Car Fanatics

Five Cheap, Fuel-Sipping Nissans We Can’t Get in the States: Test Drive

2008-06-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

LISBON, Portugal — In this scary spring of $4/gallon gas back home, we really wish that the handful of tiny, oddball econoboxes we just spent two days driving here would make it to dealers in the United States. Sadly, they probably won’t see American soil—at least for a while. Why not? Well, as efficient as some of these smaller Nissans may be, they don’t meet our exacting crash-test safety standards. But that may change when these vehicles, depending on each model’s life cycle, get a fresh redesign. With ballooning prices at the pump leading to a 40-percent-plus sales increase last month for cars like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, every manufacturer is rushing to get more fuel sippers into its lineup. And while it appears that for every breakthrough Nissan Cube, there’s too many mpg-friendly subcompacts not making it to the States, here’s some good news: Motohiro Matsumura, president of Nissan’s North American Technical Center, told us that Nissan (in a co-venture with NEC) will produce its first all-electric vehicle for U.S. buyers by 2010. Until we see the EV—and we’re still waiting on a lot of plug-in car tech—here are a few examples of how Nissan tackles rising fuel prices with global design sensibility and new internal-combustion technology. —Basem Wasef

Nissan Micra 50 mpg
Nissan moved 85,642 units of its European best seller last year, and for good reason: The Micra’s bubbly styling, compact proportions and spacious interior make it a likable workhorse. Not only is its B-platform the first to be shared across vehicles under the Renault-Nissan banner, its success has spawned iterations like the 110-hp 160 SR and the C+C convertible. For the ultimate in fuel economy, look no further than the Micra’s diesel iteration. Powered by a turbocharged 1.5 liter 2-cylinder that features direct injection and an intercooler, this pint-sized engine produces 86 hp and an impressive 148 lb.-ft. of torque at only 1900 rpm. Though its powerband is narrow and acceleration is nothing to write home about, our time with this stick shift-only diesel shed some light on why the Micra’s package is so appealing—its well-sorted chassis belies its approachable appearance. And besides, all those Europeans can’t be wrong, can they?

Nissan Otti 44.7 mpg
It looks like a one-third-scale minivan and drives like a pedal car, but the Otti won us over with its surprisingly roomy interior, well-designed dashboard and endearing personality. Forget about those stereotypically under-equipped econoboxes—this mini minivan features a four-speed automatic transmission, power windows and a power sliding rear cargo door. Though the cabin is narrow enough for you to easily stretch both hands out each front window, the rear seats fold flat for impressive cargo space. No wonder over 39,000 of these were sold in Japan last year. Driving the 1873-pound Otti will take some getting used to if you like any reasonable amount of oomph; its engine displaces a mere 0.66 liters and produce only 50 hp at 6500 rpm. Hold the pedal to the floor, and this tiny three-cylinder will wheeze itself to frustration before the tranny upshifts. But if you can live with that relatively anemic performance, it’s hard not to enjoy its strangely tall and narrow proportions with all that Lilliputian charm.

Nissan Pino 44.7 mpg
Powered by the same 0.66 liter 3-cylinder as the Otti, this little guy has slightly more conventional proportions, thanks to its shorter overall height. Versa-esque headlamps and an egg crate-style grille give the front end some distinction, and its interior is clad with soft-touch upholstery that vaguely resembles certain Louis Vuitton patterns. Who says you can’t have a hint of fashion with your minicar? The Pino tips the scales at a puny 1697 pounds, making it a tad more exciting in the acceleration department—and the motorcycle-like exhaust note doesn’t hurt, either. While it lacks the Otti’s functionality, the Pino’s more luxurious interior makes it a plusher ride for low-consumption commuting.

Nissan Mocco 49.4 mpg
Based on the same Suzuki-sourced platform used in the Otti and Pino, the Bug-eyed Moco dwarfs its tiny wheels with sheetmetal that looks either stylish or wonky, depending on your sensibilities. Its 54-hp 3-cylinder might make you miss the days of cheap fuel and thirsty V8s, but features like underseat storage, folding seats and an airy cabin give the Moco plenty of personality.

Nissan Note 33.6 mpg (petrol), 46 mpg (diesel)
Nissan sold 91,547 Notes in Europe last year, and that sales success can be attributed to its well-finished interior, respectable fuel economy and clever cargo storage compartments. The Note’s 1.5 liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel produces 103 hp at 4000 rpm, with 177 lb.-ft. of torque at only 2000 rpm, all while hitting nearly 50 mpg.

Our time behind the Note’s thick-rimmed wheel passed quickly: Its sporty cabin and top-stitched leather could have easily been confused with a Honda or Toyota, and beefy low-end torque made off-the-line launches entertaining. Because of (or in spite of) its more conventional styling, we could easily see the Note making friends with our oil-starved American roads.

Hybrid Technologies Building 220+ MPG Supercar With 'Wild' Horsepower: Exclusive First Look

2008-06-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

As if the Silicon Valley sportscar darlings at Tesla didn’t have enough competition from the startup pal it just sued and the company that built the world’s cheapest ride, now EV gurus lurking in the hills of North Carolina are well into R&D on a new green supercar.

Is your mouth not watering over the concept designs pictured above? Well, how do two versions of it sound—a gas-electric hybrid entrant for the Automotive X Prize, and an all-electric for (almost) the rest of us? Yeah, we thought so. Best part: A drivable prototype should be ready by September.

Mooresville, N.C.-based Hybrid Technologies offered PM first-look video test drives last year of its electric roadster, Mini Cooper and motorcycle—and the company’s impressive li-ion-powered sedan’s drivetrain led us to vote them an early favorite to win the AXP. Full-scale production, however, has always been the holdup for Hybrid Tech breaking out into Tesla territory. With its still unnamed X Prize entry, however, comes a larger plan to conquer the fuel-efficient market for supercars. And if the exclusive early specs and sketches that we got our hands on serve as any indication, Fisker’s Karma isn’t the new cool kid on the block anymore.

“We’re looking for this car basically to end up mainstream—not just built for a one-and-done,” says project development engineer Ron Cerven. “The X Prize car is going to be the purchasable—obviously a higher-end car, but there might be something else from us in the X Prize.”

Other than to say they wouldn’t necessarily be in the “alternative” class, Cerven declined to comment on any other AXP ideas from Hybrid. But he said this high-end exotic hybrid would retain regenerative breaking, as well as movable aero parts to alter the vehicle’s downforce and drag. Citing an “overwhelming” lack of comfort in today’s supercars, Cerven stressed that design would center around the passenger and drivetrain.

But power under the hood will have to trump a cushy ride: Hybrid Technologies is aiming for a 150- to 180-mi. range per charge from the all-electric model, while the lithium-ion-meets-gas hybrid needs to hit 220 mpg—minimum. And that’s not to mention performance. When we asked Cerven if Hybrid Technologies could hit ZR1-level horsepower equivalent numbers in the mid-600s, he laughed, vaguely adding that we were “way out of the ballpark—it’s gonna be wild.”

Along with nearly every other big-time player in the race for production plug-in cars, Hybrid is gunning for that magic market timetable of late 2009 to the first half of 2010. But suffice it to say, we want a test drive. —Matt Sullivan

5 New Tech Trends From Benz to Move Beyond the Fuel Crunch

2008-06-12T18:37:00.000-07:00

SEVILLE, Spain — Talk about timing: Mere days before this city was virtually shut down by truckers protesting a rise in diesel prices, Mercedes-Benz showcased an impressive array of green technologies here late last week. While the company's breakthrough DiesOtto concept (pictured above and at left) was the star of tech day, Benz will go a long way as a manufacturer of luxury cars—many of them heavy and extremely powerful—toward addressing environmental concerns and long-term global fuel-efficiency requirements with this latest suite of innovation. —Barry Winfield

More Efficient Packaging. First on the list is the BlueEfficiency package, which Mercedes will apply to the entire range of its models. A combination of reduced weight, smaller engine size (optimized for comparable power by the use of turbocharging), reduced rolling resistance and improved energy management results in substantial fuel savings and reduced emissions.

Smarter, Road-Ready Hybrids. Vehicles labeled BlueHybrid will reach the U.S. next year in the form of the ML450 SUV and S400 luxury sedan, the latter said to be the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class. The ML450 will be capable of brief electric-only operation. Like other hybrids on the market, the hybrid technology employs a coaxial electric motor to assist the gasoline engine, and features the familiar stop/restart feature that will shut down the engine in traffic.

Non-Hybrid Stop 'n' Go Tech. In an unusual move, Mercedes has fitted the stop/start system on nonhybrid European models to further improve operating efficiencies. Gains of up to 9 percent are believed possible with this system. The technology requires fitting a larger electric starter motor to provide the necessary fast starts in city stop-and-go conditions.

Fuel-Sipping Diesel Hybrids. Bluetec Hybrid, as the name suggests, describes diesel-hybrid powertrains like that featured in the company’s Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid concept vehicle. The diesel/electric drive assembly has a combined power output of 224 hp and a combined torque of 413 lb.-ft., yet provides fuel consumption figures around 40 mpg.

DiesOtto Concept. Like every manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz is working on experimental electric and fuel-cell vehicles, too. But the big deal, as far as advanced internal combustion goes, is the DiesOtto sparkless gasoline concept. The idea, as project engineer Günter Karl cheerfully admits, is based on an auto-ignition two-stroke engine produced by Honda over 10 years ago. But DiesOtto has been refined for conventional four-stroke operation.

The principle behind sparkless ignition is that gasoline/air mixtures will spontaneously combust—like diesel— at the right temperature and pressure. We’re not talking preignition (or detonation, as it is also known) here. That’s an instantaneous explosion of the mixture and is very damaging to engine parts. Most people are familiar with that syndrome, having heard engines “ping” under load or run on after being shut off.The beauty of controlled auto ignition is its lower burn temperature, which results in lower NOx emissions. Nitrogen oxides help produce photochemical smog when in the presence of atmospheric hydrocarbons, so it’s important to reduce them as much as possible. The auto-ignition process also produces uniform burning within a perfectly homogeneous fuel-and-air mixture, resulting in fairly complete combustion.

And, helpfully, it burns comparatively lean mixtures. Karl says the DiesOtto engine in the F700 design-study vehicle operates at a 23:1 air-to-fuel mixture, compared to the 14.7:1 stoichiometric ratio used in conventional fuel-injected, catalyst-controlled, spark-ignition gas engines.Sounds great, but making an engine run sparklessly is no mean feat. It requires a warm fuel charge, achieved here—as in the pioneering Honda motorcycle engine—by recirculating specific amounts of hot exhaust gas. To reduce the dependence purely on EGR, Mercedes opted to increase the compression ratio on demand, and has come up with a variable-crankshaft-position mechanism to dynamically alter the relationship of the piston to the cylinder head. That task is as technically challenging as it sounds, and Mercedes is not yet revealing exactly how it’s done on the DiesOtto engine.

Algae Startups Confront Promise of Miracle Fuel With Big Summer

2008-06-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

The fluorescent green mantle of biofuel savior has come to rest upon algae—slimily, sure, but for good reason. Algae grows in fresh water or salt water or sewage, rather than competing with food crops for land or resources. And algae actually sucks out the pollution from coal-fired power plants, with a theoretical yield of oil per acre that's hundreds of times greater than, say, corn.

But after all the hype—and there's been plenty of it—the fact remains that nobody has yet proven they can cheaply and reliably transform the stuff from a thick, green slurry to a finished fuel capable of making a dent in America's 870 million–gallon-per-day petroleum habit.

"I get a lot of people telling me that they've got thousands of gallons, but when I actually ask for a sample I can get maybe two," says Jennifer Holmgren, director of the UOP renewable energy and chemicals division, which is working to refine jet fuel from feedstocks that include algae.

"Google some of the numbers, and you've got people claiming that right now they're producing 35,000 gallons per acre per year, and they'll be producing 100,000 gallons—and that's just impossible," says Solix Biofuels lead scientist Bryan Wilson, a veritable grandfather with two successful years in the fledgling algae industry. "There's probably not more than a few barrels floating around right now."

Two years ago, there were less than a handful of companies chasing the next wave of so-called "pond scum" power. Today, there are dozens, many backed by big energy industry players such as Chevron and Shell. Last year, DARPA granted UOP $6.7 million to study how "second-generation" feedstocks, or nonfood crops, could turn into JP-8 jet fuel for U.S. Air Force and NATO fighters. Just this month, Airbus and JetBlue announced goals to replace 30 percent of jet fuel with second-gen biofuels by 2030. Air New Zealand and Dutch airline KLM have similar plans in the works.

All that's missing, for now, is all that oil they need to refine.

"It's frustrating for the outside world, but we've been learning how to do agriculture for about 5000 years, and we've been learning how to make oil from algae now for only a couple of years. So there's a lot of learning, and the curve is pretty steep," Wilson says. "This is probably going to be the first summer that you're getting anything more than just test tubes of oil produced."

This is algae's second coming. The first attempt, run by the U.S. government in the wake of the last oil crisis, was killed in 1996 by the Clinton administration while oil hovered around $20 per barrel. But even now, with record-high petroleum prices, algae stands in no position to compete, and hurdles remain at every stage of production.

Just choosing which kind of algae to start with is a herculean task. There are well over 100,000 species, each adapted to grow in different environments at different rates, and each capable of producing different amounts of oil—or none at all. The government collected more than 3000 different strains from all over the world in the 1980s, 300 of which were deemed promising. Today, many algal strains have been engineered into genetically modified superplants—the secret formulas of biofuel startups—but there is, as yet, no proven winner. Not to mention, there remains the small matter of how to make the algae flourish, how to cheaply dry several million gallons of subsequent slush, and how to get the oil out of minuscule cell walls and into the metaphorical barrel.

"It's not as easy as running a combine through a field of canola to get the seeds and crush them," says Michael Weaver, CEO of the Washington biofuels company Bionavitas. "For anybody who thinks that we can go from ‘Hey, let's look at algae,' to full-on fuel production in the period of the past three to five years, it's just never going to happen that way."

A number of pilot plants scheduled to come online in the next several months will likely give the most accurate glimpse of algae's future: how much oil it can produce, how soon and whether it will live up to its promise. GreenFuel, one of the oldest names in algae, already operates a pilot plant in Arizona, where it houses algae in large, clear plastic bags. Solix will break ground this summer on a new plant in Colorado, growing algae in what are essentially 325-ft.-long, 1.5-ft.-high freezer pops, suspended vertically in shallow pools; a smaller array, with eight 65-ft.-long bioreactors, has entered production in recent weeks. HR BioPetroleum, which signed a deal with Shell last year to produce biodiesel from algae, is currently building a pilot plant in Hawaii using a "hybrid system"—growth begins in long, clear, horizontal tubes before being dumped into open ponds to multiply further. Blitzing the ponds with algae for a short time has the advantage of rendering species invasion a nonissue, the company says.

"The jury is out on all of them—nobody has fully demonstrated that their system is going to be affordable and scalable, and be robust in terms of operations and maintenance and the ability to produce a large amount of oil routinely," says Ron Pate, a researcher at Sandia National Laboratories who evaluated algal oil in conjunction with DARPA's jet fuel project last year. "There are a lot of naysayers out there, and that's fine. It's good to be skeptical. But at the same time, I think there's enough promise with algae that it needs to be given a better shot than what's been done in the past."

How to Monitor Your Fuel Economy in Real Time on the Road

2008-06-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

On the road, most drivers just read the trip odometer and divide by the amount of gas they purchase. Simple enough, eh? Sure is, but that doesn't account for differences in the driving cycle during each individual tankful. And that can vary an enormous amount. Of course, over a few tankfuls, the variances will average out, right? Not exactly. Your vehicle will get poorer fuel economy during the winter. That's because of the increased electrical use for lights, wipers, heat and longer warmups—not to mention the extra drag caused by moving snow and slush out of the way of the tires. Spring and fall are good, but A/C use can certainly cause a mileage hit during the hot summer months.

In the back-and-forth my weekly repair Q&A, one reader described to me his supposedly foolproof method for checking mileage—and subsequently the accuracy of his gas-saver gadget. It goes like this: He drove a delivery van on the exact same route twice a day. So he topped off the tank one morning, and drove the route like he normally does. He then installed a pretty pricey magnet (over $100) on the fuel line during his lunch hour, topped off the tank and drove the route again that afternoon. His mileage increased 12 percent, thereby proving his gadget worked. Right?

Well, even this sharp reader failed to account for the fact that in the cool morning temperatures, his fuel tank was also cooler and denser. It took a certain amount of fuel to fill the tank from the day before. And as he drove his route, the fuel heated up and expanded, largely because fuel pumps work continuously. Even then, only the excess fuel (heated up as it passes through the engine compartment) is returned to the tank. Consequently, it took a smaller amount of fuel to fill his tank. So he made the afternoon run with a warmer tank ... which he didn't refill until the next morning when the tank was cool. That cooler fuel had shrunk, making it appear that he had used less.

At my suggestion, our dear reader repeated the cycle with the magnet installed only during the afternoon runs. His results, it turned out, were very different. I had a feeling they would be.

But there's a whole lot more going on here. I'd argue that the mere expectation of increased mileage will actually make your mileage increase. I've seen it happen a thousand times: If you know the fuel economy and a gas-saving gadget are under scrutiny, you'll accelerate smoother—and probably drive a bit slower, too. I call it “voodoo mileage.” To find accurate results, a driver must remain ignorant not only to how much fuel is being consumed, but also to the entire experiment. It would have to be a true double-blind study.

Here at PM, we report fuel economy numbers on our long-term fleet by averaging the economy over a period of some months, and from a number of our staff's driving experiences. When we do a comparison test, we'll drive all of the vehicles on the same day, at the same time, at the same pace, on a several-hundred-mile loop. We even swap drivers every half-hour to equalize driving styles.

