems like the end of the bidding for Jaguar and Land Rover has finally come to an end for a couple of days back, a newsletter from the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) carried news that the Ford Motor Company has finally chosen the right party who would purchase the two brands from them. Tata Motors from India would be the new owner of the vehicle and that the purchase of the brands is set to be announced this March 5th of 6th.

The purchase has already been finalized and Tata has already been talking with trade union leaders since last week. The national officer for one of the largest unions in the UK auto industry, Roger Maddison, has announced, “Everything seems fine as far as we are concerned; it's just the lawyers working on it now.”

One of the major outcomes of these talks include the fact that Tata would still be sourcing the brands’ engines, NGK laser platinum spark plugs, stampings, and other auto systems from Ford.

THE BEST CAR OUT!!!!!

2008-03-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

2008 Honda Accord Sedan

By Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit Email
Date posted: 08-20-2007

We admit that after a day of driving the redesigned 2008 Honda Accord, our reporter's notebook was completely blank.

It's not that there's nothing to say about how the 2008 Accord drives. It's that the Accord drives as brilliantly as it always has. In the rising tide of class sophistication, the Accord has maintained its position among competitors. It's smoother than the sometimes coarse Nissan Altima. And it's more alert in its responses than the cushy, isolated Toyota Camry.

And it has been a recipe for success. For more than 20 years the Honda Accord has defined the modern American middle-of-the-road sedan.

Trouble is there's a flipside to all that sensible, middle-of-the-road low-fat goodness and sales success. The Accord has always been bland and ubiquitous.

Not anymore.

All Fancy-Like
Take a look. The 2008 Accord sedan doesn't really look like an Accord sedan. It's, it's...well, it isn't as bland as it used to be. Actually, much like its Accord coupe brother, it's kinda cool-looking.

Gone is the sloping front end that Honda believed made the Accord look like a grown-up economy car. It is replaced by a tall, proud nose that the automaker says makes the car look more upscale. A new six-pointed grille is surrounded by thick chrome trim as if to advertise its new prominence. There is a sharp gouge dug into the flank, rising from the front fender, through the doors and to the tail. It's a dead ringer for the one on the Acura TL. The C-pillar is now more substantial-looking and vaguely BMW-like.

If the collective opinion of a random smattering of Chowderheads is to be taken as gospel then Honda has succeeded. We sampled the car in Boston and every passerby thought the car looked much more expensive than a Honda Accord. It is, no matter your aesthetic sensibilities, categorically not insipid.

Just like a Town Car
Honda is eager to mention that the 2008 Accord is now one of the few midsize sedans that's actually a large car. And by "large" Honda is referring to the EPA's classification, which is judged by adding the cubic volume of the interior and the cubic volume of the trunk. If the resulting number is 120 cubic feet or more, then the car in question is a "large" car.

Assuming you don't order the moonroof, which Honda says steals 5 cubic feet from the interior, the Accord squeaks in with exactly 120 cubes.

Does this really matter? Well, yes. If the fascination with big SUVs and full-size pickups proved anything, it is that bigger is still better in the minds of many consumers. And surely the folks who get stuck in the backseat will appreciate the extra legroom the enlarged Accord brings. The 2008 Accord's 2.3-inch longer wheelbase (to 110.2 inches) and 1-inch-taller body yield noticeable, if not dramatic improvements in all measures of interior roominess. Overall the car is 3.2 inches longer.

It's still no Chrysler 300, but neither will your head be brushing the headliner. And Honda notes that it added more space between the driver and passenger and widened the center console to give a more expansive feeling to the interior. Personally, we felt we had become estranged from our co-driver, but only by 40 millimeters.

Strips of Toffee
And the interior ambience is a long, long way from where the Accord started back in 1976. It is, predictably, much closer in aura to a current Acura.

That's certainly true of the high-end EX-L V6 model that we spent the most time in, with its 270-watt stereo, navigation system and butter-colored leather separated from the mocha latte dash by strips of toffee. It's delicious.

Our ears also measured a slight reduction in tire hum and bump-thuds (a term we just coined) over the previous Accord. More sound-deadening material was part of the solution. But so were myriad changes to stiffen key parts of the body, including the floor panel, front wheel housings and upper suspension mounts.

Motorvating
One thing Honda has never had any trouble with is building smooth motors. This remains the case. But Honda has thrown itself a curveball for 2008 by using a variable cylinder management (VCM) system on all V6-powered sedans. The VCM system can run the optional new 3.5-liter V6 on six, four or three cylinders, depending on driving conditions. Six is for uphill climbs and accelerating. Four-cylinder operation is for expressway driving. And the Accord becomes a three-banger for relaxed city cruising/coasting.

To quell the inevitable vibrations while the engine was running on three or four cylinders, Honda uses active engine mounts and active noise control system. It's a similar system the company used for the ill-fated Accord Hybrid, a model for which there will be no replacement going forward. That we never heard or felt any additional raucousness when the engine was running on fewer than six cylinders is as high praise as we can offer.

It also brings a 4-mile-per-gallon increase in highway fuel economy. Tested by the EPA's new, stricter standard, the V6 with the five-speed automatic (the only transmission available in V6-powered sedans) should get 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The new V6 is a half-liter larger than the motor it replaces to fortify it in the midsize-sedan horsepower war. At 268 hp at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, the new Honda V6 is essentially the equal of the V6s of its two main rivals, the Toyota Camry (268 hp) and Nissan Altima (270 hp). And it's smoother than either.

Still, the updated 190-hp 2.4-liter four in the EX trimline is more than enough engine to get the job done, particularly when bolted to the five-speed manual transmission. It delivers better fuel economy than the V6 (22/31) and, allied with the new Accord's bigger 18.5-gallon fuel tank, could provide more than 500 miles of driving between fill-ups.

