Auto Parts Resources

Black Boxes for Automobiles

2008-06-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

The Black box is the technical term for a device with an input and output attributes. According to some sources, an object can be technically called a black box though it’s not literally black; a transistor; a cassette or any recording device may be called a black box.

Black box is a device or object which records audible data. In aircraft technology, it records all communications made in the cockpit of an aircraft while in flight. This had been very popular and helpful in reporting and detecting the causes of aircraft crashes.

Today, this technology is being thought of to be installed on automobiles. Adolfo V. Bague, an Argentine inventor has won a patent for a data recorder designed to be installed in cars to capture information about traffic accidents. He claims that his invention is not merely a modification of the black boxes which are used in aircrafts. He explained that an aircraft black box is large, heavy and very power consuming which proves to be impractical for cars. Despite, it uses very expensive technology which can disappoint car buyers. Bague claims, that he originally designed a recording device that are ideal for cars.

The invention includes multiple sensors, a microphone and cameras. A microprocessor and a data storage memory are housed in a tamperproof, waterproof and fire resistant box that can be removed from the car after an accident. The information that can be recorded during the accident are ''braking pressure, brake temperature, brake line hydraulic pressure, average speed, acceleration or deceleration in one or more dimensions, rate of turning, steering angle, compass direction of travel, impact, tire pressure, cruise control status, windshield wiper status, fog light status, defroster status, and geographical positioning information,'' Mr. Bague wrote in his patent.

MX-5: The Best of Its Class

2008-05-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

The Mazda MX-5, still popularly known as the Miata is a sleek and well-engineered convertible. It is a 2-door, 2-passenger convertible sports car, available in 8 trims, ranging from the SV to the Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop. It is released as a Special Edition MX-5 with an exclusive Saddle Brown folding top. According to the usnews.rankingsandreviews.com, this car ranks first out of ten Affordable Sports Cars.

“The SV is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 166-horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 166-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.” It is available with a choice of an automatic transmission with paddle shifters or a five-speed manual transmission.

Edmunds.com says that the new exterior as "a stronger face, more rakish lines and accentuated fender contours." Head and tail lamps are mounted inboard for better compactness. Great designs evolve over time but the door mirrors continue the elliptical theme used in the original MX-5 Miata.

Passenger-side airbags and standard drivers–side airbags provides safety without sacrificing the beauty of the interior. It features an ear-blasting entertainment system which is made up of a BOSE 7-speaker AM/FM/6-CD. Overall, interior quality and appearance are way better than any past MX-5 Miata. The hardtop opens or closes in 12 seconds, and consumes no luggage space.

Reviewers see its soft top and new power-folding hardtop as the best in their class.

A Hybrid for Nissan

2008-05-16T01:35:00.000-07:00

The Altima Hybrid Electric is Nissan's first hybrid car. It is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan. Nissan have had an agreement with Toyota in using some of its hybrid technology in the new Altima for the 2007 model year.

It is a 158-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and 40-horsepower electric assist motor. Torque-wise it’s a stump-puller, with 162 pound-feet from the gas engine and 199 from the electric motor. Its mileage reaches up to 35 miles a gallon in the city and 33 on the open road. This hybrid has a 20-gallon tank, so it must reach an approximate distance of 700 miles.

They say that it is the first hybrid that drives like Prius, this Altima hybrid is also a full hybrid, so it can be powered purely by electricity at low speeds.

Here are some features included in the new Altima; 16-inch alloy wheels, Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, power windows/door locks, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with auxiliary audio input jack, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS) and dual-zone automatic temperature control that includes an Altima Hybrid-specific electrically powered A/C.

The 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid ranks 20 out of 25 Affordable Midsize Cars. In the US, they are selling this only on states with strict clean-air regulations where the automaker needs near-zero-emissions cars, because they think they will have higher buyer interest. These are namely; California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The GT-R Concept

2008-05-14T01:51:00.000-07:00

The Nissan GT-R is a coupe created by Nissan, and released in Japan on December 6, 2007. Nissan showed the GT-R Concept as the prospective successor to the R34. It is expected to be released internationally by early June of 2008.

“It is powered by an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 "VR38" engine, featuring plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system. The Nissan GT-R's new engine produces 480PS (353kW) at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 60kgm (588Nm) from 3200 to 5200rpm.” It can reach the top speed of 193 mph.

It has got a super lightweight forged aluminum wheels with knurled bead area, which was designed to maximize tire adhesion to the wheel under extreme condition. Its body construction consist of super silver special metallic paint, with an 8-stage process including three clear coats and hand polishing to achieve a lustrous, liquid effect.

This car also features a long list of safety and environmental features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stop lamps, bright LED rear combination taillights, "super wide beam" headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade wipers.

For me, it may not the best looking car in the world but who cares as long as it is incredibly fast. And in any sense, I'll reserve judgment for its looks until I see one in person. This thing is surely going to be a beast on the road. I'm sure it'll be a blast to drive. Pricing for the sports car starts at $69,850 - $71,900 for the premium edition.

BMW M1 Homage

2008-05-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

BMW introduced the world to their M1 Homage concept at the Villa d'Este Concours d'Elegance last April 2008. The concept vehicle uses a mid-engine layout and borrows its styling from both the original M1 and the Turbo show car. The reason the car was introduced is to mark the 30th anniversary of the BMW M1, which to this day is still one of the most stunning sports cars ever created. It's been thirty years since the first BMW M1 supercar rolled out of the company’s facility in Munich, Germany.

The styling is directly influenced not only by the original M1 but also from the M1’s inspiration which is the BMW Turbo Concept. In the original M1, the body was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, an Italian automobile designer. Taking inspiration from the 1972 BMW Turbo, the M1 is remembered as a very smooth and well polished supercar in the true BMW tradition.

I've always been a fan of the old M1's looks. I thought they were outdated already but with this new vehicle, it looks like the company has just bred a new M1.

Cool features from the M1 Homage include "invisible headlamps" and a squat version of the trademark BMW grille. The new wave “cheese grater” wheels and the double roundels at the rear corners were also very noticeable and they added sophistication to the car.

I’m less convinced though that this car would be making its way to the for real as a production vehicle after seeing it at the show. I hope that they would actually produce it. I surely would want to see one at a local BMW dealer’s.

Toyota Unveils Green Sporty Car

2008-02-25T18:43:00.000-08:00

Japanese auto making juggernaut Toyota has been the face of the green revolution in the automotive industry. Although the automaker is not the first to offer a hybrid to consumers especially in the United States, its Prius is what caught the attention of many. But Toyota is not just about green cars.

Recently, the automaker launched a sports car. When you hear the word sports car, you might think that it is one of those fast machines that guzzle gas as it rack up the miles. But this one has a Toyota badge on it so we can safely assume that this is a green car.

The automaker announced that the Future Toyota Hybrid Sports or FT-HS concept will give consumers the best of two worlds. If you want a fast car, this is the one for you. And if you want a car which produces very little emission then, this is for you too.

Doug Soden, manager of product development at Toyota said: "There is a stronger need for hybrid vehicles to be on the market, or much more fuel efficient vehicles. Whichever way you look at it, whether it is a petrol-electric or hydrogen-electric, there needs to be that hybrid interface."

I just hope that this is not a hybrid just for the sake of it being a hybrid. I mean, the FT-HS should be a hybrid not because it's what people with money want. It should be a hybrid because there is a need for vehicles to reduce their greenhouse gas emission. And if the second case is true for this sports car, then Toyota should have designed it to be fast and really "green". Also, it should be as an Acura valve cover gasket.

Volvo Launches Its 15 Millionth Car

2008-02-20T18:10:00.000-08:00

Indeed, life in the car industry (as in all other fields of business) is such an unpredictable game. Nothing manifests it best than Ford’s luxury brand Volvo which has produced its 15 millionth car -- an all-new convertible Volvo C70, as reported by the AutoChannel yesterday.

According to Wikipedia, Volvo founder Asaar Gabrielsson, upon losing his wife in a car accident, promised to uphold the production of safe cars. On April 14, 1927, the first Volvo car, called Volvo ÖV 4, was introduced in the Swedish market. Continuing its production had been a struggle for Volvo particularly during World War II. It took the company 23 years before it produced its first 100,000 cars. At present, that is equivalent to only three months of production. See the difference?

Autounleashed.com reported that the new convertible Volvo C70, like the Volvo ÖV 4 that signifies “Open Car” with four cylinders, is also an open car -- a sports car, noted for its functionality and spaciousness. Also, it boasts of its two cars-in-one capacity, which is its ability to transform from coupe to convertible at the touch of a button via its three-piece retractable top. Hmm, it must be equipped with high-quality performance pulleys, musn't it?

However, reviews from edmunds.com said that although the new Volvo C70 has qualities that are proven to be user-friendly with its comfortable interior and safety features, it also comes with a middling acceleration and braking performance as well as an average steering feedback. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine which is capable of producing 227 horsepower. Other important characteristics of the convertible Volvo C70 include a leather steering wheel and gearshift knob plus revamped air vents.

The convertible Volvo C70, produced in Volvo’s factory at Uddevalla, Sweden, was launched yesterday as Volvo celebrated its 8oth anniversary -- marking another milestone in Volvo history.

New York International Auto Show Features First-Ever Virtual Garage

2008-02-15T16:58:00.000-08:00

“I’m a new lover of cars. I found my favorite car (the Shadow Grey Aston Martin Vanquish) was discontinued and I think my heart died a little. So I’ve begun to dedicate myself to finding my own car, one that I could tune to my personality and style and ride it into the sunset. Can you help me?”

Those were words posted by 19-year-old car enthusiast Kitsune of New Jersey at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) Virtual Garage, accessible at autoshowny.com.

For the first time in auto show history, the NYIAS now features a Virtual Garage, an online publication of car enthusiasts’ personal garages to promote communication and friendship among present and future generation of car lovers. How? It’s simple. By logging in to the NYIAS’ Virtual Garage section, members get the chance to upload photos and videos of their cars, provide some personal information, become a “fan” of other members and discover other members’ garages while non-members can register to avail of the same privileges. Like maybe you have an Acura car that’s so much dear to you. So you go and show the world why. It may be because of the outstanding quality of its MDX bug shield. Surely, you’ll learn more from others who have mutual sentiments as yours.

At edmunds.com, Show Director Candida Romanelli said that the virtual garage is a great opportunity for all car enthusiasts around the world to keep in touch with each other and share personal stories about their cars.

Online community group was initiated by facebook.com and myspace.com. The NYIAS is the first auto show to adopt the same practical and technological system.

According to AutoChannel, this year’s NYIAS will unveil more or less 1,000 collections of innovative and top-of the-line vehicles including impressive concept cars. The NYIAS, North America’s oldest auto show, will be held at the Javits Center next month starting from March 21 to 30.

Fight The Cold

2008-02-11T18:02:00.000-08:00

With this cold weather we are having, it is not surprising that there have been a lot of vehicles breaking down on the road. Thus, it is always important to check your car before driving out there. There are simple things you can do and some of them do not even include using auto parts such as thermostats.

AAA Chicago published their tips thanks to The Auto Channel. Since everyone driving around in this weather should be armed with information, here are those tips:

Check your battery strength. Faulty batteries cause more car starting problems than any other factor. At 0 degrees, a good battery has 35 percent less starting power.
Park your car in the garage. If you have no garage, put a tarp over the hood or park protected from prevailing winds. To keep doors from freezing shut, place a plastic trash bag between the door and the frame.
Keep the fuel tank at least half-full to avoid fuel-line freeze-up.
To avoid frozen door locks, buy a lubricant available in most auto supply stores. If your lock freezes, heat your key with a pocket lighter but remember to wear gloves or hold the key with pliers. Or, fill a plastic jug with hot water. Hold it against the door panel or lock area. Do not throw hot water on the car. It may freeze and run the risk of cracking glass.
If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle. It provides excellent shelter from the cold and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. If you can start your engine, run it only enough to keep warm. Make sure the exhaust pipe is snow-free. Keep emergency supplies in the car, such as a cell phone, boots, hats, gloves, blankets, a "coffee can heater", flashlight and reflective triangle.

I hope that these tips will help you keep safe this season.

Who’s To Define 2008 Global Auto Sales?

2008-02-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

“How quickly does it improve and where does it go to, that remains to be seen.”

I agree with the words of General Motors’ North American Operations Head Troy Clarke. Indeed, who’s to define the fate of the auto industry for us?

Despite many auto analysts’ predictions that this year would mark the worst US sales in a decade, expecting a 17 million drop as compared to that of 2005, auto manufacturers remain hopeful.

Auto executives told the Associated Press about the possibility of federal stimulus package and lower interest rates to boost consumer confidence.

“We’re beginning to see, after six quarters of declines, the beginnings of some pent-up demand. You could make a case that the second half of the year could be significantly better,” Clarke said to AP.

Meanwhile, Ford Americas President expressed the same sentiment pointing out the importance of interest rates cut in stimulating sales.

“We do see opportunity in the second half,” he said.

Based from reports in Reuters, auto industry sales for the last six months of 2008 is forecasted to range from 16 million to 16.5 million vehicles. Would that be enough to hood research firm Global Insight’s calculation that vehicle sales will decrease by 15.5 million units this year?

Well, as Clarke puts it succinctly, that remains to be seen.

Best January for MNAO

2008-02-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

Mazda North American Operations had a promising start this year with its record-breaking 10.2 sales increase for January 2008 - the first after 14 years.

Mazda had sold about 21, 212 vehicles in 2008’s first 31 days! Whoa! Whatta great start, isn’t it? These cars must have the same quality like Acura cars with great fender flares.

Mazda3, or Mazda Axela, a compact car, led the volume of record sales with 6, 579 units sold. On the other hand, Mazda6 or Mazda Atenza, a midsize car, got the best January sales since its launch last 2002 with 6,333 units sold up 27 percent than last year while the Mazda5 also known as the Mazda Premacy, a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that was redesigned for 2008, garnered a 28.4 sales increase with 1,699 units sold. Also, Mazda CX-9, a full-size crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) described as a “modern station wagon” and was recently named North American truck of the Year, declared sales of 1,850 while CX-7, a mid-size crossover SUV, had 2,555 units sold.

Overwhelmed by the public’s demand for Mazda cars, MNAO President and Chief Executive Officer Jim O’Sullivan said, “After closing 2007 as the fastest-growing major car company in the US, we kicked off 2008 signaling our intention for another strong year.”

Mazda North American operation is the largest foreign component of Mazda Motor Corporation. It has two headquarters - one in Irvine, California and another in Flat Rock, Michigan.

According to bloomberg.com, Mazda’s 10 percent gain was the lone increase among Asian brands like Nissan and Hyundai whose combined market share declined by 0.2 to 41.9 percent.

Cars Get More Horses Under The Hood

2008-01-29T22:49:00.000-08:00

Who says the battle of the horsepower is over? You are wrong. Actually, the battle is just getter hotter as automakers give more horses under the hood.

The most remarkable, by far, is RENNTECH’s package for the Mercedes AMG models. Imagine, the car gets 695 hp. Awesome!

In the last few years, the auto industry has witnessed the parade of 500hp sedans. German automakers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes have inundated the industry with uber fast cars. But, as I’ve said the battle isn’t over.

In a release, RENNTECH, one of the leading tuning firms we have today, announced a new "stage 3" tune for the 2008 65 series AMG models, which makes use of what RENNTECH calls "next-generation ECU software" to get 695hp and 890 lb-ft of torque from the AMG's twin-turbo V12.

"Power will always be important to many customers, especially torque," explained Hartmut Feyhl, RENNTECH's president and ex technical director of AMG North America. "Our cars have always been able to make considerable torque, and have been praised in magazines for their drivability. Still, we are constantly trying to improve our product."

"We now have two in-house engineers that are doing software full-time, and others that work with the software on a part-time or contract basis. We are always looking for improvements. The latest software takes advantage of the increased power of the new engine computers, and offers a number of small improvements that add up to a big 'overall' improvement," Feyhl explained.

Feyhl concluded: "It really is that 'next-generation' sort of product that is much more advanced than what we were capable of offering before. Compared to earlier versions, our new software gives customers more power and better drivability in a way that is more reliable, smoother power curve, and even improves emissions and gas mileage."

With approximately 900 lb-ft of torque who won’t be lured?

One thing is apparent - the performance and power of cars are getting more and more impressive. But automakers should not neglect safety and comfort. The maker of Volvo wheels, for one, should not take its safety milestones for granted.

More horses, more power. So cut the horses reins without compromising other auto aspects.

More than Just Dessert

2008-01-25T22:15:00.000-08:00

They are regarded as one of the keystones in the aquatic food chain being the major food of fish, suppliers of oxygen to the aquatic world, a source of fertilizer and also used as stabilizer in food, cosmetics and paints. Yeah, you got it right! That substance you dissolve in boiling water, mixed with sugar, milk and food color and molded into yummy gelatin dessert is the same material from which the latest biodiesel-fuel was derived. Algae, that is.

Just two days ago, the first algae-derived biodiesel fuel, produced by Solazyme Incorporated, a synthetic biology company that unleashes the power of aquatic microbes in providing clean and cheap solutions for biofuel, industrial chemical, health and wellness markets, has undergone its first road test and had successfully powered a factory-standard automobile. Maybe, one with an Acura Integra steering rack. Under usual driving conditions, the fuel can enable any vehicle to run even long distances. Clean, renewable, environmentally sustainable and scalable. Those are some of the best qualities of soladiesel biodiesel.

Using standard industrial fermentation equipment, Solazyme's soladiesel biodiesel was yielded from manufactured algal oil thus producing a biodegradable and nontoxic biofuel.

"Biodiesel from algae changes the landscape of renewable fuels," Solazyme Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Wolfson said. He added, "The concept of algal biofuel has been discussed for decades, and Solazyme's technology finally provides a scalable solution based on proven industrial processes. This fuel is just the first example of how algal oil will help the environment through new products that offer attractive economics and performance, as well as environmental benefits."

Solazyme has currently signed an agreement with Chevron Technology Ventures, a division of Chevron U.S.A Incorporated, a leading refiner and manufacturer of gasoline.

Harris Dillon, President and Chief Technology Officer of Solazyme, said that by demonstrating soladiesel as a new fuel alternative, the need for a cost-effective and sustainable near-term solution to the country's energy problem is being addressed.

Are You Wedded To Your Cars?

2008-01-23T17:39:00.000-08:00

Picture this: The world stays as it is today but without - cars! Yes, you can have all other whims but cars. Are you gonna survive?

Traveling is just an ordinary thing these days. And without a car, where do you think you’ll be going? Quite obviously, it is nice to travel from one town to another. The views are breathtaking. The moments are priceless. But driving isn’t just for leisure. It’s actually for everyday travel. No wonder cars are deemed indispensable.

If you think you can’t live devoid of any auto pleasure, you’re just being true to yourself. If you think you are wedded to your car, some are addicted to it. Yeah, you are not alone.

A Statistics Canada report said Edmonton leads major Canadian cities in its residents' reliance on cars. And across Canada, auto dependence is escalating.

The report dubbed Dependence on Cars in Urban Neighbourhoods found that 77% of adult Edmontonians made all their trips by car on the day the survey was conducted. It topped the 8 major Canadian cities studied in 2005, the most recent year for which numbers are available, reported Canada.com. Other cities include:

- Calgary, 75%
- Quebec, 74%
- Winnipeg, 72%
- Ottawa-Gatineau, 71%
- Vancouver, 69%
- Toronto, 66%
- Montreal, 65%

StatsCan found the proportion of Canadians who travel everywhere by car surged from 68% in 1992 to 74% in 2005. The report added the proportion of Canadians who made at least a trip by bicycle or on foot appears to have declined. In 2005, 19% of adults walked or biked somewhere on the survey day, a decline from 26% in 1998.

"Human physiology has not changed for 50,000 years, but the way we live has changed dramatically," said Prof. John Spence, a researcher at the University of Alberta. "Our environments are increasingly promoting sedentary living."

And with people wedded to their cars plus the lack of exercise factor, it is predicted that percentage of obese individuals will rise. A person's chances of being obese go up 6% for every hour they spend in a car each day, according to a study by Prof. Lawrence Frank of the University of British Columbia.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Gerry Predy said the concerns are that long commutes to sprawling suburbs produce air pollution that can cause health problems. What's needed are neighbourhoods where you don't have to get into your car to go to the grocery store or the dry cleaner, Predy added.

So every once in a while, try to fight the temptation of hitting the starter of your car, take a brisk walk instead.

Fight The Cold

2008-01-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

Winter is the worst weather for a vehicle. It is hard to get a car started in very cold weather, the snow can affect the vision of the driver, and heavy snow fall can lead to a car being stuck on the road. These are just some problems that you can encounter during this season of frigid weather. To help you keep your car running, AAA Michigan published tips in The Auto Channel

According to them, you can do the following:

Faulty batteries cause more car starting problems than any other factor. At 0 degrees, a battery has 35 percent less starting power than in summer. At minus 20, battery power drops 50 percent. If your battery is more than three years old, have a load test performed by a mechanic.

Park your car in the garage. If you have no garage, put a tarp over the hood or park protected from prevailing winds. To keep doors from freezing shut, place a plastic trash bag between the door or window glass and the frame.

Keep the fuel tank at least half-full to avoid fuel-line freeze-up.

To avoid frozen door locks, buy a lubricant available in most auto supply stores.

If you become snowbound, stay with your vehicle. It provides excellent shelter from the cold and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. If you can start your engine, run it only enough to keep warm. Make sure the exhaust pipe is snow-free. Keep emergency supplies in the car, such as a cell phone, boots, hats, gloves, blankets, a "coffee can heater," flashlight and reflective triangle.

These tips can save you a lot of trouble. Remember that a car cover is not enough to keep your car safe during winter.

Is It End Of The Line For Petrol Cars?

2008-01-14T20:53:00.000-08:00

With the constant increase in gasoline prices and the rising demand for foreign oil, there is a great probability that petrol-powered cars will soon be facing extinction. Matter of fact, General Motors was earlier quoted as saying it believes global oil supply has peaked and a switch to electric cars is inevitable.

At the opening of this year’s North American International Auto Show, GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said ethanol was an "important interim solution" to the world's demand for oil, until battery technology improved to give electric cars the same driving range as petrol-powered cars.

General Motors is absorbed in developing an electric car dubbed Chevy Volt. The plug-in hybrid is set to arrive in showrooms by 2010. But the arrival could be held in abeyance due to the delays in the development of the car’s battery technology.

Wagoner cited the United States Department of Energy statistics which show the world is consuming approximately 1000 barrels of oil every second of the day, and yet demand for oil may surge by 70% over the next 2 decades. Some experts believe the supply of oil peaked in 2006, according to Sydney Morning Herald.

According to a report, the remaining oil reserves are deeper below the Earth's surface. As such, they are more expensive to to mine and refine. "There is no doubt demand for oil is outpacing supply at a rapid pace, and has been for some time now," Wagoner said. "As a business necessity and an obligation to society we need to develop alternative sources of propulsion."

"So, are electrically driven vehicles the answer for the mid- and long-term? Yes, for sure. But… we need something else to significantly reduce our reliance on petroleum in the interim," he added.

The auto industry is slowly embracing the greener trend. It’s like having the necessary heater core replacement. And the effect will become more apparent in the near future. So far, petrol cars hold dominion over American roads.

Infiniti EX35 Earns Top IIHS Safety Award

2008-01-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

All types of vehicles go along with a dependable safety system to protect drivers and passengers during rear, side and front crashes. Of course, safety comes first and that is closely followed by performance and convenience. That’s the way it should be. Our lives are more important than the driveshaft, fenders or whatsoever. Today, we are in so much delight because of the fact that several car manufacturers are giving lots of efforts in bringing the best safety technologies in premium vehicles. One of the best automobiles at present which best embodies car safety is the all-new 2008 Infiniti EX35!

According to the Auto Channel, the new luxury SUV, Infiniti EX35, received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award for 2008. It’s the first-ever Infiniti to earn this award for everybody’s information. Winners for the Top Safety Pick meet the rate of advanced overall crash protection among the vehicles in their respective divisions. A vehicle is required to earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and be outfitted with the electronic stability control.

"Criteria to win are tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is standard equipment on the EX35. Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results," says Institute president Adrian Lund.