There are some tech tricks you can use to help monitor your fuel economy as you drive. I'm fooling around with a couple of devices right now. I just installed a Scangauge on my motorcycle. This $180 device plugs into the On Board Diagnostic System (OBD II) port under the dash of virtually any post-1996 car or light truck. It operates as a scan tool (much more on that here), so it gives me trouble codes and streaming data, but it also works as an electronic gauge cluster and trip computer. I can track battery voltage, coolant temp and sundry while tooling down the interstate. But one feature is invaluable: the instantaneous fuel economy readout. It gets fuel quantity data from the injection timing—the longer the injectors are open, the more fuel they squirt. It's amazingly accurate, too.

And I've just started tinkering with another gadget with some similar features: the CAMP2 from HKS. It's a scan tool/gauge package/trip computer like the Scangauge, but it uses either the car's internal dashboard display or an aftermarket TV screen of any sort. It's intended to be professionally installed, but I've made a portable enclosure that I can suction-cup to the windscreen with RAM mounts. Unlike the Scangauge, the CAMP 2 has a graphic display that can be configured to reflect a dizzying number of parameters available from the vehicle's OBD II system. Input the car's weight, and you can even get an instantaneous horsepower indication. You can look at raw numbers, or at a simple analog-style gauge with a moving needle. But my favorite is the display that gives you something looking more like an oscilloscope trace, showing you what any given engine parameter is for the last few seconds or minutes—including rewind capability, so you can review after you've pulled over to a safe place.

Turning Algae Into Gasoline

2008-06-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of algae that can be refined and used as a form of fuel? Good news for all of us. The Start-up Sapphire dug answers that the plant-like organism’s usage will be practical for public in starting up the car engines.
Sapphire has proclaimed that the “green crude” chemically derived from algae is a liquid fuel identical to gasoline properties but not dependent either from a food source or land for agriculture. The company assures it would be “carbon neutral” which generally have no effects in global warming. Despite the fact vehicles that use fuel will give out carbon, producing green crude involves getting carbon dioxide back from the sky as it will put back in.

The main office of Sapphire in San Diego mentions to make its fuel converted from algae, salt water, carbon dioxide and light rays of the sun. According to CEO Jason Pyle, the use of this method whether it will work or not is not yet certain but the company pointed out since May of 2007 is able to create 91 octane gasolines and still under further studies at company’s industrial plant.

Pyle, interviewed by Forbes.com, said, "we created a process that relies on photosynthesis. It absorbs CO2 to produce a carbon molecule." He has been involved in other research and has knowledge about biotechnology, engineering and physics. He also mentioned “we believe we’re setting the benchmark for an entire new industry.”

There are other alternative fuel companies like Solazyme of South San Francisco in California, are using algae to manufacture biodiesel. Biodiesel like ethanol cannot be transported in existing pipelines because it draws water. Other disadvantage of both ethanol and biodiesel is having lower energy concentration than conventional gasoline and diesel fuels. Pyle emphasized their company’s crude has the same energy concentration like gasoline which can also be transported in existing pipelines and the method of creation is the same with gasoline and diesel. Amyris Biotechnologies of Emeryville in California made a public statement with regards to in creating a diesel fuel chemically identical to conventional gasoline, jet fuel and diesel. They will create a diesel fuel in Brazil derived from sugarcane, with a tentative date of production in 2010.

However, the Sapphire’s technology can surpass what Amyris attained, because green crude is not reliant on a food source as its fuel. Pyle noted, “agricultural land is of limited supply. We have a huge amount of land that is completely non-agricultural that we can use, desert land,” The CEO aspire to create 10,000 barrels a day in their refineries on desert that may be located in southwestern and southern US.

Granted with $50 million from companies like ARCH Venture Partners and Venrock including Wellcome Trust of the UK, the Sapphire has been working on something in Oklahoma but not yet reveal where the first building will be put. The company estimated that it will be in operations in three years time.

Sapphire has gained help form US Dept. of Energy’s Joint Genome; the University of California, San Diego; the Scripps Research Institute; and the University of Tulsa. Robert Nelsen, managing director at ARCH Venture Partners said, "almost every other [alternative fuel company] out there is a refiner…they are taking something and refining it. We are producing something."

For the past several years, Nelsen and Pyle considered that even though there are presence of biodiesel as an alternative, it still cannot affect more than a percent of the conventional fuel they consume every year in the US. Nelsen said, "when we started this company, we wanted to create a whole new category that didn't have a set of constraints preventing it from growing to a large scale. We're not against Amyris or any of these companies ... they will see success in their niches." He added, "we wanted to find something that you could scale infinitely."

ARCH and Sapphire are aiming to change the percentage of how their green crude supplies the whole world annually, they are hoping for a more than 1% change affecting the traditional gasoline. Nelsen said, “we've talked to people in the oil industry who've said, 'This is the first thing I've seen that can change the game,'". He also pointed out about bringing their new innovation to the whole new level.

Street Racing Cars

2008-06-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

The first thing came up to my mind this evening as I hear nothing but the gust of the wind outside is the cool breeze on the street where racers gather up. The strong blows of the wind remind me of the sound made by cars on the large alley where sweat-dripping and nerve-racking action will begin. Remembering those moments made me only to sigh.
If you are interested in spending a lot of time talking about speed of the cars as you’ve seen in a movie or watched in TV like F1 race, then it would be good to talk about fuel-efficient cars because it is about time to ignite your hidden desire and leave everything you do for the moment. If that tickles your imagination then you are lucky fellas because we have a list of cars to make your desires be fulfilled.

Here is the list of the cars that can heat up your desires.

1. Honda S2000 RoadsterPower : 237 horsepower

With the minimum price of $34,050, the S2000 is one of the fastest cars at the showroom. Installed with a 4-cylinder engine enables to yield 237 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and to give 162 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm, the S2000 equalizes power with the weight as light as 2,855 pounds . This car will definitely rock your nerves, just give it time to charge them up and it is showtime!

The unique style of Honda S2000 is absolutely stunning if you aren’t driving a 99 mph on a quarter-mile track. You will notice that this car provides you to drop the top after you compete on the race and its smooth lines offer the racers to embrace the sports car without requiring customizing it after buying from the market. If you are looking to enjoy the race, the S200’s speed will certainly mark a spot in your heart.

2. Mitsubishi Eclipse GTPower : 263 horsepower

Featured in 2 Fast 2 Furious in 2003, the Eclipse GT has been well known due to its alteration options for such a long time. Through times, the Eclipse was improved answering the demand for a better performance parts and more aerodynamic supplies. This car is so cool that you will have the helluva ways to customize it.
Specifically, the Eclipse GT appeared at the car show with 263 horsepower from the 3.8 liter V6 and 260 lb-ft of torque. With the same parts you will be able to hit a quarter mile mark under 15 seconds, but if you decided to move you car a bit faster, you can easily achieve a 10-second time.

The Eclipse has also its own style to be proud of. Its head-on stance is so manly and aggressive. The engineers have shed their bloods to build this car and you can look at car’s profile of its great aerodynamics built in attentively.
Summing it up, the Eclipse GT is not an expensive and a great car for novices who want to drive the best of it. Plus this can be used in daily basis like for commuting or having a ride with beautiful girls in your town. Clever, isn’t it?

3. Nissan Skyline R34 GT-RPower: 276 horsepower

If you take race seriously, grab your Nissan Skyline GT-R as your ace for victory. This car can reach its horsepower 276 at 6,800 rpm in its stock configuration, and may have over 600 horsepower once is it upgraded. This car is so fast which can go a quarter mile in 13.7 seconds off the assembly line.

Since Skyline cannot be easily bought in stateside due to disapproval of US authority for not meeting its country’s standards, you can find a version that is modified to meet certain standards. Alternatively, there is a company named MotoRex which can offer same type of car. This company dedicated their time and effort to pass the required and certain standards putting up these amazing cars into the country. You can also avail the imported parts basically designed for the Skyline.

Better tell your friends to place their bet on your team because winning is likely to happen.

4. Chevrolet Corvette Z06Power: 505 horsepower

The first appearance of The Corvette was unveiled to the public at 1953’s Motorama car show and became known for its staple muscle feature. This car was honored because of its speed legacy and for reviving the old American muscle machine.

The makers at Chevrolet have brought back the ZO6 model in 2008 from losing the limelight in 2006. The newly improved feature installed in the Corvette includes a 7.0 liter V8 giving a mighty 505 horsepower, and having a 470 lb-ft of twisting force. With that kind of forceful power, better fasten your seatbelts to reach the finish line safely.
Upon stepping up the engine, it produces a beautiful sound of 505 horsepower ready to make some actions down the street or race track. Just sit back, relax, be safe, start the engine, then let other eat the dust towards the pot.

5. 2007 Shelby GT500Power: 500 horsepower

The design of GT500 existed when Ford decided to have a joint effort from the legend Carroll Shelby and the Ford Special Vehicle Team to make model cars faster than usual. The result of the efforts of two groups is the 2007 GT500 which was built with the most powerful feature of Mustang that Ford gladly created. That testimonial from a car company made their car ahead from the several past machines.

The Shelby GT500 is powered by a 5.4-liter, 32-valve engine with other features. These other features contributed to the standard Mustang GT producing 500 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Compared with other race cars, this car claims also the speed power legacy.

Mitsubishi Might Build an Electric Car for the U.S.

2008-06-03T20:18:00.001-07:00

An all-electric Mitsubishi car was unveiled at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The reaction of the US was a big matter for the Mitsubishi Company. Capable of running for 80 miles on a full charge, the four-door iMiEV was a big surprise during the event. Mitsubishi got the plan to start selling the car in Japan to fleet customers in mid 2009 and to the general public in 2010. This was the official announcement made by Tetsuro Aikawa, the Company’s managing director for product development.

The initial price of the vehicle will be between %25, 000 and %30, 000 or up to $ 7, 000 more than its high-mileage, gas-powered counterpart – the i minicar.

Aikawa also said that Mitsubishi is considering the idea of bringing the car to the U.S. or Europe after 2010 if there is enough demand for a small electric car. Note that the iMiEV is smaller than a subcompact, just about the size of a four-door Smart car.

''I hope such a market will exist,'' Aikawa said.
On a 110-volt home outlet, the iMiEV basically takes 14 hours to fully charge and seven hours on a 220-volt outlet. Fortunately, Japan is developing quick-charge stations that will such charging for only 30 minutes.
It was 2005 when Mitsubishi has been developing the iMiEV. During the initial progress, the Company put a five-by-three foot lithium-ion battery under the front and rear seats of the gas-powered i minicar which was then already in the market of Japan. The vehicle doesn’t create a noise as it starts. It comes without tailpipe emissions.
There were auto makers that have manifested their concern about the safety of lithium-ion batteries since they have been observed to overheat in cell phones and laptops. Aikawa however said that the Company is confident with its battery. It is made by GS Yuasa, the Japan’s greatest battery maker.

New Crash-Dodging Technology Could Save Lives

2008-06-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

Getting some real-world testing this season is a high-tech system to help car and commercials prevent crashes by warning them of possible road dangers and assessing their options. Tested under a federal grant to the University of Michigan, the program will help motorists pick the path of least danger when stopping or changing lanes present risk. It is called as the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety System. It goes beyond the collision warning detectors which are now found in some luxury models by integrating data from multiple sources.

Sayer said that the Government’s approval of the second phase of the $32.3 million study clears the way for 16 passenger cars and 10 commercial trucks equipped with the system to the nation’s roads.
''We're going to get a good cross-section of the driving public,'' he said.In a recent study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, it was asserted that the expansion of the availability of the forward-crash and lane-departure warning systems now offered in some high-end vehicles can actually save tens of thousands of lives annually.

The University claimed in a statement that the system designed to warn drivers when they are about to leave the roadway and that it is in danger of colliding with another vehicle while attempting to change lane, or in danger of colliding with the vehicle ahead.

The University further said ''It will use information gathered by inertial, video and radar sensors, plus a global positioning system, to warn drivers of potentially dangerous situations to prevent or lessen the impact of crashes.''
Part of a joint initiative by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the University’s Transportation Research Institute conducts the study. $7.1 million will come from Battelle Memorial Institute in addition to $25.2 million in federal funding. Other fund sources include Cognex Corp., Con-way Inc, Eaton Corp., Honda, the Michigan Department of Transportaion, Navistar International Corp, and Visten Corp.

The university's Transportation Research Institute is conducting the study, part of a joint initiative by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
In addition to $25.2 million in federal funding, $7.1 million will come from Battelle Memorial Institute, Cognex Corp., Con-way Inc., Eaton Corp., Honda, the Michigan Department of Transportation, Navistar International Corp., and Visteon Corp.

Most Coveted Cars

2008-05-24T04:57:00.000-07:00

It takes more than money to secure these rides. Find out which have the longest waiting lists.
by BENGT HALVORSON, Forbes.com

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 supercar can go from zero to 60 in less than 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 253 miles per hour. And by most accounts it ranks as the world's most expensive production vehicle.
But with a planned worldwide run of 300, even the most deep-pocketed will not likely see one, ever. That's because in addition to dropping $1.4 million, buyers will have to wait in line about 10 months for the 80 to 90 models rolling off the assembly line this year.
But that's nothing compared to the Koenigsegg CCX. The all-new, exotic Swedish supercar performs like the Bugatti at about half the price. Yet with fewer than 20 cars available annually in the U.S., some say it's destined to be more even more coveted than the Bugatti because it's within reach of a much larger pool of the rich and famous.
Ben Nef, who sells the CCX at its sole U.S. dealership, Exotic Cars at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, says that as soon as the first deliveries begin this month, the waiting list — now at just over a year — may double.

That makes sense, according to Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute, a market research firm. He says people who can afford the most exclusive cars see them as status symbols. Such cars rank them with oil sheiks, tech moguls and captains of industry, or, if nothing else, allow them to be regarded as movers and shakers in their own city.
"These cars exert influence … they say who you are in the hierarchy and can be a power base for business deals," Pedraza says. "And how long you've been on the waiting list for a particular vehicle says how long you've been a power broker."

Quite simply, the more exclusive a vehicle, the more likely it is to be coveted by those who can afford it. Lack of supply builds demand, yet these automakers don't increase supply because they see the long-term value for their brands in exclusivity.
But striking that delicate balance can be challenging for automakers. Stoking demand with truly special products and producing enough cars to turn a profit, yet holding back enough so that not everyone who wants and can afford one can get it, is the strategy that makes brands like Ferrari so successful.

For years, Ferrari has masterfully managed its waiting lists, always making sure demand exceeds supply, as Ferrari ownership is something that is sought out by those with the means. There's now a typical wait time of two years on any of its models, and the company and its dealers follow a centralized system in which repeat customers are placed higher on the waiting list. Aston Martin and Bentley use a similar system in the U.S.

In general, the most successful luxury and sports car companies don't compromise the exclusivity of the brand to appease newcomers, Pedraza says. They include Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

Bob Cann, who has sold exotic sports cars and prestige luxury cars for 30 years through his MotorCars International and Lamborghini Houston dealerships, compares these most coveted cars to high-end real estate, where location is everything.

"Lamborghini and Ferrari have found that if they build cars in a limited number, it really drives the market," Cann says, "and price almost becomes secondary to other factors like 'How soon can I get it?' or 'How many are there?'"

But also among the most in-demand models are several from larger automakers that manage to stay highly regarded by the elite crowd as image-building, limited-volume cars.
In these cases, the rules for waiting may allow a bit more line-jumping, depending on who you are. Mercedes-Benz, for instance, sells some pretty exclusive, distinctive models in its AMG line. But, like most full-line automakers, Mercedes leaves it up to its dealerships to divvy up those precious slots on the rare models waiting list.

"We trust our dealerships to treat our customers well," says Larkin Hill, a spokesman for Mercedes-Benz. Hill says if dealerships want to grant preference to loyal longtime customers, that's fine. "It allows the dealership to reward their best customers," he says.

Priority status is another solution employed by some of the industry's smaller automakers to help spur positive cash flow. For instance, Silicon Valley's Tesla Motors has a two-tiered reservation system. A deposit of $30,000 merely puts you on the list, while a larger deposit of $50,000 allows you rush status and delivery a few months earlier than usual.

Most Extravagant Car-Related Gifts

2008-05-23T03:55:00.000-07:00

If you're stumped on what to buy for that special someone, or just like to window shop with the well-heeled, check out the top 10 most extravagant car-related gifts, which range from $2,700 to a heady $300,000.
by CHRISTOPHER DIKEN, ForbesAutos.com

From a foot-long sterling silver Bentley replica that costs more than some luxury cars to a $13,300 Audi pedal car for the kids, there's a car-related gift even for those who have everything.

Take, for example, Bentley's $55,000 Blower Model, a 1:12 scale replica of a 1920s-era Bentley painstakingly rendered from sterling silver. Sure, springing for $395 Bentley cuff links would have been impressive, but let's face it, they aren't available in a limited edition of 10 like the Blower Model, and nor do they take 20 weeks for delivery. So get your order in now for next year. It's the kind of gift that says, "I could have bought you a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but they're simply too common."

Bentley fans aren't the only ones who can be spoiled. Aston Martin devotees who consider the sexy British cars to be art will appreciate a photograph of their favorite model juxtaposed with work by Anselm Kiefer, Jean Nouvel, or Tony Cragg, among other noted artists. Pricing for a framed print of any of the pieces comes in at just under $7,000.
If seven grand is too rich for your blue blood, Aston has some more affordable options. For example, the $60 Aston Martin teddy bear. Well, it's more like a generic teddy bear wearing a tiny Aston Martin fleece.

These extravagant automotive accessories aren't just being purchased by or for people who own cars from these exclusive manufacturers. "The aspirational nature of some car brands such as Ferrari and Bentley makes it a natural extension to offer branded gift items. You may not be able to afford the car, but a sweater or briefcase, that's possible, and carries a certain cachet," says Michael Ippoliti, a research director at ABI Research in New York.