The LX model Accord comes with a 177-hp version of the same four-cylinder but without the EX power train's high-flow muffler and more aggressive power train control module tuning.

It's...Accord-Like
The Accord might be quieter, larger and more powerful, but it retains its lithe feel, even if it is no lighter than a Camry. It handles with understated competence. Honda has managed to mount the engine and gas tank lower in this generation Accord and raised the roll center of the front and rear suspensions, yielding good roll control without firming up the ride.

The steering system feels friction-free and accurate as we've come to expect and now incorporates a variable gear ratio.With big steering inputs, as in parking lots, the system delivers a faster ratio for better maneuverability. And for the first time in the model's history, all Accords come standard with four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic stability control.

Dual-chamber front-side airbags, front and rear curtain side airbags and active front head restraints designed to reduce whiplash in rear-end collisions are also standard across the board.

Even when you're not crashing, the new Accord is a pleasant place to be, with a good level of standard equipment. Even the budget-minded LX comes with steering wheel-mounted audio controls and cruise control along with the expected power features. And you can load up an Accord to full-luxury status if that is your want with Bluetooth, a navigation system with voice recognition and automatic headlights.

Pricing hasn't been finalized, but Honda says some models will see no price increase while others will cost only between $200 and $500 more than the equivalent '07s. So figure that an LX will start around $21,000 and an EX V6 will begin at just a smidge over $30,000. The 2008 Accord goes on sale September 12

SEE THIS CAR AT THE LINK

http://www.automedia.com/NewCarBuyersGuide2008/photos/2008/Honda/Accord/Sedan/2008_Honda_Accord_ext_1.jpg

the great car from Ford Taurus 2008

2008-03-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

By Jim McCraw, NewCarTestDrive.com
Introduction

Ford had little success with its large, front-drive family sedan called the Ford Five Hundred since its introduction two years ago. So, for 2008, Ford dumped the Five Hundred name and went back to the name of a clear market winner, renaming this car the 2008 Ford Taurus.

Likewise, the Mercury Montego has been renamed Mercury Sable, and the Ford Freestyle has been renamed Taurus X, the X for crossover SUV.

Along the way, Ford has made some 500 changes to the new Taurus, changes that were already scheduled for the mid-cycle freshening of the Five Hundred. The general body shape of the new Taurus is the same as that of the previous Five Hundred, a large, front-wheel-drive family sedan, but almost everything else has changed for the better.

This family of vehicles, loosely based on the same architecture as the Volvo S80 luxury sedans with some detail changes to the suspension systems, also uses the same Swedish Haldex all-wheel-drive system as the Volvo when it is ordered as an option.

The weak 3.0-liter V6 engine has been dropped in favor of a new 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 engine that makes a full 30 percent more power. It's the same engine that powers the larger and heavier Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers and MKZ luxury cars. Likewise, the CVT transmission has been replaced by a new 6F six-speed automatic.

This new powertrain makes the Taurus a whole lot more fun to drive than the ill-conceived Five Hundred was. Its 0-60 mph acceleration performance has been reduced by more than a second and a half, from 9.2 seconds down to 7.6 seconds, which is a huge chunk of performance. The new engine not only makes more power, it gets 10 percent better fuel economy, even after adjusting for the new, stricter testing procedures EPA has mandated for 2008 models. On the open road, we found the Taurus to be very quiet and smooth.

Taurus competes directly against other larger sedans on the market, chief among them the Toyota Avalon, the Chevrolet Impala, and the Chrysler 300. Against that competitive set, the Taurus is the largest car in the group, and carries four five-star safety ratings for front, rear, side and rollover crashworthiness. The big kicker in all of this is that, with all the new styling, interior, engine, transmission and standard features upgrades, the price hovers only about $250 above comparably equipped versions of last year's bland, slow Five Hundred.

2008 BMW 5 Series Preview

2008-03-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

BMW 5 Series Preview – Chicago Auto Show: You wouldn’t know it at first glance – or even a second or third glance – but the BMW 5 Series receives styling updates for the 2008 model year. They’re very subtle, so much so that we almost had to take BMW’s word for it that things actually had changed. The same holds true for the updated interior, which features further refinements to BMW’s iDrive system. What isn’t so subtle is what’s under the hood. Both six cylinder engines in the 5 Series are updated with more power and refinement, with the most potential for fun the addition of the twin-turbo 535i, featuring the same engine as the excellent 335i coupe.

2009 Nissan Murano: Safety Incarnate

2008-03-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

Submitted by AnthonyF

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducts tests on new vehicles so as to be able to find out which among the lot come with the best safety features which could really protect passengers. Results of crash tests would be announced by the IIHS so that consumers would be guided on their purchase of vehicles.

As per the recent tests done by the IIHS, the 2009 Nissan Murano took the top spot among nine other midsized SUVs with four doors. And with that performance, it was awarded the Top Safety Pick award. The vehicles had to go through front tests, side tests, and rear tests and they were aptly graded.

The worst 2008 models did show just what they could not do. For side tests, three 2008 models reflected how poor they could get during side crashes. The three were comprised of the Jeep Liberty, the Kia Sorento, and the four-door Jeep Wrangler. Among the three, the lowest grades went to the Kia Sorento.