For past several months, the number of vehicles earning Top Safety Pick has been rapidly escalating. There were 13 cars, minivans, and SUVs which originally made it to the 2007 awards. The numbers of recipients were doubled to 34 at the start of the 2008 model year.

"The EX35 is a leader in its class for state-of-the-art safety," Lund says. "You don't know what kind of crash you're going to be in. That's why it's important to choose a vehicle that will protect you in all kinds of crashes. The Top Safety Pick designation is intended to help people find the safest choices."

The Hyundai Genesis Premium Sports Sedan At The 2008 NAIAS

2008-01-09T16:55:00.000-08:00

The 2008 NAIAS is definitely the hottest phenomenon to start the brand new year. Radiators will totally burst with the presentation of the newest concept cars courtesy of the giant automakers around the globe. And among these renowned groups is Hyundai.

The Genesis Concept was once a grand vision from Hyundai, but now, it’s a dream come true… finally! The luxury sedan’s initial design sketch was superb - almost perfect that is. The unveiling of Hyundai’s masterpiece is one of the most awaited events in the upcoming 2008 North American International Auto Show. Hyundai presents the Genesis premium sports sedan!

According to my source, the newest Genesis rear-wheel-drive sports sedan is scheduled to have its first public appearance on January 13, 2007. This vehicle is equipped with features and capabilities similar to luxury sedans with a $60,000 tag. The Genesis premium sport sedan will be offered at an initial price below $30,000 when it hits dealership this summer.

"While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8, our engineering benchmarks were Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M, and Lexus GS. Genesis provides a potent combination of performance, luxury, and value. We think it has the opportunity to be an extremely disruptive force in the large sedan and near-luxury segments," says John Krafcik, the vice president for product development and strategic planning at Hyundai Motor America.

Special Corvette In Indianapolis

2008-01-03T17:44:00.001-08:00

The 2008 Indianapolis 500 is widely anticipated by race fans not only for the racing but also for the cars. And what more can appease them than two Corvette pace cars? The Auto Channel reported that a pair of Corvettes will be gracing the event. These two cars are identically designed of course but differ in many ways.

One of the cars is designed to showcase Chevrolet's commitment to a greener auto industry while the second car is designed to celebrate thirty years of the Corvette being the pace car in this popular event.

The report reads: "One of the pace cars is a customized Corvette Z06 E85 concept that runs on E85 ethanol fuel, a domestically produced alternative fuel similar to the E100 fuel that powers all of the racecars in the IndyCar Series. It will be driven during the race’s pace lap by two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Emerson Fittipaldi.

"The other official pace car is a black-and-silver commemorative edition that marks the 30th anniversary of the celebrated 1978 pace car – the first Corvette to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500. Chevrolet will produce a total of 500 pace car replicas in both coupe and convertible form, each signed personally by Fittipaldi at the Corvette’s Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant."

Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager had this to say: "Although not a production FlexFuel vehicle, the Corvette Z06 E85 concept pace car is a high-performance example of Chevrolet’s gas-friendly to gas-free initiative, demonstrating viable fuel solutions. As an ethanol refiner in his native Brazil, Emerson Fittipaldi is the fitting Chevrolet champion to help support GM’s efforts with E85 and celebrate 30 years of the Corvette pacing the Indianapolis 500."

I would bet that these two Corvettes can outrun any Acura CL washer pump-equipped car.

A Sneak At Detroit’s Big 3 Plans For 2008

2008-01-01T20:54:00.000-08:00

Still tired of the New Year’s celebration? Well, exhaustion shouldn’t keep you adrift for the longest time and lose contact with auto industry’s upcoming offerings. Those are not something that should be missed.

To give you a preview of what’s forthcoming in the industry, here’s a quick rundown:

Ford
Ford Motor Co. has licensed its technology for soy-based flexible seat foam to Deere & Co. and Sears Manufacturing Co., so those companies can develop it for John Deere farming equipment and other applications.

Ford is already using the soy-based seat foam in the 2008 Ford Mustang, F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. It also will be featured in the 2009 Ford Escape.

The Dearborn automaker says the soy-based foam is more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based foams, and soy foam reduces carbon dioxide emissions and takes less energy to produce. "Ford is pioneering renewable solutions and forging strategic partnerships to extend our capabilities and our ability to innovate," Gerhardt Schmidt, vice president of Ford research and advanced engineering, said in a statement.

Coming up: Ford will release its December and annual sales results on Thursday. Ford sales were up slightly in November following a decline for the previous 12 months.

Chrysler
Cerberus Capital Management's CEO Stephen Feinberg was thrust into the spotlight this month when he took the witness stand as part of the private-equity firm's efforts to back out of a $4-billion deal to purchase United Rentals.

News media across the land have struggled -- and failed -- to find a recent picture of Feinberg ever since Cerberus acquired Chrysler. Newspapers have run college pictures of the very private Feinberg.

Coming up: Chrysler's unveilings at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month include the Dodge Ram.

General Motors
The Chevrolet Tahoe gets its most powerful engine yet. Chevrolet will bring out a 6.2L small-block V8 in the Tahoe LTZ in 2008. The 380-horsepower Tahoe will be equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Tahoe LTZ 6.2L is available on two-wheel drive models and adds to a Tahoe lineup that includes a hybrid version. A six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 RWD electronically controlled automatic transmission allows the driver to manually select upshifts and downshifts. The Tahoe LTZ 6.2L has towing capacity of 7,900 pounds.

Coming up: GM CEO Rick Wagoner speaks to the Consumer Electronics Show Jan. 8.

Special thanks to Detroit Free Press for the wonderful revelations.

Cold air intake filter will be breathing a little comfortable this year and in the years to come. Additionally, car occupants will be more comfy in their seats.

1,000 MB C-Class Units Please

2007-12-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

Who could possibly defy the magnificence of Mercedes-Benz cars? I think there’s none. Anyone? The hotness of these rides especially the C-Class models are totally radical. Talk about luxury, sophistication and style - the C-Class is truly as hot as the overnight radiators, that’s why the demand for this vehicle is rapidly increasing.

According to the Auto Channel, after the imported C class was launched in China, Daimler's first-class Mercedes-Benz obtained orders of C-class sedans tallying up to 1,000 units within a month. The MB C-series sedan was introduced in China on November 10, 2007. After that, the feedbacks from latest reports revealed affirmative response from customers.

The all-new, fresh “off the grille” Benz C-series will present C200K and C280 editions and prices will range between 398,000 yuan ($53,467) and 497,000 yuan ($66,767). The well-known car manufacturer also has a plan to locally manufacture the model starting next year in China.

Volvo Recalls 125,000 Trucks

2007-12-27T19:51:00.000-08:00

Every car maker should ensure that every car part and accessory they install on the vehicles they make is built to be quality ones just like the durability of the Acura CL steering rack. However, sometimes because of technical problems, these auto makers failed to check the function of these car parts. This is why there are still faulty car parts in the cars running through streets.

Car makers had to recall these car parts in order to prevent accidents and other fatal incidents.

In recent news, the luxury car line Volvo, a Ford Motor Company subsidiary and also a part of the Premiere Automotive Group, recently reported a recall of 125,000 trucks in the United States. Reuters revealed that these trucks were found to have faulty electrical components which may lead to possible accidents. This is why Volvo had to recall these trucks. The world's number two truck maker said the problem was related to the main circuit-breaker in the lighting system.

Volvo spokesman Tommy Kohle said, "We have had reports of incidents. Exactly what that entails, I don't know, but we have decided it is serious.” He failed to reveal the cost of the total recall however he confirms that the cost of the recall won’t affect the total firm's share price.

It will be expensive to have a recall especially for luxury car brands. I just wish Ford won’t be affected that much by this recall.

Honda Eyes 2008 Gains

2007-12-14T00:44:00.000-08:00

Honda Motor Co. is pleased to announce its growing sales…

Earlier, the Japanese automaker’s American unit reported that its sales increased by 3% or more next year even as the overall market for new vehicles slumps in line with a slowing economy and increased consumer caution, a senior executive said on Thursday.

John Mendel, executive vice president in charge of Honda's American operations, said he expected industry-wide sales to slip to between 15.5 million and 16 million vehicles in the U.S. next year. The event would etch a dive from an industry total near 16.1 million vehicles this year, the lowest tally since 1998.

"It's going to continue to slow," Mendel told Reuters. "I just don't know that we're going to get the big whack that doomsayers would predict."

Analysts and exes in the industry are troubled in recent weeks about the risk that a housing downturn combined with a spike in mortgage defaults could undermine U.S. vehicle sales in 2008.

But Mendel said he expected both the vehicle market and the broader U.S. economy would both start to improve in the second half of next year, "short of some cataclysmic shock that no one has predicted." The automaker eyes sales to increase by 3% to 4.

"I think next year is probably on target for that," he added. “Honda could even benefit if American consumers turn more cautious because its vehicle line-up leads in overall fuel economy and in maintaining resale values, key considerations for shoppers who are looking to economize. It seems to me that if you look back at our history we've tended to prosper more than the rest when times were tough."

"Honda is an interesting place. I have yet to sit in on a business planning session where market share comes up," said Mendel, who joined Honda in 2004 from Mazda Motor Corp. "Market share is an outcome for us. It's not something we drive for."

Honda's sales growth this year has come from gains in its mainstay sedans, the redesigned Accord and the smaller Civic, combined with momentum that has made its CR-V the best-selling SUV in the U.S. market, according to Guardian Unlimited.

Honda’s weak link, by far, is its Acura luxury brand, where U.S. sales have plummeted more than 10% through November.

Mendel said upcoming Acura product launches, including a revamped TL sedan, would show Honda's commitment to making Acura fully competitive with the best luxury offerings. The automaker’s upcoming offering is expected to haul sales as efficient as performance pulleys.

"Starting next fall, you'll start to see a new direction and a new course in terms of Acura," Mendel concluded. "This year has been kind of a transition year. We've addressed both of those in this minor model change, but it won't be until the full model change where you see where we're going with the brand. That decision had cost the brand some ‘cachet’ and could be reviewed in the future. We always evaluating, especially with Acura, where the brand is going.”

Comparison Of Video Sharing Sites

2007-12-13T17:14:00.000-08:00

The Internet is currently playing a key role in the car shopping needs of consumers. It has been reported that majority of auto buyers spend most of their time on the web when it comes to researching for a new car to buy. The advantages of using the World Wide Web includes being able to see different specs of different vehicles at the comfort of a consumer's own home. With the Internet, they would not have to visit a dealership one by one just to compare vehicles.

Recently, J.D. Power and Associates conducted a study to see which video sharing sites are effective when it comes to reaching car buyers. The Auto Channel reported that smaller video-sharing sites are more effective in targeting buyers of specific segments than larger sites.

Arianne Walker, director of marketing and media research at J.D. Power and Associates said: "A relatively small number of adults -- roughly 6 percent of the population -- purchase a new vehicle each year, so it is particularly important to carefully target automotive advertising to mediums that will provide the best balance of audience reach and penetration. More new-vehicle buyers are viewing video on the Web, and advertisers could benefit from staying on top of this growing trend."

"Finding ways to closely and efficiently target consumers can be extremely beneficial to automakers, particularly when vehicle segments experiencing considerable growth in sales are pinpointed," continued Walker. "In this instance, smaller video-sharing sites attract a higher concentration of compact CUV buyers, which can make such sites more effective in targeting these buyers with relevant automotive advertising."

Walker explained further: "As an example, YouTube's and MSN Video's visitor target demographics are nearly identical. However, when segment reach is examined more closely, it becomes apparent that MSN Video has the propensity to deliver a higher proportion of target compact CUV buyers, compared with YouTube."

This only shows the potential that the Internet has for reaching car buyers. Through the Web, consumers can also find auto parts such as radiators for Nissan vehicles for sale.

Holiday Carols To Save Teen Drivers This Season

2007-12-10T23:04:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, car crashes are the scariest nightmares for teen drivers! Almost 6,000 lives were already taken and the most shocking thing about this is that the Christmas season is the deadliest time for young adult drivers… sad but true!

However, a group of dedicated teenagers didn’t let any barriers or a defective ignition coil block them from spreading joyful cheers with several smart driving tips and messages. According to The Auto Channel, during one of the first contests of its category created "Holiday Holla," Danny Luebke and Carl Turner, both 18 from New Prague, Minnesota, won $15,000 and were acknowledged for their originality in being smart driving supporters. The award was given courtesy of The Allstate Foundation.

"It's still so unreal," said Turner. "We're really excited about this - performing was crazy, there were thousands of people there. Danny and I are so happy to have learned about Keep the Drive and The Allstate Foundation; we hope our all the other teens out there will check our song out on HolidayHolla.com and drive smarter as a result."

Danny Luebke and Carl Turner and the four other groups of finalists from all over the US presented at the Mall of America last December 8. The pair earned the admiration of the crowds and panel of judges with their piece "Make a Difference," a cheerful acoustic adaptation of the holiday cheer "Good King Wenceslaus."

"Car crashes are the No. 1 killer of teens," said Swift. "That's a scary fact, but something we as young drivers have the power to change. It's great for me to have this forum to reach out to my fellow teen drivers to promote smart driving in a fun way, especially during the holidays. Hopefully teens will start to think twice before doing something dangerous like text messaging while driving."

Other winners are Nick Bates, 15, Fred Kreider, 15, and Lucas Wiggins, 14, all of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They performed "Christmas Eve," a punk rock version of "We Three Kings." They won second place and the $3,000 runners-up prize. Lauren Lindstrom, 17, of Santa Cruz, Calif, Zoe Novic, 16, of Ben Lomond, Calif, and Eli Zinman, 16 of Santa Cruz, Calif, grabbed $1,500 in the third place.

Small Packages From Volkswagen

2007-12-07T23:44:00.000-08:00

Three of the newest concept cars from Volkswagen belong to VW’s small car family. Presenting the Up! two-door city expert car providing extra space and excitement for four, the Space Up! four-door microvan with the greatest changeability and the Space Up! Blue with zero emissions.

According to the Auto Spectator, the three VW cute concept cars had its world tour for 14 weeks before they were placed on display together with their hot radiators at the 2007 Bologna Motor Show.

“For both my team and for me, it was a dream to design these concept vehicles because these cars embody the emergence of a new era. Anyone looking at the New Small Family will immediately see how friendly and neat these Volkswagens are. Cars of this sort are fun. No explanation is needed - they speak for themselves,” confirmed Walter de Silva, the Chief Designer of Volkswagen Group, at the start of the press conference.

Volkswagen launched the New Small Family on a tour around the world before their shared a debut in Bologna. The tour started back in September at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt with the two-door Up!.

“That was perhaps also because every Up! also demonstrates commitment to protecting our environment. After all, extremely clean petrol and diesel engines and electric motors will be working in the backs of these cars,” says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, a Board Member with the responsibility for Technical Development at Volkswagen.

GreenRoad Selected For Modern Teen Driver Safety Study By AAA Colorado

2007-12-06T00:24:00.000-08:00

Teen drivers are one of the major concerns in road safety today - talk about broken tailgates due to drag racing and overspeeding! That’s why another pioneering technology will be introduced for teen driver safety. The GreenRoad Technologies, Inc., one of the leading groups in driver safety technologies, has been chosen to perform the study on how to help develop teen driver safety. The GreenRoad Safety Center was proclaimed as the major pick of AAA Colorado yesterday.

According to The Auto Channel, the study will carry on within six months wherein a Safety Center will be set up in 200 AAA Colorado member teen drivers' cars. The goal of the study is to classify and lessen dangerous driving behavior from teen drivers. AAA Colorado's objective is to encourage driving safety between parents and teens by presenting a device that is able to illustrate how teens are doing behind the wheel. But they are going to do this without invading their privacy or supervise where they are going.

"AAA Colorado offers programs to ensure that new teen drivers are operating their vehicles as safely as possible. Through our partnership with GreenRoad, we hope to change teen driving behavior and ultimately reduce teen road accidents and fatalities," says AAA spokesperson Eric Escudero.

"Statistics show that car accidents are the leading cause of deaths for teens in the United States," said Dan Steere, the GreenRoad CEO. "Now technology is making it possible for us to see risky driving behavior and change it before an accident occurs. GreenRoad's mission, in partnership with AAA, is to help teens and parents take action that can ultimately save lives."

Aussie’s Best Cars Of The Year

2007-12-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

Are you an Aussie? I suppose you know the best cars in your nation. But if you don’t, it’s time to hit your refresh button.

The stylish European Ford Mondeo leads 5 new entries in the ranks of Australia's best cars, as the country's auto clubs vote for their honor roll for this year, reports said. The Mondeo, which is one of the 50 consumer-focused fresh arrivals for this year, epitomizes the changing face of Aussie new-cars showrooms. The car is joined by VW Golf R32, BMW M3, Nissan X-Trail and BMW X5 diesel on the Best Cars honor roll.

"The Mondeo reflects all the shifts in the market in one car," said the chief judge of the Australia's Best Cars contest, Ernest Litera of the RACV. "This is a vehicle that has the space and comfort we've traditionally found in a large car, and it is available with a diesel engine. The market is shifting to quality mid-size cars."

"These awards are not about the automotive industry - they are about the consumer," the executive director of the Australian Automobile Association, Mike Harris, said yesterday. "AAA and Australia's automotive clubs represent more than 6.5 million members and these awards provide them - and all motorists - with an independent program.”

There were 7 repeat champions but the longest-running by far is the Honda Odyssey. This time around, the vehicle is defending its crown this time against the new family-focused Toyota Kluger. "The Odyssey has won for the fourth time, and that's because it is a purpose-built people mover," Litera said. "A good car is not just a good car for 12 months. A winner will often run back-to-back, because it takes the competition a couple of years to get on top."

Honda, the affiliate of the luxury maker of Acura CL engine parts, could’ve been very jubilant to hear the news.

Australia’s Best Cars

Small car: Volkswagen Polo TDI

Mid-size car under $28,000: Honda Civic VTi

Mid-size car over $28,000: Ford Mondeo TDCi

Large car: Toyota Aurion AT-X

People mover: Honda Odyssey Luxury

Sports car: Volkswagen Golf R32

Luxury sports car: BMW M3

Prestige car: Lexus IS250

Luxury car: Lexus GS450h

Recreational 4WD: Nissan X-Trail ST

Luxury 4WD: BMX X5 Diesel

All-terrain 4WD: Land Rover Discovery 3 SE TDV6

Apart from the 12 winners, the Best Cars results offer a wide-scope auto shopper's guide that allows buyers to choose the features they want. "While we have an overall winner in each category, you can also use the tables to find what you want. And it's not subjective," Litera noted.

[credit: Melbourne Herald Sun]

What’s With the New MPG Standards?

2007-11-30T05:05:00.000-08:00

What’s With the New MPG Standards?

Americans love big things. Big houses, big estates, big cars – yes, all BIG.

But if the new energy bill will be passed, the American trend will be reversed.

The bill proposed by top Democrats late Friday to augment average new vehicle fuel economy to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. It means that American cars will get smaller and possibly more costly. The proposed bill would require American automakers to produce fuel-saving vehicles such as hybrids, diesels and gasoline direct-injection systems that boost the efficiency of internal-combustion motors.

So expect more Toyota Prius, Honda Fit and other similar vehicles on the road. But does this mean the end of SUVs and pickups?

Nah-ah. SUV and pickup lovers won’t necessary be disappointed. Auto state law makers, spearheaded by House Energy and Commerce Chairman John Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, guaranteed that automakers will have regulatory maneuvering room to continue offering bigger vehicles, and potentially some federal subsidies to offset the costs of overhauling their factories and fleets.

The auto industry's acquiescence to the proposed 35-mpg target signals that auto makers -- who've long warned of economic doom from stricter mileage regulations -- believe they have the flexibility to meet the challenge, said The Wall Street Journal. Moreover, the persistence of $3 and up gasoline prices, and popular concern about climate change and energy security, have begun to shift consumers buying patterns toward more fuel-efficient models anyway, the report added.

"There are tough, new ... standards contained in the energy bill before Congress that pose a significant technical and economic challenge to the industry," said General Motors Corp. CEO Rick Wagoner. "But, it's a challenge that GM is prepared to put forth its best effort to meet with an array of engineering, research and development resources."

There’s no question about it, automakers will definitely entertain lineup modification. As they go about their plans, the thinking will be mileage.

Concentration on the 0-60 performance, big engines and large horsepower numbers will diminish. The balance will tilt toward improving mileage, an automaker official told the WSJ. Powerful sports cars like the iconic Ford Mustang could become endangered, Global Insight said, though exactly how auto makers will recalibrate their product mix remained unclear.

For starters, that likely means more gasoline-electric hybrids in dealer showrooms. Hybrids garner only 2% of the U.S. light-vehicle market today, but the broad effect of the mileage deal reached on Capitol Hill late last week could push that market share to 25% by 2020, said the Global Insight.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, assuming a 35-mpg target average, consumers could expect to save nearly $22 billion a year in gasoline costs, assuming a price at the pump of $2.55. But the introduction of advanced technologies by auto makers to meet that target won't come without costs. Price premiums for advanced-technology autos could exceed $5,000 on average, automakers said.

Compared to the maker of Acura CL EGR valve, the new mileage bill will be etching a big challenge for Detroit’s Big 3. They have to efficiently manage their production and polish their lineup. It will never be easy. But if the bill is approved, their will be no exit.

2009 Toyota Matrix/2009 Pontiac Vibe: Winners At LA Auto Show

2007-11-29T17:18:00.000-08:00

If the 2009 model year of the Toyota Corolla received a very disappointing LOSER tag because of its unimpressive features and ridiculous new design, the 2009 Toyota Matrix/2009 Pontiac Vibe, which was a combination car of both Toyota And GMC and also a hybrid car, received the WINNER tag.

Cars.com staffs namely David Thomas, Joe Wiesenfelder and Mike Hanley was able to attend the LA Auto Show and part of their job was to look into the different models and describe their personal views towards it. They also check every detail of every new car to ensure quality and durability if it comes to production. Of course, these people know how car parts like a condenser works.

Here is what they said:

2009 Toyota Matrix/2009 Pontiac Vibe

David Thomas: Winner
Like the Corolla, neither one of these hatchbacks seem to up the ante in quality. Don’t get me wrong, they’re worlds better than the cars they replace, but again the competition is stiff.

Joe Wiesenfelder: Winner
The styling doesn’t knock me out in either case, but it never has, and that’s a determination you can make on your own. I have appreciated these models, and the redesign doesn’t change that. The hatchback body style seems to keep people out of larger cars, and between today’s high fuel prices and disproportionate attention to hybrids, conventional fuel-sippers like these are what we need. Toyota and Pontiac wisely brought back all-wheel drive, which is also good to have at a modest price. My hope is that they’ve improved the in-cabin noise, which has always been a shortcoming. As for the Civic ... there’s no four-door hatchback.

Mike Hanley: Winner
An infusion of style into both of these models' exteriors and interiors should give a boost to their appeal, and with hatchbacks gaining renewed interest in the market, these two are poised to take a bigger piece of that pie.

Congratulations To The CTS!

2007-11-26T17:49:00.000-08:00

It’s been a while since I last visited MotorTrend.com. But last night, I got my chance to browse some news while researching for Cadillac Escalade EXT accessories. One headline caught my attention… It’s the 2008 Cadillac CTS winning Motor Trend’s 2008 Car of the Year. I hurriedly read the content, and I only have one word for the CTS… Congratulations!

According to the world's automotive authority and part of Source Interlink Media, they have proclaimed the selection of the Cadillac CTS as the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year. "The Cadillac CTS marks the first time in decades an American automobile has been designed and engineered with an eye on the global marketplace. Among its many excellent qualities, perhaps the most valuable one is that it shows Detroit can build a world class car to compete with the best Munich, Stuttgart and Toyota City have to offer. With the CTS, Detroit is officially back in the car business, not just the truck or SUV business," says Angus MacKenzie, the editor-in-chief of Motor Trend.

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

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

Two New Mustangs Unveiled

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

The Ford Mustang is arguably one of the most popular high performance models of all time. Stock Mustangs are already powerful, but for those who want more power, then, these two Mustangs from Saleen may be what you are looking for.

Saleen Automotive has been known in the auto industry for having made awesome vehicles out of already great cars. Recently, Saleen unveiled two Mustang derivatives in California much to the delight of Mustang fans all over the country. The 2008 H302 and the H302SC models are the newest additions to Saleen's offering. Both have been upgraded to give you the power that you want from a pony car.