Pretty much every luxury car manufacturer is happy to give flush buyers ample opportunity to splurge on extravagant accessories. Audi does it. Mercedes-Benz does it. Porsche does it especially well by licensing its Porsche Design Group name for use by other well-respected companies like Siemens, which makes a lovely Porsche Design toaster and coffee machine.

But Ferrari is by far the most shamelessly extravagant accessorizer, which makes sense because some people seem willing to put the company’s prancing horse logo on anything, right down to a 1998 Dodge Neon with a dented driver's door. "They can pretty much sell almost as much Ferrari clothing as they do cars," says John Paul, the American Automobile Association's “Auto Doctor.”

Ferrari will sell you a bicycle for $3,000 or a branded Segway personal transportation device for the price of a Kia Rio — more than $12,000. "The other high-end companies like Maserati and Lamborghini are wonderful exotic car brands, but they don't have the Ferrari cachet. Where a Lamborghini may be faster, it just doesn't have the name," Paul says. Ferrari even markets a key ring that resembles a key to a Ferrari 360 Modena sports car. It could come in handy for convincing strangers that you actually own one. Whether that ruse is worth $150 is up to you.
Car-loving kids shouldn't be left out, either. Ford offers a $650 remote-controlled race car that can crack 60 miles per hour, perfect for waking up the neighbors on Christmas morning. And Audi gives well-heeled toddlers the chance to wander in style with a $13,300 pedal car.

But for some manufacturers, it's not just about slapping a name on any product: They work hard to choose the right items to reflect their brand. "Porsche and BMW do nice custom-designed bicycles. They are very high-tech and they have the brand on them and look very attractive," says David Alexander, principal analyst at ABI Research. But neither of those company's bikes compare to the outrageous $12,500 Aeroblade, a collaboration between Koga-Miyata and Dutch exotic carmaker Spyker.

With its legacy of speed, Porsche's decision to put its name on a speedboat was likely an easy one, even if it costs more than any new Porsche car currently for sale and has a Dodge Viper V10 engine.

For the full list of over-the-top car-related gifts, check out our extravagant gift guide.

Most Family Friendly Car Features

2008-05-22T01:52:00.000-07:00

Cars and SUVs borrow features from minivans to keep multiple passengers safe while they enjoy the ride.
by ANDY MIKONIS, ForbesAutos.co

Choosing the right features for a vehicle can spare parents headaches and save children’s lives.
Minivans used to be the best — sometimes only — choice for families. But a spate of new and improved features makes the latest cars and SUVs top contenders, too.
We’ve compiled a list of ten features parents should consider when purchasing a new vehicle. Some are designed for comfort and convenience, like power doors and DVD systems, while others, such as advanced airbags and back-up cameras, enhance safety.
A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that side airbags that provide torso protection reduced deaths by 26 percent in side-impact crashes. The same study also found that deaths were reduced by up to 37 percent when the vehicle was also equipped with side airbags that protect the head.
A recent report on emerging technology by research firm J.D. Power and Associates found that new-car buyers were most interested in two-stage “smart” airbags, which initially inflate with less pressure to better cushion passenger impact. After these advanced airbags, consumers showed considerable interest in rearview cameras that provide assistance while backing up.

Back up cameras and sonar sensors that alert drivers of obstructions behind a vehicle add a measure of safety and convenience — especially with larger SUVs and minivans. Nearly half (49.5 percent) of children younger than 15 years old killed in the U.S. each year in non-traffic-related incidents with motor vehicles are backed over, often by a parent or family member, according to Kids and Cars, a nonprofit that tracks incidents that occur on private property, as opposed to in traffic. Non-traffic-related fatalities involving motor vehicles and children younger than 15 have more than doubled in the past six years, from 92 in 2000 to 219 in 2006, according to Kids and Cars. As of early September there have been 170 such fatalities, the organization says.

One requisite for a good family vehicle is three rows of seats, the back two of which fold flat into the floor, like on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class pictured here.
view slideshow >
Besides safety features, spaciousness, load capacity, convenience features and comfort features are attributes that car buyers with three children per household consistently rank as most important for cars, minivans and SUVs, according to CNW Marketing Resesarch of Bandon, Ore.
“We take the kids to hockey games all over the state,” says Matthew Ehrhard, father of three and owner of Hewitt Horn, Inc., a high-end residential builder in Chicago, who drives a 2007 Land Rover Range Rover HSE. “There’s plenty of room in the back seat, plenty of room for storing hockey gear in the back. In terms of size and scale, it’s a great vehicle.”
To make the best use of space once passengers are secured and comfortable, flexible seating options should be available and easy to use. Susan Morales, chief engineer of the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave, which blend characteristics of minivans, cars and SUVs, designed GM’s “Smart Slide” feature, which allows second-row seats to fold and move forward for access to the third row.
The goal was to make the feature easy enough for a five-year old to operate. While the vehicle was under developement, Morales brought a prototype Acadia home and tried it out on her nephew. “We asked him how you would get to the back seat,” Morales says. “With a Batman toy in one hand, he reached in and pulled the seat forward with the other.”

DVD entertainment systems, like this one offered on the BMW X5, are growing in popularity.

Becky Blanchard, brand manger for the Chrysler Town & Country minivan, which was significantly revamped for 2008, says power doors, dual-zone climate control and rear-seat DVD entertainment systems with wireless headphones are among the features that first appeared on minivans that are now found on other types of vehicles. Rear-seat entertainment systems are growing in importance, according to the J.D. Power report on emerging technology. Ehrhard says his Range Rover’s entertainment system lets his kids “do what they need to do on a road trip to stay occupied.”

Other family-oriented vehicle innovations have evolved from accessories consumers buy and install themselves. Volvo’s integrated child booster seat saves a family the cost of purchasing a standalone booster and removes the potential problem of improperly installing it. The system, which is a $495 option on the Volvo V70 and XC70, includes a first: two height settings for different sized children. The system also incorporates a better-fitting seat belt that automatically alters tensioning when a child is using it.

“Volvo believes a comfortable child, able to see outside above the beltline, results in less driver distraction and better child protection,” says Volvo spokesman Dan Johnston. Chrysler offers its own integrated, rear child seats in the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country, 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and the upcoming 2009 Dodge Journey.

We’ve compiled a list of ten family friendly features worthy of top consideration based on market data, safety statistics and our own subjective reviews of vehicles we test drive every week.

Best Luxury Cars for the Buck

2008-05-21T01:49:00.000-07:00

This article is written by BENGT HALVORSON, Forbes.co

Factors like dealership experience, reliability, and brand perception can make a car worth more than just its sticker price.

Having something break on a nearly new car could lead you to love it more.
Lexus IS 250 owners can attest to that. Lexus' dealerships offer some of the industry's best perks (in-showroom cappuccino machines, among them) and the brand's service department is known to work overtime for customers. Lexus is just one of several luxury brands offering over-the-top dealership service that separates their vehicles from the rest — and instills buyer loyalty and satisfaction.
"If you have one minor problem that's taken care of immediately," says Alexander Edwards, automotive division president of the market research firm Strategic Vision, "you'll perceive your vehicle to be of a higher quality than if you'd had zero problems."
This eyebrow-raising discovery illustrates an important point: In the luxury realm, if the car isn't perfect, other aspects need to be. That's because luxury-car buyers are purchasing more than the car itself.
Complete List: Best Luxury Cars For The Buck
"Time cost is what's becoming the biggest factor," says Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute, a market research firm focusing on affluent consumers. Buyers are asking, "How easy is it to own this car?"
The answer lies in key metrics that measure a luxury car's value, including price, consumer satisfaction, reliability, maintenance, and fuel costs.

In compiling our list of the luxury cars that deliver the most return on investment, we first looked at cost. Considering that today's median new-vehicle transaction price hovers around $27,000, and the base price of many "entry-level luxury" sedans, such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Infiniti G35, is set just above the $30,000 mark, we included all cars and SUVs with starting prices, including destination fees, over $30,000.

Then, respecting the point that dealership service especially matters to luxury buyers, we considered the 2007 results of J.D. Power and Associates' annual Customer Service Index (CSI) scores, which assess satisfaction with dealership service in the first three years of ownership. Any brands that performed below the industry average (876 on the index's 1,000-point scale) were then removed from consideration. Among luxury brands, this included Mercedes-Benz, at 872, along with Land Rover, which ranked near the bottom, at 843.

Next, we looked to Strategic Vision's 2007 Total Value Index (TVI) scores, which assess the complete ownership experience, including reliability and dealership experience, on a weighted 1,000-point scale. In considering these, we removed any vehicles from our list that didn't achieve above-average scores in their respective segments (the firm has 20 of them, covering specific types of vehicles such as "Convertible Over $30,000" and "Luxury Car").

Finally, we looked at overall five-year ownership costs, as compiled for 2008 models (2007 costs were used when necessary in a few cases) by Vincentric, a data analysis firm providing cost-of-ownership information to the auto industry. We used Vincentric's average costs across each model line, as ownership costs might vary depending on equipment, options, and trim levels.
Joining the Lexus IS 250 at the top of our best-car-for-the-buck list were the Volvo V70 and Acura TL. Each offer luxury amenities, such as supple leather seating and eye-catching trims, along with more modern features, like sophisticated navigation systems, voice-activated features, or advanced safety devices like the Volvo's Blind Spot Information System. All also cost well below $40,000, even when a few major options are added.

That's important because most luxury car shoppers aren't eager to spend more money than they need to. But there's an exception, Edwards says. Luxury-vehicle shoppers will be willing to pay for some items that might be called "functional luxury," such as automatic wipers or "smart" cruise control systems — features that readily redeem themselves in terms of value. It's when luxury features don't enhance functionality and buyers are already ponying up for the brand experience that customers are more conscious of that extra money, because it adds cost but not value, he says.

A buyer must also consider depreciation, insurance premiums, fuel expenses, maintenance, and repair — all aspects included in Vincentric's ownership costs, which vary greatly from model to model. For instance, the five-year estimate for the $11,300 Yaris stands at $31,250, while the ownership costs top $150,000 for several of the most expensive models from Mercedes-Benz and BMW with prices of over $100,000.

David Wurster, Vincentric's president, says that because luxury cars are considerably more expensive than more mainstream models, shoppers should be especially concerned with depreciation, which isn't always tied to sticker price. Using model year-2007 data, for example, a $34,300 BMW 328xi, which is priced just below the $35,060 Jaguar X-Type Sedan when new, is estimated to be worth over $3,000 more than the Jaguar after five years.

Another thing to consider is gas mileage, Wurster says, as luxury cars tend to use more fuel.
You're on the right track if you want to keep maintenance costs down, too. But with fuel prices and insurance premiums especially contributing to ownership costs (which have risen faster than the sticker prices of the cars themselves), Wurster says maintenance costs are the exception. Because automakers have been extending the time and mileage between oil changes and other service visits, he explains, it's no longer the value differentiator it once was, and a smaller piece of the pie (the pie of long-term ownership costs, that is) than it used to be.

Perhaps the least tangible measure of value is a luxury automaker's reputation. Luxury-car buyers are becoming increasingly interested in cars from automakers that demonstrate a high level of environmental responsibility. The environment, along with philanthropy and labor and trade policies, says Pedraza, are rapidly growing factors that lead well-informed luxury shoppers to look to a certain brand as greener luxury for the buck, even if the costs of the eco-friendly model add up to a bit more, he says.

Which again goes to show that the value of a car can be much greater than its cost.

Most Expensive Cars to Repair

2008-05-20T01:45:00.000-07:00

Think you got a great deal on a new luxury car? You may need to think again. Many luxury vehicles cost more to repair than their non-luxury counterparts. If something goes wrong, that bargain may be short-lived.
At some point during the first five years of ownership, even the best-made vehicles with the highest quality ratings will likely have something go awry. Unfortunately for some car owners, those repairs may not come cheap.
So if you're planning to buy a car on a tight or specific budget, you might want to factor in — along with fuel and insurance — the cost of repairing a vehicle when the warranty expires.

At the top of our list of the most expensive luxury vehicles to repair are the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, both with five-year estimated repair costs of $1,640. Rounding out the luxury vehicles in the top five are the Jaguar XK, at $1,629; Land Rover Range Rover, at $1,600; and Mercedes-Benz CL Class, at $1,540.

To determine the average amount consumers might pay to keep their new cars in operating condition, we used 2008 repair estimates calculated over a five-year period by Vincentric, an auto-industry data-analysis company. Vincentric looks at the cost of zero-deductible, bumper-to-bumper extended-warranty claims to calculate the average cost owners can expect to pay for repairs. This estimate does not include maintenance, which Vincentric measures separately.
Owners of luxury and high-performance cars can expect to shell out more money for repairs over time not necessarily because these are lower-quality cars, but because labor and parts cost more, explains David Wurster, president of Vincentric. Wurster estimates that owners of luxury vehicles may pay $100 per hour for labor, while owners of "normal" cars might pay only $70.

Timothy Zilke, president of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, says today's vehicles are "sophisticated and complex machines" and "the average car has six to 20 computers that help manage everything from the sunroof to anti-lock braking system to the electronically controlled transmission." Zilke says auto technicians face components repairs "virtually unheard of a generation ago" and need to be "master diagnosticians well-versed in electronics."

2008 Audi A8
Audis, for example, according to an Audi technician in Los Angeles, have electronic sensors on their brakes, so replacing their brake pads is complicated and takes more time than usual. The hourly labor cost will vary, but such work on an Audi might cost $250 without labor, compared with $150 on a non-luxury vehicle.

Similarly, the Dodge Viper, though not defined as a luxury vehicle, is a high-powered sports car that has a starting price of $87,330. Dodge spokeswoman Kathy Graham says technicians who work on Vipers have to take a special class to learn the nuances of repairing them. Dodge makes only 1,500 Vipers each year, so parts are scarce. Most owners like to race their Vipers on tracks, and to help the vehicle better handle such an environment, Dodge added a front sporter that hangs low on the car and is easily damaged if it scrapes a cement parking-lot block. The cost to replace it is $1,800, says Graham. Overall, the Viper has the highest estimated repair costs of any vehicle over a five-year period: at $1,641.
Workhorse vehicles powered by turbocharged diesel engines also require more skill to repair their complex mechanical systems designed for pulling and towing heavy loads. The super-duty Ford F450 has a five-year estimated repair cost of $1,295. Other large trucks like the Dodge Ram 3500 and the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 cost $1,282 and $1,094, respectively, for five-year repair costs.

The high repair costs, in part, are due to greater wear and tear on the vehicles when compared to a BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
Also on our list of the most expensive non-luxury cars to repair are the Hummer H2, at $1,484; Hummer H3, at $1,244; Ford Mustang, at $1,201; Mini Cooper Convertible, at $1,093; Subaru Impreza, at $1,006; and GMC Yukon and Chrysler Pacifica, at $970 each.
On the bright side, repair costs are a mere ripple when compared with the total cost of ownership, which includes maintenance, fuel, depreciation, insurance and interest, says Wurster. "In most of these vehicles, the cost is 3 percent or less than the five-year total cost of ownership."

Additionally, quality improvements and improved warranties have helped lower repair costs over time. Manufacturer bumper-to-bumper warranties cover many different types of repairs during the first three years or 36,000 miles of ownership, including brakes, air conditioning units and power systems like windows and door locks. Power trains are typically covered for an additional 12 to 24 months beyond the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Typically, you won't begin to incur significant repair costs until the final two of the first five years of ownership.

"As the quality goes up, the repairs go down," says Wurster. "That could be bad news for parts and services in dealerships."

But it's good news for consumers who don't want to spend more than expected to keep their new rides running smoothly.

More Tips on Increasing the Resale Value of your Car

2008-05-17T01:41:00.000-07:00

The tips I have listed so far are basically preventative steps you can take to keep your vehicle in tiptop shape, but what if you haven't been doing these things and your car needs some major revitalization? The following tips are fairly inexpensive ways to get all for your car that you know it's worth.

Tip #1: Sell privately

If you are planning on buying a new car or a new (but used) car from a dealership, sometimes, you will be offered a remarkable deal on the new car if you trade in your car. While this may sound great at the time, always know that you can and will get more if you sell privately.

Tip #2: Replace important parts

The most important parts to replace are those that make it function efficiently and reliably, and keep it safe. You can do this somewhat slowly to save money, and you can save even more cash by doing the swapping yourself. If you've been sticking to a regular maintenance schedule, these updates may be completely unnecessary. First and foremost, you should make sure that tires are new and have plenty of tread. Remember, when tires have tread left, that does not automatically mean that they are good tires. Believe it or not, tires will dry rot within 2 years, leaving the rubber hard and dehydrated, decreasing traction and increasing your risk of sliding and getting into an accident. Only if you can afford to do so cheaply (remembering, you're trying to make money), you may also want to replace unsightly rims. Wheels are significant aspect of a vehicle's appearance, and ugly wheels can decrease your vehicle's value and make it downright unattractive to buyers. Replacing peeling, dented, or missing hubcaps can sometimes do the job, as well. Brakes, an oil change, spark plugs, ignition wires, a distributor cap, and an ignition rotor are components of a basic tune-up, and again, maintenance, maintenance, maintenance. You won't have to splurge for any of these parts if they have been replaced fairly recently and are up to date.

Tip #3: Clean where the sun doesn't shine

While detailing the interior and exterior is a requirement (buyers are totally turned off by a dirty car), sellers often fail to clean where people don't see right away-under the vehicle's hood. If you own a power washer with a low setting, definitely make the most of it and spray off your motor and all around the engine bay. If you don't own a power washer, that is okay, too, and you can pick up some very inexpensive engine/shop degreaser and cleaner (such as those that are citrus-based) at your local Walmart. A good degreasing cleanser, a hose, and some throwaway rags can make what is often neglected beneath the hood sparkle like new. Remember, the impression you are giving buyers is that you truly care about your vehicle, and that you're not just trying to get rid of it. Nothing says love like a clean and well-maintained vehicle.