They were not exceptional but good ratings are good ratings, especially if you have poor performers with you. For side tests and front crashes, the IIHS was able to find out that good ratings were what the Mazda CX7 and the Mazda CX9 deserved. The Mitsubishi Endeavor also earned good ratings. These three vehicles may have joined the 2009 Nissan Murano in the spotlight however they had low ratings during rear tests. The three were unable to protect passengers well against neck injury which often happens during crashes from the rear. For that, the Mazda CX7 and CX9 only earned marginal ratings while the Mitsubishi Endeavor took home a poor rating.

Joe Nolan is the IIHS’ senior vice president on the results he disclosed, “Combined with test results released last year, consumers now have 9 midsize, moderately priced SUV models that earn our Top Safety Pick designation. More good news is that manufacturers have been moving quickly to add safety features like stability control and side airbags to their SUV models. All of the SUVs in this group have ESC, and all but the Wrangler have standard side airbags. Increasingly, consumers are getting the latest safety equipment without having to hunt through a list of options.”

What took the 2009 Nissan Murano to the top? Well, Nissan sure did spruce up the vehicle so that it does not only look and perform well but so much so that it also protects well. This new version comes with the electronic stability control as a standard feature. It can be upgraded with nifty products cargo-logic series cargo liner to protect the floor but what is important are the seat belts and the air bags which protect the passengers best.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

2008-03-24T13:46:00.001-07:00

Looks like: A droptop version of last year's Camaro concept
Defining characteristics: 1960s muscle-car styling, 364-cubic-inch V-8 under the hood, a Beach Boys album in the CD player — kidding, kidding
Ridiculous features: Chintzy dashboard controls, tiny side mirrors
Chance of being mass-produced: Count on it; a production Camaro will hit the road in 2009 or 2010

Hot on the heels of last year's Camaro coupe concept, GM has introduced a Camaro convertible that will likely hit showrooms before the end of the decade. Sporting the hardtop's brash styling and beefy V-8 engine, the Camaro heralds Chevy's return to muscle-car mania and '60s braggadocio — something young drivers might lust for, had Ford not already quenched the yearning with its most recent Mustang.

Not to worry, Chevy: Lead-footed males are not in short supply. The concept car's 6.0-liter LS2 V-8 — which helps the Corvette shred rubber faster than a pizza boy behind schedule — should make for plenty of chest thumping 'round the engine bay. It connects to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

A cylinder deactivation feature cuts fuel to four cylinders during low-demand situations, which will help the Camaro achieve its purported 30 mpg or better on the highway.

Like the coupe, the convertible has styling similar to Chevrolet's original 1967 - 1969 Camaro. Like most concept cars, the interior comes with plenty of oddities sure to be ironed out by production time. A three-spoke steering wheel sits in front of two square gauges, and metallic auxiliary portals — displaying oil temperature, gas and other vitals — perch behind the gearshift. The seats are upholstered in leather and suede-like Alcantara.

Dark gray five-spoke wheels are 21 inches in diameter up front and 22 inches in back, and the four-wheel-disc brakes measure 14 inches across.

Expect the production Camaro to employ a smaller engine — perhaps GM's 3.9-liter V-6 — in base trim levels. It's possible that the automaker's 5.3-liter V-8 could power a midlevel Camaro Z28, which would leave the 6.0-liter V-8 in the concept car to power the Camaro SS. It would make for an interesting matchup with the Mustang GT500 and whatever Dodge concocts for its upcoming Challenger.

— Reported by Kelsey Mays, Cars.com;
photographed by Chase Agnello-Dean, Cars.com;
additional images courtesy of the manufacturer

Mitsubishi Prototype X

2008-03-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

Looks like: The Lancer's devilish twin
Defining characteristics: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, all-wheel drive, sequential manual transmission with steering-wheel paddle shifters
Ridiculous features: Gaping grille, rear wing
Chance of being mass-produced: We'll see the production version of this concept when the Lancer Evolution arrives in 2008

Mitsubishi's Prototype X is the precursor to the redesigned Lancer Evolution X that's supposed to show up in the first quarter of 2008. The concept shares its platform with the 2008 Lancer compact sedan that also debuted at the 2007 Detroit auto show, but it's powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and has all-wheel drive.

The new Lancer is pretty aggressive-looking in its own right, but the Prototype X has pushed the limits even more. The front grille opening is more pronounced and it has three separate hood vents. The front and rear fenders are flared more and there's a rear diffuser under the bumper. The concept's Brembo brakes are surrounded by 20-inch BBS wheels.

The Prototype X's cabin features highly bolstered Recaro front seats covered in suede-like Alcantara, and there's a stopwatch on top of the dash. The concept has a sequential manual transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel, but a traditional five-speed manual will be available in the production Lancer Evolution.

— Reported by Mike Hanley, Cars.com;
photographed by Chase Agnello-Dean, Cars.com

Circuit: Top Safety Feature For The Future

2008-03-23T15:51:00.002-07:00

Submitted by AnthonyF

One of the outstanding discoveries in the auto industry is the safety belt. But an equally-critical auto safety feature will soon hit the roads – the circuit – and it will also be mandatory. Experts at National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the circuit may be crucial to motorists’ survival just like the safety belt.

In the 1960s the discovery of the revolutionary seat belts made the automotive industry a bit relieved. The said discovery paved the way for the significant reduction in fatalities linked to crashes. Nowadays, a remarkable auto safety feature is expected to reach what seat belts have accomplished. It is not one of the features shoppers find in Chevy Caprice; it is something revolutionary.

The NHTSA has implemented a standard making the circuit or electronic stability control (ESC) equipment mandatory in all vehicles. The government safety agency estimated that the universal adoption of the ESC by 2011 will save 10,000 lives annually.