The H in the names of the two new Mustangs represents Heritage which is what the Mustang is all about. The Ford Mustang is already a legend and the two new models showcased by Saleen is building on the history of the iconic car. Both models are equipped with 302 cubic inch engines.

"The 302 engine is the best engine that we have ever done," enthused Rob Simmons of Saleen Powertrain. Truly, the new mustang models are engineered to have the best engine ever for an exhilarating ride.

The H302 is equipped with an engine with a power output of 390 horsepower. That power is enough to give you a thrilling ride. But of you want more, then the H302SC is right for you as it has a power output of 580 horsepower. Awesome huh?

"The H line draws its inspiration from the late sixties Boss 302 Mustang, and is a real compliment to the Ford family heritage," said Saleen Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer Chris Theodore. Apart from having that huge amount of power under the hood, the two Mustangs are also employing auto parts as durable as Porsche 944 turbo parts.

Chevy Tahoe Hybrid: Bulky Eco-Vehicle

2007-11-15T21:40:00.000-08:00

Small cars are hip and green. Pickups, sport utilities, and crossovers are rugged. But could they be green as well?

General Motors Corp. answers on the affirmative. The automaker’s Chevy brand will be unleashing the 2008 Tahoe Hybrid that is expected to bolster its lead as the most fuel-efficient large SUV on the market. The hybrid SUV has debuted this fall.

The largest American automaker has this to say: “The 2-Mode Hybrid, Chevrolet says, will deliver 21 mpg in city driving, a boost of 50 percent over the standard Tahoe with a gas-only 5.3-liter V-8. In highway driving the Tahoe Hybrid will get 30% better fuel economy than the conventional Tahoe.”

The 2-mode system is expected to make its way into most of GM's full-size truck lineup, but the basic idea is scalable to vehicles of most any size, GM added.

The new Tahoe Hybrid is being showcased at this year’s Los Angeles auto show, alongside the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen hybrids. The producer of Chrysler radiator and Dodge hood protector also features a 2-mode hybrid system engineered in a joint venture between BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, and GM.

The Car Connection writes:

The Tahoe Hybrid's dual action is actually a series of different driving modes programmed between its transmission, engine, and battery pack and motors. In the first mode, the Tahoe can run on either its electric power or its gasoline power or both. In mode two, the Tahoe uses electric power as an assist to its V-8 engine - in passing, towing, and climbing, for example. The engine is also outfitted with cylinder deactivation technology, which operates in the second mode to help dampen fuel consumption.

With the two-mode system the Tahoe still delivers a maximum tow rating of 6200 pounds and eight-passenger seating. Its stock body is largely intact, though Hybrid models are about a third of an inch lower in ride height. The hood and tailgate are made of aluminum to save weight. And the Tahoe's body has been tweaked to allow for better aerodynamics.

IntelliChoice's Choices

2007-11-13T18:36:00.000-08:00

Choosing a new vehicle to buy is not an easy task. Although we have the Internet now to help us find the best vehicle for our needs without visiting dealerships in person, it is still hard to find which vehicle will actually fit our needs. Good thing IntelliChoice.com has its own list of vehicles which it dubs as the "Best Deals of the Month".

Since the trend is always shifting in the auto market, automakers are also changing their pricing for their vehicles. People who are looking to save on their vehicle purchases should give IntelliChoice's choices a peek. Here are their "best deals"

Subcompact Car MINI Cooper Hatchback
Compact Car over $16,000 Honda Civic Hybrid
Compact Car under $16,000 Honda Civic Sedan
Midsize Car over $21,000 Toyota Prius
Midsize Car under $21,000 Toyota Prius
Convertible MINI Cooper Convertible
Luxury Convertible Audi A4 Convertible
Near Luxury Car BMW 3 Series Sedan
Luxury Car Lexus ES
Large Car Toyota Avalon
Base Sport Car Volkswagen GTI 2-door
Sport Car Chevrolet Corvette
Sport Sedan/Wagon over Lexus GS Hybrid
$38,000
Sport Sedan Wagon under Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan
$38,000
Compact Utility/Crossover Ford Escape Hybrid
Midsize Crossover Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Luxury Crossover Lexus RX 400h
Small Wagon Toyota Matrix
Midsize/Large Wagon Subaru Outback Wagon
Intermediate Utility Hummer H3
Full-Size Utility GMC Yukon
Luxury Utility Lexus GX
Compact Pickup Truck 2WD Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 2WD
Compact Pickup 4WD Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 4WD
Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD Toyota Tundra Regular Cab 2WD
1/2 Ton
Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 2WD
3/4 Ton
Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab 2WD
One Ton
Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab 4WD
1/2 Ton
Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD
3/4 Ton
Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab 4WD
One Ton
Minivan: Honda Odyssey Passenger Van
Full-Size Van: Ford E150 Passenger Van
Cargo Van: Chevrolet Uplander Cargo Van

These vehicles have the attributes that most buyers are looking for in their new cars or large vehicles. They are priced reasonably and have the same reliability as Audi aftermarket parts.

Chrome Systems Brings Out Vehicle Data for New U.S.News Car Rankings Website

2007-11-13T18:22:00.001-08:00

If we want to know the latest and most accurate ranking among cars, we often seek information from several automotive websites. So where does this information come from and who is responsible for gathering all these data? One of the most reliable names when it comes to vehicle information etc. is Chrome Systems Inc. They are the leader in gathering, developing, and distributing best-in-class automotive facts! And today, they announced a joint venture with U.S. News Rankings & Reviews to bring out vehicle pricing, fuel economy data on auto products like the Dodge fuel saver, and arrangement services for the automotive category in its newest Internet site: www.rankingsandreviews.com!

According to TheAutoChannel.com, U.S. News Rankings & Reviews uses Chrome's New Vehicle Data and it is all set to carry out complete data and facts on evaluated vehicles including their MSRP and invoice pricing, safety features, fuel economy and comprehensive specifications.

"Having Chrome information on our website complements our car rankings with the pricing, specifications, and options information that consumers need to find the best vehicle for them," says Chad Smolinski, the Vice President of U.S.News Rankings & Reviews.

"We are extremely pleased to be partnering with U.S.News Rankings & Reviews to deliver comprehensive and accurate vehicle information for the best buying decisions. For over 20 years the automotive industry has depended on Chrome to deliver the most accurate, timely, and detailed vehicle data. We're proud that through this new partnership we can reach more consumers and help them easily and quickly research and build vehicles to meet their lifestyle needs," says Peter Batten, Chrome Systems General Manager.

BMW 3Q Profit Rises 78%

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

Time to report auto sales dips and increases…

As for BMW, its third-quarter net profit increased 78%. The good news was triggered by increased sales, and raised its sales outlook for the rest of 2007 on Tuesday.

The Munich-based luxury automaker earned 803 million euros ($1.2 billion) in the July-September period, compared with 452 million euros a year earlier, beating the 605 million-euro profit ($876.5 million) that analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires had forecast, reported Associated Press. Sales at BMW, which also makes the popular Mini, the Rolls-Royce and motorcycles, soared 19% to 13.78 billion euros ($19.96 billion).

Despite some market worries about the falling U.S. dollar, BMW said it was "well on its way toward achieving its earnings and sales volume targets for the full year." "The BMW Group will focus its attention on profitability and increasing value over the long term," said Chief Executive Norbert Reithofer.

"BMW's (third-quarter) numbers mark a slightly better performance after a very disappointing year so far, with at least some of the top-line strength feeding through into earnings growth," said auto analyst Stephen Cheetham at Sanford C. Bernstein Ltd. "However, apart from higher net income due to lower taxes, the numbers came in below our estimates, and do little to dispel investor fears of the company's continued exposure to a weaker U.S. dollar."

The euro currency hit another new high of $1.4571 on Tuesday, but the automaker said it did not expect the negative impact to be bigger than the 666 million euros it posted in 2006. "All of the main currencies are fully hedged for the business year 2007," BMW said, adding it had been "confronted with higher purchase prices for steel, precious metals and other materials. The additional cost is likely to be on a similar scale to the previous year's level of 178 million euros ($257.89 million)."

But Cheetham said markets would likely take a "wait and see approach" to the company's improvement plans, and BMW shares fell 3.3% to close at 43.31 euros ($63) in Frankfurt.

In terms of sales, BMW noted the strong demand in all of its markets, including the United States, its largest market, and it expects to sell more than 1.4 million cars by the end of the year. Reithofer said BMW hopes to sell more than 1.8 million vehicles a year by 2012.

According to the automaker’s third-quarter report, sales increased 13% to 364,564 vehicles from 323,064 last year, while nine-month sales rose 7.2 % to 1.09 million vehicles from 1.02 million in the same period in 2006.

Chief Financial Officer Michael Ganal said he expects the company to post a strong fourth quarter, and added that the earnings impact from the rising euro is likely to ease through the second half of this year compared to the first six months.

The maker of BMW cylinder head introduced its new 6-Series Coupe and convertible and is developing its new Mini Clubman that is expected to go on sale worldwide later this month. Product launches are the company’s effort to boost its standing in the competitive global market.

Boss Wins Urban Challenge

2007-11-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

Do you wish you have a futuristic car which can drive all by itself? With a car like that you can go on a roadtrip and not worry about sleeping on the wheel. If you think that a vehicle like that is non-existent then you are dead wrong as 89 teams have participated in the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge and al of their entries are vehicles which can operate without human guidance.

And the best of the best is named the "Boss". It is a Chevy Tahoe which can steer all by itself. With its sensors and advanced software, it can merge into moving traffic safely. It can perform parking maneuvers better than other drivers too.

Boss is developed by Carnegie Mellon University and took the $2 million purse after the 60-mile final showdown. The event is sponsored by the US Military's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency reported The Auto Channel.

"We're honored to be able to participate in the type of leading-edge technology demonstrated in the DARPA Challenge," explained Thomas D. Gillespie, Ph.D., director of product planning and co-founder of Mechanical Simulation. "The work being done by Carnegie Mellon -- and all these teams -- is reflected in the advancements in active safety systems within the automotive industry and in countless other programs in the future."

Mechanical Simulation is the company which developed the CarSim technology which was used on the Boss just like Acura performance chip on an MDX. The company's president, Terence Rhoades had this to say: "We have participated in the DARPA Challenge with Carnegie Mellon for the past three years. The team has brought an impressive level of skill and creativity to this competition, and it's gratifying to see them achieve the highest honors. The competitions challenge us as much as they do the teams to produce vehicles that will respond to road hazards.'

Rite Aid Corporation Partners With World Racing Group!

2007-11-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

The World Racing Group announced the Rite Aid Corporation as one of their key sponsors in next year’s Rite Aid Outlaw Showdown at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway and at the Rite Aid 200 at Super DIRT Week in Syracuse, N.Y. According to TheAutoChannel.com, the joint venture between the two big names will bring out a new name for the famous World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series race in Charlotte and this is a regeneration of Rite Aid’s contribution in the leading 200-lap Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series episode in Syracuse. Whew, this one hell of an event! Watching this event will definitely be a great deal and it would be like purchasing a hot Mercedes radiator buy!

“We are proud to become the official sponsor of two major race events: the Rite Aid Outlaw Showdown at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Rite Aid 200 at Super DIRT Week,” said Jay Ross, the Rite Aid vice president of marketing. “These are great, long-standing events with dedicated fans and Rite Aid is thrilled to support these exciting races in 2008.”

“This is a great partnership for our organization and our fans,” said World Racing Group President Tom Deery. “Rite Aid’s promotional support for the World of Outlaws event in Charlotte as well as the Rite Aid 200 at Super DIRT Week is appreciated and reciprocated by fans across the entire northeast.”

Audi TT Receives The Best in Show Award At SEMA 2007

2007-11-03T23:02:00.000-07:00

The moment we all have been waiting for has finally opens its doors to many viewers and they have awarded the 2007 Gran Turismo Awards to several cars that joined the much awaited car event of the year. According to Kazunori Yamauchi, the famous maker of the racing franchise and President of Polyphony Digital, Incorporated, "The 2007 Gran Turismo Awards showcases the collaboration between the automotive culture and the gaming industry. We are proud to honor auto enthusiasts for their passion of cars, and to celebrate the automotive lifestyle that Gran Turismo embodies."

I found this list on theautochannel.com early this morning when I was looking for a Volkswagen brake drum for my old car. Here, take a few glimpses at the list.

The individual category 2007 GT Award winners include:
"Best European Import" - Marcel Horn; 2007 Audi TT
"Best Domestic Automobile" - Gary Cheney; 2007 Factory Five GTM
"Best Hot Rod" - Jim and Mike Ring; 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback
"Best Japanese Import" - Michael Chung; 2007 Nissan 350Z
"Best Truck / SUV" - Mike DeFord; 2007 Dodge Ram

The 2007 Audi TT was awarded as the "Best European Import" followed by the 2007 Factory Five GTM crowned as the "Best Domestic Automobile". The rest is seen on the list.

Unusual Pontiac: American Body, Canadian-Built

2007-10-25T23:05:00.000-07:00

A Pontiac with an American body but built in Canada. That’s the unusual car owned by Wayne Intwert. You want to ask Pontiac Canada of such possibility? Well, I’d love to own an unusual car you know.

Wayne loves his 1948 Torpedo 6 Silverstreak as a reminder of a younger, quieter Edmonton. It was the proverbial bug in the ear that convinced him to purchase a seemingly ordinary car hiding an extraordinary secret under a cloak called vintage.

Autos Canada narrates:

Halfway through a trip to California, Wayne stopped his 18-wheeler to call his brother Ron, who the previous day told him about a 1948 Pontiac Torpedo 6 Silverstreak sitting in a Winterburn car lot.

After telling his brother he wasn't in the market for an old car, he changed his mind and asked his brother that night in 1993 to take it for a test drive to see if it was worth a deposit.

It wasn't until about 10 years later, after the deposit was paid and the car completely restored, that somebody familiar with that type of Pontiac noticed something unusual about it.

Until that time Wayne correctly understood that his collectible had been manufactured in Canada. A vehicle history report from GM's vintage services department indicated Wayne's Torpedo 6 rolled out of GM's Oshawa, Ont., plant in October 1948.

But the stranger who approached Wayne about his car that day noticed that not quite everything about his rare car was, well, Canadian.

"I feel kind of happy that it is a different (Canadian) car with an American body," Wayne said. "For a time after its restoration, I was starting to get a little bored with it, but now that I understand what I have, I'd never sell it."

Wayne’s car is a survivor. Slightly more than 2,500 Torpedo sixes had been built on a 119-inch wheelbase chassis made for a straight-six engine. About 156 of those sported a larger American-style body on the same chassis dimensions from the same Oshawa plant.

Wayne's car is a complete original with no steering, suspension, braking or performance modifications. He said the car required only $20,000 of restoration because it had been relatively well-preserved before his brother test drove the vehicle. He said the car is of a time when vehicles were built with sturdiness and less emphasis on speed or performance like the '60s muscle cars.

While the car is a relatively rare car, Wayne said he thinks it's not really part of the local collectible car scene simply because it's not a celebrated muscle car icon. "I don't really fit in this car-club business because most of these club people are into big power and muscle. I'm personally not into those muscle cars because I think they're kind of scary," he added.

Wayne said the vehicle holds a lot of fond memories during a time when the city was relatively young. "I really enjoy it because it is such a relaxing car to drive. It's a safe ride because it is a heavy car that doesn't pose an overwhelming temptation to speed, but its handling and steering is respectable even by today's standards," he concluded.

Safer And More Agile Cars For The Future

2007-10-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

The auto industry is one dynamic industry. Automakers never rest on their laurels if they want to stay profitable. This is true even for companies which develops and manufactures the parts that the automakers use on their vehicles that the buyers buy. Take Bosch for example, the German corporation which produces automotive parts and systems, power tools, home appliances, and others. Said company is participating at the first ever North American Vehicle Dynamics Expo and it will showcase new technologies which will make vehicles of tomorrow safer and more agile.

At the said event, Bosch will have representatives tackling different technologies that they have developed. According to The Auto Channel, these will be the presentations on their booth at the event:

Scott Dahl, director of marketing and product planning, Chassis Systems Controls Division, Robert Bosch, LLC, on Oct. 25 at 9:30 a.m. will discuss how ESC is an enabler of value-added functions and technologies that, when networked together, create unique vehicle dynamics functionality.
Dr. Kay Stepper, marketing manager, Chassis Systems Controls Division, Robert Bosch, LLC, will speak on Oct. 24 at 10:15 a.m. on VDM and drivetrain, suspension and steering technology advancements that improve chassis characteristics.
Joseph Miller, engineering manager, Chassis Systems Controls Division, Robert Bosch, LLC, will address the event on Oct. 26 at 11:35 a.m. on the unique possibilities and special consideration for stability systems for SUVs and light trucks, particularly in off-road driving situations.

Bosch will be showcasing different technologies which they have developed. These technologies are designed to complement Bosch's Electronic Stability Control technology. The Auto Channel lists these features that Bosch will showcase at the event:

Dynamic Steering Angle Control (DSA) is an ESC-controlled modification of front steering using Active Front Steering to improve stability, make steering easier and decrease braking distance.
Dynamic Wheel Torque Control (DWT), which debuted on the 2008 BMW X5, improves a vehicle's agility by increasing engine torque and lightly braking the wheel if the vehicle enters a turn, for instance, at a high rate of speed. This offers the driver improved cornering with less steering effort.
Dynamic Steering Torque Control (DST) is an ESC-controlled steering torque modification for guiding the driver in specific situations using electric power steering, motivating the driver to increase steering input.
Dynamic Roll Stabilizer Force Control (DLF) also is an ESC-controlled function that creates roll-torque distribution between front and rear axle using active roll stabilizers. This improves cornering and reduces the effects of understeering and oversteering.
Dynamic Damper Force Control (DDF) improves steering ability and brake performance by modifying damping coefficients using Continuous Damper Control technology.

Expect these technologies to be available on future vehicles, as sure as one can find Honda Accord floor mats for sale online. Apart from the aforementioned features, the auto parts manufacturer will also showcase other safety features for automobiles at the event.

Top 10 Snow Cars By NADAguides.com

2007-10-20T00:59:00.000-07:00

Christmas time is coming and winter is fast approaching. Now NADAguides.com is revealing another list - Top 10 Go-In-The-Snow Vehicles. Of course, as a driver you have to know the latest cars which can be driven well on snowy roads that can provide you safety. NADAguides.com reveals this top ten list.

NADAguide’s Top 10 Go-In-The-Snow Vehicles:

2008 Audi A4 Sedan - $28,900 Base MSRP
2008 Cadillac STS - $42,390 Base MSRP
2008 Chevy Tahoe - $34,095 Base MSRP
2008 Ford F-150 - $17,345 Base MSRP
2008 Hummer H2 - $55,510 Base MSRP
2008 Jeep Wrangler - $18,660 Base MSRP
2008 Land Rover LR3 - $48,525 Base MSRP
2008 Subaru Outback - $21,995 Base MSRP
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser - $22,545 Base MSRP
2008 Volvo XC90 - $36,210 Base MSRP

The famous maker of Volkswagen catalytic converters was not included on the top ten list but a German car maker topped the list. And it was followed by the 2008 Cadillac STS on the second rank. The 2008 Chevy Tahoe took the third spot making the 2008 Ford F-150 and the 2008 Hummer H2 conquer the fourth and fifth list respectively.

The 2008 Jeep Wrangler was seen on the sixth spot with the 2008 Land Rover LR3 on the seventh spot leaving the 2008 Subaru Outback on the eighth spot. The ninth place went to 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser with the 2008 Volvo XC90 covering the tenth.

Ford Sync Wins Award

2007-10-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

Dearborn automaker Ford is in the middle of its toughest battle yet with lowering sales. But FoMoCo's turnaround plan is slowly taking the company back to profitability. With the demand for fuel efficient cars increasing, FoMoCo has developed a hybrid of its own. The automaker believes that Americans love SUVs thus they created a fuel efficient SUV in the Ford Escape Hybrid. But the automaker did not stop at just providing consumers with fuel efficient vehicles; they also worked with Microsoft in the development of the Ford Sync.

The said system has earned praises from auto journalists. The said technological breakthrough is now becoming popular among consumers just like Acura exhaust parts are to Acura owners. Recently, the Sync was given the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award at the Hearst Tower in New York City reported the autochannel. According to the report, this year marks the third time that the award was given. It is supposed to be given to "recognize products that set new benchmarks in design, creativity, and engineering as well as individuals and teams that are helping to improve lives and expand possibilities in the realms of science, technology and exploration."

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

Theautochannel.com reported that the people behind Popular Mechanics sought the help of experts and academics. They are asked to give a list of worthy nominees for the award. Then, after the nominees are submitted, Popular Mechanics' Board of Advisors reviews the nominees. Their findings help editors a lot in determining who will win the said prestigious prize.

Jim Buczkowski, the director of Electrical Systems and Engineering at Ford, received the award on behalf of the team who made the Sync a reality. He thanked the staff of PM for recognizing Sync as a "game-changing technology that will make in-car connectivity more affordable and more widely available than ever before." Amen to that sir. The Sync system will be exclusively available to Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln vehicles through 2008.

Chuck Tannert, the senior editor for PM who wrote about the Sync, said: "The system is as flexible as a Romanian gymnast." LOL. "Since its functionality is software based, adding capability simply entails downloading a file. Voice command is another sweet spot - the best we’ve tried," he added further.

Ford Transit With A New SportVan Model!

2007-10-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for another big surprise? Hold on to your Audi pressure plate because Ford has something hot that can blow you off from where you’re standing! Are you ready for this? The Transit is extending its offered range by bringing out the new Ford Transit SportVan!

Yes it’s here! The new Ford Transit SportVan model is powered by a remarkable new powertrain options including, for the very first time, a new Durashift 6-speed transmission on the Transit front-wheel-drive (FWD)! All FWD variations are power-driven by a 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine. On the other hand, there are three different power outputs offered. The amount produced by the most powerful version has been improved from 130 PS to 140 PS!

According to Ford.com, the latest six-speed transmission for the FWD alternate is a partnership with one of Ford's continuing partners - GFT (Getrag Ford Transmissions). Ford's Transit assembly plants and Kocaeli in Turkey and Southampton in the UK will both be producing this innovative derivative.

"By giving the most powerful FWD variant a new six-speed transmission we're able to offer our customers an even greater Transit portfolio. A lower load floor for easier loading and unloading, a larger load space with extra interior height and outstanding manoeuvrability are all attributes that customers recognise in our FWD option. Our new six-speed transmission retains all of these vehicle attributes while delivering up to ten per cent better fuel economy and more comfortable cruising," says Christine Lund, the Chief Programme Engineer for Commercial Vehicles.

The new 140 PS six-speed transmission powertrain is offered to improve SQ&V (sound quality and vibration) as well. The expanded gear range and the twin mass flywheel obviously develops the SQ&V and at the same time obtains a perfect launch performance because of the superior torque delivery from the engine and a shorter first gear.

"The new six-speed transmission for FWD will primarily attract customers in the two tonne cargo segment who seek improved performance, a good towing capacity of up to GTM 5,500kg, power and torque for motorway cruising and long-distance driving. Urban customers are more likely to spend much time in traffic and require less power. These customers will be satisfied with the five-speed transmission for occasional highway use. Adding six-speed to the high power FWD derivative will complement the six-speed transmission that already exists on the mid-power 115 PS and high-power 140 PS RWD models," says Henrik Nenzen, the Director for Commercial Vehicles, Marketing Sales & Service.

"The new Durashift six-speed transmission for FWD ensures Transit will continue to compete effectively in an increasingly competitive market segment. Our philosophy with Transit is clear - we continue proactively to offer existing customers the choices necessary to match their exact requirements, we bring to market affordable new technologies as they become available, and we continue to ensure that Transit remains an attractive, contemporary and technology-packed option to bring new customers to Ford,” said Phil Collareno, Ford of Europe's Vehicle Line Director for Commercial Vehicles.

“Holiday Holla” For Teen Drivers!

2007-10-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

The coldest season of the year comes with fun and thrills to teenagers. Winter season means fun and staying happy as snow flakes gather around the roofs and windows. It’s going to be a white Christmas soon! In spite of the excitement brought by winter season, are you aware that this time of the year is the deadliest season for teen drivers? Yes, it’s sad but true...