Tip #4: Replace aesthetically pleasing elements

Parts that have a serious visual impact are things like headlights and taillights, grilles, emblems and badges, seats, carpets, and of course-paint. For scratched, foggy lenses of your headlights and taillights, a headlight repair kit can be purchased for around 10 bucks. Unfortunately, this type of kit will not work on lenses that are actually broken, so checking out your local junkyard for a reasonably priced replacement part is your best bet. Grilles, emblems, and badges can sometimes be found at the local junkyard/parts yard, as well. For the do-it-yourselfer, here is a link that shows you how you can repair your own badges, and the instructions on this site may be appropriate for several types of badges on many makes and models of cars. Seats can be covered with a wide variety of universal-fit seat covers that are sold in most auto parts stores and all over the Internet.

Tip #5: Paint if you absolutely must

I know many of you are probably balking at the very fact that I am suggesting you paint your vehicle if you are planning on selling it. Painting, you're probably thinking, is ridiculously expensive and is counter-productive to the goal of making money off of the vehicle.

There you have it-now you know how to increase the resale value of you vehicle. After sprucing up your car, you may find you like it so much that you no longer wish to sell. While this tips will almost surely elevate your vehicle's value, you should remember that the engine and transmission are truly the key components of a vehicle, and that buyers must be informed if there are serious (or not so serious) defects. A malfunctioning engine or transmission lowers the worth of a vehicle the most out of all other aspects, and it is not only wrong to lie or to not disclose this information, but it is the law, and you could be sued.

Increasing the Resale Value of Your Car

2008-05-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some basic tips that can help you increase the resale value of your car. I got this article from a favorite auto site and I felt the need to share it with you. I am happy to share everything I’ve read from useful auto sites because it’s really my goal to inform and entertain my readers. So here it is:

Did you know that the value of your car goes down by 65% in just 5 years of normal driving? Learning to properly maintain your vehicle from day one is the surest way to maintain a top resale value, but if your decision is spur of the moment, these tips are for you, too. Before hastily slapping a "for sale" sign on your back window or placing an ad in the local newspaper when deciding to sell, you can take advantage of these easy and fairly inexpensive tips beforehand to cash in your car for hundreds more than its blue book value, which, by the way, is nothing more than a baseline estimate. Actual vehicle values vary depending on your location, the demand for the particular make and model of the vehicle, the vehicle's mileage, overall exterior and interior condition, parts replaced, and even simple things like odors inside of a vehicle. Let's start with the basics.

Tip #1: Do not modify/customize your vehicle if you are planning on selling itOr, if you do, stick to modifications that won't damage the appearance or functionality of the vehicle if they are removed. Make sure you keep all stock parts that you take off so you can someday put them back on, since aftermarket modifications actually decrease a vehicle's value. You may love your hot orange fiberglass dashboard with that custom tachometer, but remember the adage, "To each his own."

Tip #2: Stick to your vehicle's maintenance scheduleWhile strictly adhering to a maintenance schedule is the way to treat your car the best, it's also impressive to potential buyers if you can show proof of that maintenance. Each and every time you get an oil change or see your mechanic, tuck the receipt away in a folder as attestation that repair/maintenance has occurred. If you are a do-it-yourself mechanic, that's okay, too. Every time you visit your local Auto Zone or auto parts store, save the receipt, and pop that right into the folder, as well.

Tip #3: Keep your vehicle as clean as possible.

As much as a pain as it can be to keep the house and the car tidy, it truly is a necessary evil. Vacuuming regularly is a must, but protecting carpets with plastic floor mats is even more essential. Nothing ruins a carpet faster than not having floor mats. Keeping a vehicle washed and waxedis vital for maintaining a paint job, since mud, acid rain, salt, and sand wreak havoc on a vehicle. Waxing will not only help protect against the elements and repel rainwater, but it will also make the car easier to clean and preserve the shine. For your dashboard, an excellent protectant against the sun's UV rays (which can fade an interior) is Black Magic Protectant, which prolongs the life of vinyl, rubber, leather, and plastic.

Tip #4: Don't Crash!While accidents are often inevitable, if you already know that you want to sell your vehicle in the future, treat it like it's your baby. Sometimes, when we don't care about a vehicle, we drive faster and maybe slightly recklessly, leave it unlocked, and park next to shopping carts at the grocery store. Don't get careless. Always pay attention when driving and keep in mind that consumers now have access to vehicle history reports, which will list your accident if you get into one.

Amazing New Car Features

2008-05-15T01:05:00.000-07:00

Blind Spot Detection. Blind spot detection systems use sensors to determine if another car is in a driver's blind spot and to warn her accordingly. Drivers can be notified in several ways, like via a light in the rear-view mirror or through vibrations in the steering wheel or seat. Some systems can steer a vehicle away from danger if a driver tries to change lanes at an inopportune time.

Run-Flat Tires. Run-flat tires allow motorists to continue driving even when a tire has zero air pressure. This is facilitated by a solid strip of rubber fitted under the treads. There are some hurdles to the widespread adoption of this technology, as run-flats can cost twice as much as normal tires. Harris Interactive found that only about 50 percent of drivers change flat tires themselves, so it's likely an expense many drivers will absorb.

Adaptive Headlamps. Adaptive headlights provide customized lighting based on driving conditions. They can sense when a vehicle is turning and swivel accordingly, as well as measure the speed of the vehicle and alter the beam direction and pattern to match the terrain of the upcoming road.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Tire pressure monitoring systems do just as their name suggests and notify the driver if inflation is needed. Drivers are alerted even if the pressure is a slow leak. This type of feature is particularly attractive to market segments less comfortable with maintenance, says David Morrison, a youth marketing expert for TwentySomething.

Cylinder Deactivation. Cylinder deactivation is a fuel-saving technology that allows a V8 engine to operate on four or six cylinders in low-load situations, like at around-town speeds or during highway cruising.

LED Lighting. Light-emitting diode (LED) lights are used in taillights, brake lights, and turn signals because they are more durable and illuminate more quickly than traditional incandescent bulbs. The quicker illumination is especially beneficial during braking.

Laminated Window Glass. Laminated side windows in a car are similar to multi-pane glass windows in a house, except instead of air, there's a clear polymer between the two layers of glass in the automobile. This makes a car more resistant to break-ins and, because it provides additional insulation, makes for a quieter cabin.

Self-Repairing Paint. Some of the latest models fight blemishes with self-healing paint, which can repair minor scratches in a few days without the need for a touch-up — the scratch actually closes on its own. The paint is combined with a molecular solution that allows the surface to move while staying completely dry. "There's also a benefit for manufacturers. As the car is traveling around from the assembly plant to the dealership, or going out on test drives, there's a chance for what manufacturers call 'opportunity for mutilization,'" Lovett says. "That can be very expensive, so having self-repairing paint can also help the automaker."

HID/Xenon Headlamps. Instead of burning a filament like a traditional light bulb, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights use Xenon gas that burns brighter and provides better visibility than standard halogen bulbs. It also produces a different kind of bluish light that is more intense than that produced by a conventional bulb. "There's interest in these lights across the board because the lights improve visibility and performance. Young consumers are particularly interested in them because of the styling," Lovett says.

Rollover Control and Protection. Rollover control and protection uses a side airbag system with enhanced electronics to keep airbags inflated while a rollover happens. This provides more protection for passengers, especially if a vehicle rolls multiple times. Harris' Lovett says these advanced airbags gained traction after some much-publicized rollover accidents involving Ford Explorers a few years ago.

TOP 10 Most Expensive Car Options

2008-05-14T00:35:00.000-07:00

Got this post from JohnH4260. I thought this is pretty interesting to riders who dream BIG. If you are among them, then check this out.

World's Most Expensive Car Options

1. Maybach 62* Option: Glass Partition WallPrice: $29,900For the price of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, chauffeured Maybach 62 owners can achieve tranquility and privacy with the push of a button, securing themselves behind a glass partition that divides them from the driver. The soundproof barrier is complemented by curtains that can be opened and closed electronically, plus an intercom system that lets impatient backseat riders tell their driver to step on it. Maybach reps say that most buyers of the 62 add the glass partition wall.

2. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano*Option: Rossa Monza PaintPrice: $22,000The classic Ferrari color, a deep red called Rossa Corsa, just won't do it for Ferrari lovers who yearn for the ultimate in exclusivity. For these true color connoisseurs, Ferrari offers a $22,000 paint job that covers the 599 GTB Fiorano in Rossa Monza burgundy metallic. This deeper red isn't as traditional for a Ferrari, but will help your car stand out from the legions of Ferrari owners who think all Ferraris look best in bright red.

3. Bentley Arnage RL*Option: Rear TV and DVD PackagePrice: $20,690Bentley Arnage RL passengers rarely call "shotgun!" to secure a seat up front. Why would they, when they can sit in the back and bask in the glow of twin 15-inch LCD screens built into the front seats? Sure, the pictures won't pop like on a 52-inch Sharp Aquos with HDTV, but it'll do for the short ride to the country club. Two separate DVD systems allow independent viewing choices for each passenger.

4. Maybach 57 and 62*Option: Customer-Specified Color MatchPrice: $20,450Henry Ford once told his customers they could have their Model T in any color, as long as it was black. Similarly, a standard Maybach is available in black, among several other standard colors. But should you want your Maybach to match your house or your shoes or your hair, or you just want to stand out from the rest of the ultra-luxury crowd, you can pony up $20,450 for the right to pick your own custom shade.

5. Maybach 57 and 62*Option: Emerald Green InteriorPrice: $19,900Maybach's emerald green interior option bathes occupants in a verdant hue that must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Seductive green leather covers almost every surface of the cabin to make any owner feel like royalty (assuming he or she isn't already). The color also might remind passengers of the currency that was used to put them into such an opulent environment.

6. Bentley Arnage R*Option: Level 2 Entertainment PackagePrice: $19,190Need to keep demanding backseat passengers occupied during a road trip? Bentley's Level 2 package turns the rear seat into a veritable luxury lounge. Some of the more notable interior modifications are a beautiful wood veneer cocktail cabinet, a wine cooler located in the center armrest (Jeeves can be the designated driver), and two foldaway work tables ideal for signing documents or providing a resting place for champagne flutes. Exterior additions include 19-inch chrome twin-spoke wheels, a jeweled fuel filler cap, and touches from Bentley's Mulliner Specification package.

7. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano*Option: Carbon-Ceramic Brake SystemPrice: $18,500As in the F430, carbon-ceramic binders make the top-of-the-line 599 GTB Fiorano ($302,584) eminently suitable for high-intensity track use or just for bringing it down from illegal speeds on your local autostrada. And with a snarling 612-hp V12 engine underhood, the 599 GTB can definitely send the speedometer needle racing upwards. The carbon-ceramic braking system reduces weight, dissipates heat more efficiently for fade-free performance, and significantly extends the life of the brakes. Of course, for $18,500, you could also replace roughly 450 brake pads on a Ford Mustang.

8. Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe*Option: Brushed Stainless Steel Hood and Teak Deck CombinationPrice: $17,000This breathtaking option package from Rolls-Royce is for those who prefer the less discreet things in life. A stunning brushed stainless steel hood for the $407,000 Phantom Drophead Coupe commands attention as it converges on Rolls-Royce's timeless "Spirit of Ecstasy" winged hood ornament. And when cruising with the top down, passersby will be enamored by the nautically inspired teak deck that supplants the standard cloth tonneau cover.Surely, those who can drop $17,000 for an option can also afford to maintain it — perhaps the same crews that buff the teak fittings on yachts will now add tonneau covers to their repertoire.

9. Ferrari F430*Option: Carbon-Ceramic Brake SystemPrice: $16,808Cast-iron brakes work well enough for most applications, but for truly exceptional stopping, carbon-ceramic brakes are the way to go. They can withstand high temperatures, so drivers can push their cars harder and longer with reduced stopping distances, especially at higher speeds.Some say carbon-ceramic brakes are only useful for track driving, but anything that helps one stop efficiently is a boon for safety. Another thing Ferrari buyers who opt for the carbon-ceramic brakes will have to splurge on is a lifetime membership to an exclusive country club that counts a racetrack among its amenities. Those can cost up to $100,000.

10. Bentley Continental GT*Option: Carbon-Ceramic Brake SystemPrice: $16,500The most affordable option on our list still costs as much as a Volkswagen Jetta. For $16,500, buyers can outfit their $175,000 Bentley Continental GT with carbon-ceramic brakes that easily bring the large, heavy coupe down from high speeds. Compared to the standard stoppers, these brakes are better prepared to withstand the repeated heavy use and high heat conditions associated with track driving. Cross-drilled front discs measure more than 16.5 inches in diameter, while the rear discs are nearly as large, reaching over 14 inches. The carbon-ceramic brakes are also 50 pounds lighter than the stock units. The reduced weight improves handling.

How To Ensure Safe Driving

2008-05-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

There are factors you need to take into consideration to ensure safe driving. Come to think of it, safe driving is greater than taking a course in driver education. It entails both intelligence and commons sense.

Learning to drive
It is a bad idea that you assume that you are the best driver in the city. You have to continually analyze your own driving. Answer questions like ‘do I make the entry onto the freeway properly? or do I almost risk an accident because I jump into traffic too quickly?

Time
Initially, you have to fix firmly in your mind that your sense of time goes out the window at the time you get into a car. To illustrate this, you need to time how long it takes to get out of a side street onto a regularly-used road. Ask someone else in the car to estimate how long you were sitting there. If actually it was 10 seconds, the other person would most likely say 30 or more seconds.

A typical example of such point is an instance when you leave late and try to make up some time by driving extra fast to work. Here, you may save say two or three seconds. On the other hand, if you leave two minutes earlier and spend a fraction of time driving slowly, then you will get there is two minutes early. But if you really drag your feet, it will be probably one minute and 56 seconds early

A quick instance to prove the same point comes from watching the progress of somebody who has passed you out your feeling that you are driving too slowly. Pick up a marker when that person passes it and count seconds until you reach it. Someone who’s steaming down the road will pick up as much as five whole seconds in a mile or maybe even 30 seconds in a trip of five or ten miles.

Cushion
As a standard rule, you need to leave a two-second cushion between your car and the one before you. It’s a basic arithmetic – at 60 mph, you are traveling 88 feet per second. Two seconds puts you 176 feet behind the person you are following. Now think of what can happen if the guy hits the brakes immediately? Note that it takes an average driver to notice the brake lights and realize that the vehicle before him is slowing down. It will be a little late for him to move the right foot from the accelerator to the brake and depress the pedal – you have traveled 44 feet before your brakes start to slow down. Now you have one and a half seconds and 132 feet of maneuvering space left and you don’t know what’s going on. This is an assumption that the pavement is bone dry and there is no other traffic to worry about. The brakes are working well and your attention is directly on the brake lights of the vehicle before you. It is safe to say that the two-second cushion does not leave much room for errors.

It is definitely advised that you allow as much as space as possible. It’s a big NO to drive directly behind or next to anyone especially if the situation doesn’t call for such action. This all pays off when someone has some sort of emergency. Definitely you would not be caught in it. You have adequate room to use your brakes, swerve out of trouble, or just continue driving.

Brains
Alertness is of high importance to a driver. He must watch the traffic, road conditions, driver behavior, external influences, weather, visibility, and the working condition of his vehicle.

Money
Observance to traffic rules and paying attention to automotive tips like this will save you heaps of money on insurance costs, tickets, and body work.

Why Hybrid Cars

2008-05-09T21:29:00.000-07:00

It pays to be environment friendly. It is so good to know that automakers have thought about preserving the environment and protecting Mother Nature. There have been in fact attempts to become less harmful to the environment and inhabitants even before Hybrid cars were introduced. The use of the catalytic converter is among the early ways to reduce the emission of harmful exhaust gases produced by the engine. In fact, the United States of America has made it mandatory that each vehicle must be fitted with a street legal catalytic converter. Riders who are ticketed for using unapproved catalytic converter will be punished in accordance to the existing law.

These days, the care for the environment does not dwell only to the use of a street legal catalytic converter. Auto engineers and designers with the help of advance car technology have designed environment-friendly car designs. These are called the Hybrid cars. So let us see the top reasons why a responsible rider like you should consider buying a hybrid car instead of the standard one. I am sharing with you an article written by Paul Wilson, one of my favorite auto article writers.

Here it is:

Care for the environment? Want to save the planet? Then you must think in terms of fuel efficiency, non-polluting, and eco-friendly transport. The answer lies in purchasing and using a hybrid car. They not just make a statement that I care but are compact and fuel efficient.

Here are some insights that may just tempt you to buy a hybrid.

1. Made of lightweight materials hybrids are small in size. The engine is designed to be fuel efficient. When the car halts at a signal, the engine will automatically shut down and restart when the car shifts into gear.

2. These cars have the advantage of being powered by a gasoline engine and an electric motor that takes care of acceleration.

3. The batteries of the electric motor recharge automatically by harnessing the kinetic energy produced during braking.

4. Hybrid car engines produce less emission, give better mileage, idle less, and are fuel efficient.

5. The aerodynamic design reduces drag and the tires are made of a special rubber that reduces friction.

6. The battery has high capacity and is made of nickel-metal-hydride. The battery can run the hybrid when called for.

7. The power-train technology enables using two power sources and enhances fuel efficacy.

8. There are many choices. You can have a hybrid from Honda, Ford, Toyota, GMC, and Chevrolet.

9. If your transportation of choice is a hybrid then the US Government will applaud your choice by giving you significant tax breaks.

10. Using a hybrid means you are active in ensuring the air is clean and that you are a concerned citizen who wishes to save fuel which is precious.

Maximize usage by “pulse and glide.” This means finding the ideal point where electric and gas energy are equally utilized. Generally this ideal lies between 30-40 miles per hour. Stabilization of energy is learnt by practice it really cannot be taught. Another important aspect is that you benefit if you don’t rush around and drive at the prescribed speed limit. If you glide, instead of accelerate then you can make a saving of as much as 10 cents a gallon. Lastly check and maintain tire pressures. This will help lengthen the life of the tires and help you save fuel. Reduced tire pressure studies indicate reduces gas mileage by as much as 10%.