Already standard on select luxury vehicles, ESC is just one of the many auto safety technologies engineered to avoid accidents rather than protect occupants from them. Most of these newfangled features are microchip based and build on the increasing electronic sophistication of vehicles, reported MSNBC. But not all of them have achieved the “technological maturity,” a term used by state engineers when the feature is still to be perfected. However, ESC can already work reliably and affordably.

NHTSA Administrator Nicole R. Nason told a Congressional committee last fall that electronic technologies were poised for the first time to make as important a contribution to safety as physical measures such as seat belts and bumpers. “I believe the most promising gains in highway safety are going to come from the deployment of crash-avoidance technologies,” Nason said. “Today the technology exists not only to ameliorate the severity of a crash, but to help prevent it outright.”

Nason’s list of future auto safety technologies includes forward-collision warning systems, lane-departure warning and blind-spot warning devices. “But the crash-avoidance technology that holds the greatest promise is electronic stability control,” she said.

The chain is apparent. First is invention, then adoption; finally, there’s the legislation making the technology mandatory.

Automakers are finding ways to strengthen their lineup by offering stylish, functional and efficiently performing lineups without sacrificing safety. Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota Motor Corp., is stressing safety features as part of a common system by promoting its Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management package composed of smart cruise control, lane-departure warning and ESC technologies.

Ford Motor Co. calls sophisticated safety systems as “co-drivers.” Other automakers, meanwhile, call them “assistants.” Mercedes-Benz said that in its lineup, technology will never take control out of the hands of the human driver. In the future, more safety technologies are expected to unfold.

The Unique and Funny World Of Limousine Rentals

2008-03-23T15:51:00.001-07:00

Submitted by lets_j2top@yahoo.com

The concept of rented transport today varies, from the standard rent-a-car, to the SUV's and other modern vehicles. However when one wishes to rent a vehicle and would want to travel around in style, and make heads turn, they go for specialized vehicles called limousines.

These types of vehicles have been noted to be associated with the various trappings of wealth, and were adorned with fancy amenities and even weird stuff you never seen in other vehicles, like mini-bars, disco lights, surround sound systems, and stocked with expensive champagne, beers, caviar, and state-of-the-art electronic gadgetry. While these types of vehicles were once luxuries used mainly by wealthy or royalty and government figures, these days these vehicles are a staple of airport transport and are viewed as a preferred way of arriving at weddings, formal parties, dances, proms and corporate events.

How Limos Vary In Design And Amenities

So what exactly is a limousine? For lots of people, the word creates an image of an incredibly long car with sinister but mysterious dark-tinted windows. Well, you're right, as a limo can be as simple as a nice Lincoln Town Car; however there's no standard limo design or type, instead, this refers to a vehicle that has a much larger, and wider, compartment in the back half of the car, which is quite larger than your average car.

To call a car a limo, one only needs to think of a nice, standard-length vehicle that has a lot of leg room in the rear compartment, well it. helps if you have a driver, or a chauffeur, maneuvering the vehicle for you while you relax in the rear seat and watch television or sip some nice cold beer, or listen to rock music on the surround sound system.

How Limo rentals Operate These Days

At present, many limo rental operators use classic automobiles, which either offer their clients a chance to ride in a luxurious Rolls-Royce, Mercedes Benz, Bentley, Town Car or stretched Hummer SU type. Some of these limo models even have the driver's compartment uncovered, which kind of goes back to the old days when horse-drawn carriages ruled the roads.

Some innovative limo rental operators have even capitalized by converting almost any vehicle imaginable, from Lincoln Navigator SUVs to Mini Coopers, BMW's, off-road trucks and SUV's, all in an effort to lure potential clients and please to most fickle of showbiz personalities. Some rental services even go to great lengths to use cars which were never even meant for the streets.

Most limo rental operators today feel that extending the length of the original vehicle is about as long as you can go before the vehicle would no longer able to pass the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), as some operators try their best to differentiate themselves from the rest of the competition, and for some the only option, apart from making the vehicle as long as possible, to make the interior as unique, as opulent, as technologically advanced or totally out of this world as possible.

Generally , the common standard hourly rates for limo rental services vary according to the city or state, as well as according to each each individual operator's rental policies. The rates mentioned here are considered the average these hourly rates, and while some differ, it won't be quite far from these quotes: For a 6-seater Stretch Limo, it would usually cost from $60.00 to $90.00 per hour; for the 8-seater stretch, it ranges from $65.00 to $110.00 per hour; the 10-seater stretch ranges from $70.00 to $132.00 per hour, 12-14 seaters go for $180.00 per hour, and the 12-24 seater vehicles go for around $95.00 per hour. SUV vehicles like the H2 Hummer Limo may go as up as $195.00 per hou

Vehicle Airbag Defect

2008-03-23T15:48:00.000-07:00

Author: Alan Haburchak

Since their invention in the 1950s, up through development during the 1970s and finally institution as a required feature in the 1980s, airbags have become an important factor in decreasing injuries of those involved in automotive accidents. Airbags function as supplemental safety devices designed to work with seat belts to minimize injuries in vehicle accidents. In theory, airbags reduce the chance that the occupant of a vehicle's upper body or head will strike the vehicle's interior during a crash, thus decreasing the incidence of injury. Both frontal and side-impact air bags are designed to deploy in moderate to severe crashes.

Sensors are the main determinant of the severity of a crash after an automobile accident. An onboard computer, called the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), processes the information and, in an event of moderate to severe crash, it sends a signal to the inflater inside the air bag module. At that point the airbag is supposed to inflate, protecting the vehicle's occupants from serious injury as a result of striking the vehicle's interior. As a result of the effectiveness of initial driver and passenger front airbags, the adoption of rear-passenger and side-impact curtain airbags has become more common over the last decade, in an attempt to create the highest degree of safety possible.