Although studies revealed this tragic fact, there are ways on how teens can prevent or lessen the numbers of teen fatalities caused the number 1 killer of teens… car crashes! This winter holiday season, teenagers from all over the country will gather up together to “sing a different kind of tune” as their own way on how to help lessen the numbers of teen deaths in car crashes.

Keep the Drive - that is the statement of the campaign! It is a teen-headed smart driving movement sponsored by The Allstate Foundation. The campaign encourages teens to take part in the "Holiday Holla," a competition that tests teens to rewrite and carry out conventional holiday carols with the latest, captivating lyrics about smart driving. The movement aims to increase awareness among teens about teen deaths related with car crashes in the first online "carol-aoke" contest of its kind. Participants will also have the chance to win $15,000 and meet and perform their song in front of platinum-selling country artist Taylor Swift.

"This contest is a fun and creative way to make teens and their parents aware of how dangerous the holiday season is for teen drivers," said Swift, who will help select the final winners during an event at the Mall of America on Dec. 8, 2007. "Holiday Holla combines humor, music and witty-but-meaningful lyrics as a unique and effective way to encourage teens to step into the driver's seat and positively influence their peers."

"This is a serious issue that affects all teens. Keep the Drive has created a cool way to help teens like me become activists and do my part in reducing the number of preventable car crashes this holiday season. I'm hoping teens all over the country will enter and spread the word about smart driving and maybe win some great prizes," said Jessica Mann, 17, a National Keep the Drive Crew member.

According to TheAutoChanel.com, the Allstate Foundation conducted a national survey of teen driving attitudes and behaviors. 47 percent of teens said their friends are a big influence on how they drive as revealed in the survey. Major results included:

Fifty-six percent of teens make and answer phone calls while driving.
Thirteen percent write and/or read text messages while driving (with 12.5 million teen drivers in the U.S., that's 1.72 million teens writing/reading text messages while driving).
More than 50 percent of teens believe that drinking and driving is the leading cause of crashes. In reality, less than 25 percent of teen car crashes are caused by drunk driving.

Maserati Cars Parking In New York

2007-10-05T17:24:00.000-07:00

New York is getting ready for another Columbus Day Parade as they celebrate their 63rd year of the event. To give more justice to the elegance and brilliance they promise to bring every year, the event promises to bring more Maserati cars to the line up. We may not see the Acura car cover on the event because only Maserati cars will be there.

Are you excited to know the models showing on the 63rd Columbus Day Parade? I have seen this list on The Auto Channel and I am giving it to you:

1929 / 1931 Maserati Spyder - V16:
This car is made in 1931 and was named Maserati Zagato Spyder. This super car is powered by a huge V16 capable of releasing the world's speed record of 152.9 mph in 1929. It was reproduced in 2003 and was the first winner at the Pebble Beach Concours.

1953 Maserati A6GCS MM Spyder:
The first car was the Series II was a factory racecar and since it was revealed, it immediately earned milestones in 1953 and 1954. It even received the first place winner in the prestigious Louis Vuitton Concours at Rockefeller Center in 2000.

1955 Maserati A6G54 GT Frua Berlinetta:
It was seen at the 1955 Turin Motor Show and was sold to Italian music legend Domenico Modugno. He was famous as the writer and the singer who co-authored the lyrics for "Volare," which has been awarded with lots of recognition including Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1958. As with the car, it also won the Best of Show in the Villa d'Este Concours held at Cernobbio, Italy in 2003.

1958 Maserati 3500 Vignale Spyder:
The model was produced between 1958 and1964 and was regarded as a high model.

1960 Maserati 5000 GT:
This car was somehow identical to the model in Iran called Shah back in 1959. It was actually displayed at the 1959 Turin Motor Show and used the Maserati 450 S race car engine which is capable of producing a top speed of over 170 mph.

1970 Maserati Ghibli Spyder SS:
This car actually went into production back in 1969 but as an SS model. It was a rare model and only 25 units were produced. You will see the model at the 2007 Columbus Day Parade owned by a Neapolitan businessman who got it in 1970 so he can win the love of a girl in Naples. They got married and are together until this time.

1971 Maserati Ghibli SS:
The first car was seen at the 1966 Turin Motor Show. The dashing design was made by Giorgetto Giugiaro, a famous car designer back in the 20th Century. He made it and gave it 360 hp V8 so to spur to the top speed of 185 mph.

2004 Maserati MC 12:
The car was available for racing for 37 years. This car wears a 2L engine part running on a 630 horsepower delivered by the monstrous V12. The two door car also won the FIA GT Manufacturers Cup back in 2005.

2007 Maserati Quattroporte Automatic:
This car is considered the most stylish sedan among the bunch. It was given a V8 engine capable of producing 400 horsepower.

Honda Sales Up, Acura Division Slumped

2007-10-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

Japanese automaker Honda was expected by Edmunds to post the highest sales increase for the month of September before automakers posted their sales report. The prediction came true as Honda reported an increase of nine percent in their September sales. From last year's 116,226 units of Honda and Acura vehicles sold, the Japanese automaker reported that they have delivered 127,200 units of Acura and Honda cars and light trucks last month.

According to the automaker, it was the arrival of the new Honda Accord which boosted their sales for the month of September. Sales for the midsize sedan not only increased but it also helped the whole lineup of the automaker. This is called the halo effect. Basically, a new car or a revised one can generate more interest from car buyers. In order to have a closer look at that particular car, consumers will then visit dealerships. There would be times that it is during these visits that consumers might see a car in the dealership that they would like but would not have otherwise given attention to in the past.

As a division, Honda posted an increase of 13 percent in the number of vehicles they have sold. This is fueled by increased demand for the new Accord which is the third best selling vehicle in the United States last month. The Japanese automaker reported that they have sold 26 percent more Accord units last month compared to last year for the same period. Although sales of the Accord jumped by 26 percent, it is not the biggest gainer in Honda's lineup. It is the fuel efficient Honda Fit which posted the highest sales increase with sales more than double last month compared to September 2006.

The increase in the number of Honda Fit sold is not actually surprising as new car buyers are looking for more and more fuel efficient cars. The increasing price of gasoline and the threat of global warming have car buyers thinking about buying vehicles which consumes less fuel and produces less greenhouse gases.

While the Honda division posted an increase in sales, the luxury division Acura posted lowered sales for the month of September this year. Last month, Acura sold 14,369 Acura coils springs-equipped vehicles, down by 12 percent from September 2006's 16,323 units. This slump for the luxury brand has been going on for a while. For the first nine months of the year, Acura sold 8 percent less vehicles compared to last year for the same period.

VW Happy With F3 Progress

2007-10-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen is jubilant to see its progress in the Formula 3 arena. With a brand new engine, the German team has made a successful debut at the Nürburgring during the DTM weekend.

"The new Formula 3 engine from Volkswagen has completed many hours of rig testing and reeled off plenty of test kilometers on the track. Now it's time to test it in direct competition," said VW Motorsport Director Kris Nissen.

Volkswagen initially equips three vehicles in the Formula 3 Euro Series. Maximilian Götz from Uffenheim (Germany) and Jonathan Summerton from the United States contest the series for the Italian Team RC Motorsport, while Marco Holzer from Augsburg (Germany) competes for AM Holzer Rennsport, using the new two-liter engine delivering about 210-horsepower of the automaker, the Auto Rider reported.

Wolfsburg-based manufacturer believes that the team’s performance at Nogaro last weekend shows the progress they are making with their Formula 3 engine. Gotz equaled his best qualifying result from the Nurburgring with another eighth place. And despite the fact that he was unable to score any points during the weekend, on Sunday, he was happy to finish just 6.339 seconds behind Sebastien Buemi, race 2 winner. For the two-liter, 4-cylinder 210-hp engine, it was the smallest gap in its young six-race career. With efficient VW engine mount, there’s nothing much to ask for. The VW F3 car is already complete!

For the third consecutive race Gotz, who competes for RC Motorsport, clinched the best starting slot of all the Volkswagen drivers in the 25-car field. In the first race on Saturday, the German took the chequered flag in 11th place. He then moved up two places in Sunday's second race. By capturing the seventh best lap time, Götz has proven early on that the engine can race competitively in the top third of the world’s toughest Formula 3 series.

"The car felt really good during qualifying, and in the race, I was one of the few drivers in a position to overtake. That shows the good work that's gone into the car, particularly from the Volkswagen engine," Gotz said in an interview.

Nissen added he believes the engine has improved since it made its debut one month ago at the Nurburgring. "The results in Nogaro underline the engine's positive performance curve," he said. "The fast individual laps during qualifying, as well as the speed over the course of an entire race, prove that we've been moving in the right direction with this engine from the very beginning."

Jonathan Summerton lost his opportunity for a better result as early as qualifying. "One time I couldn’t find a free lap and then the red flag went out twice while I was trying to improve my time,” said Summerton who started in slot 13. He finished 14th in the first race followed by 12th in the second heat.

"Overtaking on this circuit was extremely difficult. But I’m still positive. The car and the engine felt really good,” noted the Florida-based American F3 driver.

Toyota Recalls 55,000 Camry, Lexus Floor Mats

2007-09-27T02:39:00.000-07:00

Looks like Toyota has tainted its reputation for quality. And I think this incident has a great chance of purging shoppers’ confidence if not responded to in due time.

As reported by Detroit Free Press, the Japanese automaker will recall 55,000 floor mats due to complaints of unintended acceleration caused by the mats sticking underneath the accelerator pedal, federal safety officials and the automaker said Wednesday.

Toyota Camry and Lexus floor mats can slip and trap accelerator pedal, hence the recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration took the unusual step of highlighting Toyota’s recall announcement, advising owners of other Toyota models, including the Prius hybrid and Avalon sedans, to ensure their floor mats are properly installed.

NHTSA data show 40 complaints for the ES 350 believed to be related to the problem. There were seven crashes and 12 injuries due to unintended acceleration, Reuters divulged. Unsecured floor mats were found in the majority of vehicles involved in crashes, NHTSA said. There were a handful of complaints for the Camry.

In some reports, drivers traveled for miles and reached speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour before the car stopped, safety officials said.

“We have also received complaints about the RAV 4 (crossover) and Tacoma (pickup),” said Rae Tyson, NHTSA spokesman. “We will continue to monitor all of the other Toyota vehicles not involved in the recall."

As was previously reported by the Free Press, NHTSA had opened an investigation into the floor mats after amassing 40 reports of unintended acceleration in 2007 Lexus ES 350 sedans, including 8 crashes and 12 injuries. Since then, the federal safety agency has received complaints from owners of other Toyota models about the problem. In a number of original complaints, drivers said the vehicles only stopped after an accident.

One driver told NHTSA the vehicle had hit speeds of 100 mph. over a 6-mile stretch of freeway due to the problem, the report added. A Michigan-resident woman said the problem caused her to lose control of her Lexus, triggering a rollover crash.

Also, driver-complainants said they were unable to shut off the engine by pressing the button as the car accelerated. This is because some ES 350s are sold with stop/start buttons rather than conventional ignitions.

It was then when Toyota told safety officials that if an optional all-weather floor mat is not properly secured by clips to the floor, it could stick under the accelerator pedal. In certain cases, the Japanese automaker said owners had simply put the rubber mat over the standard floor mats. The company added it had dealt with the problem through a mailing to customers earlier this year.

In an interview, the Japanese automaker said the recall involves 30,500 mats for the ES 350 and 24,500 mats for the 2007 and 2008 Toyota Camry. Car owners will be told of the recall in October, and offered replacement mats in November. The automaker also warned drivers to check their floor mats and make sure that only one was installed.

Listen To Forbes

2007-09-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking about buying a car? If you are, then I wish you luck because you're definitely gonna have a tough time choosing from a lot of new cars today. Would you go for a hybrid? Or would you go for a diesel engined car? If you have read the New York Times article I think you might consider buying a diesel unit since they are going to have better resale value than a gasoline vehicle. If you are going to the dealerships, don't forget to brush up on your bargaining skills as you would definitely need them, since you would haggle more when buying a car than when you are just purchasing auto parts such as Honda racing parts.

Forbes gives us a rundown of things that you should never say to a car dealer. The first one is: "I'm ready to buy now". According to Forbes: "It shows that you're too eager and willing to consider an offer, and it also gives salespeople the advantage by allowing them to talk you up as opposed to you talking them down."

Another is don’t say "I can afford this much per month". The reason according to Rob Gentile of Consumer Reports is that "often the dealer will focus on a monthly payment scheme, insisting you are receiving a great deal, but at the end of the day you won't really know what you paid."

You should never mention that you have a trade-in. This is because dealers will highlight the pros of trade-in but in the end, you will get less for your old car than when if you sell it on your own. Forbes also advises you not to say "I'm only buying the car with cash" but advises to say something like "I haven't really thought that through yet. Maybe we'll see what you have after we agree on a price." The other things that you should never say are: "I'm not sure…which model do you think I need?"; "Oh, I've wanted one of these all my life."; "I'll take whatever the popular options are."; "What's the lowest price you can give me?"; "Sure, I'll look at the numbers with you."; "I think you can do a lot better than that."

This site gives humorous approach to the tips which reads: "I'm ready to buy (ka-ching!), I can afford this much (over twelve years then), Yes, I have a trade in (let the games begin!), I'm paying cash (we HATE you), I'm not sure what vehicle I want (we know EXACTLY what we want to sell), I've wanted on of these forever (SUCKER), I'll take the popular options (yum!), What's the lowest price? (and we can't go ANY lower), Sure I'll look at the numbers (step into my parlor said the spider to the fly), I think you can do better than that (**** you!)."

Fashion and Cars in One

2007-09-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

What does a dress and a luxury car have in common? Well, it may be the weirdest question you may encounter today but if you look closely, these two exactly different things are related to each other. The spirit of creating both with passion, style and details made these two different things related to one another. Just like the Dodge Ram pickup car cover, the news was early delivered to us by The Auto Channel on their official website. Click this link to read more.

This may be the reason why people were not surprised upon knowing the British luxury car maker Bentley Motors and the great English fashion designer Vivienne Westwood collaborated. The two powerful forces had their very first collaboration last year on “Vivienne Westwood Shoes 1973 – 2006” which happened in Castello Visconteo Sforzesco of Vigevano outside Milan. And this year, the two expensive personalities will be joining forces again to push through a fascinating venue of both elegance and creativity on the forthcoming Milan Fashion Week.

The collaboration of Vivienne Westwood and Bentley Motors will be happening on the highly anticipated fashion exhibition happening on the 26th day September 2007 at the Palazzo Reale in Milan. We all know Milan is the design and style capital of the world so this is just the right place where fascinating things could happen. On the show, she will be displaying some of her creations which was first seen in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

The collaboration of elegant English fashion plus the master of luxury vehicles Bentley Motors can also be seen on an exclusive event that celebrates the sponsorship of sophistication of the car manufacturer in Düsseldorf's German Fashion Week. The event enhances the bonding between the two fabulous individuals which further adds more daring lines especially with skills and talents working together.

On the particular event, the British luxury car maker will be showcasing the ever glorious bright yellow 1992 Bentley Continental convertible in front of the Piazzetta Reale. The presence of this classic, timeless and enticing luxury vintage car will convey the sprit of individuality, fashion, uniqueness and elegance. This will also be highlighted by the passion toward fashion as given more justice by the signature of Vivienne Westwood’s creations.

Vivienne Westwood is also blessed to receive the Bentley Continental Flying Spur she can use the entire time she is in the city during her visit in Milan. Bentley Motors will also give the world famous fashion designer a chance to take a seat in another fine creation - the iconic Continental GTC. The newest cabriolet made by the British car maker that shows how fashionable and stylish a car can be. It is also the car that shows the styling mobility of the British car maker.

The show-off will be happening at the Women’s Fashion Week and they will have another exhibition at the Men's Fashion Week coming this February 2008.

Let’s Take It Slow…

2007-09-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

We’ve been judging cars by their speed and performance. The fastest is always the best - I guess that’s the world’s standard for a great car. The need for speed is the most essential stuff to some adrenaline junkies… zoom! I myself prefer speed rather than cool cars with their clean and perfect parts like Subaru struts. Anyway, the top fastest cars in the automobile world have always been the talk of the town. Names such as Ferrari, Bugatti, Porsche, and Mercedes are a few of the fastest nameplates in the world…

Now let’s put the pace in a much slower speed shall we? If we often talk about the top fastest cars, let’s put it on the other way around - let’s talk about the top slowest cars in the planet!

The slowest vehicles… these are the cars that you really need to avoid when you’re on a two lane street and you’re in a hurry going to the office. Actually, slow drivers can be determined by the car they are driving. Of course, if the car’s speed is just quite fair, the tendency is that he’ll be moving too slow as a sloth. But there’s nothing wrong if your cars are included in the slowest list. Slow cars can be the safest way to hold you from getting hurt because of such cravings for speed. The thing is, if you want to start your day right, avoid the slow cars as much as possible!

I found a list compiled by http://www.autothing.com/ about the top 10 slowest cars in the world according to their opinion of course! Check out if your car is included on the list below. Now dig in… slow:

1. TOYOTA CAMRY- Old or new, by far the worst... we'd rather get run over by one.

2. TOYOTA COROLLA - Older models electronically limited at 5 miles per hour
3. NISSAN SENTRA - Steer clear!- old Sentras don't respond to gestures or horns
4. FORD ESCORT - So slow, you may almost think the one ahead is parked
5. GEO METRO - Don't let this small car fool you! It can be very, very slow
6. FORD & CHEVY CONVERSION VANS - Older models only, especially those with mismatched doors
7. CADILLAC DEVILLE - Older models are huge Cadillac's with four doors - enough said
8. FORD AEROSTAR & CHEVY ASTRO - They're literally boxes with wheels, so please do not follow
9. BUICK CENTURY - Many visitors say ALL Buicks, but we'll single this one out
10. CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY - Do soccer moms realize there's a world outside the minivan?

Toyota Wants another Japan Assembly Plant

2007-09-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

The Toyota Motor Corporation is looking forward to building another facility plant in Japan. The company said that the new plant will be its second plant in the home turf following the first plant built two decades ago. The officer from Toyota mentioned that news last Monday.

Katsuaki Watanabe revealed that the fastest growing Japanese car maker is planning to build another Japanese assembly plant. When he was asked about the company’s plan, he said that "it is true that are we are considering" building a plant in Japan, but he did not further elaborated on that. I assume the plant will be making Toyota car parts like the Mazda plant that makes the Mazda distributor rotor for their car models.

The famous maker of the Prius was noted to have impressive car sales in the US car market accounting their Camry sedans including their Lexus luxury car brand. These car models were reported to a have huge amount of sales against the reputed top selling car maker in the US General Motors Corporation. The Japanese car maker was even reported to overpower GMC this year.

The news last week revealed that the Japanese car maker is looking between Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido as well as the northern region of the main island where they can build their new Japanese assembly plant.

The automaker’s official also revealed that Japan is the best place where certain models like hybrid cars and luxury cars can be made best. The automaker is also looking into building more cars with better mileage in the new plant.

We can never deny the fact that almost all car makers are venturing into hybrid cars because of this vehicle's popularity. Japanese car makers are the number one producers of these hybrid cars making them build more facility plants for their hybrid cars.

Toyota also revealed that the plant in southern Japan will be doubling its production of luxury cars for the different markets of the world.

Green fabric From Mazda

2007-09-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

Automakers like Toyota, Honda, and General Motors as well as Nissan are focusing on the development of the so-called green vehicles. We already have the Prius. That looks weird but it saves a lot of fuel. The Insight, looks even weirder which might be the reason it has gone the way of dodos, but is also very frugal at the pump. Then we have promises from General Motors. These promises include the Chevy Volt (a sleek car that may not look as good when it comes to production), the Opel Flextreme and the plug-in Vue. Although the Yukon and Tahoe Hybrids are coming this fall, I still count them as promises.

While these automakers are so absorbed in the greeness of a vehicle, other automakers are striving to make green auto components. Although paint may not be considered as a component, I would just like to add here that Ford has succeeded in making the painting process a much greener task. The fumes given off during spray painting new cars are recycled by the automaker to be used as fuel. And then, there's this automaker from Japan known for the use of Wankel engines - Mazda.

The automaker which also makes the Mazda control arm recently announced that they have created the first fabric derived from plant fibers for automotive application. The biofabric, as the material is called, was made by the automaker in partnership with other Japanese companies which are Teijin Limited and Teijin Fibers Limited. According to them, the biofabric does not contain any traces of oil-based materials.

The fabric will be used as seat covers and door trims for the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid which will be unveiled by the automaker at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show this October. For those who are wondering what the Premacy looks like, well, in the United States and in Europe, the Premacy goes by the name of Mazda5.

"Mazda succeeded in developing this 100 percent plant-derived biofabric for use in vehicle interiors by leveraging the technical expertise we have amassed in the Hiroshima area," said the company's senior executive officer for R&D Seita Kanai. "We are convinced that our new technology, which enables the manufacture of this material without any oil-based resources, will become a cornerstone for future biotechnologies aimed at reducing the burden on the environment. Mazda, working together with our locally-based partners, will continue its research and development programs aimed at achieving a future car society that is eco-friendly," he added further.

Sunday's Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 Results

2007-09-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

MotorSport.com released Sunday's Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 results. Among the 22 competing car racers, Dario Franchitti from Scotland was able to win the grand price with an impressive result of 200 laps in 1 hour, 44 minutes and 53.7950 seconds at 279.783 kph. Scott Dixon of New Zealand followed on the second spot with 200 laps as well making Sam Hornish Jr. of United States catch the third spot garnering a total of 199 laps close to 198 laps given by Ryan Hunter-Reay of United States on the seventh spot.

These car racing teams battled up to win the grand prize displaying their gorgeous car parts like the spoilers, Chevy brake pads and many more.

Motorsport had quoted Franchitti saying, "They were telling me it's close on fuel. When he (Dixon) ran out of fuel he wiggled a little, and I had to dodge him by going high. After I collected the car I knew we had won the race, and won the championship."

Dixon was also disappointed with the result but he was quoted by Motorsport saying, "I can take being beaten on the track in the heat of battle, but it's a little harder running out of fuel. Ultimately it was about mileage and we didn't make any today."

Herald Tribune released these eesults from Sunday's Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 on their official website.

1. Dario Franchitti, Scotland, 200 laps, 1 hour, 44 minutes, 53.7950 seconds, 279.783 kph (173.886 mph).
2. Scott Dixon, New Zealand, 200, 1.8439 seconds behind.
3. Sam Hornish Jr., United States, 199.
4. Helio Castroneves, Brazil, 199.
5. Scott Sharp, United States, 199.
6. Tony Kanaan, Brazil, 199.
7. Ryan Hunter-Reay, United States, 198.
8. Hideki Mutoh, Japan, 198.
9. Buddy Rice, United States, 198.
10. A.J. Foyt IV, United States, 198.
11. Danica Patrick, United States, 198.
12. Sarah Fisher, United States, 196.
13. Dan Wheldon, England, 193, out of fuel.
14. Marty Roth, Canada, 190.
15. Milka Duno, Argentina, 184.
16. Ed Carpenter, United States, 164.
17. Kosuke Matsuura, Japan, 156, electrical.
18. Vitor Meira, Brazil, 133, contact.
19. P.J. Chesson, United States, 94.
20. Tomas Scheckter, South Africa, 73, mechanical.
21. Darren Manning, England, 62, mechanical.
22. Marco Andretti, United States, 34, contact.

Point Standings
1. Dario Franchitti, Scotland, 637.
2. Scott Dixon, New Zealand, 624.
3. Tony Kanaan, Brazil, 576.
4. Dan Wheldon, England, 466.
5. Sam Hornish Jr., United States, 465.
6. Helio Castroneves, Brazil, 446.
7. Danica Patrick, United States, 424.
8. Scott Sharp, United States, 412.
9. Buddy Rice, United States, 360.
10. Tomas Scheckter, South Africa, 357.

Jaguar XF In Frankfurt: The Debut!

2007-09-12T02:17:00.000-07:00

The long days of waiting are all over! The 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show has opened its doors to all automotive eyes and enthusiasts! Now is the right time to unveil the best concept units and the best 2008 year model vehicles! The event holds the launching of all awesome cars that are expected to create an impact to the industry soon. And of course, the show is highlighted with ground-breaking concept cars for the future! Oh yes, the future of the automotive industry is clearly obvious - it’ll be successful for sure! These cars are the solid evidence that shows a good tomorrow for the automobile world. It is as clear as a windshield wiped down by a Mercedes Benz wiper blade!