Before you say “yes” to buying a hybrid car, you must do in depth research on hybrids, the pros and cons. Talk to manufacturers and owners. Test drive the different makes and check which one would suit your life-style. Some hybrids are ideal for city driving while others are more efficient on open roads.

Even if the buying price is steep the fuel that you save along with incentives like tax breaks make a hybrid a good and sensible choice.

Introducing the top extreme luxury sedans

2008-05-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge one of my favorite auto sites, ForbesAutos where I got this post. ForbesAutos never fails to give me updates about the world of cars. And for that I say YES to the hardworking team of such awesome site. I also encourage you guys to visit the site. I swear you’ll be happy browsing it.

So here’s the 2008 extreme luxury sedans:

10. Audi S8Power-to-weight ratio: 10.19 lbs/hpA superb balance of luxury, comfort and high performance, this joins the BMW M5 as one of two 10-cylinder cars on our list. It doesn't feel as extreme as some of the sedans and rewards delicate steering, throttle and braking input with precise handling and performance. Its 450-hp engine is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo's V10 block but is thoroughly reworked. Audi's Multi-Media Interface is more effective than competing menu-screen controllers.

9. Jaguar XJRPower-to-weight ratio: 9.9 lbs/hpJaguar's big sedans have distinctive and delightful ride and handling qualities but more snug interiors than some of the competition. The "R" version of the XJ line continues with last year's 400-hp supercharged V8 and six-speed automatic, but we're eager for Jaguar to fit the new 420-hp version and sequential-shift transmission from the all-new XKR sports car.

8. Chrysler 300C SRT8Power-to-weight ratio: 9.79 lbs/hp For just above $40,000, this is by far the best bargain among super sedans. It is less luxurious and has a rougher ride than the competition, but the comparative harshness adds to its sporty character. At 425 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque its 6.1-liter V8 is the biggest and strongest Hemi engine Chrysler offers. It's mated to a sophisticated, Mercedes-developed five-speed automatic transmission.

7. Cadillac STS-VPower-to-weight ratio: 9.03 lbs/hpWith a supercharged, 469-hp version of Cadillac's dual-overhead-cam Northstar V8, this is the most powerful production Cadillac ever. But it costs nearly twice as much as the excellent 320-hp STS V8 and doesn't bring any significant benefits beyond the extra power. Performance is impressive, but it can't compete with the Brits and Germans in interior amenities. An STS with a supercharger doesn't merit a $77,485 price tag.

6. Audi RS 4Power-to-weight ratio: 8.94 lbs/hpA base Audi A4 has a 2.0-liter, 197-hp four-cylinder; the RS 4 more than doubles all those numbers with a 4.2-liter, 414-hp V8. It's one of the most extreme sedans on the list. Extensive use of aluminum components and body panels help to balance out weight distribution and give the all-wheel-drive RS 4 superb handling, also thanks to a substantially wider track front and rear that is reflected in its strongly bulged fenders.

5. Cadillac CTS-VPower-to-weight ratio: 8.77 lbs/hpA true enthusiast's Caddy, the CTS-V has a 400-hp Corvette V8 with a six-speed 'Vette manual transmission — and an honorable reputation as a race car, albeit in highly modified form. BMW has long been the benchmark in the performance-sedan category, and though the CTS-V hasn't quite stolen the Munich maker's crown, its styling and panache exceed those of the more conservative German sedans.

4. Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMGPower-to-weight ratio: 8.3 lbs/hpMercedes calls this car a "four-door coupe," but we call it a sedan, albeit with less rear-seat space and headroom than the E-Class, whose platform it borrows. Its hand-built engine is a 6.2-liter, 507-hp V8 with superb torque characteristics — not a hot-rodded Mercedes engine, as previous AMG powerplants have been, but AMG's first original design.

3. Mercedes-Benz S65 AMGPower-to-weight ratio: 8.25 lbs/hpAt $182,275, it's easily the most expensive car on our list, and for that you get a twin-turbo V12 producing 603 hp and a stunning 738 pound-feet of torque, a tsunami of force equaled only by the far more expensive — and far heavier — Bentley Arnage and Maybach 57S. The S-Class sedans are currently the best all-around big luxury four-doors in the world, and the S65 AMG is also the quickest.

2. BMW M5Power-to-weight ratio: 8.02 lbs/hpBMW claims that the M5's 5.0-liter, 500-hp V10 uses Formula One technology, and certainly among our 10 extreme sedans, the M5 is the most race-worthy: It's more about high-speed performance and dynamics than sheer torque in a straight line; lap times rather than zero-to-60-mph times. The M5 can be ordered with a sequential-manual transmission or a conventional manual, both six speeds; the latter is far smoother.

1. Mercedes-Benz E63 AMGPower-to-weight ratio: 7.96 lbs/hpBecause the conventional E-Class sedan is about 175 pounds lighter than its CLS twin, supplying both cars with the same AMG 507-hp V8 should give the E63 slightly better acceleration, though Mercedes claims identical zero-to-60-mph times of 4.3 seconds. Choosing the arguably less stylish E63 saves $7,600, however, and provides the most conservative-looking luxury performance sedan on the market.

The Quick and the Hot

2008-05-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

Browsing the net last night, I came across an article that features hot and fast cars. I was entertained while reading the post and that prompted me to share it with you.

So here are the quick and the the hot cars:

005 Koenigsegg CRR

Finally. the Koenigsegg CCR on the 28th of February broke the production road car speed record. It was able to achieve a new official top speed of 387.87 km/h (242.14 mph) at Italy’s Nardo Prototipo proving ground. With such speed, Christina von Koenigsegg proudly stated that the Koenigsegg can reach its projected top 395 km/h or more in a straight line. Loris Bicocchi, the driver, was apparently amazed by the performance of such road machine. He said “This test was very important for the customers and owners of Koenigsegg cars. It proves that their belief and faith in the small Koenigsegg Company was well founded”.

2005 Saleen S7
The Salen is said to be the first ever genuine supercar that has captured the imagination of the automotive world at the time it was introduced in August 2000. Now priced at $430, 000, the Saleen is designed to compete with the line of the fastest, best handling and most exotic sports cars. Surely the few owners of Saleen are fortunate enough to enjoy a distinctive American driving experience.

2005 Ford GT
The Ford GT is designed with a long, sleek structure with great lines which implies that such car will appear pretty just standing still, but even better zooming by. So if you think you have the money to buy such awesome car, do not hesitate. Grab it now! You have to save money though for speeding tickets. Now it’s priced at $139, 995.

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR
The Mercedes Benz SLR is equipped with a hand-built 5.5 liter engine that pumps out over 600 horsepower and has the capability to go from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds with an impressive top speed of 207 miles per hour. This car features a sleek, retro design and now priced at $418, 000. Great enough in terms of speed, it can even be enhanced by using Formula 1 technology, notably in the body. And because it is made of carbon fiber composite, SLR is guaranteed to be tough thus providing a safer ride.

2004 Lamborghini Gallardo
This Lamborghini Gallardo, which is a passenger luxury sports is a vehicle with two doors. This type of vehicle has the curves that Italian vehicle enthusiasts love. Its curve on the roof creates an appearance as if it could fire off the line anytime. In the American roads, you can’t find the Gallardo’s 500-horsepower, 5.0-litre, V10 engine at present. And if ever there is, you still cant find it that easy. Why? It’s because you will have trouble catching it with your naked eye. It’s top speed is more than 190 mile per hour.

2005 Acura NSX
This Japan-built NSX has an aluminum structure and a combination of performance and luxury car features. This has been rebuilt for 15 years with only minor changes from 2004 model.

2005 Audi TT Quattro Sport
This Quattro Sport by Audi is striking for its agility and revolutionary design. This vehicle is an embodiment of a purist approach to driving enjoyment with the touch of awesome appearance. At present, it has more power and torque but less weight. This is a special factor necessary to achieve a smooth driving pleasure and perfect handling.

2005 BMW M3 Convertible
This BMW M3 Convertible has amazing 333 horsepower, six torque-filled gears with monstrous brakes. It also features the optional formula 1 inspires Sequntial Manual Gearbox lock. Driving this car is definitely something you can truly enjoy the most.

My thoughts on Mondeo

2008-05-06T23:47:00.000-07:00

I love Ford models! Last year, I had a plan to buy the 2007 Ford Mondeo but failed because I thought it was not right time to drive a new car. Now, it’s 2008 and the thought of buying still crosses my mind. Just so you have an idea of this high-end wheeled machine, let me share some of its interesting info.

The Mondeo appeared in the UK’s top 10 favorite cars. It actually happened every year since its launch in 1993, selling more than 1.5 million examples. From then, it had a stellar reputation in the nation. It was first seen in prototype guise at the Paris motor show and then making a cameo in the latest James Bond film. Indeed, it has a lot to live up to. With its latest iteration which is the employment of the kinetic design language, Mondeo has created a unique front end with beveled comers and a deep offset between the top of the bonnet and the front wings. Accentuating the flanks is the muscular line rising gradually toward the rear whilst a sturdy undercut line runs from the front wheels arches through the side of the car.

From launch, three distinctive body styles are available - the saloon, five-door hatchback and estate. Within these are four distinct trim levels such as the entry level Edge, mid-spec Zetec, the top of the range Ghia and finally, the Titanium X models. The Duratorg diesel and Duratec petrol engines supply the power for the new Mondeo. The diesel units are specified in 1.8 litre or 2 guise, with power ratings between 99bhp and 138bhp.

Simple automotive tips for a happy, safe and long riding experience

2008-05-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

Negligence is among the major causes of vehicular accidents. In fact, certain percentage of all motor fatalities is clearly caused by automotive maintenance neglect. Hence, all vehicle drivers are advised to keep their ride in near-perfect shape. Regular maintenance is a crucial part of responsible vehicle ownership as this is an effective way to ensure quality performance and safety on the road.

Here are some inexpensive and basic preventive checks that will ensure safety and long service life of the vehicle.

· Always refer to your owner’s manual. Ideally, you need to replace your stock oil filter every 3, 000 – 4, 000 miles.

· Check the fluids including the brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze. They play an important role in the safety and performance of your vehicle.

· Have the tire inflation checked. Note that under-inflated tires can result in a loss of fuel efficiency. Tires should be checked once a month. This is the least expensive form of preventive and safety maintenance.

· Keep the engine tuned. Expect at least 30% reduction in fuel efficiency with a fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector.

· Lubricate the chassis whenever necessary. This is to stretch out the life of the moving components of the vehicle’s suspension system.

· To prevent corrosion, check and clean the battery cables and posts.

· Always check the components of the lighting and signaling system. These are the headlights, tail lights, and brake lights. Your safety especially at night greatly depends on them.

· Inspect the windshield washer blades for crack, tear and windshield contact. Replace them approximately annually or sooner if streaking begins.

· Check the engine belts on a regular basis. Faulty belts adversely impact engine operation. Check out for cracks and missing sections or segments.

· Check the air filtration as frequent as possible or every other oil change for clogging or damage. This is to ensure good engine performance.

Being aware of the basic automotive maintenance helps make your vehicle perform at its best condition for a long period of time. So be more than just a driver. Be the mechanic of your precious ride as well.

Universal Driving Tips for Safety

2008-05-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

So who has the safest and most enjoyable vacation trips? Certainly, he is the one who anticipates the needs of other fellow drivers and exhibits a little common courtesy and goes with the flow. There are several driving tips that a responsible driver should know and observe to ensure safety on the road. These tips are actually basic and are easy to follow.

Here they are.

Speed. It is a big NO to drive the speed limit if the other motorists are not moving at that speed. You can either slow down or speed up if your preferred speed is 65 mph but the slower (right) lane traffic is moving 62 mph and the faster (left) lane is approaching 70 mph. However, you should not fight or obstruct the flow. It is safer to go with the flow.

Lane Courtesy. It is a sad reality that many American drivers do not understand and appreciate the importance of lane courtesy – slower traffic keep right and faster traffic pass on the left. You should give the other motorists the chance to find an opening in the right lane if you are in the left lane and slower vehicles are in your right lane. Never climb onto their trunk and signal your intentions with 4 or 5 blinks of your left directional. Use your pair of headlights to clarify your intentions. Do not be mad if the motorists to whom you give your signals do not move. Just work your way with these incompetent and inconsiderate drivers the best you can. Remember the recommendation on the speed if the traffic is heavy.

Passing. The ‘cruised control passed is evidenced when a driver traveling with the cruise control set at 65 mph moves to the left and proceeds to take 10 minutes to pass another vehicle going 64.5 mph. Meanwhile, a platoon of vehicles is stacking up in both the right-and-left lane. The ‘cruise control devotee’ is another variation of such practice. This effectively limits a truck driver’s emergency options or prevents him from moving into the right place. Although it is not a requirement to punch the passing gear to overtake another vehicle, you would have to pass promptly and deliberately. Your clear intentions and decisiveness will be surely appreciated.

Anticipation. Drivers significantly have to anticipate the needs of their fellow travels to ensure a faster and safer traffic. One common form of anticipation is to move to the left lane or to open up space for merging traffic. There are in fact a lot common courtesies that cost nothing in time and money but greatly expedite traffic low and reduce aggravation. You can permit a vehicle in the right lane to pass another vehicle that is obstructing traffic by simply adjusting your left lane speed. There is a need for you to match the speed of the traffic flowing in the left lane when moving from the right lane to execute pass in the left lane. Do not practice that blind obedience to speed limits if safety really matters to you.

Sightseeing. One thing you can enjoy with traveling is sightseeing. This is especially true if you are a stranger to the place. You should not however overdo sightseeing and forget about the road you are traveling on. Enjoying the scenes while driving safely shouldn’t be hard. You can occasionally glance in the rearview mirror. If traffic is collecting behind you, simply pull over where there’s room and let them go by. In this way, you can reduce the aggravation factor for everyone. The overall effect? Your fun is enhanced and your trip is safer, faster more enjoyable.

The Art of Drifting

2008-04-29T23:42:00.000-07:00

This article concerns the motor sport racing and one of its techniques, drifting. It is actually the technique, which is applicable to turn the car sideways. A car is in a drifting position when, the angle of rear slip exceeds the angle of the front slip and the front wheels are pointing opposite to the car’s turn. However, it is not a default movement and is generally controlled by the driver. However, you must know that the technique of drifting is not possible in the case of a front-wheel-drive car.

Modern technique of drifting started over 30 years ago in

Japan

by legendary motorcyclist Kunimitsu Takahashi. Today, drifting has evolved into competitive sport practice. There are various places in the world where motor sport racing is practiced like

Malaysia

Australia

Canada

, and United Kingdom etc. However, international motor sport racing governing body like the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile has not recognized the technique of drifting as a professional form of motor sporting.

There are drifting competitions that are judged on the basis of line, speed, angle and the show factor. The show factor however, depends on the amount of smoke, closeness of the car to the wall and the reaction of the crowd. The speed is measured as the speed while entering a turn, speed existing the turn and the speed through the turn. The faster these speeds are the better points the biker or the racer accumulates from the judges.

There are various types of drifting techniques that are practiced during driving a motor sports car. The Kansei Drift is generally performed at race speeds. In this case the driver, while entering a corner, lifts the foot from the throttle and introduces a mild oversteer and tends to balance the drift through the steering motions and throttles. In the case of braking drift, trail braking is done to a corner. After this, balancing is done through throttle and steering motions and the loss of grip is obtained. In faint drift, the technique is performed by rocking movement of the car towards the outside of a turn and then rebounds on the grip to throw the car into the normal cornering position. Clutch kick is the technique that is performed through performing a depression to the clutch pedal during a mild drift and then pops the clutch for a jolt to upset the rear traction. Other types of drifting are used as effective techniques of racing and motor sporting.

Competitive drifting is the type of motor sport that is rated on style, rather than on speed or position a group of other racers. Although, drifting is not the fastest way around a racetrack, it is useful in case of rallying as it is considered the most efficient way to turn the car at the corner and the car is well managed in the case of cornering. However, drifting is slower in the case of circuit racing and but are faster comparatively inn the case of conventional racings. The only time drifting acts as a speeder option is during the time a tight corner arrives and suddenly the biker has to take a turn.

Today, drifting has now become a major sport in itself and is mainly used by those drivers who want to keep their cars to the sides as long as possible. Nowadays, to make judgment in the drifting competitions easier, the equipment called a Drift box has been introduced. It uses the GPS criteria too measure the angle of turning and speed and G-force and speed at which the drift occurred. These days there are video games in the market that has options for drifting techniques.

Car Features for the Future

2008-04-29T23:03:00.000-07:00

"Car guys" may love to talk about high tech engines of the future, but let's face it: real people also want a cool look and features, inside and out.

The Opel Flextreme concept, unveiled at Frankfurt, uses a diesel (very efficient) plus a hybrid (also very efficient) "E-Flex drive system." Just like the Volt, you can charge it up by simply plugging it in (very very very efficient). But Flextreme cool doesn't stop there. It's loaded with other cool features to make you say, "Whoa ... "

Dashboard Display: A Spaceship for Planet Earth
When you jump behind the wheel, a panoramic instrument panel makes it look like a spaceship. The display fields are configurable and can show you what’s happening outside the car. The views are captured by two on-board cameras that make the concept of side mirrors obsolete.

Touch Screen: Bye Bye Buttons and Knobs
A second display on the center console features a touch screen with icons that have the feel of computer shortcuts ... and they control just about everything in the vehicle. With one touch you can put the Flextreme in drive or reverse. The touch screen also controls the sound system as well as the air conditioning and navigation systems.