Unfortunately, as the number of airbags being placed in new cars has increased, so has the overall need for the airbags themselves. The quality of airbags has decreased as the increase of airbag manufacturing has occurred. One way this decrease in quality has become apparent is in the increasing incidence of defective airbags and airbag failure in automobiles produced both in the United States and abroad.

There is a possibility that an airbag is defective or faulty in many types or brands of vehicles, which is why there are many manufacturer recalls. If there is the potential for airbag malfunction or airbag failure.

The following is a non-comprehensive list of airbag failure-related automobile recalls instituted in April through June of 2007 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

April 2007 BMW is recalling 225 MY 2007 6-Series passenger vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, 'Occupant Crash Protection. The front passenger seat has a sensing system that detects if the seat is occupied. This sensing is programmed to detect if the seat is occupied by a small adult or certain child restraint seats. Automatic deactivation on a the passenger's front seat may occur when a child seat is placed in this front seat. In some cases, the sensing system may misinterpret a properly seated small adult as one of these specific child seats, resulting in deactivation of the front passenger airbag when the airbag might be beneficial for the adult, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

May 2007

DaimlerChrysler is recalling 270,958 MY 2005 Town and Country and Dodge Caravan minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the 27 states plus the District of Columbia that use greater amounts of salt for winter road deicing. Brass bushings that were installed into vehicles may over time corrode causing water to enter the sensor in the up-front airbag sensor. These sensors provide enhanced air bag performance in certain types of frontal crashes. In one of these crashes, with one or both of the vehicle's UF sensors inoperative, the occupants will not benefit from the enhanced air bag protection that these sensors would provide.

Hyundai de Puerto Rico is recalling 2,967 MY 2005-2007 Tucson vehicles. Static airbag deployment testing conducted by NHTSA using fifth percentile female dummies indicated that a small stature adult driver not wearing a seat belt and involved in a frontal or near frontal crash, the deployment of the driver air bag may result in an insufficient margin of compliance as measured by the test dummy used in the NHTSA test. This can cause increased risk of injury to the driver under certain crash conditions.

June 2007

DaimlerChrysler is recalling 798 MY 2007-2008 Sebring and MY 2008 Dodge Avenger vehicles. The front seat track position sensors utilized for the air bag system may not function properly. In certain vehicle crashes, front seat passengers risk of injury is increased.

DaimlerChrysler is recalling 39 MY 2007 Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 trucks. Hairline cracks and fractures may exist within airbag module diffuser material in a window. In the case of a crash with a trigger signal for the window airbag module, it is possible that such a diffuser may crack at the beginning of the airbag activation.

As one can see from this small sampling of the defective airbag recalls that have been instituted either voluntarily by auto makers, or at the insistence of the NHTSA, there are many occasions in which one or many of the airbags installed in a vehicle will not operate as intended and therefore be a defective airbag that might cause an airbag failure in an accident.

The Best Tip on Hiring Limousine Service

2008-03-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

Submitted by lets_j2top@yahoo.com

If you want to impress your loved ones including party guest and friends, limousine is the perfect transportation you could offer to them. There are many companies you could choose from for the limousine you need.

Selecting instantly is hard. Before making decision, check the insurance information of the company. This is important factor for safety reason. If the company is really legitimate.

In checking the limousine service company, use the BBB to check the information if they have license. And if it is legitimate to operate. There are website in the internet could make a background checking. In this way you can be sure the company service you hire is safe for you and your family.

Usually they give promotional package such as flowers, drinks for their service. Always ask if they offer this kind of package. They have different rates on their rental depending on how many hours you will use the limo. They also provide what size of limo you need. You could also select if you prefer a man or a lady chauffeur.

It is important to select the best deal you could get. Comparing their rates on rental including the additional package they will offer you is necessary. Ask them to give you specific quotation on their rates on rental and service fee they charge, before you book on their service. Other company just include unnecessary additional fee. Get all the detail from them before signing the contract.

This might come in handy surfing on the internet might give you an idea about their service charge fee; you can compare the limo service from other company, including their prices, services they rendered and additional promotion they are giving.

Follow your instinct and if the person on their customer service is courteous and it serve you well and it they can meet you needs. Check on their chauffer also.

Company will make sure that their employees treat the customer well. Employee’s attitudes reflect the company image. So, it is best to look for this kind of company.

Limos are important since they add up the excitement and can make your event extra special. Just make sure to get the right limo, the one that can give you satisfaction and comfort. There are lots for you to choose from, so allocate few of your time in seeking for the right one for you.

Check on the price, their service and features in order to assure that you will be satisfied and end up happy with your event. Surf on the internet and gain all the important details you need to easily pick the right limo for your big event

Ford Edge Goes Sporty At Chicago Auto Show

2008-02-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

Submitted by AnthonyF

Ford Motor Co. intends to put personalization a topmost priority. As such, it will be giving customers a say in what they want on their vehicles. At the Chicago Auto Show, the Dearborn-based automaker launched its very first factory-customized model – the Edge Sport.

The launch of the Edge Sport aims to appeal to the escalating personalization trend in the auto industry. The vehicle enhances the already outstanding sales record in the automaker’s crossover sport utility segment in the previous year.

Aside from keeping up with customers’ personalization needs, the new trim is also aimed at industry shows such as the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas.

The turbocharged Sport trim features 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, the first size on a crossover, or 20-inch premium painted wheels with Sport-branded black center hubs. To complete the rugged and aggressive appearance of the vehicle, engineers at Ford give it low-profile tires.

What’s more, the vehicle’s design and features like VistaRoof™ and SYNC helped make Ford Edge the best-selling crossover in the nation.