One of the debuting vehicles that are very much anticipated by critics and fans is the Jaguar XF! The cat has been missed by its fans because it has rested for quite awhile. But fans don’t need to worry because the Jaguar is here with a brand new sedan - the Jaguar XF! The crowd will never be disappointed because this brand new sedan is packed with a lot of splendid features that will satisfy consumers way beyond their expectations.

"The XF is a stage in a personal journey for me. It has always been my career goal to return Jaguar to its rightful place as leader in automotive design. Cars like the original XJ6 left a lasting legacy and my ambition has been to create something as seminal. The XF is that car," says Ian Callum, the Jaguar Design director in a featured story in Media.Ford.com.

According to the article, the Jaguar's new design direction was first utilized in the XK sports car and the XF is the next step that follows. Indeed, the XF's proportions are closely matched to the XK - the angle of the windshield rake being the same on both cars. Callum and his team aimed for a sporty, muscular look and gave the XF an extensive outline inspired by the XK with a powerful grille and well-built shoulders. One-piece headlights wrap around the corners onto the front wings together with the grille.

"It was time for Jaguar to be bold and the XF fits that brief perfectly. With its dramatic styling, powerful yet beautiful flowing lines and a distinctive face, the new XF looks like no other Jaguar sedan - and yet it could only be a Jaguar," says Wayne Burgess, the XF senior manager for Jaguar Design.

"The engineering disciplines behind the XF are as ground-breaking as its new design language," said Phil Hodgkinson, the Jaguar Programmes director. "New development processes and computer tools allowed us to work through the program at a quicker pace than anything previously. New technologies and materials combine strength with lightness."

Frankfurt Reveals Race-Inspired Aston Martin Cars

2007-09-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous looking cars are lining up for the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show which is happening this September 11. Almost every car maker has a piece their whole line of car models to show off. Japanese car makers are also giving more new technologies to the cars that they are going to reveal on the mentioned show. Concepts and production cars will also pile up the entire European car show. Audi cars are also mentioned to show up with their new car parts like those Audi tail lights, Audi hoods and many more.

Of course, nothing beats the original James Bond car. Of course I am talking about Aston Martin. After it was completely sold to the private equity group who are the new owners of the UK luxury car, Aston Martin is back - and perhaps with more colors to spread. And now, the new Aston Martin reveals another batch of amazing vehicles with two limited-edition models at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The DB9 LM and the V8 Vantage 400 will be the newest hottest car models of Aston Martin and they would be parking their gorgeousness on the said show. The maker also announced that the presence of these new cars was inculcated with racing events.

The Aston Martin gave the DB9 LM a sportier new look from the 24-hour Le Mans race last June. It was derived from the DBR9. However, the new car which is going to show up on the auto show does not wear a fire extinguisher and roll cage but it has the Sport Pack including a revised suspension as well as the diamond-turned alloy wheels and color-keyed features as options. The interior parts are also painted with silver coats and there would also be an elegance attached to the leather upholstery on the seats.

The V8 Vantage 400 also had its platform taken from the 24-hour Nürburgring race last June. The N24 that was driven by the Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Bez was given a production vehicle standing as the V8 Vantage 400. It handles the same engine part of a V8 4.3L engine with 400 horsepower running on a 310 pound-feet of torque. It is also offered in a sport package.

So if you think being at the Frankfurt Auto Show is a bore, then think again. Hmm... two gorgeous sporty Aston Martin vehicles will be there. You don’t want to miss that, do you?

Strong European Sales For Japanese Automaker

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

In the past, I've always assumed that Japanese automakers will post more sales in Japan than their sales in the United States and in Europe. And same goes for European or American automakers. But that was when I still had no inkling what the whole industry is all about except that vehicles are composed of thousands of parts and that our neighbor's Nissan 240SX's radiator is leaking. But present tense, I know that Nissan has better sales output in the United States and in Europe than in their domestic market.

In Europe, the automaker posted an increase of six percent in sales for the month of August. The European arm of Nissan reported that they have sold a total of 36,570 cars and light trucks last month. And for the first eight months of the year, Nissan Europe has already sold 359,271 units. According to the automaker, August is the fifth consecutive month that they have posted an increase in sales compared to last year for the same period. Russia, Ukraine, the Nordic region, Belgium, Austria, and Italy are among the countries where Nissan sold the most vehicles in for the month of August.

Nissan sold 12,304 vehicles last month in Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan last month. That number is 50.6 percent higher than the number of vehicles Nissan sold in the three countries for August of last year. And for the first eight months of the year, Nissan has already sold 83,908 cars and light trucks in these countries. That corresponds to an increase of 73.62 percent compared to Nissan's sales in the said three countries for the same period of time last year.

In Norway, Nissan has sold 4,010 vehicles in the region for the eight months of the year. That is an increase of 25.7 percent compared to the same period last year. In Sweden, the Japanese automaker sold 6,090 vehicles for the first eight months of the year, an increase of 21.33 percent.

Nissan's compact crossover SUV, the QASHQAI, is still racking up a lot of sales for the Japanese automaker. According to Nissan Europe, they have sold 7,757 units of the QASHQAI in the continent for the month of August. All in all, 65,808 units of the QASHQAI have already been sold since its launch earlier this year. The Nissan Note, Navara, and the Pathfinder also gave Nissan sales a boost as the nameplates continue to perform well sales-wise in Europe.

Affordable And Safe Cars for Teens!

2007-09-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

Back in the days when our parents were in college, enjoying the music of the Beatles, Billy Joel or the Temptations, hanging out on the park during sunsets, the most special thing that they almost always reminisce about is driving their own cars! Whether it’s the Love Bug, a Mustang, a Chevy with Chevrolet Tahoe brake pads, etc., our parents classically remember their first owned cars as young adults with huge affection.

Today, teens that are headed back to school this semester are also looking forward to their own wheels and this is a primary concern for parents. The question is: are they ready to drive their first car going to school? Is it safe?

In several studies, teens are the highest at-risk group when it comes to car accidents. Motor vehicle collisions are the primary cause of death for young people ranging from 15 to 20 years of age according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Studies said that crashes caused approximately one-third of all fatalities in this age class. On the other hand, the youngest drivers are at highest threat for accidents in the first months after getting their licenses according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Roughly 60 percent of teens are driving cars that are at least seven years old - with 27 percent of those teens actually driving cars that are 12 years old or older. This is as according to a latest national study of more than 900 teen drivers as conducted by Liberty Mutual Group and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). Are these the safest cars for teens that are already tremendously at risk? All of us ask…

"Choosing a car for your teen to drive can be a tricky situation for any parent. Typically the transportation need must be addressed within a practical budget, which often means giving the new teen driver a hand-me-down or purchasing an affordable used car. Safety is often a second or third consideration, but it should be an equal if not leading consideration. Does this mean used cars should be avoided? No. It means parents need to weigh carefully the safety features available and ensure that the important ones are present and working properly ," says Dave Melton, the director of Transportation Technical Consulting Services at the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety in Hopkinton, Mass. in a news from TheAutoChannel.com.

At least four latest significant safety features have become customary in newer car models for the past 15 years which includes advance frontal airbags, side air bags, tire pressure monitoring systems, and electronic stability control. Today, with 88 percent of teens with cars using them to drive to school, now is the time for parents to consider the safety of their teens' vehicles according to the Liberty Mutual/SADD study.

"Getting a driver's license and a first car are rites of passage for teenagers, but this research proves it is vital for parents and teens to choose cars carefully. Safety should be the number-one priority," says Stephen Wallace, the chairman and chief executive officer of the national SADD organization.

Subaru of America Foundation for Clean Air Campaign

2007-08-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

In my concern of knowing the status of the world with regards to moving towards a cleaner environment, I found this inspiring article from drive.subaru.com. I have learned that in Atlanta, there is a clean air campaign that perseveres to “…motivate Georgians to take action to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion.”

That was according to their mission statement which obviously shows their interest for a greener environment. And, a good thing is that the Subaru of America Foundation opted to help them in educating and involving schoolchildren in their quest.

More than their care to bring up less emissions coming out from the Subaru muffler, the campaign discussed about the problems caused by the burgeoning population of Atlanta Metropolitan. They have found that poor air quality in the area were the effects of long commutes and gridlock.

Currently, The Clean Air Campaign focused on Atlanta’s air quality issues through three approaches:

Suggesting and rewarding commuters for using alternative ways to get to work
Partnering with employers to enable their employees to use alternatives to commuting
Educating and involving students in schools

Since it is a nonprofit campaign, they rely resources from private funders. That is to possibly attain the mission.

As I have said a while ago, the Subaru of America Foundation is well concerned with this matter. They have contributed to the “Better Air Schools” program. As tackled in the site, the Education Outreach Coordinator, Brooke Barnes, characterized the program as possessing three educational components:

Where the pollution comes from
What air quality is
How pollution affects our health

Aside from that, the program has three action components:

Reduce harmful emissions on school grounds
Reduce vehicle miles traveled to and from school
Reduce traffic congestion at school

They have also included a musical assembly program. It is called “Fresh Air”, which will be featuring the Better Air Bear (BAIR).

It has been stated that Lewis Perkins, the Marketing and Development Director, said, “We work with the schools to educate the next generation of commuters. It’s not unlike the recycling programs of the ’70s and ’80s that changed the mind-set of a generation.”

This campaign would surely inspire older individuals to make their own simple ways to help the environment and most importantly to the next generations.

August Fuel Prices Declined According To AAA Chicago

2007-08-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

For this month’s automotive updates, I visited the number one automotive resource of all times, TheAutoChannel.com to check on some fuel-related news and on any updates on Mercedes headlights. Fortunately, I got the best update that I just needed - the fuel prices in Illinois and Northern Indiana since mid-July. This was exactly what I’m looking for!

According to the news, AAA Chicago’s report revealed that both state’s fuel prices went down from the time when mid-July started. Since April 2007, it is the first time that Illinois and Northern Indiana plunged below $3 for regular unleaded. Fuel Gauge Report done by AAA Chicago estimates that in Illinois, regular unleaded gasoline has reduced 42 cents throughout the past month. It projected an standard cost of $2.86 per gallon for the month of August, which is 29 cents lesser per gallon from 2006.

Here are some of the towns from Illinois and Northern Indiana with a lowered fuel price this month as reported in the TheAutoChannel.com:

Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.11, which is down 36 cents compared to last month and 19 cents lower than last year's price-per-gallon.

DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
$2.96 per gallon, which is a 36-cent decrease from July and 24 cents lower than last year.

Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
$2.94 per gallon, which is 38 cents lower compared to last month and 24 cents lower than July 2006's price

Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
$2.88 per gallon, which is 43 cents lower than last month and down by
31 cents compared to this time last year.

McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.93 per gallon, which is 40 cents lower than July's average and 38 cents lower than July 2006's price.

In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages
$3.00 per gallon, which is 36 cents lower compared to last month and 22 cents lower compared to last year.

Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.68 per gallon, which is a decrease of 44 cents from last month and 30 cents lower than August 2006's price.

Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.84 per gallon, a 44-cent decrease from July's average and a 24-cent decrease from a year ago.

Porter County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.81 per gallon, which is 47 cents lower than last month and 24 cents lower than last year.

St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.69 per gallon, which is 43 cents lower compared to last month and 29 cents lower compared to last year.

Yellow and Cloudy Headlight Lenses?

2007-08-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

Oh well… I don’t have a lot of things to do today. So, I’ll be sitting back and browsing about the current events on the web.

It’s rainy outside. And, I find it inconvenient to drive on the streets with such dire weather upon me. Hmmm… Let’s see. I think my Mercedes Benz headlight lenses are getting cloudy since it has been a while from the last time I replaced them.

As far as I could remember, it has been about four years already. Since I’ve been always out and it has quite been that long doing service, I know it has been excessively exposed to the sun, acid rain, harsh weather conditions, and some chemicals (e.g., brake fluid, power steering fluid, hot radiator fluids, hot water, and harsh cleaners). Those things are actually causing the degradation. Some headlight manufacturers equip the lenses with a protective film. However, they are still susceptible to the yellowing and weakening of the quality over time.

Let’s put aside auto news for a while. I’m just thinking if I’ll be replacing my headlight lenses or just clean them up. I don’t have good resources for now. So, I was thinking if it will be practical to spend about $510 to $570 for a pair of plastic aftermarket headlights together with the installation and alignment.

The other option is to purchase a patented headlight cleaner and restorer kit, which is just about $20. They say it absolutely restores the lenses, making it look as if they were brand new. The procedure doesn’t need for one to seek the help of professional mechanic. It is because it is said to be easy.

I haven’t actually tried using the cleaner and restorer kit though it sounds good as it is much less expensive than having a replacement.

I’m wondering what others prefer and how they managed the problem. I hope some of you would share them with me and with my readers as well. Regardless, I would still be gathering some ideas from sites featuring car repairs some other time. And, if I’d be able to discover some new techniques, I would be glad to keep you guys updated. This is just to give you the idea of what might be coming up. For now, I conclude that using a cleaner and restorer kit is the cheapest way.

Satellite Radios Are Penetrating Strongly In The Market!

2007-08-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

Aside from the hot auto parts like brake rotors Canada, one of the coolest trends on vehicles today is the satellite radio! They are so cool that almost 40 percent of customers accounted that they have a satellite radio in their brand-new vehicle’s audio system!

According to J.D Power and Associates' 2007 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study(SM), satellite radios are marking a significant boost of 26 percent as compared to last year! In addition to this, 94 percent of vehicle owners specified that their satellite radio is a dealer or has been factory installed and that amount marks an increase from last year’s 92 percent.

"Buyers want the latest technologies included in their new vehicle's audio system, and the increase in market penetration is a reflection of auto manufacturers' response to consumer demand. New and redesigned vehicles-particularly those within the luxury segment-are increasingly being equipped with the latest multimedia features, including satellite radio, MP3/auxiliary output and navigation systems. Market penetration for these audio features will likely increase as time goes on," said Allison LaDuc, a senior research manager of automotive product quality at J.D. Power and Associates.

From the news that I’ve read from the TheAutoChannel.com, J.D Power and Associates' study assesses the owner’s familiarity with the design satisfaction, quality and features in a new vehicle with these automotive multimedia systems. There were twenty-eight different multimedia arrangements that were assessed which include several unlike groupings of the following systems: AM/FM radio, cassette player, single CD player, multiple CD changer, navigation system and satellite radio. Multimedia system suppliers are ranked based on the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) in the three largest segments: AM/FM/Single CD Player, AM/FM/Multi-CD Changer and AM/FM/Multi CD Changer/Satellite Radio. A lower PP100 score indicates a higher quality.

"It's interesting to note that while consumers who have more complex systems tend to have more problems, they also have higher satisfaction levels than consumers with simpler systems. However, quality problems shouldn't be disregarded altogether, as our overall findings show that respondents who don't experience any problems at all have higher satisfaction than those who do report experiencing a problem-regardless of what system type they have," added LaDuc.

Here are bits from the 2007 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study which was based on the responses of 97,390 owners of new 2007 model-year cars and light-duty trucks. To view the complete results, visit JDPower.com:

AM/FM/Single CD Player

Problems per 100 Vehicles

Hyundai Autonet 3.8

Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. 3.9

Clarion Corporation of America 4.1

Visteon Corporation 4.2

Delphi Corporation 4.4

Fujitsu Ten Corporation of America 4.7

Pioneer 4.7

Industry Average 4.7

Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America 5.0

Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. 5.0

Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, Inc. 6.5

SANYO Automotive U.S.A., Inc. 6.5

Harman/Becker Automotive Systems Inc. 11.0

AM/FM/Multi CD Changer

Problems per 100 Vehicles

Clarion/SANYO - NC 4.0

Clarion Corporation of America 4.4

Pioneer 4.8

Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America 5.0

Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America 5.2

Industry Average 5.4

Delphi Corporation 5.7

Visteon Corporation 5.7

Fujitsu Ten Corporation of America 8.4

Checking out the Spark Plug Wires

2007-08-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

I don’t have the appetite today to go out walking around the neighborhood and sneaking through the garages of wonderful cars in our neighborhood. I don’t even want to watch television or take a trip around the kitchen.

For now, I’ll sit back behind my favorite desk and turn my laptop on the whole day.

Let’s see. What would I be discussing? Hmmm… Let us look under the hood of our beloved cars. What would be interesting? The spark plug wires perhaps?

I’d be sharing with you some tips in checking the status of this important part.

The break in the insulation is a usual problem in spark plug wires, causing other engine parts to fail, like your catalytic converter. It would even cause your vehicle to run rough and it would severely affect your gas mileage.

In dire cases, arcing spark plug wires together with a fuel leak results in a fire. That being said would be enough reason for us to regularly check our spark plug wires. And, here is how I did it with some tips adopted from autorepair.about.com:

Before the inspection, make sure that the engine is off. A good start would be from the distributor end of the spark plug wire until you reach the other end. Slightly bend the wires to further check unobvious cracks. It is also important to check the boot of the distributor for cracks. When coming to the end of the wire, individually (to avoid confusion in reinstallation) inspect them. If you were able to find anything, a tear or a crack, you absolutely need a replacement. It is worth it than making yourself spend greater amounts because you ignored the status of your spark plug wires.

This is an easy job, occupying few minutes of your time, yet it offers great safety. It also is something not worth to be taken for granted - it could also be life threatening if not given attention.

A Historic Consumer Confidence in International Vehicles Last July

2007-08-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

The month of July marked another milestone in the history of the automotive industry! The historic rise of international car brands last month with an increase of 51.9 percent for passenger cars and trucks in the US market was celebrated by the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) yesterday! International car nameplates were highly praised by Cody Lusk, the AIADA President. Dealers and manufacturers were applauded too by achieving this kind of industry highlight.

“International nameplate automakers are bringing innovation, style and quality to the U.S. marketplace, and that kind of business philosophy appeals to the unique and ever-changing demands of American drivers. The consumer is the most critical component of the product strategy. Plain and simple: international nameplate automakers are building the kind of cars consumers in the U.S. want to buy,” explained Lusk.

679,103 international nameplate vehicles were sold out of the total 1,308,672 units sold in July and twelve of the country’s top 20 best-selling cars and trucks in last month came from international brands.

Here are the vehicles included in the top 20! And guess what? Five best-selling passenger cars in America last month were all international brands! Here’s the order of the vehicles sold on their respective rankings courtesy of the leading automotive resource, the AutoChannel.com:

Toyota Camry/Hybrid (41,514 vehicles sold), Honda Accord/Hybrid (37,142 vehicles sold), Toyota Corolla/Matrix (29,719 vehicles sold), Honda Civic/Hybrid (27,852 vehicles sold), and Nissan Altima/Hybrid (24,464 vehicles sold). Latest passenger car sales for international nameplate car manufacturers are positively up by 2.8 percent for a total of 2,861,322 vehicles! Wow! Even my Cadillac Escalade shock absorbers can’t take that kind of surprise!

“If you take a look at the sales trends for last year through today, you will see a steady climb in sales of passenger cars and other more compact cars - segments to which international nameplate automakers have paid a great deal of attention. As consumers face rising fuel prices, the variety of fuel efficient options that international nameplate automakers have brought to the table have proven successful and will, no doubt, continue to gain favor,” added Lusk.

Toyota is the leading international nameplate last month, next to the country’s best-selling and the number one automaker, General Motors! Corporate sales for Toyota’s three brands; Toyota, Scion and Lexus; accounted for 224,058 vehicles last month. The Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) sales for the month of July went up 6.1 percent at the end of the month with sales garnering 1,555,132 total vehicles. TMS posted sales of 23,123 hybrid vehicles last month as well - Toyota’s award-winning Prius reaching great sales of 16,062 vehicles marked a raise of 44.5 percent over last month. At the end of the July, TMS year-to-date hybrid sales totaled to 169,659 units which marked an increase of 59.0 percent over the same month as last year.

Earthcars.com Launched!

2007-08-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

We are tired of the rising gas prices nowadays! Whew! Plus the fact that we are on the verge, or should we say, we are presently experiencing global climate change - and this is because of excessive CO2 emissions! That’s why different organizations and movements have been established to orient us about the things that are happening right now.

What should we do about it? Can we do something to prevent this crisis? Should we get a more fuel-efficient vehicle today?

These questions being are raised by so many people and they need some answers right now! Ok, if this is the problem, we don’t have to worry about it anymore! Why? Because there’s a place were you can find all the answers to your problem; actually it’s a web site…the latest web site was launched just yesterday! Ladies and gentlemen, Earthcars.com!

Earthcars.com is the first web site for American consumers that provides visitors with all the things that they need to know, learn, browse, and compare fuel-efficient vehicles that are available in the market today. Earthcars.com gives the best tips and the things you need to be familiar of when buying a fuel efficient green car. Studies revealed that 70 percent of the consumers usually visit and research online about vehicles weeks before they end up negotiating with their dealers. The site educates online consumers through a single destination that presentsthe newest researches, breakthroughs, and comparisons of environmental-friendly vehicles.

“People want to buy environmentally friendly vehicles, but they also want to be educated in that process. By presenting both the background research and the inventory customers feel more confident in their purchase and ultimately we are able to sell more carsSince making our inventory available online, our dealership has seen a substantial increase in sales. Earthcars.com will only further that number,” said Jodi Onoffrey, the Marketing Director, Koons Tysons Toyota in Vienna, Virginia.

Dealer.com, a provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry developed and launched Earthcars.com. The site was made as a part of Dealer.com’s publicly responsible undertaking to help distribute transport environmentally sound vehicles to be marketed and at the same time supporting auto dealer’s hard work for their sales.

Our vision with Earthcars.com is to assist the public in learning about environmentally positive changes that will occur as more people begin to drive earth friendly vehicles,” said Mark Bonfigli,the Chairman, CEO and President of Dealer.com. “Earthcars.com provides consumers with great research tools that allow them to become educated on the different kinds of green transportation and a rating system that evaluates each brand of vehicle and ranks them by earth friendliness. Earthcars.com will help consumers from the initial stages of research through the final stages of locating and negotiating the purchase of an earth friendly vehicle through a local dealer."

Toyota, Ford and Honda join The Top Ten Most Recognized Brands

2007-08-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

I just finished fixing my car’s bumper and now I need another brake rotor as well as a bug shield because I was not that good at driving. Maybe I need to consult a mechanic for that matter. I always find my car’s parts already worn out.

Before I finally found the car parts I needed, I discovered this piece of news on theautochannel.com. I’m a great fan of the site and it has been my daily habit to visit it everyday to refresh my mind with news about the US automotive industry.

Harris Poll released its annual top ten most popular companies in the US and just before I searched for my favorite Toyota on the list, is just when I found it on the top three. Bravo. Among all the car makers on the list, Toyota got the highest rank. Well, the Ford Motor Company follows at the fifth rank and the Honda Motor Corporation on the tenth spot.

I was again impressed about Toyota. But before I discuss to you about it, let me give you the top ten list of the most recognized brands as I found it on theautochannel.com:

Coca Cola
Sony
Toyota
Dell
Ford
Kraft Foods
Pepsi Cola
Microsoft
Apple
Honda

Nothing will be more famous than Coca Cola as it gets the highest rank on the list. It gained the most popularity which was also followed by PlayStation and Ericsson maker Sony. Like Sony, another Japanese company, Toyota, gets the third rank. Impressive, huh? Dell garnered top four spot followed by the Detroit based car maker Ford Motor Company which ranks second among the Big Three car makers in the US car market and it completes the top five.

On the sixth spot lies the famous mayonnaise maker Kraft Foods followed by the Beyonce, Britney and Pink’s favorite Pepsi Cola. Microsoft also follows on the eighth spot making the iPod maker Apple land on the ninth spot. Another Japanese company filled the top ten list. Yes I am pertaining to Honda which was found on the tenth spot of the most popular brands in the US.

What happened to the biggest car seller in the US - the General Motors Corporation? I was expecting that the company at least would have entered the top ten famous brands. Well, I guess GM has to do its stuff better next year. Better luck next time GM.

China’s Top 10 Most Unpopular Cars

2007-07-28T00:45:00.000-07:00

Every one of us has his/her own tastes when it comes to choosing vehicles. I either have a bad taste or a good taste in the eyes and opinion of some people. But either way, some cars are obviously underrated and some are admired. It depends… it’s your choice at the end of the day!