Nice Segway(s)
One of the most unique features is the rear cargo area which holds two electrically-powered Segway® Personal Transporters. They have been modified for their mobile garage and are charged by the Flextreme's batteries when they are docked.

BMW M1 Celebrates its 30 Glorious Years

2008-04-29T22:49:00.000-07:00

Thirty years ago, at the 1978 Paris Motor Show, BMW’s “M” Division presented its first ever creation and at the same time, the Bavarian carmaker’s first and last mid-engine supercar, the M1. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and developed in association with Lamborghin, the M1 was initially intended for the racetrack. BMW has planned several events throughout the year to celebrate the M1’s 30th birthday, including the creation of a special stand at this year’s Concorso d'Eleganza exhibition at Lake Como where it will show off production and racing versions of its iconic supercar

Now, BMW’s mid-engineered M1 supercar made its debut at the 64^th Paris Motor in 1978, now, it has been 30 years.Sports car fans and lovers were able to admire a super-low, extremely dynamic new model making it quite clear at very first sight that this was Germany’s fastest road-going sports car: the BMW M1, 277 bhp strong, and well over 160 mph fast.

That was indeed quite something, considering that BMW’s super-sports car had a price-tag back then in 1978 of exactly DM 100,000, enough for four BMW 323is plus a couple of optional extras.

The M1 was developed by BMW Motorsport with the help of Lamborghini and only 456 cars ever saw the light of day. Its body was based on a 1972 BMW concept car but was penned by Italian design house Giugiaro Italdesign.

At the time of its launch, the M1 was one of the fastest and most dynamic cars on the market. It featured a 277hp (204kW) 3.5L straight-six engine and could reach speeds in excess of 160mph (260km/h).

The smooth six-cylinder revved freely to a 7,000rpm cut-off and was capable of accelerating the car from 0-62mph (100km/h) in 5.6 seconds. Driving the rear wheels was a ZF manual with five gears.

New technologies employed by the M1 included a spaceframe chassis and lightweight plastic body wrapped around a double wishbone suspension set-up with light-alloy wheel mounts in the front and an independent trapezoidal set-up in the rear. Bilstein dampers were also used with fully adjustable coil springs.

Though the car never saw a great deal of racing success, the M1 remains BMW’s only mid-engined supercar and is remembered for its impeccable handling and build quality – traits that were hard to find in the supercars of that era.

The Bose Media System: Fit for a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

2008-04-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

Purists might argue that the spine-tingling, goose bump-inducing howl of the 5.7-liter V-12 engine is all the "music" one needs in a 2007 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti; Premium audio equipment manufacturer Bose begs to differ.

So much so, that Bose has convinced Ferrari to host its newest Bose Media System in the 612 Scaglietti as standard kit from the 2007 model year onward. Already a key Ferrari supplier, Bose audio systems can be found in the entire Ferrari lineup -- from F430 to 599 GTB Fiorano. But it's the Scaglietti that gets the newest and most advanced system of all -- and for good reason.

See, the 612 Scaglietti isn't quite like the other horses in the stable. Yes, it's brilliantly fast, utterly connected to the road, and mind-numbingly capable from a performance standpoint. But still, this is a GT car in the purest sense. And while the 612 Scaglietti is able and willing to tear up the racetrack alongside its brethren, that would be missing the point. What the Scaglietti does best is eat up miles and miles of asphalt -- from freeways to winding back roads -- while transporting up to four adults with comfort, elegance, and tremendous speed. And that's why, more than ever, a Ferrari s deserves an audio system that matches its athletic ability.

Enter the Bose Media System. The 612 Scaglietti is not only the first Ferrari to feature Bose's latest piece of audio exotica -- it's the first production car to place it on the spec sheet. More than just a stereo, the Bose Media System integrates audio and video presentation with satellite navigation and hands-free phone capability in one neat and tidy package. Virtually any audio format can be played including CD, SACD, MP3, and WMA; while DVD video can also be viewed. Inputs for both iPod and USB flash drives are included, and around 15 gigabytes of the system's 30-gigabyte built-in hard drive capacity is useable for music storage. Audio CDs can be ripped to the hard drive as they are heard, and a uMusic component features intelligent playback of stored music, automatically selecting tracks that suit the listener's mood.

Featuring 11 speakers (including separate front and rear subwoofers) and 5.1 digital surround sound, audio reproduction is stellar. A DVD of a live Blue Man Group performance was played as a demonstration, and just as in a well-designed home theater, sound is presented spatially, with distinction among the sources of individual noises. This was especially noticeable with live music, where cheers from the crowd seem distinct from the location of the performers.

Also impressive was the digital FM receiver. Utilizing three separate antennas in different locations on the vehicle, the receiver simultaneously takes the best-transmitted portions of any given broadcast and pieces them together for the best-quality reception possible. The opportunity arose to listen to a broadcasted version of the Rolling Stones' "Jumpin' Jack Flash" back-to-back with a version stored on iPod, and while careful listening revealed a bit more clarity to the iPod's playback, the FM radio broadcast was very good, especially if listening casually. The tuner also monitors the frequency band for the strongest stations, offering the option of automatic station switching should a particular frequency feature a weak signal -- much like an automatic "scan" mode. FM stations, as well as those featured on the included satellite radio, can be categorized by genre, making it easy for a driver to find a particular style of music while keeping attention on the road.

2008 Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

2008-04-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

We knew it was coming; we just didn't know when. Logic says that it was only a matter of time until a coupe version of Cadillac's CTS sedan was introduced. Well, Detroit '08 was the place. First, Caddy rolled out the Provoq crossover concept, then the CTS-V was introduced, and finally, just as we thought the presentation was finished, design chief Ed Welburn came onto stage in the CTS Coupe Concept.

The striking coupe follows up on the CTS sedan's "art and design" theme. From a few angles, the car actually looks like it could be a hatchback, although the design around the C-pillar makes it look a bit frumpy. Hopefully, that detail will be smoothed out in the inevitable transition from concept to production car. Drop in the 550-hp engine from the CTS-V, and the full effect would be complete.

Motorists Are Warned "To See the Light"

2008-04-25T23:12:00.000-07:00

Every time you start your car they glow to greet you, but after a few seconds of engine operation they fade away - hopefully not to be seen again until the next engine start. As part of Car Care Month, AAA is urging motorists to heed their car's cry for attention and be aware of the red and yellow indicators on the instrument panel that illuminate to let you know when a problem occurs.

"Motorists need to be aware of the critical - 'big three' - warning lights. They include those that monitor engine oil pressure, engine coolant temperature, and the vehicle charging system," says John Nielsen, Director of AAA Automotive. "To reduce the chances of vehicle damage and/or a roadside breakdown, these warning lights require prompt and proper action when they illuminate."

To help motorists better understand the important role of these three warning lights, AAA provides a brief explanation of each.

Warning Light TestWhen the ignition key is first turned to the ON position, all of the vehicle's warning lights should illuminate. The "big three" lights typically remain on until the engine is started and running. If a warning light fails to illuminate at this time, have the related system checked out by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. Once the engine is running, all the warning lights should go out within a few seconds. If any light remains illuminated, consult your owner's manual or the sections below for further information.

Engine Oil PressureThe engine oil pressure warning light commonly displays an oil can symbol or the word "OIL." When the oil pressure warning light illuminates, the engine has lost its supply of pressurized lubricating oil and severe engine damage or catastrophic failure can occur within seconds. Of all the warning lights, the oil pressure light indicates the greatest potential for serious mechanical damage, and also allows you the shortest time in which to take appropriate action.

If the oil pressure warning light comes on and stays on: pull off the road immediately, shut off the engine, and call AAA to have your vehicle towed to an Approved Auto Repair facility. Unless you are in an extremely dangerous situation, do not attempt to drive the vehicle any farther. This can significantly increase the extent of any engine damage - turning a possibly minor repair into a complete engine replacement.

2009 Mazda6 for the U.S. Officially Breaks Cover

2008-04-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

Mazda has finally revealed early details and the first official photos of the long-awaited U.S.-spec version of the second-generation, 2009 Mazda6 midsize sedan. Due to arrive in late summer, the Mazda6 is said to have been specifically designed and engineered for America, which likely means the changes from the European model will go more than sheetmetal deep.

Available only as a sedan -- the wagon and liftback depart, as does the high-performance MazdaSpeed6 -- the new Mazda6 will come in three trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Two engines will be offered, a newly-developed 2.5-liter inline-four and the 3.7-liter V-6 also found in Mazda's CX-9, which makes 273 horsepower in the crossover.

Transmission options will include a five-speed automatic for the four-banger, with the V-6 receiving a six-speed auto. A six-speed manual will also be offered for both engines. ABS and dynamic stability control will be standard on all models.

Mazda says that is has made what it calls unparalleled reductions in road noise and vibrations that, along with its trademark driving dynamics and road feel, will help set the Mazda6 apart from the competition in the midsize sedan market, which only continues to get tougher.

2008 Ford Verve Concept

2008-04-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

The four-door Ford Verve concept debuting at the 2008 Detroit auto show is our first look at an all-new small car that Ford will begin selling here in 2010. We first saw the Verve as a two-door hatchback concept car at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The Frankfurt hatch is making its Stateside debut at the Detroit auto show as well, so that Ford can gauge Americans' interest in that particular body style. A production version of the Verve hatch goes on sale later this year in Europe. Sadly, Americans looking for a small car from Ford must contend with the recently revised but aged Focus for the time being.

It looks like the Ford Verve, which is likely to be renamed for production, will be worth the wait, though, as it promises to be the first stylish, fun-to-drive, desirable small car from Detroit in a long time. It will compete in what's known in Europe as the "B-segment" and which is a growing niche here in the States represented by such cars as the Honda Fit, the Toyota Yaris, the Nissan Versa, and the Chevy Aveo. Small-car sales are expected to expand by more than 25 percent over the next four years, to 3.4 million units by 2012. If Ford can snag even a few hundred thousand of those unit sales, the Verve will be a smash success both for the company's bottom line and for its image.

The Verve's rallying cry is its progressive, modern styling. "Verve aims to `right' North American buyers' earlier small-car experiences," says Ford's design chief, J Mays, "by offering a product that changes customers' views of small cars from `cheap' to chic--and from affordable to desirable." With Ford's signature three-bar grille hovering over a bold, inverted trapezoidal lower grille; huge projector-beam headlamps stretching almost back to the A-pillars; eighteen-inch wheels; and the pillarless side window shape, the handsome Verve cannot come soon enough to Ford's lineup.

Naturally, the Verve's cabin is a playground for the "millennial" demographic (those aged 13 to 28 years) who will comprise 28 percent of the total United States population by 2010. In a clear nod to those consumers, the Verve concept's instrument panel controls are designed in a way that mimics the logic of a mobile phone.

The Verve will be the first vehicle that Ford will offer in America built off a global platform, part of the company's new effort to maximize global efficiencies and share platforms across markets. What this means is that Ford is finally going to offer Americans some of the good stuff they've been selling to Europeans all along. To that, and to the Verve, we say, hooray!

2010 Ford Fiesta

2008-04-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

Ford will bring its next-generation small car to the U.S., providing an option below the freshened-and-hanging-on Focus.

Previewed as the trio of Verve concepts - the most recent having been shown at the 2008 Detroit show - the production car will wear the Fiesta badge. That name was last used in America briefly in the late 70s, but makes perfect sense given its long history in Europe.
he new Fiesta will be sold all over the world, first appearing in Europe (where production will begin this fall), then in Asia, South Africa, and Australia. Americans will be the last to get the Fiesta in 2010. Europe will get three- and five-door hatches to start, with those and additional bodystyles going to different regions based on market demand - the U.S. should see a sedan and at least one hatch.

Engine options on the Continent will include three engines ranging in output from 59 to 113 hp. A pair of diesels make 67 and 89 hp - we're crossing our fingers in hopes that one of them makes it to our market.

The Fiesta is the second of what we hope will be a never-ending stream of European Fords coming to the States; plans were recently announced to import the Transit Connect extra-mini work van. We'd vote for the real Focus next, followed by a solid mid-sizer like the Mondeo.
We'll get our first look at the Fiesta at the 2008 Geneva auto show.
Click the links below for high-resolution Fiesta images, as well as Verve concept coverage

2008 BMW X6 On Focus

2008-04-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

The new X6 is based on the X5, but it's not an SUV, either. In fact, it's not even an SAV. It's an SAC - a Sports Activity Coupe. Oh, really? To me, a coupe has two doors (even if it's called a Mercedes-Benz CLS or Volkswagen Passat CC, by the way). I'm going to let the ridiculous name slide for once, because there's one huge truth in the X6's SAC designation: the word "sports."
The X6 is oh-my-God good in corners - to the point that it's downright disturbing. No SAC, no SAV, and certainly no SUV should ever, ever be this good in corners. Especially when it weighs as much as two E30-series M3 (1988-91) coupes. And speaking of M3s, BMW says the V-8 X6 laps Germany's Nürburgring Nordschleife in just over 8 minutes, 30 seconds - about ten seconds slower than the E46-series M3 (2001-2007). Yeah - that one, with a 333-hp 8000-rpm engine and a chassis to die for. That's just ridiculous.

The X6 comes in two trim levels. The $53,275 X6 xDrive35i (no, that's not a joke, that's its real name) comes with that delicious 300-hp, 300-lb-ft twin-turbo in-line six that we adore in the 135i, the 335i, and the 535i. Saddled with the X6's weight (4894 lb), the overachiever of an engine still manages a 6.5-second 0-to-60-mph time. In regular driving, the 3.0-liter's big midrange torque is helpful, but if you catch the engine off-boost, patience is required. Luckily, the two teensy turbos spool up very quickly, so lag is minimal, especially at high revs. But because the turbos are so small, the engine runs out of boost (and therefore power) over 6500 rpm. Sure, it happens in the other 35i-motored cars, too, but you don't notice it as much because you're too busy giggling at how fast you're going.

The X6 xDrive50i starts at $63,775 and has an all-new V-8 under the hood. At 4.4 liters, the engine is smaller than the 4.8-liter in the other 50i-engined cars (the 550i, 650i, and 750i, to name a few) and the X5 4.8i. In place of the displacement, it packs two small turbos in the valley of the engine block's vee, and consequently it makes even more power: 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. (The normally aspirated 4.8-liter makes 350 hp and 350 lb-ft in the X5). I wish I could say that I like the V-8 as much as I love the 35i motor, but I don't. The engine's power - and its huge torque plateau - are nice, but it experiences a lot more lag than the six-cylinder does, even at high rpm. I'm not a fan of turbo engines because I like instant throttle response, so this V-8 and I got off to a rough start. And speaking of rough starts, I had a few with the V-8: giving a little gas when accelerating off the line results in nothing, nothing, and then way too much power as the turbos spool up.

In normal driving, I preferred both the sound and the responsiveness of the xDrive35i. Its shorter gear ratios mean it feels almost as quick around town as the V-8 (it's not, though-the xDrive50i rips to 60 mph in only 5.3 seconds, according to BMW). Moreover, the ZF 6-speed automatic transmission is so mind-blowingly adept at banging off seamless shifts that I'd rather beat on the slower X6 instead of using the V-8's torque to ooze around town.

The other big news in the X6's driveline is Dynamic Performance Control, an active rear differential that can shuffle engine power (or engine drag) between the two wheels. It works together with the standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system but works like a limited-slip rear differential on steroids. Where a limited-slip diff aims to lock the two axles together in response to a slippage on one side, the DPC differential can actively shuffle power back and forth between the two - no slip is necessary. More important, it doesn't just lock the wheels together, sending up to half the torque to each side; it proactively sends torque from one side to the other. DPC can engage full "lock" in only 400 milliseconds, and at that point, it can take up to 660 lb-ft of torque from one rear wheel and transfer it to the other. That's 1320 lb-ft of torque more on one side of the car than the other, which can be used to steer the X6.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

2008-04-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

It takes only a quick scan of the Malibu Hybrid's window sticker to see its appeal. At a base price of $22,790, the Chevy undercuts the hybrid versions of the Nissan Altima and the Toyota Camry by some $3000, making it one of the least expensive hybrid vehicles in America. The Nissan and the Toyota each return an impressive 34 mpg in the EPA combined fuel economy cycle, while the Malibu manages only 27 mpg. But driving pleasure is a different story. The Japanese sedans both feel compromised in their pursuit of ultimate economy, but the Malibu Hybrid has a smooth, unobtrusive powertrain and a nicely tuned chassis. The Chevy also wins in the steering department, although its electrically assisted rack won't keep Porsche engineers awake at night. Furthermore, the Malibu's acceleration suffers due to the long gearing of its antiquated, four-speed automatic transmission. GM needs to integrate its six-speed automatic, posthaste. Overall, though, the Malibu Hybrid drives just like the four-cylinder Malibu. And that's high praise, indeed.

Just as Saturn does for its Vue and Aura hybrid models, Chevy uses a relatively basic hybrid system for the Malibu. An electric motor replaces the alternator and can modestly boost power under acceleration. It can also act as a generator. Additionally, this motor/generator restarts the engine after it shuts down at stoplights. A battery pack linked to the motor takes up minimal trunk space.

While the Malibu Hybrid offers only a 2-mpg improvement over the conventional Malibu, the system's simplicity, low cost, and passive nature are appealing. Factor in the hybrid tax incentives, and you're almost getting something for nothing.

Chevrolet Introduces Six-Speed Automatic for Four-Cylinder Malibu

2008-04-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

When Chevy unveiled its new Malibu last fall, its standard four-cylinder Ecotec engine was mated only with an outdated four-speed automatic transmission. GM promised that a proper, modern automatic would soon be available with the four-banger, and it has delivered on that promise today by unveiling a six-speed automatic called the 6T40. (A different six-speed automatic, the 6T70, was offered from the start for the Malibu, but only with the optional V-6 engine.) Production on the four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain starts shortly, so Malibu LTZ models thus equipped should be in dealerships well before Memorial Day.