According to the automaker, the eight-piece Edge Sport body kit includes a unique front air dam, side skirts, lower door caps and a rear skirt, all finished in body color, instead of the dark lower on other Edge models. Additionally, the front air dam features and integrated fog lamps.

The Dearborn automaker also offered perky details such as the custom Sport badging, "foundry gray", smoked headlamp and tail lamp lenses, and polished dual exhaust tips emerging from openings in the rear skirt.

"While custom-made to appeal to customers, Edge Sport is smart business," said Mark Fields, president for The Americas. "The aftermarket industry has grown to a $40 billion annual business, and crossovers are the fastest-growing vehicle segment in the U.S. We want customers who crave something special to know that Ford can 'customize' their Edge - right at the factory."

The Sport trim, which joins the SE, SEL and Limited models in the Edge range, makes it the very first vehicle in the crossover segment to offer customization.

Edge Sport will be available in Sport Blue, Brilliant Silver, Ebony and Redfire. Inside, dark gray leather seats feature unique suede-feel patterned inserts in a combination of light and dark gray, with contrasting stitching for premium appeal. The vehicle is scheduled to roll out into dealerships this fall.

Furthermore, Ford Canada was earlier quoted as saying that a hybrid version of the Edge will be introduced for the model year 2010. The said version will feature a new hybrid system mated to a V6 engine.

Truly, the Edge Sport is a solid proof that the automaker’s vehicles are evolving with time; they are far from the likes of Ford Bronco and other previous models.

Chrysler's Engine Plant Receives Excellence Award

2008-02-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

Submitted by AnthonyF

Chrysler's engine assembly facility in Dundee, Michigan has recently been given the Shingo Silver Medallion for operational excellence. The Auto Channel reported that the said prestigious award was given to the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance engine facility.

The said award was started in 1988. It was established to recognize excellence in manufacturing operations. This award is given to deserving companies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

During the announcement of the winners for the Shingo Prize, the committee said: "We congratulate this year's recipients in expanding their lean focus to all their business processes."

"This year's recipients have demonstrated various best practices in world- class processes and have achieved outstanding results delivering high quality, competitive cost and high customer satisfaction."

The Shingo Awards has been considered by many as the Nobel Prize of manufacturing. Naturally, Chrysler should be enthusiastic that their engine assembly facility was given the said award.

Richard Chow-Wah, Vice President for manufacturing at Chrysler LLC and a member of the GEMA Board of Directors, said: "We are pleased to have been recognized by the Shingo Award organization for our GEMA plant. At GEMA, our mission is clear - to set the pace in engine manufacturing with cutting-edge people, processes, systems and technologies. This award is further confirmation that we are accomplishing that mission."

Chrysler should really be proud of the engine facility receiving the said award as it is the only automotive facility to receive a Shingo. For the automaker's part, Bruce Coventry, the president for Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance, said: "Our success starts with great people, and the Shingo Silver Medallion is a tribute to the commitment and hard work of our GEMA team members who make our Michigan facility one of the finest manufacturing operations in the world."

"At the same time, in the spirit of continuous improvement we recognize there are many opportunities in our processes. We understand that manufacturing excellence is a never-ending journey, not a final destination," continued Coventry.

The engines that the aforementioned engine assembly facility manufactures are being used on the Dodge Caliber, Avenger, and Journey, the Jeep Compass and patriot, as well as the Chrysler Sebring sedan and the convertible variant. These vehicles equipped with the fuel efficient engines manufactured at the Chrysler engine facility produces less greenhouse gases than Acura vehicles equipped with Acura exhaust parts.

Bruce Baumbach, plant manager at GEMA, concluded: "We stay focused on the core business - to manufacture and assemble best-in-class engines, with high quality and great affordability. That means we rely on our service providers to give us the expertise we need to accomplish that task. The knowledge and experience of each of our team members is critical to our success."

Car Hire Nice - Top 4 Drives

2008-02-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

Car Hire Nice - Top 4 Drives

Author: Fiona Hiliard

Top Four Drives Nice

Eze-y Does It

The pretty medieval village of Eze can be reached within 11km of the city of Nice and offers a range of interesting cultural and historical attractions. The village has a dramatic location, perched high above the Mediterranean on a rocky hilltop. A walking tour of the village gives visitors the chance to absorb remarkable feats of engineering and architecture. First stop should be the town's 12th century castle which sits on a narrow craggy peak.

The castle was torn down during a turbulent era in the 17th century, but its attractive grounds survive to this day. Jardin Exotique is to be found in the grounds presently and offers visitors panoramic views of the coast from 429m high. The view doesn't come cheap however and a generous donation is expected.

Visitors are encouraged to sample the fragrant enterprise of the region at either Parfumerie Galimard or Parfumerie Fragonard perfumeries, both of which are situated in Eze village. The factories offer guided tours, with special discount rates available to groups.
Picturesque Peillon

Heading 20km outside of Nice, you'll reach the fortified medieval village of Peillon, which is regarded by many to be the most beautiful village on the Cote d'Azur. The hill's clinging grey and white structures offer fantastic opportunities for photographs and it's well worth bringing your camera along for the journey.

The village is pedestrian-only, meaning you'll have to park your hire car at the plaza at the base of the village and make your way to the centre under your own steam. The stroll allows you to take advantage of stunning views of the village's stepped terraces and narrow winding streets.

As Peillon has not been subject to the usual tacky commercialisation, it's possible to purchase an authentic memento of your trip from the village's only gift shop 'La Maiouneta'. The shop is situated close to the fountain and sells local produce, as well as paintings and ceramic creations by local artists.