Anyway, here’s the real score for today: China’s top 10 most unpopular cars! It’s obvious that China’s development in the automotive industry is quite booming for the past years. They have produced quality vehicles that are competent in the world market. At present, China is the third largest automaker in the world! All the well-known automakers worldwide are competing to race through the finish lane in order for them to get their share of the profits, introducing brand new models and amplifying production in China. Some models have been successful in China and unfortunately, several other models have flopped!

On the other hand, Gasgoo has revealed their top 10 unpopular car in China. I guess these vehicles are not as impressive as the Great Wall! Anyway, let’s try to get to know these vehicles and learn why they turned out to be underrated.

1. Honda's Acura TL
Although the Americans gave a warm welcome to Honda’s most popular vehicle, the Acura TL, it seem like the Chinese don’t like this US loved car. Only 200 Units were sold during the first six months of 2007.

2. Mitsubishi Galant
The Galant was introduced in China last November. Unfortunately, during the first half of the year, their sales went down rapidly. A total of 4062 units were sold and that is not even half of Toyota Camry's monthly sales.

3. Fiat Perla
Fiat Perla, which is developed by Fiat and its Chinese joint venture partner, went on sale last September. Perla had only 2,000 units sold on its half-year sales. At this time, Perla has monthly sales of only 300 units - way lower than the company's hopes and targets.

4. Kia Rio
The new Kia Rio came up short in displaying its over-all performance. Dongfeng Kia was expected to sell more than 5000 units per month, and it considered the model as its bread and butter. But it turned out the other way. Rio only sold 4,996 units up to the present. Too bad…

5. FAW Vitz
Where on earth this car came from? Ok, it’s from Tianjin FAW Xiali Automobile Co. and it only sold 904 units of the Vitz during the first half of year. No big deal. Next!

6. Suzuki Liana
Suziki Liana's half year sales amount to a mere total of 5,416 units.

7. Hyundai Sonata
Beijing Hyundai, Hyundai's partnership in China, sold 7,808 units of the Sonata.

8. Ford S-Max
The S-Max minivan recorded a wholesale number of 2,260 units.

9. Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius' half-year sales-176 units-were limited by the too expensive price.

10. GM Park Avenue
SAIC GM sold just 934 units of Park Avenue during the first six months.

Currently, the Perla has monthly sales of only 300 units, and that is well below the company's expectations.

Distracted Driving Is Dangerous And Deadly!

2007-07-25T01:13:00.001-07:00

When you place yourself behind the wheel, make sure your focus is on the road and nothing else more! Can’t you see? Outrageous behavior while driving could be deadly! I guess we should talk about this matter right now before anything else goes wrong. So you better listen to this piece of info I got from the autochannel.com and leave your repair manuals on the shelf.

The latest survey by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) asked participants and respondents to give an example of distracted driving instances which they have experienced or witnessed… and they revealed facts that are quite shocking and eye-openers! Yes, it was an alarming study that made me stunned as well! If you think people talking on their cell phones or eating while driving is two of the most outrageous behavior behind the wheel, well there’s worse than that - it the worst of the worst!

Imagine this: some participants admitted and told AISI that they have witnessed a lot of cases wherein some people change their clothes or use their laptops while driving! Wow, now that’s shocking!

A respondent narrated that one situation he witnessed was a driver who talks on a Bluetooth headset, eating a fast-food breakfast, putiing make-up and looking at a piece of paper or letter beside the seat next to her while behind the wheel. Outrageous indeed! The respondent indicated that, occasionally, the driver did not have any hands on the wheel and was perhaps steering with her knees.

One more outrageous revelation revealed by another respondent is when he/she was reminded witnessing a doctor glancing at one of his patient's x-rays while he was driving. It only means that he was not paying enough attention!

"These examples, along with hundreds of others we all see on a regular basis, highlight how important of an issue distracted driving really is. The steel safety cage in a car is the last line of defense for vehicle occupants in the event of a crash, but we as an industry advocate safe, non-aggressive driving and an extra dose of common sense to avoid a crash from even occurring. Everyday we are hearing about more and more accidents caused by distracted driving, so it's time that this issue becomes front and center in our everyday conversations," said Bill Heenan, the president of the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI).

According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it is projected that almost 80 percent of car-crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes implicated some form of driver inattentiveness or disturbing actions within three seconds before the event. Also, the American Automobile Association (AAA) approximates that between the numbers of like 4,000 and 8,000 crashes associated to distracted-driving takes place during the daytime in the United States.

"It is important for drivers to be aware of the consequences that come with being distracted behind the wheel. It only takes a second of being distracted for an accident to occur," said Heenan.

Ford’s Land Rover and Jaguar received More Bids

2007-07-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Ford was reported to have put out in the market two of its subsidiary brands under Premiere Automotive Group (PAG). But the rumors that Jaguar and Land Rover which are the two brands on on sale is possible to happen according to the spokesman of the British car maker. The Ford Motor Company made a soft deadline last Thursday for interested bidders to submit their interests but the decision will be announced months from now.

John Gardiner, the Ford spokesman in London, said, "We've had contacts from third parties, and we're actively evaluating them as part of our strategic review. They've only been preliminary discussions, and no decisions have been made." Gardiner did not mention anything with regards to how many bids they have already received.

The American car maker had lost a huge amount of $12.7 billion in 2006 and on this year’s first quarter, they noted a $282 million loss as well. They have undergone several job cuts and closed facilities to pursue their business.

Last year, the company mortgaged their company to a cost of $23.4 billion to pursue the reconstructions of some of their facilities as well as to cover up some of their losses to continue their operations. They are expected to spend up to $17 billion before they can become profitable next year.

Some analyst studied the situation of Ford and they say that the company had to burn more millions of dollars to raise funds in order to continue selling their British brands.

One of its PAG members, Aston Martin, was sold to private companies last March for $848 million and now, it is still said that the company is open for options including the partial sales of another PAG member, Volvo.

The company did not identify the officials who revealed the news because the bidding was confidential. But they announced that only the bids for Jaguar and Land Rover were entertained. The bids for Volvo were ignored.

Jaguar was sold to Ford last 1989 and Land Rover became a part of the company in 2000. Together with Volvo and Aston Martin, these four brands formed the Premier Automotive Group.

Jaguar was noted to have a continuous loss over the past months starting last year until this very day. This is perhaps the reason why Ford has decided to sell the PAG member according to Paul Newton, an Global Insight automotive analyst of a research firm in London. Newton added, "I don't think anybody's going to bid cold, hard cash for Jaguar."

Top-Down cars are Hotter than the Summer Sun

2007-07-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

Top-down car models are scorching hot - even hotter than the sun - this summer. Whether it’s a soft top or a hard-top, it doesn’t matter. As long as it's top-down, it would sell. The Auto Channel released a list of the hottest car models this season. I got the list when I visited their site early this morning when I was looking for a ball joint and some Subaru belts. Here guys, take a look at the list:

Mini Cooper S
MSRP: $22,000 to $26,050
Number of sun lovers: 2
Top: Manual soft top
MPG: 22-26/32-35

Mazda MX5 Miata
MSRP: $24,440 to $27,620
Number of sun lovers: 2
Type of Top: Power retractable hardtop
MPG: 25/30

VW Eos
MSRP: $28,110 to $$36,970
Number of sun lovers: 4
Type of Top: Automatic metal
MPG: 22/29

Toyota Camry Solara
MSRP: $27,190 to $30,460
Number of sun lovers: 4
Type of Top: Automatic textile
MPG: 20/29

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
MSRP: $25,699 to $29,599
Number of sun lovers: 4
Type of Top: Automatic textile
MPG: 16-19/24-26

BMW 3 Series
MSRP: $43,200 to $49,100
Number of sun lovers: 4
Type of Top: Automatic metal
MPG: 20/29

Mercedes-Benz SLK
MSRP: $43,350 to $62,500
Number of sun lovers: 2
Type of Top: Retractable hardtop
MPG: 16-20/22-27

Saab 9-3
MSRP: $43,100
Number of sun lovers: 4
Type of Top: Automatic textile
MPG: 17-20/28-30

Volvo C70
MSRP: $39,090
Number of sun lovers: 4
Type of Top: Retractable metal
MPG: 21/29

Audi TT
MSRP: $36,800 to $45,900
Number of sun lovers: 2 + 2
Type of Top: Manual textile
MPG: 18-22/24-29

Porsche Boxster
MSRP: $45,600 to $55,500
Number of sun lovers: 2
Type of Top: Manual textile
MPG: 20-21/27-28

Jaguar XK
MSRP: $80,835 to $91,835
Number of sun lovers: 2 + 2
Type of Top: Automatic textile
MPG: 15-16/23-25

Lexus SC430
MSRP: $65,455
Number of sun lovers: 2
Type of Top: Retractable metal
MPG: 18/25

You can click this link if you wish to see more of the specifications of these top-down car models.

HUMMER.com Ranked Number One!

2007-07-12T00:11:00.000-07:00

What automotive manufacturer site do you usually visit? Of course, it depends on your favorite brand and model, right? But what do you think is the most useful and reliable among all these sites? I think J.D Power and Associates has the exact answer for this question!

The results from the 2007 Manufacturer Web Site Evaluation Study Wave 2 has been declared by J.D Power and Associates. So who got the number one spot? Do you have any clue? Get ready for this… HUMMER.com earned the highest ranked automotive manufacturer Web site! The study was distributed to new-vehicle shoppers online as their respondents, and without a doubt, HUMMER.com got the highest evaluation from respondents earning 870 index points - an increase of five points since the release of Wave 1 back in January 2007.

Steve Witten, the executive director of marketing/media research at J.D. Power and Associates, said, "A continuing focus on clear, simple navigation and crisp images and videos that demonstrate both the appearance of HUMMER's models, as well as the features included in them, allow HUMMER to regain the highest ranking for usefulness among automotive manufacturer Web sites. This is the third time that HUMMER has achieved the difficult feat of outpacing the industry since the brand was first included in the study five years ago."

"The wide variety of manufacturers scoring significantly above the industry average demonstrates that these companies truly understand the needs and the limitations of their specific shoppers and have designed sites that showcase their models within those parameters," said Witten. "As manufacturers feel more empowered to take risks, there will be a further explosion in creativity on these Web sites. New and unique forms of interactive media, tools, and page design will emerge. But manufacturers must always balance that creativity with site usefulness and usability to help site visitors find the information they need easily at the same time that they are 'wowed' with the experience."

Here’s a quick peek of the 2007 Manufacturer Web Site Evaluation Study Wave 2 rankings. Check it out!

Manufacturer Web Site Ranking (Based on a 1,000-point scale)

HUMMER- 870
Toyota- 858
Jeep- 856
Suzuki- 855
Land Rover- 854
Lexus- 854
Kia- 852
Chrysler- 849
BMW- 848
MINI- 847
Honda- 845
Mazda- 845
Pontiac- 845
Mitsubishi- 843
Lincoln- 842
Saab- 842
Chevrolet- 840
GMC- 840
Saturn- 840
Dodge- 838
Cadillac- 837
Ford- 836
Industry Average- 836
Volvo- 835
Buick- 833
Subaru- 832
Nissan- 831
Infiniti- 830
Jaguar- 828
Porsche- 828
Mercedes-Benz- 826
Acura- 822
Hyundai- 820
Scion- 811
Mercury- 803
Volkswagen- 792
Audi- 773

The 2007 Car Movies of Cars.com

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

Which car movie do you think captures the number one spot this year? Will it be the 2006 DeLorean DMC-12, (Back to the Future) or one among the three debutants on this year's list? Well. As expected, Back to the Future’s DeLorean DMC-12 remained to be on the top spot this year. While six among the top ten cars last year remained to be on the top ten picks.

The three new car movies on the top ten list are the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am (Smokey and the Bandit), 1976 AMC Pacer (Wayne's World) and a 1932 Ford coupe (American Graffiti). Other car movies remained to be on the list.

Patrick Olsen, the managing editor of the Cars.com, said, "When we came up with our list of Top 10 Movie Cars last summer, we had no idea our readers would be so passionate about their favorite car films. With 'Transformers' arriving on the big screen, we revisited our list - listening to last year's reader feedback - and determined once again which cars deserved to make the top 10. Some cars were able to hold on to their spots, while others were shuffled to make room for more-worthy contenders. With 'Speed Racer' hitting the big screen next year, expect another round of evaluation.”

So, stop looking for Ford wheels for a while and take a few time to view the top ten car movies this year. Theautocahnnel.com released the 2007 top ten movies from cars.com. Here, take a quick view on the list:

No. 1: 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, (Back to the Future)
No. 2: 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, (Smokey and the Bandit)

No. 3: 1961 Ferrari 250 GT, (Ferris Bueller's Day Off)

No. 4: 1964 Aston Martin DB5, (Goldfinger)

No. 5: 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390, (Bullitt)

No. 6: 1976 AMC Pacer, (Wayne's World)

No. 7: 1932 Ford coupe, (American Graffiti)

No. 8: 1974 Dodge Monaco, (The Blues Brothers)

No. 9: 1959 Cadillac Ambulance, (Ghostbusters)

No. 10: 2003 Mini Cooper S, (The Italian Job)

Other cars on the honorable mentions were 1958 Plymouth Fury, "Christine", 1973 Ford Falcon, "The Road Warrior" and 1975 Lotus Esprit, "The Spy Who Loved Me". If there are three new car movies on the list, of course, there are those which landed on the losing end. These were the 1973 Ford Falcon, "The Road Warrior", the 1958 Plymouth Fury, "Christine" and the Batmobile Tumbler, "Batman Begins".

BMW and Mercedes Collaborates in Making Small Cars

2007-07-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

Two of the most famous car makers of Europe will be collaborating to make small cars according to the German auto magazine Auto Bild. The news said that BMW and Mercedes-Benz are now talking about a negotiation that will push through their plan to make subcompact vehicles.

This July, the two huge companies are anticipated to land on a decision whether they are building the new generation Mercedes A-Class which would come BMW's Mini platform. The news was revealed by Auto Bild on their Friday edition without mentioning its sources.

The reason why BMW is looking for a potential partner in making their subcompact vehicle is because the plant they have in Oxford, England may already reach its full capacity. The heavy cost pressure can be the cause why MINI may run out of budget.

The Japanese auto maker Honda Motor Corporation which already has PSA as their partner could be included on the discussions. But BMW is considering their arch-rival Mercedes to be their partner.

Mercedes was actually planning to build the next A-Class this coming 2012 and the Chrysler group will be joining the German car maker to let this plan push through but because the DaimlerChrysler had a few cost-cutting problems, they had to drop the plans.

Michael Ganalm, the sales and marketing head of BMW, actually had a suggestion to expand the current cooperation between Mercedes as according to the news released on the interview by the WirtschaftsWoche, also a German magazine. Aside from that, they will also develop hybrid powertrain, Reuters added.

The German magazine also informs that the A-class is not profitable and too expensive enough to be reproduced. The source was not revealed by the WirtschaftsWoche.

Mercedes refused to give comments about this however, the M-B sales and marketing chief, Michael Ganal, was quoted saying that they want to cooperate with its rival BMW to share the benefits over the research as well as the development costs.

Both the A-class and its B-class car models are the only front-drive car models on the Mercedes line-up. They used to sport the ever famous M-B platform with a gorgeous interior and real time crash protection. However, with these features, the car models are not that expensive when it comes to production.

Presenting Vincentric’s Best Value in America™ Awards

2007-07-03T01:04:00.000-07:00

Drop that Mercedes Benz repair manual first and let’s honor the winners of Vincentric’s Best Value in America™ Awards. Oh yes, it is confirmed! The awards generally went to the hybrids. The Toyota Prius, together with the Ford Escape hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander, each won the Best Value in America™ award in their corresponding division.

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

Winners of Vincentric's Best Value in America™

Vincentric Best Value in America™ - Passenger Cars and Crossovers

Compact, over $17,000: Honda Civic Hybrid
Compact, under $17,000: Honda Civic(non-hybrid)
Convertible, over $39,000: Chevrolet Corvette
Convertible, under $39,000: Toyota Camry Solara
Large: Toyota Avalon
Luxury: Lexus LS-430
Mid-Size, over $23,000: Honda Accord
Mid-Size, under $23,000: Toyota Prius
Near Luxury: Acura TL
Crossover, over $28,000: Nissan Murano
Crossover, under $28,000: Nissan Murano
Sports Car, over $37,500: Chevrolet Corvette
Sports Car, under $37,500: Acura RSX
Subcompact: Scion xB
Wagon, over $24,500: Volvo V70
Wagon, under $24,500: Toyota Matrix

Vincentric Best Value in America™ - SUVs

Compact SUV, over $22,500: Ford Escape Hybrid
Compact SUV, under $22,500: Honda CR-V
Large SUV, over $40,500: Lexus GX-470
Large SUV, under $40,500: Toyota Sequoia SR5
Mid-Size SUV, over $30,000: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Mid-Size SUV, under $30,000: Toyota Highlander

Vincentric Best Value in America™ - Pick-Ups

Compact Pickup, 2WD: Toyota Tacoma
Compact Pickup, 4WD: Toyota Tacoma
Full Size Pickup, 2WD: Toyota Tundra
Full Size Pickup, 4WD: Toyota Tundra
Heavy Duty ¾ Ton Pickup, 2WD: Dodge Ram 2500
Heavy Duty ¾ Ton Pickup, 4WD: Dodge Ram 2500
Heavy Duty 1 Ton Pickup, 2WD: Ford F-350
Heavy Duty 1 Ton Pickup, 4WD: Ford F-350

Vincentric Best Value in America™ - Vans

Full Size Passenger Van: Dodge Sprinter Wagon
Minivan, over $27,000: Honda Odyssey
Minivan, under $27,000: Honda Odyssey

Dangers of Driving While Tired Disregarded by America Drivers

2007-07-03T00:58:00.001-07:00

Have you tried driving while your mind and body are too stressed out? It’s practically normal for some of us because we often drive home after eight hours of work we’ve had to do that day. But most of us are unaware of the risks while driving tired.

The latest results from a GMAC Insurance study proved that American drivers have an intense detachment when it comes to risks of driving while tired. From the GMAC Insurance study, 96 percent from the 5,175 polled licensed drivers from all fifty states including the district of Columbia stated that they are aware of the hazards of driving while fatigued and said that it is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Actually, there are real behaviors that specify a direct contrast with 65 percent from the 130 million Americans who admitted that they would drive more than seven hours without any important breaks in one day alone. The shocking results popped out as millions of drivers will be on the open roads on the upcoming July 4 holiday which is also considered as the year’s deadliest driving day according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). Following July 4th as the deadliest is July 3rd and it is marked as the second deadliest driving day. The month of August is reported as the period with the most miles traveled by drivers than any other month.

"Everybody has their own personal threshold, but we believe that driving seven hours without significant breaks is pushing the limit," said Gary Kusumi, the CEO and president, GMAC Insurance - Personal Lines. "And there's no question that driving while fatigued is dangerous. More than 100,000 crashes each year are caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel."

The driver of the No. 25 National Guard/GMAC Chevrolet and recent winner of his first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race, Casey Mears, said that staying alert is important when taking a long distance drive.

"When people hit the roads for long trips this summer, they really need to keep tabs on their level of fatigue," Mears said. "It doesn't pay to skimp on sleep, and coffee and cat naps are only a quick fix. Getting plenty of rest is one of the keys to staying safe and being at your best, whether you're driving down the interstate or making laps around the race track."

Mears offers the following tips to keep summer travel safe, fun and unforgettable:

Plan Ahead - The best way to make sure you're alert? Get proper rest ahead of time before setting off on your road trip.
Avoid alcohol - Even the tiniest amount of alcohol can make you drowsy. If you'll be driving, avoid it all together.
Take a Buddy - If possible, take a buddy along on long trips, so you can take turns driving.
Limit Driving After Midnight - Avoid driving between midnight and six a.m., when you're most likely to feel fatigued.
Stop Driving - If you feel drowsy, the safest thing to do is to pull over and stop driving. As soon as possible, drive to the closest safe resting spot, such as a motel or a friend's house, and catch up on your sleep.

No Speeding More Than 50 kph in Canada

2007-06-28T00:08:00.000-07:00

Can you enjoy a cruise downtown with your Lambo or Ferrari with only a maximum speed of 50mph? I guess you’ll yawn because of so much boredom! It would be okay if you’re driving a Prius or a Smart car, right?

You see, the need for speed is strictly prohibited in Canada! I don’t know if it’s good news or bad news to all Canadian drivers. But one thing is for sure, authorities are serious with this and you better observe your speedometers!

Anyone caught driving and exceeding the limit of 50 kilometers per hour or approximately 30 mph will be regarded as a street racer and without questions his car will be put into custody. This is according to Julian Fantino, the commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police. The police have the complete authority to seize and impound any car customized for street racing.

The law was implemented after a gruesome accident took place days before the move was made were a cab driver was killed by a speeding Mercedes racing another luxury car in Toronto. The fine for road racing increased ten times last month with a massive $10,000!

“There is no excuse for street racing and aggressive driving, such as the high speeds and unsafe lane changes we have seen recently,” Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino said in a recent press release.

"I'm advocating that if you speed 50 kilometers over the speed limit, you're racing," Fantino said, according to the Canadian Press.

"And then we should apply the racing laws to that and seize the vehicles and do whatever else is necessary. We have to stop all this," he suggested.

Fantino got the idea when he visited Ohio were speeding drivers were caught using planes. The authorities from Ohio caught eight “high-end” drivers in just thirty minutes. Planes used in Ohio to catch speeders cost $380,000 each. This was the idea Fantino wants to bring to Ontario.

"I don't know that we're going to have a whole lot of difficulty here, but I wanted to do all the homework, look at all the ups and downs, pluses and minuses, and then put my case forward to the decision-makers," he said.

A hot debate was set last week regarding the arrest of any driver and their car with or without a warrant. The discussion was headed by Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant. “We will seize it and you will never see it again. We will crush your car, we will crush the parts,” he strongly states.

“If we can establish someone has parts and they're juicing up their car - obviously for the purpose of street racing - then we can seize those vehicles,” Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant said last Wednesday, according to the Canadian Press.

2007 Suzuki Reno on Review

2007-06-26T01:05:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine asks me while I was replacing my Mercedes Benz window switch, and Mercedes Benz wiper blade: What’s the ideal car to purchase?

I told him that actually I’m ready to discharge our family’s Suzuki Reno as an econobox. But then after my I’ve read the latest review from the net along with my research on the Mercedes Benz window regulator of the 2007 Suzuki Reno, I changed my mind and recommended the said vehicle. It’s because I was astonished of the testimony made by car enthusiasts after test drives of the said vehicle.

Ever since, Suzuki was known to be a brand that exerts effort in producing cars that are perfect not for the chosen few but rather for those who can’t afford much to purchase all those luxury brands.

The 2007 Suzuki Reno still stands for the same feature - economical and that is a perfect match for the upward sloping trend of gasoline. Based on the testimonies, there are still lapses that one can find with the vehicle. On this, the brand made sure that the vehicle would still come with features that will not sacrifice comfort, safety, fun, and, of course, driving performance.

The Reno is powered by a four-cylinder engine that is coupled with 2.0-liter double overhead cam which is spirited enough to run out the 2,739-pound model all the way with an ease. It features a 5-speed transmission (manually), plus a trouble-free shifter, well-spaced gears, first-class handling, and a 102.4 in. wheelbase - all these helps the vehicle get an utmost performance.

The vehicle can produce 127 hp @ 5400 rpm/131 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm and, as expected for a car in this category, you’ll be surprised with its performance as it winds up on zigzag and snaking roads without much fuss!

Adding for a more relaxed ride are the comfortable seats both the front and rear though the seats in the front offer small side support. It also features a deep center console. It has a spacious legroom, a flat center floor, and its trunk volume has been expanded to up to 45 cubic feet for the seats at the back can be folded thus the added space.

As standard features, the following are still: included power windows, door locks, and mirrors, standard eight speakers CD/AM/FM/MP3 audio system, and AUX input intended for the audio.

Simple features that are visible in this model are the steering wheel, instrument panel, a tachometer, large speedometer, temperature gauges, and digital clock, four-wheel disc brakes, and “dead pedal” to relax your left foot. Cup holders are also installed plus, sunglass holder, two-12-volt outlets, assists handles visible in all doors, adjustable front shoulder belts, and a wiper at the back are set up as part of its convenience features.