At a media event today at GM's headquarters at the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit, I had an opportunity to briefly drive a Malibu LTZ equipped with the new powertrain. Launch acceleration is crisp and strong, but with only 169 hp on tap, acceleration from 30 to 60 mph is a bit slow, so I put the gearshift lever into M, for Manual mode, and used the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to downshift (push them forward) or upshift (pull them back). With that maneuver, there was plenty of power, and the gearbox easily held revs past 6000 rpm.

Unlike most of GM's four-cylinder engines from the past twenty years, this one actually feels and sounds refined and quiet. I was able to drive the car for only about 10 minutes on a freeway loop, but it appears to be a well-engineered piece and an effective challenger for the highly regarded four-cylinder powertrains in the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Hyundai Sonata, none of which is offered with a six-speed automatic. The six-speed has gains in efficiency, too, increasing the four-cylinder Malibu's highway fuel economy from 30 mpg to 32 mpg, which beats Camry and Accord, which both are rated at 31 mpg. The six-speed automatic Malibu gets 22 mpg in the city, the same as it gets with the four-speed automatic.

The six-speed automatic initially is exclusively offered in the top-spec LTZ model, which will cost $26,545, including destination, as a 2008 model. Chevy has this powertrain exclusively this summer, but it spreads this fall to the Pontiac G6 and the Saturn Aura.

Treasured Titan - the new Toyota Land Cruiser V8 by delta4x4

2008-04-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

ODELZHAUSEN, GERMANY - Just in time for the official German launch on March 8th 2008, delta4x4 introduces a complete new custom concept for the new Land Cruiser. As is expected delta4x4 combines excellent craftsmanship with sophisticated technology to deliver accessories for the discerning SUV driver. For some the power surge of up to 318 kmph by the delta4x4 performance increase compared to the standard 286 kmph could cause a little anxiety but with the delta4x4 high-performance brake system any uneasiness is quickly forgotten. This high-performance brake system includes a six-piston caliper, a 396 mm perforated brake disk and a steel-wrapped hose. It provides a precise pedal response, allowing an allround secure and relaxing driving pleasure at a maximum torque of 780 Nm.

”Back to basics“ the Bavarian 4 wheel specialist delta4x4 prides itself on high quality handmade stainless steel accessories
delta4x4 fits Toyota’s new SUV with either a front bar that meets EU pedestrian protection safety standards or a bigger front bar for the export market. Also in the line handmade and hand polished 101mm stainless steel side and rear bars. To accentuate its powerful appearance and to render the vehicle’s sound more deep and mighty, delta4x4 has equipped the V8 with a stainless steel double pipe exhaust system.

The broad sporty wheels and the elegant 17 to 23 inch rim program provides the vehicle with a high urban profile.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Showcases Advanced Material Handling Solutions at the North American Material Handling Show

2008-04-19T03:26:00.000-07:00

In its first appearance at a North American Material Handling show, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc., one of the world's premier industrial automation companies, demonstrated some of the most advanced and reliable high-speed control and data transfer solutions available for material handling. (Mitsubishi Electric Automation Exhibit # 307)

"For the first time at a North American material handling exhibition, Mitsubishi Electric Automation is showing its solutions for conveyance, sortation, parcel gapping and metering applications," said Donald Edsall, strategic account manager, Material Handling Industry. "We are introducing customers in North America to what we believe are the most reliable, flexible and cost effective automation solutions available for material handling."

Edsall said the automation hardware on display at the Mitsubishi Electric Automation booth will interest any organization seeking significant productivity improvements in high-speed material handling. Mitsubishi Electric Automation demonstrated the recently introduced CC-Link IE -- the first gigabit industrial Ethernet technology for automation networks. The capacity of the CC-Link IE open-architecture network moves the integration of material handling control and data acquisition into a new realm of performance.

The company also showcased a number of new product lines at NA 08, including the A700 series high-performance variable frequency drives that feature adaptive auto-tuning, which automatically compensates for changes in load inertia and offers servo motor-like technology at the price of a variable frequency drive. Also introduced was the MR-J3 AC servo line, which is smaller, faster and offers increased accuracy and more advanced features than earlier models.
For material handling customers, the company introduced the new Mitsubishi Manufacturing Execution System, which is a next-generation gateway between control and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) -- eliminating the requirement for industrial computers on the shop floor.

"Mitsubishi Electric Automation offers solutions that are globally accepted and highly regarded," Edsall said. "We believe our reputation of producing industry-leading high-quality automation hardware is why material handling customers continue to be amazed at the performance barriers they can break and the problems they can solve with our advanced technology."

NA 08 attendees and members of the media are invited to stop by exhibit # 307 for the material handling industry's first look at these new developments or to visit http://www.meau.com/ for additional information.

2009 Subaru Forester Earns IIHS '2008 Top Safety Pick' Award

2008-04-18T02:10:00.000-07:00

The all-new 2009 Subaru Forester has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's, "2008 Top Safety Pick" award. To win this award, a vehicle must offer superior overall crash protection among the vehicles in their class. To qualify, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control.
"We are delighted that once again, a Subaru vehicle is recognized as a "Top Safety Pick", said Tom Doll, executive vice president and CFO for Subaru of America. "This award speaks to the quality work our engineers put into equipping our cars with industry leading safety while still making them affordable with standard all-wheel drive."

Criteria to win is tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is standard on the Forester.

"The performance of the Forester underscores Subaru's commitment to delivering state-of-the-art safety to its customers," 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 all new Subaru Forester is a total re-design of the award-winning crossover utility vehicle (CUV). The 2009 Forester builds upon its predecessor's reputation as an icon of safety, dependability and versatility. The new-generation 2009 model projects a bolder, more SUV-like design -- making a major leap in safety technology, comfort, refinement and driving dynamics.

Volkswagen and Hitler, the untold story

2008-04-18T02:09:00.000-07:00

This is not what you get on the official Volkswagen site! In fact, if you trace the history of the Volkswagen, it will eventually end up to one of the biggest villains in history; Adolf Hitler.
So the story is, in 1933 at the Berlin Auto Show, Hitler spoke about the idea of a new family car, which will be really affordable for any family, price being almost equal to a motorcycle. At that time, only the richest of the people could afford a car.Hitler called for a meeting with Ferdinand Porsche (yup, from PORSCHE). Porsche was also working on a weird-looking but inexpensive car at that very time. He met Hitler, and was asked to build a car with the following specifications:It must be able to carry 3 adults and two children.It should have a mileage of 42mpg, andHave a top speed of 100 kmh.Hitler also told that the car should look like a Maikaefer - a May beetle, and also delivered a sketch of the design. Hitler himself sketched the design, at a restaurant table in Munich in 1932.
Porsche promised to deliver the design, with the prototypes to be built by Daimler-Benz.In 1937, the Volkswagenwerk GmbH was created. Volkswagen literally means "car of the people". In 1938, the state funded Volkswagen factory was built in Wolfsburg, where KdF-wagens were meant to be built, though few were actually built.
Soon, the factory gave up this project and started bulding military vehicles, based on the same chassis of the KdF-wagen. The three models of the military cars built were Kübelwagen, Schwimmwagen, and Kommandeurwagen, and later, it was revealed that Hitler completely had this in his mind from the beginning. He secretly added these specifications for Porsche: the car should be able to carry three men, machine gun and ammunitions.
After WWII, the British Government took over the Volkswagen factory, and renamed kdf-wagen into beetle. It looked for some organization to hand this company over for free, firstly contacting Ford Motor company, then the French Government, some other British Car Manufactures and lastly, the FIAT. All rejected, claiming that the ugly look of the car would make it a loss project. Later, the factory was returned to the German Government in a trust.The next is history. The car became so popular, that even at its base design, has sold over 21 million pieces, and eventually would become the most sold car of all times.

World’s Fastest Cars

2008-04-17T03:07:00.000-07:00

Here are the current Fastest Production Cars (upto feb 08) listed from fastest to slowest(!!). Excerpted from the VCars list. Only PRODUCTION Cars are listed, so no Lingenfelter Corvette. Some lucky bastards only who even dont know how to spell 'torque' gets to own these. Since most of us can never own one, so just watch the dream cars.

1. SSC Ultimate Aero

Top Speed: 257 mph0-60: 2.7 sec.Engine: V8 Twin Turbo 1183hpPrice: $654.4kIn march 2007, this became the world's fastest car beating Bugatti Veyron, recorded by the Guiness World Records. Astonishing, if you consider the fact that it only got a Twin Turbo V8 engine, almost half of the turbo count of the Veyron.2. Bugatti Veyron
Top Speed: 253 mph0-60: 2.5 secEngine: Aluminium W16 1001 hpPrice: $1444kWith the highest price tag, and being one of the most powerful production cars ever made, this beast comes at no.2.3. Koenigsegg CCX
Top Speed: 250 mph0-60: 3.2 secEngine: 90 degree V8 806 hpPrice: $695kMade in Sweden, this car is expected to steal away the no.1 spot in the future. They are currently working on a more improved version. Keep your eyes open. One of my favourites.4. Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo
Top Speed: 248 mph0-60: 3.2 secEngine: V8 Twin Turbo all aluminium 750 hpPrice: $555kThe popular Mustang Tuner, Saleen, got their name big in the industry with this beauty. A smooth bad-ass.5. McLaren F1
Top Speed: 240 mph0-60: 3.2 secEngine: BMW S70/2 60 degree V12 627 hpPrice: $970kMade in 1994, it still makes the top-list after 14 years. The most amazing car in the list, and one of the best cars ever made (not only by speed). My favourite car; dream about owning one some day.6. Ferrari Enzo
Top Speed: 217 mph0-60: 3.4 secEngine: F140 V12 aluminium 660 hpPrice: $670kOnly 399 ever produced, this is the fastest Ferrari. Each time a car crashes, the price goes high. There are evidences of these cars to be sold $670k new, and immediately sold for $1.3 million a piece. Wonder, even the richest can't own one of these if they wish.7. Jaguar XJ220
Top Speed: 217 mph0-60: 4.0 secEngine: Twin Turbo V6 542 hpPrice: $345kEven older than the McLaren F1, this car was made in 1992. It still has got what it takes to make the list!8. Pagani Zonda F
Top Speed: 215 mph0-60: 3.5 secEngine: Mercedes Benz M180 V12 650 hpPrice: $741kThis is not all Pagani has got in the bag. Currently working on the Zonda R, Pagani is sure to climb up the list with their next supercar.9. Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
Top Speed: 213 mph0-60: 3.3 secEngine: V12 640 hpPrice: $ 430kAwesome design, a beautiful piece of art. Very round and smooth, the look itself claims the car to be one of the fastest. Another that makes my personal favourite list.10.Porsche Carrera GT
Top Speed: 209 mph0-60: 3.9 secEngine: 68 degree V10 aluminium 612 hpPrice: $440kThe most attractive, fastest and expensive Porsche ever made makes at no.10.You must keep an eye on the next threateners for the list. Zonda R is next to come, Koenigsegg CCX is meant to be upgraded, and McLaren might make a decision on their next project.This is the first post of my new blog, hope you like it. For future exciting updates and articles, subscribe to my RSS feeds. Also consider bookmarking, digging and stumbling so that others can read also. Thanks.

Audi Q5, A Multi-Talent for Sport, Leisure-Time and Family Activities

2008-04-16T02:04:00.000-07:00

Audi offers three different options for the external trim of the Q5 - black (standard), contrasting color or full paint finish in the color of the car. Two body packages are available as well. The S line exterior package imparts a decidedly sporty look to the performance SUV, while the alternative off-road style package with underbody protection in the front and back and 19-inch wheels gives this SUV a robust flair.

Long wheelbase, roomy interior
At 2.81 meters (9.22 feet), the wheelbase is the longest in its segment - creating a roomy interior on board the Audi Q5. The vehicle comfortably accommodates five persons in ergonomically designed seats that can be flexibly arranged. The backrests for the rear seats are angle-adjustable and especially easy to fold down by activating the remote release lever in the luggage compartment. This compartment, offering access to a second storage area under the floor, then expands from 540 to 1,560 liters (19.07 to 55.09 cubic feet) in volume. Optional extras include a rail mounting kit for luggage, a net partition and a luggage compartment liner.

The Audi Q5 is a multi-talent for sport, leisure-time and family activities. As an option, Audi offers the "rear bench seat plus", which slides 100 millimeters (3.94 inches) lengthwise to provide a load-through facility. The front passenger's seat can be outfitted with a folding backrest for transportation of long objects such as surfboards. Numerous practical storage compartments, drink holders, bottle holders and onboard power outlets are supplied ex works. On request, Audi even offers a climate-controlled drink holder to keep drinks hot or cold. The optional storage package features another clever detail as well - an attachment point in the passenger-side footwell to which various storage fixtures can be attached.

Top-of-the-line safety equipment is a matter of course for Audi cars. On the front seats, the belt force limiters and airbags work together in a new and especially intelligent manner. Much of the body of the Audi Q5 is made of high- and ultra-high-strength steel components assembled with maximum precision. They reduce weight while at the same time improving crash safety as well as rigidity and vibration patterns.

Introducing the Newest Audi Q5

2008-04-16T02:02:00.000-07:00

Not like anyone went to the trouble of revealing the 2009 Audi Q5 un-officially, but the point is the wraps have now come off the new Small-UV from Auto Union this morning ahead of the live reveal at this week's Beijing Motor Show. What more is there to say about this overgrown jellybean other than the press release below the jump? Audi says the Q5 gets "slim, coupe-like styling." We're of the opinion that just because a vehicle is marginally slimmer and more attractive than a Q7 doesn't allow you to claim "slim, coupe-like styling." So, if you believe they're spot on — then go ahead and hit the jump because you'll believe just about anything.

The new Audi Q5: Sporty and versatile
* The performance SUV from Audi raises the bar

* Innovative technologies for dynamic driving excitement

* Spacious interior with a myriad of intelligent functions

The new Audi Q5 combines the dynamism of a sports sedan with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure-time and family use. Strong and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear have been brought together to create a superior technology package for both on- and off-road driving. Highlights such as the innovative seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and the Audi drive select control system are proof of Audi's Vorsprung durch Technik. The sportiest SUV in its class is dynamic, multifunctional and comfortable.

The dimensions alone indicate that this is a SUV of all-new proportions. Measuring 4.63 meters (15.19 feet) long and 1.88 meters (6.17 feet) wide, the Audi Q5 is just 1.65 meters (5.41 feet) high - making it sportier than any of its competitors. What's more, this SUV sets another benchmark in its class with a low drag coefficient of 0.33.

With its sporty elegance and artfully sculpted forms, the design of the Q5 is perfectly in tune with the character of Audi as a brand. The front end is dominated by expressive headlights on both sides of the large single-frame grille; on request, they can be outfitted with bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights. Viewed from the side, the large wheels and rising edges are especially prominent features.

Crowned by a railing, the elegant slope of the roof underscores the slim, coupe-like styling. At the rear, the wraparound tailgate - made from aluminum just like the hood - clearly identifies this SUV as a relative of its older brother, the Audi Q7. The taillights are available in eye-catching LED technology as well.

Ten Tools You Must Always Have

2008-04-15T07:59:00.001-07:00

You'll never know what's going to happen to you while on the road. But there's something you can do, however, to deal with it. You just have to have the right tools to get you going again. These tools are essential and can be kept without causing any trouble in your car's trunk.

1. Wrenches. Wrenches are hand tools that are used to twist or hold a bolt or a nut. They should come in handy for you as they come in different sizes, depending on what kind of vehicle you have. It is good to buy combination wrenches but the most competent kind would be the type that has an open end and box on the other side. Just ensure that both ends have equal sizes. It is important to take note that in most instances, wrenches with 6-points are not that useful compared to wrenches with 12-points.

2. Hammer. This is a tool you cannot do without. It is advisable to get hammers with a 12-ounce ball peen and one with 14-ounce ball peen as well. But if your toolbox still has room for one more, add in the 16-ounce one.

3. Flashlight. This is definitely a must because the sun is not always there to give you light. Tools are not going to be of much help if you're not seeing what you're making them do.

4. Pry bar. The recommended sizes to get for pry bars would be 12 and 24 inch ones. It's true that some tools can substitute pry bars but mind you, most of them are not made to pry off things.

5. Bottle Jack. Cars may already come with jacks but a bottle jack will make things so much easier for you. It will prove useful too in pushing away a fender from the car's wheel in instances when you've hit something.

6. Screwdrivers. What could be more useful than Phillips screwdriver #2? You must also have straight blade ones both large and small.

7. Sockets and Ratchet. A good ratchet would be the 3/8" drive one. Keep a socket handy especially during times when a wrench cannot do so. The socket will help loosen a fastener and at the same time tighten it.

8. Pliers. For pliers, regular ones will do. However, you must also have a set of Channel Locks as well as a set of vise grips both large and small. Don't forget needle nose pliers, too.

9. Jumper Cables. You'll never know when your battery is going to turn out dead. Keep jumper cables handy. Finding someone who's willing to help you give a jump doesn't necessarily mean they have jumper cables with them.

10. Work gloves. This is always a must to protect your hands in fixing things up.

All About Garmin Nuviphone

2008-04-15T01:57:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought Garmin was too busy releasing a relentless number of GPS navigation systems, they come out of nowhere with the Nuviphone, a full-blown cellphone based around a GPS core that's set for a third quarter release this year. No word on the carrier or price. With a variety of carriers and manufacturers marketing their own gimpy solutions to GPS on cellphones, what does this phone mean for the industry? Quite a bit, actually.

Garmin is a big name brand in the GPS navigation industry. Arguably, they're the top dog. And when they make a big change, like this one, everyone will take note.
The Nuviphone is another iPhone competitor, but the difference here is that the Nuviphone features full blown GPS and not the triangulation and location-based mumbo-jumbo that the iPhone and many other cellphone manufacturers put out there.