Gorge-ous Loup Gorges

The spectacular Gorges Du Loup is well worth a journey. This area of fragile natural beauty can be accessed 40km from Nice via the D2210 road, which runs along the Châteauneuf-Pré Du Lac close to nearby Grasse.
Follow the D6 at the bottom of the valley at Pont-du-Loup, where, if you look upwards through the ultra narrow gorge, you'll see the town of Gourdon perched on the cliffs high above, as well as the shattered, bomb-scarred pillars of the railway viaduct which sweeps cleanly around the valley.Driving another 4km on this route, allows you to catch a glimpse of the Cascade de Courmes waterfall, spraying craggy moss-dappled boulders and leafy undergrowth in its path. The waterfall then makes a deafening 40m plunge, well worth inspecting in person. Parking places are limited so it's best to leave the car at the exit of the first tunnel.
Magic Mougins

The beautiful town of Mougins is just a 25-minute drive from Nice. The journey to Mougins also takes you through fragrant Grasse, regarded as the international perfume capital.

Mougins' pretty medieval charms have long attracted artists and dignitaries to the town. Spanish artist Pablo Picasso spent the last few years of his life in Mougins and visitors to Mougins will find many local exhibitions dedicated to the artist. . It's easy to while away a few hours browsing the village's studios and galleries. The Museum of Photography in Mougins is definitely worth a look. Here you'll find a fascinating permanent collection of Picasso portraits.

Mougins is renowned for its excellent cuisine and hungry day-trippers are guaranteed to find something to silence rumbling tummies; whether you opt for fine dining at the famous Michelin starred Moulin de Mougins restaurant or simple cheap local eats from a quaint atmospheric café or patisserie.

Top 5 Cool Cars For 2008

2008-02-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

Author: Gabriel Adams

Every year car enthusiasts and those in need of purchasing a new car look to Popular Mechanics for their take on the hot new models and safety factors. Today's shoppers want sleek designs that are fuel efficient and loaded with options. With gas prices over $3 a gallon, fuel economy is on the top of many minds while others want a trip back into their past.

The Chevy Corvette ZR1 is going to be the dream car of many this fall! The 620-horsepower engine will deliver an incredible punch, while the vehicle is crafted from carbon fiber to keep the weight down. This is not a budget car, it will be priced at a hefty $100,000, but to many collectors it is well worth every penny.

For the second year running, the Chevy Malibu has won the "North American Car of the Year" award. The Malibu is a mid-sized sedan designed and engineered by women. The asking price of $20,000 is reasonable to many and the sleek design and well-designed dashboard is going to make this a crowd pleaser. Acoustic glass blocks out road noise so that the stereo system doesn't have to be cranked up to absurd levels or passengers have to yell to be heard. The instrument panel covers the necessities including low oil, tire pressure, outside temperature, and more. Finally, electronic stability assists the braking system.

In recent years, Hyundai has built a solid reputation for affordable, reliable vehicles. Their new Genesis takes the roominess of an SUV and puts it in the body of a luxury car. At under $30,000, the Genesis comes with a V6 or V8 engine. Also coming out in the fall, the Genesis is going to be heavy competition for the Lexus. With a ten-year, 100,000 miles power train warranty, it's destined to be a success.

The Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid promises the power of a V6 engine while getting an impressive 30 miles to the gallon. In the city where speed limits are lower, drivers will be able to switch the vehicles engines to electric power to conserve fuel. On highways, the engine uses gasoline at a reduced rate of consumption. Drivers are going to love that they can have a fuel-efficient SUV with plenty of room. Priced at $25,000 to start, the Saturn Vue Green Line is a great way to save money on both gas and on the price of a new car.

In late 2008, Toyota releases their new car, the Venza. This five passenger car will only be available in the United States and come with a choice of four or six-cylinder engine. Toyota is rumored to be putting a rearview camera in the Venza eliminating any potential dangers in backing up. There will also be automatic high beams, keyless start, and Bluetooth technology. The aerodynamic design is going to impress because the sunroof covers most of the roof, so both front and rear passengers can look up at the stars. Meanwhile, massive amounts of storage space are going to make this car a dream come true for many.

3 Lorry Stories - Spot The Fake One

2008-02-08T09:46:00.000-08:00

Author: Luke Humble

Over the years, the truck driver has made for a great series of stories. Amidst the standard tales of traffic jams, incredible journeys and more incredible bad driving, when involved with a freight exchange, you hear the type of outlandish tales more commonly associated with fishermen. In researching this article, I found too that lorries and lorry drivers are commonly associated with horror stories, and tales (and images) too gruesome to write about here. Suffice it to say, there's an awful lot of truths and non truths spread in the anecdotes about truckers.

Here, I've taken three lorry tales- and discovered two of them to be verifiable truthful. The remaining one is equally exposed as fake. I'm going to list them all, allowing readers to guess which is untrue - I shall then provide the specifics of each one.

A) Elvis Presley was once told to "Stick to driving a truck, because you'll never make it as a singer."

B) A man was run over by a truck within hours of winning a lottery

C) The Allman Brothers album "Eat a Peach" is a hidden reference to Duane Allman's death at the wheels of a lorry carrying peaches.

Has everyone made their guesses? Okay - here's the answer. C is an urban legend, while A and B are verifiably correct.

Here's some background information to each lorry story:

Elvis Presley was once told to "Stick to driving a truck, because you'll never make it as a singer"

While auditioning for a lead-singer position in a Memphis band, Eddie Bond, 21, informed the 19 year old truck driver, Elvis Presley that he should "stick to driving a truck, because you'll never make it as a singer." This is the account of a mutual friend, while Bond himself claims the club's owners forced him to make the decision. Either way, Elvis was rejected and left looking for his big break.