This vehicle is accessible with its price amounting to $13,499 - simple and economical but after the test drive of the 2007 Suzuki Reno shows that purchasing the model is one great deal.

“Unwanted Scrap Tire” Business Rolls into Livonia, Michigan

2007-06-22T01:16:00.000-07:00

Not all that glitters is gold! For you, this thing that I am talking about is considered as waste but for a company like Encore Associated Leasing L.L.C. ("EAL"), it’s one form of wealth and a type of gold.

Just imagine 280,000,000 scrap tires discarded throughout the United States - that sounds horrible, doesn’t it? I can’t imagine living in a nation with a potential for a major tire fire which is a constant threat aside from the fact that tire piles make very appealing homes for pests. It also becomes breeding grounds for other creatures especially when stored and uncovered with standing water thus leading to mosquito larvae thriving on. Yuck!

Thanks to Encore Tire Recovery for taking a step in helping out to recover these scrap tires. What they do is they use a convoy of "T2" tire collection vehicles parading along the highways in Southwest Michigan on the way to their corporate headquarters which is located at 12822 Stark Road in Livonia. What a brilliant idea. They are not just bringing jobs within the locality but they also take a vital role in giving an environmental solution.

The mobile shredding vehicle bears a resemblance to a compactor garbage truck however it has the capacity to shred tires at a rate of 500 tires per hour. The innovative system turns scrap tires into environmentally friendly end products. Those unwanted scrap tire piles strewn all the way through the countryside threatens a lot of locals with serious hazards. I then do not wonder why it is classified as a serious environmental nuisance.

Actually there were a lot of states and municipalities which were disturbed and annoyed by the negative response of several tire retailers to accumulate and appropriately dispose all these man-made products. In the process, they have endorsed laws and ordinances obliging the tire retailers to guarantee them an apt dumping of the used tires. Michigan has enacted a law that places the duty of proper tire disposal on the retailer and the law is being strictly enforced.

According to Paul Merklinger, the President and CEO of Encore, the future of scrap tire management begins now and as the Encore Team introduce and demonstrates this "T2" vehicle, he is anticipating that the nationwide program to onslaught the problems linked with scrap tires be realized sooner.

But I have a problem for now I don’t have used car tires, but I have used a Saturn window motor and a Saturn windshield wiper motor. Does somebody know where I can bring those used car parts for recycling or proper disposal?

Hummer To Unleash ModeLabs Group Designed Hummer HT1

2007-06-16T00:45:00.001-07:00

Hummer vehicles are certified bad boys of the road. Armed with their powerful engine and geared with a bold and awesome auto body styling, Hummer is the absolute vehicle for the tough and aggressive types. Can you imagine this car turn into a sleek mobile phone - impossible, right? But believe me when I say that the Hummer has its own version of a mobile phone. Check this out!

Hummer, a part of General Motors Corporation’s division announced the commencing of their very first mobile phone which was designed exclusively and distributed by the much known Customized Design Manufacturer (CDM) - ModeLabs Group. This gadget is greatly inspired from the Hummer’s high-end finished wheels and grille design of the vehicle. The first ever Hummer HT1 mobile phone offers an extraordinary styling with a slider form and touch panel. It’s a sweet combination of either Yellow, Khaki and Sand design colors with the leading-edge technology. The Hummer HT1 displays powerful and versatile features with easy and accessible multimedia tools such as FM radio, a 2-megapixel camera with digital zoom, a micro SD memory card extension, Bluetooth stereo, triband, USB port, email and a lot more of cool features and stuff! How about that for a Hummer mobile phone? That’s totally sweet! The HT1 is packed with two battery covers with variants of designs to choose from and it can be customized by applying the genuine Hummer paint colors with additional ten wallpapers and two videos as exclusive Hummer content. Totally a Hummer experience!

Saab Cars Awards & Achievements

2007-06-13T23:40:00.000-07:00

Let’s give a moment and give our attention first to Saab cars. We’ve been talking about top automakers like Toyota or GM lately it won’t hurt if we talk about some other things like this one, right? Let’s have a break from discussing Saturn car covers, BMW rotors or whatsoever. Let’s focus and review Saab’s achievements and awards for the past five years. Let’s get started, shall we?

Let’s start way back 2003 when they collected five awards.

Awarded five star rating by the European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP) in crash tests - Saab 9-5 2003 model
Awarded five star rating by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in side-impact crash tests (driver position) - Saab 9-5 2003 model
5-star Safety Rating from IIHS - Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan
5-star Safety Rating from IIHS - Saab 9-5 Sedan
The Safest Car in Sweden from the Folksam insurance company, Sweden - Saab 9-5

2004

Awarded "Double Best Pick" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the first passenger car to achieve this distinction. 2005. - Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan
Awarded five star rating by the European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP) in crash tests - Saab 9-3 Convertible 2004
The Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is the first car ever to earn "double best pick" in the IIHS Side Impact Crash Test Results.
Awarded 2004 Car Book Best Bet, The Car Book in conjunction with the Center for Auto Safety - Saab 9-5 Sedan
Awarded 2004 Car Book Best Bet, The Car Book in conjunction with the Center for Auto Safety - Saab 9-5 SportWagon
5-star Safety Rating, EuroNCAP - Saab 9-3 Convertible

2005

The ethanol-powered Saab 9-5 2.0t BioPower has been honored with Popular Science magazine's "Best of What's New" award, 2005.
The 2005 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan earned the IIHS' "Top Safety Pick - Gold Award", 2006.

2006

2.8 V6 Turbo powertrain 9-3 engine was named among the '10 Best Engines for 2006' by the editorial staff of Ward's Automotive Communications.
The Saab 9-5 received a 5-star frontal crash test rating for front-seat passengers by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.*
2006 Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year' Award received in the best value, on-road category from Active.Com and the Gen-A Network, Saab 9-3 SportCombi.
Red Dot Design Award from the German Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen.
"Best in Show" award by AutoWeek Magazine at the 2006 Geneva Auto Show.

2007

The Saab 9-3 Convertible: 2007 "Top Safety Pick" for open-top models by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
"Top Safety Pick Award" for 2007
2007: Top Safety Pick
2006: Top Safety Pick- Gold Award
2005: Double Best Pick
The Saab 9-7X SUV: "Best SUV for Resale" of any SUV in the US by Kiplinger.com.
"First for safety in the $25-30k class" by Kiplinger.com.

Death of Tongan Prince Was Blamed On Ford

2007-06-09T00:05:00.001-07:00

Because of the unsafe design of the car, the death of the Tongan Prince was blamed by some on the Ford Motor Company. A sporty utility vehicle was driven by his father who died because of a car accident.

A lawsuit was filed at Dearborn and the Michigan Based auto maker was the one sued. The 55 year old Prince Tu'ipelehake was with his 46 year old wife Princess Kaimana Aleamotu'a Tuku'aho and their 36 year old driver Vinisia Hefa riding a 1998 Ford Explorer which had the tendency to ''roll over or flip in turning maneuvers.''

The lawsuit was filed last Monday by the Prince Tu'ipelehake's sons Osaiasi Tu'ipulotu who is 34 and Vakafuhu Tu'ifua who is 12 at the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Both the prince and the princess died on the said accident last July 2006 after the vehicle run by their driver was side swiped by Edith Delgado, a Redwood City teenager. The SUV rolled over several times after it flipped. 19 year old Delgado was confirmed racing with another driver when the car driven by the teenager hit the running SUV. Authorities have said that Delgado’s car was running on a speed of 85 and 100 mph on Menlo Park highway. The young driver pleaded not guilty after the three counts of vehicular manslaughter was filed against him. The trial for the case had begun last week at the San Mateo County.

The lawsuit that was filed against Ford saying that the marketing mislead the drivers and passengers that the Ford Explorer promises to be safe on highways travelers but it turned out to be a great lie. The lawsuit also includes the roof of the Expedition that was not made safe for the driver and passenger during a rollover. According to the sons of the prince who died, it should be made tougher than it should be.

Kristen Kinley, the spokeswoman of Ford, said that the company has not seen the lawsuit therefore they should not comment on it. She also defended their Explorer brand saying that the vehicle had undergone tests as an SUV and therefore it is ‘'as good as or better than other SUVs in handling and stability.''

The lawsuit also includes the Delgado names such as Jose Luis Delgado, Hefa and the owner of the Explorer, John Martin Hiss III, as defendants.

Anyway, the BMW relay, BMW repair manuals and BMW reset tool are all auto parts you can order online. Visit the most trusted website online and order these fabulous car parts for your BMW car.

What They Say About The Nissan Murano

2007-06-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

Murano… are you familiar with this name? I think some of you are familiar with this name but for those who don’t, let me introduce the 2007 Nissan Murano!

This SUV has earned some credits and respect from the automobile world’s eyes and critics. For the past two years, it has emerged as one of the premium cars of Nissan - now this ride definitely deserves the attention from us!

When I had a quick review on Nissan lights and Nissan starters last night, I visited the homepage of Nissan USA at www.nissanusa.com where I gathered some of the opinions of our respected auto critics and journalists about this ride. Let’s check them one by one and get to know the 2007 Murano even more!

"It was as comfortable as an entry-luxury sedan, with ride nearly comparable. Best of all, when the rain hit, hard, the Murano was surefooted and unperturbed by several inches of standing water at up to 40 mph." - The Auto Channel, 2006

"It is cutting edge in its design, with curves in places other designers don't seem to realize there are places." - The Auto Channel, 2006

"Based off the Altima sedan, the unibody Murano offers a smooth highway ride and limited off-road ability. The car is powered by the same silken V-6 as in other Nissans and is coupled to a continuously variable transmission considered one of the best on the market." – Motor Trend, 2005

"Thankfully, the Murano is about more than style. This may well be the best pure crossover vehicle ever created for the masses. It looks and feels like a luxury car, but is priced within reach of the mass market." - Autosite.com, May 2005

"The Murano is different from most crossovers, however, in that it's biased toward the car part of the equation. It offers more of a car-like ambience and handles better on pavement than competitors like the Pilot and Toyota Highlander. One look is all it takes to know how different the Murano is." - autoweb.lycos.com, 2005.

Here are some bonus info about Nissan Murano’s awesome features!

Convenience

Nissan Navigation System with GPS DVD-ROM atlas
RearView Monitor (with hatch-mounted rear camera)
7.0" LCD color information center with multiple displays
Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) with high rear vents
Illuminated steering wheel-mounted cruise control
Intelligent Key
Power windows with front windows one-touch auto-up/down and auto-reverse feature
Power door locks
Remote keyless entry
Remote front windows down
Key-operated front windows up/down
Cruise control
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver
Tilt steering column
Variable intermittent windshield wipers
Rear intermittent wiper
LED taillights
Dual exhaust outlets with chrome tip finishers
Dual power outside mirrors
Dual heated outside mirrors
Power sliding glass sunroof with multi-position switch and auto-reverse feature
Front UV-reducing green-tinted solar glass
Rear black privacy glass

The Best of the Best 2007 Chevy Silverado

2007-06-02T00:18:00.000-07:00

This ride has earned a massive set of prestigious awards this year. Let me enumerate them one by one, and prepare to be amazed! Starting off with the 2007 Car and Driver’s 5Best Trucks Award, the 2007 North American Truck of the Year, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com "2007 Best Redesigned Vehicles", the 2007 Truckin' Magazine's Truck of the Year, Road & Travel Magazine's 2007 International Car of the Year Awards - Truck of the Year, Road & Travel Magazine's 2007 International Car of the Year Awards - Pickup Truck of the Year - Most Athletic, 2007 Detroit Free Press Truck of the Year and the Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards – Workhorse! Now how about that for a vehicle! It’s a grand slam for the Chevy Silverado. A round of applause please…

You see, everything is perfect in this vehicle. From the Chevrolet traction bar to the Chevrolet pickup power tuning chip, all of its parts are in great shape!

Let’s hear some of the opinions about the 2007 Chevy Silverado from the panel of judges, auto journalists and all the presenters of the given awards.

"Put it all together, and pickups don't get any better than the Silverado in 2007. The small block V8, now in its second half-century of delivering usable power, provides a strong combination of performance, fuel economy, and refinement." - 2007 Car and Driver 5Best Trucks Award

"Chevrolet Silverado delivers significant leaps forward in interior design, craftsmanship and materials quality; ride and handling; NVH attenuation; and powertrain efficiency...In every Silverado I tested, I was knocked out by the classiness and high assembly quality of this truck’s interior." -Lindsay Brooke, Automotive Engineering International

"Chevrolet Silverado - The best full-size truck on the market..." -Michelle Krebs, Freelance

"Chevrolet Silverado has spared no effort in creating category standards for interior decor and exterior fit and finish. That this huge truck offers such a quality experience deserves high praise." - Matthew Nauman, San Jose Mercury News

"The Silverado impresses immediately with clean, contemporary exterior styling and two equally smart-looking passenger cabin options. Where the 2007 Silverado solidifies its case for Best Redesigned Vehicle, however, is on the road and the trail. Notably improved steering, braking, ride comfort, handling and power delivery combine in a vehicle that’s infinitely more satisfying in town and on the highway. Combined with the segment’s highest available (Crew Cab) towing capacity and...Best available fuel economy, we think Chevy’s newest pickup is poised to make quite an impact in this era of tougher and more luxurious trucks." - Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

"...RTM editors made an obvious choice by announcing Chevrolet's full-size, next generation Silverado as winner. There's no confusing this pure pickup with anything of another genre. Looks alone - with hunky frame, broad chrome face and widest, double layer headlamps plus pleasantly cushy interior - would be enough to set it above the pack." - Road & Travel Magazine

What’s New with 2008 Chevrolet Corvette

2007-05-29T23:46:00.001-07:00

When we talk about Corvettes, we all think of lightning speed and power, don’t we? But Corvette is not all about speed but it is also about cool interior amenities too! Yup, this is absolutely true! Chevrolet believes that speed comes with style as well, so they built the 2008 Corvette to satisfy us with the best auto performance plus the coolest features that will meet our standards in the aspects of comfort and styling! It’s an all-new Corvette for all of us and I think we’ll never ask for anything else because it’s all here in this remarkable vehicle.

Let us check what’s new on the 2008 Corvette’s features and specifications which I researched before I went on with my studies about Nissan engines and Nissan floor liners.

All-new LS3 6.2 L V-8 engines for Coupe and Convertible: 430 hp (321 kW)
424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm)
436 hp / 428 lb.-ft. (325 kW / 580 Nm) with new, optional dual-mode exhaust system
High-flow cylinder heads
Enhanced valvetrain High-flow intake manifold
Larger-bore block with structural enhancements
Improved manual transmission shift effort Quicker shift times on paddle-shift six-speed automatic 2.73 performance axle ratio available with six-speed paddle shift (included with Z51 package Improved steering feel)
Standard split-spoke cast aluminum wheel design for coupe and convertible versions
Available polished forged aluminum wheel design
New Keyless Access remote key fob with integrated key
Interior trim enhancements for all models, including wrapped center trim plate with Cyber pattern and new, brushed aluminum accents
Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package available for all models in exclusive, new Linen and Sienna colors
New sill plates
iPod/MP3 jack included on all sound systems except navigation
Personal Audio Link available as accessory for navigation system
OnStar and XM Satellite Radio standard on all models
Auto-dimming mirrors with compass standard on all models
Two new premium exterior colors: Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat

Jeep Concepts of 2007 SEMA

2007-05-24T23:54:00.001-07:00

I’m wondering what’s new with the Jeep® brand today. I haven’t been updated since I got busy fixing my Chevrolet pickup flywheel and Chevrolet pickup hitches. But when I heard something about Jeep yesterday, I never felt so thrilled because when September arrives, new Jeep concept vehicles will be introduced at the 2007 SEMA.

Jeep® concepts will constantly rise as one of the mighty vehicles in the planet! I’ll trade my car for one of these rides if given a chance. Anyway, our business here is all about Jeep concept vehicles and the upcoming 2007 SEMA. I know everybody’s excited even the Mopar team! They can’t wait to drop the bomb that would definitely stun us all!

First Jeep Concept - the Wrangler JT Concept! This monster is basically inspired by the latest 116-inch Wrangler Unlimited. Are you kidding me? This is absolutely radical! We are talking great power here. The power goes along with an easy-to-handle removable hardtop. Back at the Easter Jeep Safari, the Wrangler JT has gone through and climbed up from treacherous terrain and holes. JT has proven its worth as a certified off-road vehicle by showing off its capabilities as a 4x4 mean machine!

The next one is the Jeep Wrangler Ultimate Concept! This vehicle turned out to be an urbanized off-road ride which focused merely in city-type auto styling. But it still remained as a mean off-road vehicle in spite of having a different type of conception which is way off from the Jeep® brand’s direction!

All-New Mazda2 All Set for Sale in Summer 2007

2007-05-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Mazda Motor Corporation has just held a rollout ceremony for its all-new Mazda2 (known as the Demio in Japan) at its Ujina Plant No.1 (U1) near Mazda's headquarters in Hiroshima. The first car to come off the line is bound for the Japanese market, with sales due to commence in summer 2007.

Thanks to the significant weight reduction during its development, the all-new Mazda2 is roughly 100 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, placing it among the most fuel efficient vehicles in its class. Aside from that, the new Mazda2 also boasts a substantially improved safety performance, as well as upgraded Mazda performance parts.

The all-new Mazda2 European model was greeted with great acclaim at its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007 and again at its Asian debut during the Shanghai Motor Show in April.

At the roll-out ceremony Mazda's Executive Vice President, Robert J. Graziano said, "The all-new Mazda2 is the first of Mazda's new generation products to evolve to the next stage. While the current model was intended for the domestic market, the new model has been developed into a globally competitive car. I wish to congratulate you all on your hard work, which has now successfully brought us to the start of full mass production. I am convinced that the all-new Mazda2 will capture the hearts of our customers and demonstrate to drivers the world over that, 'Mazda vehicles look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again.' The new Mazda2 offers an exhilarating driving experience that is the soul of Zoom-Zoom and we will continue to build cars with the strong understanding that safety and environmental friendliness are a vital part of making cars fun-to-drive."

Along with continuing production of the all-new Mazda2 at the U1 plant, additional Mazda2 production will begin at the Ujina Plant No.2 (U2) in June 2007. Sales will commence in Japan, followed by Europe and Australia and other markets. Production of Mazda2s for the Chinese market is scheduled to start at the Changan Ford Mazda Nanjing plant by the end of 2007.

Consumers Now Switch to Small Cars

2007-05-19T01:40:00.000-07:00

Small vehicles means small fuel tank, small fuel consumption, and small fuel costs. Am I right? Of course I am. Want some proof? Then read this out.

Power Information Network (PIN), a division of J.D. Power and Associates that provides transaction information and automotive solution for consumers has already gathered their real-time retail transaction data from various dealerships all over the United States. It shows that consumers who own large trucks and SUVs are now switching to smaller vehicles as fuel gas prices continue to increase. This is because small cars consumes less fuel compared to large trucks and utes.

"We're seeing a broad, long-term but gradual movement to smaller vehicles. For example, during periods of high gas prices over the past two years, we've seen movement from larger to smaller SUVs. However, the total SUV pie remains largely intact." says Tom Libby, Senior Director of Industry Analysis at PIN.

According to the data gathered by PIN from February up to April 2007, the sales for full size pickup truck, mid size truck, and large utility vehicle segments significantly drops as the fuel prices continue to rise. In fact, owners of large trucks and utility vehicles trade for smaller vehicles or in another vehicle in the same segment. According to PIN, not all vehicle segments are affected with increasing oil prices. The demands for large and midsize cars, small crossovers, and small SUVs remain unchanged.

In addition, The consumer demands for smaller vehicles and the increasing gas prices also triggers the growth of vehicle models equipped with 4-cylinder engines.

Bob Schnorbus, Chief Economist at J.D. Power and Associates concluded: "The recent strength of the small vehicle segments - pricing, styling and an increasing number of new models - is receiving an additional boost from high gas prices. We're expecting the small vehicle segments to continue to grow, regardless of gas prices, but higher gas prices certainly will help these segments relative to others."

Well, if gas prices continue to increase in the coming months or years, maybe we wont see cars rolling in the streets… just bicycles, probably with Centerline wheels? Lol!

Mazda Highlights from 1990-2004

2007-05-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

What’s new today? If you’re going to ask me, I’m up to the old stuff right now. I mean, after a stressing study about the Nissan mud flap and Nissan oxygen sensors, I wanted to study about the oldies! And fortunately, I found something that might amuse you. I’m not going to write something here if it wasn’t trivial or informative, so you better be interested. Just kidding!

Anyway, here are some bits and pieces of colorful Mazda’s history and highlights from the year 1990 to 2004. In case you are one of the Mazda geeks, you better read this, believe me. And in case you want to learn more about Mazda history, just visit this site and you’ll be provided with the complete information. As per the following list, this one was lifted from here.

1990

Formation of Mazda Systems Services of North America, Inc. (MSS) in Flat Rock.
MRA Flat Rock expansion to include testing for local parts development.
MX-5 Miata and MPV each receive a "10Best" award from Car and Driver.
Mazda enters the U.S. sport-utility market segment with the 2-door Mazda Navajo.
MPV 4WD named "Best New Van" by Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
MX-5 Miata receives "Automobile of the Year" award from Automobile Magazine.

1991

MX-5 Miata and MPV 3.0-liter V6 each receive a Car and Driver "10Best" award.
Agreement with Ford Motor Company to develop and manufacture a new Mazda compact B-Series Truck for the North American market, starting in 1993.
Introduction of the all-new MY1992 Mazda 929 luxury sedan and MX-3 sports coupe, the first in its class offered with a 1.8-liter V6 engine, the smallest V6 in mass production.
MX-3 awarded "Best New Sports Car" by Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
One-millionth Mazda B-Series Truck sold in the U.S.
Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata to its "All-Star" list.
RX-7 wins "Best New Performance Car" by Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
Mazda’s four-rotor 787B wins Le Mans, becoming the first and only Japanese manufacturer to win this famous endurance race.

1992

Introduction of the MY1993 RX-7.
Opening of the new $9 million MRA/MSS building in Flat Rock.
MMUC becomes a joint venture between Mazda and Ford Motor Company, named AutoAlliance International, Inc. (AAI).
Assembly of the all-new 1993 Mazda MX-6, 626, and Ford Probe begins at AAI.
Completion of MANA’s Quality Research Building and the $25.6 million Woodhaven Inland Port facility in Woodhaven, Michigan.
Mazda MX-6 and 626 classified as a domestic fleet under EPA guidelines.
MX-5 Miata receives a "10Best" award from Car and Driver.
Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata to its "All-Star" list.

1993

Assembly of the one-millionth vehicle at AAI.
Introduction of Mazda’s all-new MY1994 B-Series Truck, assembled in Edison, New Jersey.
Mazda RX-7 named as a Car and Driver "10Best."
Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata to its "All-Star" list.

1994

Introduction of the 1995 Mazda Millenia, an all-new luxury sedan.
Introduction of the high-output, fuel-efficient Miller-cycle engine (in the Millenia S), the first automotive application of Miller-cycle technology.
Mazda sets sixth year of record passenger car sales in the United States.
Mazda introduces the MY1995 Protegé, featuring OptiSpace design.
Mazda RX-7 named as a Car and Driver "10Best."

1995

Mazda RX-7 receives fifth "10Best" award from Car and Driver.
Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata and Millenia to its "All-Star" list.
Millenia S named "Best New Luxury Car" by Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
Millenia S Miller-cycle engine named as one of the "Best Engines" by Ward’s Auto World.

1996

J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study rated the following among the top three vehicles per segment in initial quality: Compact Car - Mazda Protegé; Compact Pickup - Mazda B-Series; Sporty Car - Mazda MX-5 Miata; Entry Luxury Car (Under $35,000) - Mazda Millenia.
Ford Motor Company increases its equity in Mazda Motor Corporation to 33.4 percent.
Millenia S Miller-cycle engine named as one of the "Best Engines" by Ward’s Auto World.
Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata and Millenia to its "All-Star" list.

1997

MSS, MRA, MANA, and MMA consolidate operations under the new business name Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), headquartered in Irvine, California.
Millenia S Miller-cycle engine named as one of the "Best Engines" by Ward’s Auto World.
Mazda introduces its new "Winged M" brand marquee worldwide.
Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata to its "All-Star" list.