It would come in just a few short months. "That's All Right (Mama)" was a big hit in Memphis, and Eddie Bond issued an invitation for Elvis to join them after all. Understandably, Elvis decided to turn him down - but not to "stick to driving a truck."

A man was run over by a truck within hours of winning a lottery

When I first heard this one, I immediately thought of the Alanis Morissette song, "Ironic", which begins with the lines "An old man turned ninety-eight, he won the lottery and died the next day." While the subjects of the song are well documented as not being ironic in the slightest, I did assume that the various incarnations of this story I've heard must be the same kind of embellishment as Ms Morissette recorded.

Not true, as it turns out. In January 2004, an Indiana man won $73,450 on an Indiana lottery, and was run over by a truck within hours of winning it big. Wearing dark clothing the winner of a 'Hoosier Millionaire competition', Carl Atwood, 73, was walking round a corner on a poorly lit intersection when he was struck by the truck, later dying in hospital. On the show, which was televised, Atwood had expressed his surprise at winning and stated his plans to "purchase a very nice car."

The Allman Brothers album "Eat a Peach" is a hidden reference to Duane Allman's death at the wheels of a lorry carrying peaches.

While it's true that Duane Allman died in a collision with a lorry in Georgia (a state associated with peaches) months before the release of the "Eat a Peach", and it's also true that the album art does show a truck with a giant peach on board labelled "Allman Brothers", the album is not a direct reference to the death of the talented young guitarist.

The truth is the lorry that Duane Allman collided with was a flatbed truck with a lumber crane. Suffering no externally visible injuries, Duane held onto life immediately following the crash before dying in surgery with massive internal injuries three hours later.

The album's title is less interestingly a reference to a comment Duane once made in a magazine interview. When asked how he was helping the revolution, Allman replied that "...every time I'm in Georgia, I eat a peach for peace."

Fans of the band have also suggested that the album's reverse cover art - an image of a vehicle carrying a giant watermelon - was a reference to fellow band member Berry Oakley's similar motorcycle accident at the wheels of fruit lorry is also revealed as falsehood, first by the fact that he collided with a bus, and secondly that his death was 9 months after the release of the album. Any hidden message would therefore be an inaccurate feat of clairvoyance.

Ranked High on Safety 2008

2008-01-30T10:38:00.000-08:00

Isuzu Ascender

The newly-released, fuel-efficient 2008 Isuzu Ascender was recently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 25 "Midsize Affordable SUVs" in the U.S. In terms of safety features, the 2008 Ascender received the same rating as the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer and the 2008 GMC Envoy.

U.S. News & World Report noted that the 2008 Isuzu Ascender fared well in crash tests conducted by the federal government, particularly in side-impact crashes. According to the article in U.S. News, the Ascender received five out of five stars in government crash tests (if you'd like to see for yourself, check out the Ascender's page on the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration's website for the full report) for both front and rear-seat passenger safety. One of the many reasons the Isuzu Ascender earned such a favorable rating is that side-impact airbags now come standard in the 2008 model.

The Ascender comes standard with fog lights and daytime running lights, and also includes a specialized stability control system called Stabilitrak StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control. The system combines traction control with stability control systems, as well as anti-lock brakes. Together, the three are designed to help the driver maintain directional command of the vehicle.

In addition to its active safety features, the 2008 model also has upgraded passive safety features. The 2008 Ascender offers air bags for both the driver and the front passenger, as well as standard head-curtain side-impact air bags. These air bags were options on the 2007 model. The newer Ascender also features an automatic air bag suppression system designed to deactivate the front-passenger airbag and reduce airbag-related injuries.

The Isuzu Ascender also has a body style that allows for exceptional visibility from the driver's seat. In comparison, U.S. News & World Report noted that, with regards to the 2008 Mazda CX-7, "test drivers have expressed concern, however, about impaired front visibility due to the sharp design of the CX-7's windshield."

But safety isn't the only reason to get behind the wheel of an Ascender. U.S. News & World report, in the overall impression of the 2008 Isuzu Ascender, noted that the Ascender "delivers and an outstanding warranty and smooth ride…" and also pointed out the SUV's superior towing capabilities. The 2WD model can tow, when properly equipped, up to 5,800 pounds.

In general, reviewers were impressed with the Ascender's V6 engine power and the way the SUV handles. Kelley Blue Book noted that "the Ascender feels controlled and agile." Another reviewer from Auto Media pointed out that the Ascender runs "smoothly and quietly" and "accelerates vigorously from a standstill."

According to a review in the Orlando Sentinel, the Ascender beats the Ford Explorer when off-roading. Comparing the two, the reviewer praised, "… the solid rear axle of the Ascender is a better arrangement, giving the Isuzu more agility in severe off-road traction situations." U.S. News also noted that the 2008 Ford Explorer's "heavy steering detracts from overall performance."
Intellichoice has not yet rated the 2008 Isuzu Ascender, but did recognize Isuzu's entire 2006 line up as best in their class for low costs.

Definitions of car

2008-01-23T13:30:00.000-08:00

Car

1.A small vehicle moved on wheels; usually, one having but two wheels and drawn by one horse; a cart.

2.A vehicle adapted to the rails of a railroad.

3.A chariot of war or of triumph; a vehicle of splendor, dignity, or solemnity.

4.The stars also called Charles's Wain, the Great Bear, or the Dipper.

Definitions of car

2008-01-23T13:28:00.000-08:00

Definition

The amount of a commodity underlying a commodity futures contract. The term originates from the railroad cars that used to carry the commodities, but today the term is also used for futures on stock indices and other intangibles.