1998

Mazda redesigns the MX-5 Miata for the first time since its introduction nine years earlier, debuting the new car as a 1999 model.
The MX-5 Miata receives a Car and Driver "10Best" award.
Debut of the MY1998.5 Mazda B-Series Cab Plus 4, the first 4-door import brand truck.
Introduction of the all-new third-generation Protegé as a 1999 model. The Protegé receives Ultra Low Emission Vehicle status in California.
Millenia S Miller-cycle engine named as one of the "Best Engines" by Ward’s Auto World.
Mazda Protegé DX named "Best New Car" under $13,000 by Kiplinger’s New Cars and Trucks 1999 Buyers Guide.
Consumers Digest names the MX-5 Miata, Protegé, and B-Series Truck to its 1999 "Best Buy" list.

1999
The MX-5 Miata celebrates its 10th anniversary with a Special-Edition model and receives numerous accolades, including:

Fifth "10Best" award from Car and Driver.
Named to Consumers Digest "Best Buy" list.
"Best Convertible" in MotorWeek’s Driver’s Choice Awards.
One of Sport Compact Car’s "Eight Great Rides."
Protegé named "Best New Family Sedan (Under $25,000)" by Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
Mazda debuts MY2000 MPV.

2000

Car and Driver ranks Mazda Protegé ES "#1 Compact Sedan."
Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata to its "All-Star" list.
Tribute introduced as a 2001 model year vehicle.

2001

Mazda Motor Corporation celebrates 70th anniversary of automobile manufacturing.
Introduction of the MP3, a production-quality sport compact car.
Mazda MX-5 Miata, MPV, and Tribute named Consumers Digest "Best Buys."
Introduction of the Mazda Protegé5 as a 2002 model.
Tribute named "Best New Compact Sport Utility" and "Canadian Truck of the Year" by Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
MNAO acquires naming rights to one of the nation’s premier road racing circuits, now called Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

2002
Mazda Tribute receives several awards, including:

Automobile Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award for "Best Small Sport Utility Vehicle."
Edmunds.com Editor’s Choice Award for "Small SUV of the Year."
The MX-5 Miata named to Automobile Magazine "All-Star" list for the 12th time.
MNAO launches MAZDASPEED performance badge.
Mazda introduces turbocharged MAZDASPEED Protegé as a 2003 model.
MAZDASPEED Protegé, parts, accessories, and merchandise go on sale at Mazda’s exclusive MAZDASPEED dealers.
Mazda launches U.S. production and North American sales of 2003 MAZDA6 sports sedan.

2003

Mazda introduces 2004 RX-8 sports car. The world’s only rotary-engine sports car is first with "Freestyle" door system and room for four adults.
Mazda introduces the 2003.5 MAZDASPEED Protegé.
Mazda introduces 2004 MAZDA3 4-Door and 5-Door.
RX-8 RENESIS rotary engine wins 2003 International Engine of the Year.
MAZDA6 wins more than 60 domestic and international awards during its first year, including a Car and Driver "10Best," Automobile Magazine "All-Star," and MONEY® magazine "2003 Best Mid-Sized Sedan."

2004

Mazda introduces 2004 MAZDA6 5-Door and Sport Wagon, and 2004 MAZDASPEED MX-5 Miata.
Edmunds.com awards MAZDA3 the "Most Wanted Sedan Under $15,000."
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance awards MAZDA3 "Best New Car Under $17,000" and "Best New Sports Car" honors to the RX-8.
RX-8 receives Car and Driver "10Best" award, MONEY® magazine’s "Best Sports Car" award, and is a 2004 Automobile Magazine "All-Star"

Automobile Journalists Association of Canada awards:

2004 Canadian Car of the Year - MAZDA3
2004 Best New Economy Car - MAZDA3
2004 Best New Sports Coupe/Sedan (under $35,000) - MAZDA3 Sport
2004 Best New Sports/Performance Car - Mazda RX-8
2004 Best New Family Car - MAZDA6
Mazda RX-8 awarded 2004 Le Guide de l’Auto Car of the Year.
MAZDA6 named an Automobile Magazine "All-Star" for the second year in a row and MONEY® magazine’s "Best Family Sedan."
AutoWeek awards MAZDA3 "America’s Best Economy car."

McLaren Mercedes Teams up with BELTE

2007-05-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

BELTE, a Germany-based international company that specializes in aluminum heat treatment has recently announced that it has made a long term partnership with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 team to be the Official Supplier for Heat Treatment Solutions for the team. So this means that BELTE products will add up to the features of McLaren Mercedes MP4-22 like Mercedes Benz belts.

Markus Belte, Chief Executive Officer of BELTE said: "BELTE is very excited about joining Vodafone McLaren Mercedes - a team that demands the very best technology and engineering design. We are looking forward to contributing advanced technology to the team as well as using the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes global marketing platform to strengthen the implementation of our strategy to position BELTE as the market leader worldwide in aluminium heat treatment solutions."

Meanwhile, Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of McLaren Racing also said: "We are delighted to welcome BELTE as an Official Supplier to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Both BELTE and the team share the same core focus on innovation and engineering excellence. We are confident that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes can strongly support BELTE in its global expansion plans - this is an exciting step and we look forward to a successful future together."

Let us just wait for the next Formula 1 race this season and see if this partnership works well for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team to land its 2nd F1 victory.

2007 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE

2007-05-14T21:05:00.001-07:00

If you happen to trace the evolution of the Nissan Maxima, you’ll notice that it has totally emerged as a modified mid-size sedan. And it’s very different from the old and previous generations of the Maxima. It was first introduced in 1981! Wow! I never knew that Nissan Maxima was built before I first walked on earth. Man! That is way too old, but not as old as the beetle. I wonder if the first generations of this model are equipped with strong Nissan suspension bushings or Nissan clutch master cylinders, what do yah think?

Anyway, if you happened to get curious about this car, I have produced some of the basic information about the 2007 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE from this site. Who knows? You might be interested to buy this car!

Specifications:

Base Price: $28,050
Price: $36,015
Engine Type: aluminum alloy dual overhead cam V6 with variable valve timing
Engine Size: 3.5 liters / 214 cu. in.
Horsepower: 255 @ 6000 rpm
Torque (lb-ft): 252 @ 4400 rpm
Transmission: CVT
Wheelbase / Length: 111.2 in. / 194.4 in.
Curb Weight: 3591 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower: 14.1
Fuel Capacity: 20 gal.
Fuel Requirement: 91 octane unleaded premium gasoline
Tires: P245/45 VR18 Goodyear Eagle RS-A
Brakes, front/rear: vented disc / solid disc, ABS, EBD, BA, TCS standard
Suspension, front/rear: independent strut /independent multilink
Drivetrain: transverse front engine, front-wheel drive

Performance:

EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed: 21 / 28 / 22
0 to 60 mph: 6.6 sec

Options and how much they cost:

Splash guards, front and rear - $140
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) - includes full-size spare tire on alloy wheel - $600
Power glass sunroof (replaces SkyView roof) - $900
5-piece floor and trunk mat set - $170

Driver Preferred Package includes:

Bluetooth hands-free phone system
power folding side mirrors w/memory
driver's seat with memory and power lumbar
heated power tilt and telescope steering wheel with memory
auto entry/exit system
Xenon HID headlights, rear sonar system

Sensory Package includes:

Leather-appointed seats
4-way front passenger seat
heated front seats
exterior mirrors

Premium Audio Package includes:

Bose¨ audio system with AM/FM/CD6
8 speakers
MP3 playback capability
speed-sensitive volume control
Radio Data System

Additional charges to own the vehicle:
Navigation system: $1,800
Destination Charge: $605

GM Reveals 2008 Saab 9-3 SportCombi

2007-05-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

In the news: General Motors has just revealed the 2008 Saab 9-3 SportCombi — the wagon version of the redesigned 9-3. Specific details, engine specs, and more photos — including shots of the sedan and convertible — is set to be released in the coming days.

According to media reports the newest ride in Saab’s stable will have more than just new sheetmetal for the 2008 model year. Aside from top of the line auto body parts like the cold air intake, other changes include an upgraded sound system, Xenon cornering headlights, a more powerful 255 horsepower engine for the 9-3 Aero and the gray leather option has been replaced with a black leather option.

Pricing is expected to remain the same.

Meanwhile word is that there also are plans for a special high-performance model, called the "Black Turbo" which is said to be able to deliver 300 hp and four-wheel drive – putting Saab in at par with other uber luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes.

BMW Rules

2007-05-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

If we’re talking about engines, yes it does.

BMW has again dominated the International Engine of the Year Awards, with its new 3.0 liter inline-six twin-turbo engine from the 335i and 5.0 liter V10 from the M5 and M6 winning top honors.

BMW cleaned out more than half of the awards.

Here are the results:

Best engine
BMW 3.0L Twin-turbo (335i)

Best performance engine
BMW 5.0L V10 (M5, M6)

Best fuel economy
Toyota 1.5L Hybrid Synergy drive (Prius)

Under 1.0 liter
Toyota 1.0L (Yaris)

1.0 to 1.4 liters
Volkswagen 1.4L TSI (Golf, Jetta)

1.4 to 1.8 liters
BMW-PSA 1.6LTurbo (Mini)

1.8 to 2.0 liters
Volkswagen 2.0L Turbo (Golf, Audi A3, Audi A6)

2.0 to 2.5 liters
BMW 2.5L (325i, 525i, X3, Z4)

2.5 to 3.0 liters
BMW 3L Twin-Turbo (335i)

3.0 to 4.0 liters
Porsche 3.6L Turbo (996 Turbo)

More than 4.0 liters
BMW 5.0L V10 (M5, M6)

Well if it's a BMW part it surely must be good.

All New 2007 Jeep® Compass with Mopar’s Rallye Package Body Kit

2007-05-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the brand new design of Jeep® Compass? I mean the radical rallye package? Man! It’s the coolest model I’ve ever seen from Jeep® brand so far!

Jeep never runs out of fascinating surprises and honestly, I really want to own one of these Compasses! Jeep parts are totally cool! It may look simple, but when you try to analyze the general aspects of the car, you will be amazed! Really amazed.

The new rallye package rally body kit is courtesy of Mopar. This company is famous for making one great car into the greatest car you could ever imagine. Mopar is the first equipment parts manufacturer of the Chrysler Group. I salute Mopar for molding the 2007 Jeep® Compass into a tough rallye car with a striking design that will make you fall in love with it! Just like what it did to me!

“The Rallye Package from Mopar enhances the sleek, sophisticated and expressive styling and appearance of the Jeep Compass,” said John Plecha, Director - Jeep Marketing and Global Communications. “It embellishes its modern Jeep appeal and gives the Compass a character all its own.”

The Jeep Compass Rallye Package with variants of colors to choose from - Black, Silver, Inferno Red, Jeep Green and Steel Blue. Aside from that, the vehicle has features which include:

Unique 18-inch x 7-inch black-painted aluminum wheels with machined edges and chrome center caps
Roof-mounted rear spoiler that adds performance-oriented styling
Auxiliary driving lights with covers that feature the Jeep logo
Bright exhaust tips that reinforce the Compass’ forceful personality
Chrome Rallye badge
Mopar body kit featuring front and rear fascia overlay appliqués, lower honeycomb front fascia grille and side sill lower panels and door appliqués

Pricing and sales for the vehicle:

The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Jeep Compass Rallye Package is $1,985 (Sport) and $1,850 (Limited).
Limited production began in April for the United States and international markets. Pre-orders are being taken now.

The Good And The Bad News About New 2007 Mini Cooper S

2007-05-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

I have a good news and bad news about the latest and freshest 2007 Mini Cooper S. Which do you want to hear first? You choose.

Okay for you to not get disappointed with the whole issue, I’ll bring to you the bad news first. Of course, MINI doesn’t want to have a bad reputation when it comes to quality which is why they give the mentioned new car the best MINI parts they have.

The bad news is actually quite not a bad news at all. A little tolerable may I say. Actually we can’t find any unlikable feature of the new MINI Cooper but the single CD player alone. The 6 disc changer is not a factory installed car part but an option for consumers. Anyway you can still play your favorite CD using the player attached to the dashboard.

The good news is that the new 2007 Mini Cooper S brings out a new engine part even cleaner and economical than the previous one. I was actually surprised upon knowing that the new Cooper is on an automatic transmission plus the stereo system installed in the car delivers quality sounds. Of course, who would not love the way it looks?

This only proves that good looking cars can be a great car as well. This can be the most fun car for the year 2007. That I sincerely believe.

Nine Model Trims for the Renault Clio

2007-05-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

The French automaker Renault adds up nine new model variants for its Clio supermini hatchback that is already available in the UK market. These mode trims for the Renault Clio include Freeway, Extreme, TomTom, Expression, Rip Curl, Dynamique, Dynamique SX and Dynamique S 138. Most of these model trims are equipped with Renault's 1.2 Turbo 100 TCE (Turbo Control Efficiency) engine under the hood.

Topping the model trim range for the Renault Clio is the TomTom Edition. The three-door Clio model features TomTom ONE GB portable satellite navigation system, which is the world’s best-selling portable satellite navigation device, according to the French automaker. Other highlights of the Clio TomTom include leather steering wheel, leather gearknob, satin chrome exterior and interior door handles, blue centre console with blue dashboard inserts, satin chrome dial surrounds, and TomTom badging on the interior and exterior. Optional features include MP3 compatible CD player with four speakers and two tweeters along with a fingertip remote control. The Clio TomTom carries a base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of 9,260 British Pounds for the model with 1.2 16V 75 engine, and 10,230 Pounds for the model with dCi engine.

Meanwhile, the Clio Dynamique SX features sports kit that is composed of front, rear and side skirts and body-coloured rear spoiler. The Dynamique SX is based on the top-selling Clio Dynamique. The base MSRP for the Renault Clio Dynamique SX is 11,440 Pounds, and 13,480 for the Clio Dynamique SX equipped with six speed gearbox.

Here are the other MSRP for Renault Clio model trims equipped with the 1.2 Turbo 100 TCE engine. All prices are in British Pounds, unless noted.

Expression 1.2 Turbo 100 TCE Three-door - 10,525 ($21,063 USD)
Dynamique1.2 Turbo 100 TCE Three-door - 10,825 ($21,664 USD)
Dynamique S 1.2 Turbo 100 TCE Three-door - 11,175 ($22,364 USD)
Dynamique SX 1.2 Turbo 100 TCE Three-door - 11,440 ($22,894 USD)
Expression 1.2 Turbo 100 TCE Five-door - 11,195 ($22,404 USD)
Dynamique 1.2 Turbo 100 TCE Five-door - 11,495 ($23,004 USD)
Privilége 1.2 Turbo 100 TCE Five-door - 12,445 ($24,906 USD)

Ford and Shelby Reviving the Super Snake Moniker

2007-05-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

Shelby Automobiles, in conjunction with Ford Racing team announced that they are bringing back the "Super Snake" badge that will be installed on the Ford Mustang GT500. Ford Racing and Team Shelby will use the new Ford Racing GT500 performance package to create the Super Snake. Both teams will develop new suspension and chassis parts (like Eibach Pro Kit) to give the Super Snake an impressive driving handling and dynamics. Ford Racing and Team Shelby will also tweak the V8 engine to make it produce 600 up to 725 horses.

Carroll Shelby said: "My team at Shelby Automobiles is always working on new ways to build better performing cars. I told them that I wanted to build a vehicle that could blow the doors off of most anything on the planet. By partnering with Ford Racing, we’re giving enthusiasts a Mustang with that level of performance."

Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles added: "The name 'Super Snake' is legendary because the one that Shelby built was the pinnacle of muscle cars in 1967. We’re bringing that concept forward 40 years for customers who own a Ford Shelby GT500. We’ll give their car amazing new capabilities."

The Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake package will roll out later this year with features including:

* Ford Racing Supercharger upgrade kit (SuperPack 600) producing over 600 horsepower and 590 ft.-lbs. of torque
* 6-speed manual transmission with 3.73:1 rear axle ratio
* Ford Racing performance exhaust system
* Ford Racing Handling Pack offering unique performance suspension tuning including Dynamic adjustable dampers, lowering springs, tuned stabilizer bars, and front strut tower brace
* Shelby-designed Alcoa 20-inch wheels
* Ford Racing short-throw shifter
* Baer 6 piston brakes with Shelby cast calipers and larger rotors
* Front brake cooling ducts
* Unique carbon composite hood featuring classic Shelby design
* ‘Shelby’ lettering across the front edge of hood and rear decklid
* 'Super Snake' vehicle badging
* Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests and floor mats, and other Shelby designed components
* Official Shelby CSM dash plate

"Mustang enthusiasts are demanding more from both Ford Racing and Shelby Autos. The GT500 Super Snake package, with its higher horsepower levels and balanced track-inspired tuning, satisfies those demands and then some … in a uniquely Ford – Shelby way." said Jamie Allison, Manager of Ford Racing Performance Group.

The Infiniti EX: Seductive and Irresistible Concept

2007-04-27T23:39:00.000-07:00

Oh my! Have you seen the cars at the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS)? I think I’ve been served with the best cars today!

The appearance of the all cars still lingers in my brain which any moment could explode of too much dosage of automobiles. Whew! All cars have different characteristics - some are tough-looking, cute, futuristic, is the “bad boy” type, sophisticated, sporty, etc. But what interests me is the car that magnetizes my eyes and my body - a car that will surely knock you off your feet.

And I found it! I am definitely in-love with the Infiniti EX Concept! At the NY Auto Show, it was like I am being seduced by a lovely woman and I can’t take my eyes off the Infiniti X concept. It obviously flaunts elegance in interior and advanced top-of-the-line technology systems! Oh yes, the awesome feature combination is also equipped with an awesome Around View Monitor or AVM and LDP which are the Lane Departure Prevention systems. My knees are starting to shake, see that?

Mark Igo, the Vice President and the General Manager of the Nissan North America, Infiniti Division Inc. have given his insights and gave a broad description of the Infiniti EX: “The Infiniti FX, M and most recently the new 2008 G Coupe, can all trace their evolution from show stoppers to Infiniti showrooms in a short period of time. With this stunning EX Concept, we’re pleased to announce that along with the basic exterior and interior designs, the production Infiniti EX will include much of the EX Concept’s innovative technology, including the Around View Monitor and Lane Departure Prevention. The EX Concept is the perfect fusion of a luxury coupe and a high-utility SUV, Its ‘right-sized’ packaging gives it excellent around town maneuverability, while the wide rear hatch and low load floor make it a versatile performer for everyday and weekend use.”

Do you want to imagine how beautiful the Infiniti EX is? Stay focused and listen to me as we check on the Infiniti parts. I’m getting so energized about this one so you better bear with me and forgive me as well. Nevertheless, as a coupe type model, the Infiniti EX Concept is an inspired model is patterned with beauty and sophistication. The concept shows the luxury and comfort of a coupe in an SUV model that you can achieve - with splendid seating heights and a roomy luggage space.

This time, I will introduce you to the sexy and seductive Infiniti EX Concept, try to check it out. But I’m warning you, it’ll seduce you to death! Don’t tell me that I didn’t warn you, okay?

Body

A fusion of coupe and sport utility vehicle, designed for personal use with an emphasis on user friendliness and ease of driving operation

All-in-one sash-style side door mirrors with integrated LED turn signals

Electric outside door handles with push switches

High-mounted rear hatchback spoiler

Infiniti signature double-arch grille and dynamic arch profile

Infiniti signature L-shaped headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), and integrated fog lights

Thin, elegant LED taillights

Unique liquid crystal glass roof panel that can change from transparent to translucent

Engine, Driveline and Platform

19-inch 7-spoke aluminium-alloy wheels with 245/55R19 tires

4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

4-wheel independent multi-link suspension

4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes

Infiniti FM platform, front-engine/all-wheel drive

Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking

V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission

Interior Features

Aluminium-alloy door-side finishers and speaker finish

Aluminium-alloy rear cargo area finisher with integrated luggage rails

Driver-oriented, leather-appointed interior with luxurious passenger space

Electric soft-touch shifter system, designed for an artistic, jewel-like appearance

High contrast instrumentation with aluminium-alloy bezel surround

Infiniti signature “double-wave” instrument panel and Infiniti-signature analogue clock

Innovative AVM system with front, side and rear-mounted cameras to *help reduce the blind spots when parking

Large-sized, high-touch leather-appointed centre console

Liquid crystal glass sunroof with touch sensor system control

Oversize front and rear seat headrests with indirect lighting

Special ambient mood lighting throughout the cabin

Safety

Innovative LDP system, using a small camera mounted behind the windscreen and an advanced microprocessing unit, utilizes the VDC system to help assist the driver in maintaining lane position if the vehicle inadvertently starts to drift out of the lane.

Traffic Tips for Overseas Travelers

2007-04-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that road accidents are the number one cause of death of Americans traveling outside the United States? Believe it or not, it is true.

According to the Make Roads Safe, a group of individuals who encourages people about the awareness of road safety said that traffic accidents causes more fatalities that other factors such as homicide or other accidents. This data is revealed on Make Roads Safe's report entitled “Road Crash Deaths of American Travelers: The Make Roads Safe Report; An Analysis of U.S. State Department Data on Unnatural Causes of Death to U.S. Citizens Abroad (2004-2006)”.

According to Dr. Bella Dinh-Zarr, North American Director of Make Roads Safe and author of the new report: "When we travel, we protect ourselves with vaccines and we’re careful about what we eat and drink, but the real hidden danger is being killed on the road."

Dinh-Zarr added: "The death of Americans on roads overseas is just one symptom of the road crash epidemic around the world,” added Dinh-Zarr. “This is a public health, transportation, and human rights issue. And we’re not just talking about numbers – each death and injury has a devastating effect on a family so we need to act now or millions will suffer."

Make Roads Safe has also provided some significant tips to help protect Americans travelers (all travelers actually) on the road.

1. Plan Ahead – Know your route and method of transportation ahead of time.

2. Don’t Travel at Night – Low visibility and differing driving customs (like lack of headlight use) greatly increase your risk of a crash.

3. Use Mass Transportation – Mass Transportation, especially trains and subways is generally safer than driving yourself in an unfamiliar environment;

4. Pay Attention to Traffic Patterns and Local Customs – Watch the local residents, especially as a pedestrian and at intersections and know the laws and customs before your trip, and

5. Follow the same safety rules you follow at home – Always wear your safety belt, never drink and drink and do not speed.

So for your next trip, follow these important tips from Make Roads Safe to protect your auto body parts, and yourself.

VW says we can’t have the Scirocco, unveils VW-LG digital media player instead

2007-04-25T01:48:00.000-07:00

Scirocco fans are currently howling in protest as reports say that German automaker won’t be bringing its Scirocco hatchback in the United States, despite the popularity of the original coupe in America.

The Leftlane News, quoting Adrian Hallmark, executive vice president of Volkswagen of America says that VW “isn't willing to risk cannibalizing sales of the GTI”.

Apparently Hallmark told Automotive News that "It is economically suicidal for us to risk the sales volume and the potential for GTI. We don't want it."

The Scirocco will have the same Volkswagen parts like the engine, chassis, and suspension as the GTI. It will be based closely on the Iroc Concept and its exterior car parts, which debuted in August 2006.

So while Scirocco fans howl in protest, Volkswagen proceeds to another interesting project: a digital media player of its own.

Autoblog is reporting that Volkswagen has teamed up with LG to produce a special MP3 player designed and branded as the Beetle of personal music devices.

Instead of just putting a “Vee-Dub” logo on any old contraption, LG designed a fresh product for Volkswagen.

The player sports an aluminum body and comes in three of the same colors as the VW Beetle: salsa red, shadow blue and sunflower yellow, according to Judy Pae, a spokeswoman for LG in South Korea.

The design of the player's user interface was obviously inspired by the car, and the device also sports a small VW badge on the front panel and a new Beetle logo on the back. The inspiration however doesn't extend to the shape of the player, which looks like other MP3 players on the market.

The media player a 2.4-inch color LCD screen and can play MPEG-4, Windows Media Video 9, MP3, Windows Media Audio and Ogg-format files.

There are two embedded flash games, and they will be available in 2GB and 4GB versions. LG said the battery will provide about 20 hours of music playback and enough time to watch about three hours of video.

Though the player was unveiled at this week's Seoul Motor Show, plans for its commercial launch are yet to be announced.