The Nuviphone still has a long way to go, but a release of this magnitude—i.e., a cellphone that one can truly dock in a car and be used for navigation—will ripple throughout the industry and hopefully force other manufacturers to take note and include TRUE GPS (worthy of use in cars for navigation) into cellphones.
The phone itself is the whole enchilada, as far as features go. And in addition to the GPS navigation, the phone includes Google local search and Garmin online services (traffic, weather, fuel prices, etc) that links up with the core navigation system.

A Taxi for the Next Hundred Years

2008-04-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

The year 2007 will mark the 100th anniversary of the New York City taxi. Last spring, a group of designers, urban planners, and city officials took the upcoming centennial as an excuse to rethink the cab for the next century. In a series of workshops organized by the Design Trust for Public Space, a group dedicated to improving private and public space in New York City, in cooperation with the Parsons School of Design, the group tackled the problems with today's taxis and proposed a range of solutions.

The Trust's ultimate goal is to produce a new taxi design in time for the centennial. In the meantime, the group's proposals form the basis of a book -- Designing the Taxi -- and a corresponding exhibition, which opens Nov. 2 at Parsons.

More than just an emblematic symbol of Manhattan, the taxi serves as a crucial form of transportation. Some 12,487 of these yellow medallion vehicles make an estimated 240 billion trips a year -- constituting a $1.4 billion industry, according to Bruce Schaller, transportation consultant and author of The New York City Taxicab Fact Book.

"NOT JUST A VEHICLE." But for years, the taxi has consisted of little more than a reconfigured Ford Crown Victoria passenger sedan. It's a one-size-fits-all offering that presumes able-bodied and disabled, parents and businesspeople, long trips and short trips can all be accommodated with a single vehicle. And improvements -- like the additional legroom and passenger-side air-conditioning -- have been incremental and slow in coming.

"The taxi is not just a vehicle but a system," says Deborah Marton, the Design Trust's executive director. "A system is a public-space issue. It profoundly influences the way the city moves."

Taking this larger view, the group asked how technology could improve the existing "cruising" system, where customers scan the streets looking for a cab to hail, and how taxis could be a more integral part of the city's transportation network. As writer Phil Patton notes in an essay in Designing the Taxi, innovations like cell-phone hailing, smart taxi stands, taxi lanes, a more energy-efficient fleet, and better traffic management would help maximize vehicle efficiency and minimize overhead costs, benefiting owners and users alike.

The Ferrari G599

2008-04-12T15:37:00.000-07:00

Ferrari looks to the future.Ferrari's high-tech and uncomprisingly styled GT come with the firm's most powerful V12

As steeped in history as Ferrari surely is,it's becoming increasingly difficult to predict its design direction; but somehow they have arrived at this, the 599 GTB.This is again Pininfarina's work,and the designers have borrowed heavily from the flagship's Enzo's chaos of lines- as well as the curves and long bonnet proportions of the four-seat 612 Scaglietti-in an effort to relay the car's sporting and grand touring capabilities.At the heart of the 599 is the firm's most powerful front mounted V12 yet, a six-litre unit derived not from the 612's but the incredible Enzo's. It produces 620bhp at 7,600rpm. Mated to an optional, faster-than-ever F1 multifaceted appearance with all purpose performance.Expect the car to reach 60mph in around four seconds, as fast as an F430, and not run out of puff until past 200mph.But straight-line speed isn't where it ends. Ferrari chief, Amedo Felisa, says it has the performance of an F40,but it's much easier to drive,saying "There's no need for an e-diff on a front-engined car."

The bold styling is predominantly an exercise in aerodynamics Instead, the big development here is a traction control system that can feather the throttle, rather than simply cut power altogether.the 599 will also have switchable active dampling via an F430-style manettino switch, and Ferrari's F1 derived launch control system.In addition, the 599's all-aluminium body and chasis is about 100kg lighter than the 575's and, coupled with the extra 112bhp available and the improved weight distribution, it promises to be a radically different driving experience.The first few cars will go on sale towards the end of this year and are expected to cost a limb or two!

Top 5 Street Racing Cars

2008-04-11T20:33:00.000-07:00

So you feel the need for speed. Do you day dream of pulling up to a red light and blowing the car next to you off the line? You’ve watched all three The Fast and Furious movies and still couldn’t get enough. Do you have nitrous fever? Then read on and get ready to lay some rubber down.

Here are the top 5 street racing cars:

1. Honda S2000 RoadsterPower : 237 horsepower
Starting at $34,050, the S2000 is one of the more expensive cars on the list, but it’s also one of the fastest cars on the showroom floor. With an in-line 4 cylinder engine capable of churning out 237 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and producing 162 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm, the S2000 balances power with light weight -- coming in at only 2,855 pounds. In other words, this car will throw your head back, just give it some gas and enjoy.

The Honda S2000 also has a unique style that will get you noticed if you aren’t doing 99 mph on a quarter-mile track. This car allows you to drop the top after the race and its smooth lines give it the feel of a true sports car without needing after-market modifications. If you’re looking to drive off the lot and go racing, the S2000 will certainly do the trick.2. Mitsubishi Eclipse GTPower : 263 horsepower

The Eclipse GT has been around the tuner world for a long time, and it had a major role in 2 Fast 2 Furious. The demand for better performance parts and more aerodynamic kits for the Eclipse has increased through time, and now you have tons of customizing choices. Not that you necessarily need to. The Eclipse GT rolls off the show room floor with 263 horsepower from the 3.8 liter V6 and 260 lb-ft of torque. With stock parts you will be able to run a quarter mile in under 15 seconds, but should you decide that you want to move a little faster, you can easily take the car down to the 10-second range.

3. Nissan Skyline R34 GT-RPower: 276 horsepower
If you’re serious about racing, the Nissan Skyline GT-R will do the trick. This car is so fast that it was never sold stateside because Nissan refused to comply with U.S. standards. This car produces 276 horsepower at 6,800 rpm in its stock configuration, but can be easily upgraded to over 600 horsepower. This baby can run a 13.7-second quarter mile off the assembly line.

4. Chevrolet Corvette Z06Power: 505 horsepower
The Corvette has been a staple muscle car since it first appeared back in 1953. This car's legacy as a speed-demon has never disappointed, and Corvette has honored that heritage by bringing back the old American muscle machine. The geniuses at Chevrolet have brought back the Z06 model, which includes a 7.0 liter V8 that pumps out 505 horsepower and puts 470 lb-ft of torque. With this kind of power under the hood, all you will have to worry about at the track is keeping the tread on your tires.

5. 2007 Shelby GT500Power: 500 horsepower
This car comes from racing pedigree. To design the GT500, Ford brought together the legend Carroll Shelby and the Ford Special Vehicle Team, two groups who know how to make cars go fast. The outcome is the 2007 GT500, which is the most powerful factory-built Mustang that Ford has ever produced. That’s a bold statement coming from a car company that has put out some mean machines in the past.

So what makes this car so fast? The dream team at Ford took the basic Mustang GT engine and put all their knowledge and tricks into it. The Shelby GT500 is powered by a supercharged 5.4-liter, 32-valve V8 engine with some extras. These extras are what took the standard Mustang GT from 300 hp to producing 500 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. That means this car will have a lot of kicking power down the stretch.

Are steel wheels really making a comeback?

2008-04-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

Although the aluminium wheel market continues to grow, we could soon see it beginning to plateau. Steel wheels certainly continue to maintain their position in the truck market, with aluminium representing only 10%-12%. However, Accuride sees the market swinging in favour of aluminium. "Americans see two basic reasons to buy an aluminium wheel instead of a steel wheel: aesthetics and weight," said Mike Blacker, corporate director, marketing and product development, Accuride Aluminium Wheels. "Heavy truckers look for aesthetics in their wheels. They also look for weight savings. For instance, a standard steel wheel for a heavy truck typically weighs about 76 pounds compared to one of our standard aluminium wheels weighing just 47 pounds. So if they fit ten aluminium wheels to their truck, there is quite a bit of weight they can take out. That in turn can give them an improvement in fuel consumption and payload. That said, our Lightweight Steel Wheel uses a higher strength alloy and weighs 66 pounds. So if someone is looking to get some weight savings but doesn't want to pay the premium for aluminium then here is a product that straddles two markets." Accuride produces wheels for heavy- and medium-duty trucks and commercial trailers. The company also produces wheels for buses, commercial light trucks, pick-up trucks, SUVs and vans, sold under the Accuride brand.

Other trends in wheel design include larger diameter wheels. There are two main reasons for that. The first is appearance; people like the highly styled wheels with low profile tyres. There has been a steady tendency, during the last 10-15 years, for cars to be fitted with wheels which are both larger in diameter and wider than those seen in cars of 1990 and earlier. At that time, the average wheel rim diameter was around 13-inches for B/C segment products, increasing to 15- or 16-inches for high-end and luxury models. Today the equivalent figures are 15- to 16-inches in the C-segment and up to 20-inches in luxury models. While there is some advantage in a larger-diameter wheel, which reacts less sharply to road surface bumps and craters, in most cases the increase has been for cosmetic purposes. In the same way, wheels (and tyres) have increased substantially in width. Again, this has usually been for cosmetic rather than chassis_engineering purposes. Although larger wheels are a mixed blessing for chassis engineers, they are welcomed by brake engineers as they offer more space for larger discs.

The North American market is also said to have more of an appetite for brighter finished wheels than in Europe. Another styling trend emerging in the US is for wheels resembling a three-dimensional look, as an auto executive told us, "In the past, wheels tended to look 'flat' with holes in them. Over the past two or three years, we're seeing a more 3D look, meaning more of a sculptured surface with deeper spokes. That's happening on cars as well as trucks."

In observing hub cap trends in the North American market, Pope said: "The trends continue to centre on a bright or chrome plated appearance together with a high indication of chrome plated surfaces. Hub caps are still leaning towards plastic and painted surfaces while stainless steel wheel covers have almost disappeared."

So who really determines wheel ornamentation? Is it the OEM, car dealer or the consumer? Pope added, "In my opinion, the regional car dealer will order from the car manufacturer what they think will sell in their area. So when a consumer looks round a new vehicle, they basically look for the prettiest package that they can get for the best price. So I think that the person at that dealership is the one who influences demand."

In the final analysis, price pressure is still the dominant issue for wheel makers, as an auto executive said: "In this business, you no longer get credit for quality, delivery, reputation, confidence or customer service. None of that matters these days. What matters to the OEM is price. If you can't meet the price, the OEM will source from someone else."

A wheel story

2008-04-09T16:20:00.000-07:00

Since being rolled out by the Ancient Greeks in around 3500 BC, the wheel has been constantly re-invented. Today, the main innovations centre on producing larger, brighter and cheaper wheels. Matthew Beecham reports.
For some time, aluminium (alloy) road wheels have been the most popular material of choice by the OEMs, recognising both the weight efficiencies of aluminium and its visual appeal.

According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), however, steel wheels are making a comeback as vehicle makers realize they can save up to US$250 per vehicle, without sacrificing quality or performance. AISI's member companies represent about 75% of both the US and North American steel capacity.

"Our objective is to return steel wheels to 60% [fitment rates]," said Jim Cran, project manager, AISI. "At one time, steel was 100% but then slipped down to 40%. We are now seeing steel wheels rebounding. We feel that the aluminium wheel market has matured to the extent that it is losing market share. So our activity is basically about convincing the OEMs that they can make higher margins using steel wheels. In fact, we believe that they can increase their margin by up to US$250 per vehicle if they use steel wheels."Our market research has conclusively shown that consumers do not buy a wheel based on material. They buy it based on appearance. But in many cases the consumer does not have a choice.

The way cars are marketed in North America means that the base [entry level] car comes with a certain wheel. If the consumer then looks at options, the consumer is faced with various upgrade packages. The OEMs include higher and higher styled wheels as you go further up the upgrade package chain. So the consumer thinks he or she is receiving more value in an upgrade package even though the wheels are just one of ten or so items in that package

Aluminum Wheel VS Steel Wheel

2008-04-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

The OEMs have traditionally had the perception that consumers prefer an aluminum wheel over a steel wheel and would accept aluminum wheels if included in an upgrade package. Of course, the OEMs' objective is to make a higher margin by putting aluminum wheels in an upgrade package. Our consumer research shows that consumers are reluctant to pay extra for aluminum wheels on their own. So we had to show the OEMs that consumers don't buy aluminum or steel wheels but buy a good-looking wheel. We also had to show them how to style steel wheels in such a way that they are equal in appearance to an aluminum wheel. Doing so would allow them to use steel wheels in their upgrade packages and obtain a higher margin -- between US$100 and US$250 per vehicle -- depending on the aluminum wheel being replaced.

Steel wheels are more durable than cast aluminum," added Keith Pope, manager, Industrial Design, McKechnie Vehicle Components. "The manufacturing processes for steel wheels are well known now. We have reached the point where the general public would be hard pressed to tell the difference between a steel wheel and an aluminum wheel from its appearance. At the end of the day, the consumer is not interested in what their vehicle's wheels are made from as long as it makes it look better." US-based McKechnie Vehicle Components, a division of the McKechnie Group, designs and produces wheel trim, plastic and steel claddings and metal wheel trim parts.

The overall trend is toward more aggressive wheel styles," said Eduardo Mikami, product engineer, Light Vehicle Systems - Wheels, ArvinMeritor Inc. "The OEMs are challenging us to offer the same styling on steel wheels as that typically found on alloys. Our response to that was the super spoke wheel which mimics the thin spokes of the aluminum wheel using steel. Thanks to high strength steels, this design offers a far more cost-effective solution to producing a highly ventilated wheel."

The AISI claims that DaimlerChrysler, Ford and GM and a number of Asian and European carmakers, are changing back to steel wheels for base wheels as well as for upgrade packages. Among the reasons for steel's comeback, says the AISI, are better steel and better wheels. New steels include micro-alloy HSLA, dual-phase and Bainitic steels which are high-strength and advanced high-strength steels.

Stats Coming Up Higher For Car Junkies On the Road!

2008-04-08T17:18:00.000-07:00

British people are 'more dependent on their cars than ever', reports The Times, 'driving farther to work, schools and shops'. Figures released in a Department for Transport report show that in 2005, people spent an average of 385 hours a year travelling (an all-time high) or 63 minutes a day. Of these daily minutes, 39 were spent in a car, but only 11 on foot, with the distances people walking or cycling falling to an all-time low. This is thought to be down to reduced use of local services and despite people making fewer individual journeys, the journeys they make take longer, down to both greater distance covered and rising congestion.

Traffic has grown by 82% since 1980, and the number of registered motor vehicles has risen in that time from 19m to 33m. In 1980, 41% of households did not have a car; by 2004, just 25% of households are carless - and 30% of households have two or more cars. Other interesting statistics show that the average shopping trip has increased from 3.9 to 4.3 miles in the last 10 years; the average journey to work from 8.2 to 8.7 miles; and journeys to schools or colleges from 2.9 to 3.2 miles. The average leisure trip has increased from 8.4 to 9.1 miles. The average speed in the evening rush-hour on A-roads and motorways has fallen from 55mph to 51mph. However, rail use has increased, too: over 1.1bn journeys were made by train in the UK last year, the most since 1946. The DfT also says that though rail fares have risen by 39% in real terms since 1980, and bus fares have risen 42%, the cost of motoring has actually fallen by over 10%.

Car repair made simple

2008-04-08T15:19:00.000-07:00

Few people realize what you can do with an automotive repair manual, a little bit of free time, some basic automotive tools, and a bit of cash to throw around. A lot of people take it for granted that you have to have all of your auto repair done by professionals, but this is not the case. It depends a lot on the model of the car and type of problem, but most auto repair is actually pretty simple to do. Sometimes, you can save hundreds of dollars on fixing your car by taking a simple shortcut.
For example, I used to own up an old and clunky Voyager with a rusted out rear air-conditioning unit. All the coolant leak out of it, and they said it would cost hundreds of dollars to fix. Instead, I use a clamp from a normal hardware store to cut off the rear air-conditioning unit. It cost me less than a dollar, took me no more than an hour to do, and completely solved the problem!Nevertheless, for more serious problems, auto repair is definitely a must. I know some people who do automotive engine repair on their own, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you really know what you are doing. Today's cars are more sophisticated and complex than ever, and it takes a quality automotive technician to really diagnose and fix the problem. Don't get me wrong – if you have someone there to help you who knows what they are doing, you can probably get enough help to work your way through. Nonetheless, if you are even the slightest bit unsure of your abilities, you should probably leave the auto repairs to the expert.One of the best compromises is to let your mechanic diagnose the problem, then go and repair it yourself. One of the biggest dangers with trying to perform your own auto repair is not knowing what the problem is. Amateur mechanics can jump to conclusions and miss out on the whole issue at hand. This can cause all kinds of problems, and will usually lose you more money than you can gain by not hiring a mechanic. If you have your mechanic figure out what is wrong, however, you can still save a lot of money on labor costs by doing the job yourself. It doesn't make sense for everyone, but for some people it really does.

There is more you can do

2008-04-08T03:21:00.000-07:00

Here are several simple steps you can do to have an enjoyable, safe and economized ride. Yes, they are simple yet they may bring good things when done. I suggest you consider them.

Here they are:

1. Speak up
Become an advocate for strong fuel-economy standards, better public transit, more bike lanes, better sidewalks, and more car-free areas in your city. Many communities are not designed for life without an automobile, but that can change with some good planning and political will.
2. Organize your coworkers
Get a ride–sharing network going at work.
3. Good tires
Different tires affect MPG in different ways. When you’re in the market for new tires, look for the ones that help give you the best mileage. (And don’t forget about proper inflation!)
4. Push for congestion charges in downtown areas
Too many cars in the same area at the same time? Singapore, London, and Edinburgh, for example, all use congestion charging to tax cars that enter heavily congested areas during the workweek.
5. If you´re the boss
If you are an employer, there’s almost no limit to the things you can do to encourage greener driving from your employees. A growing number of bosses are using rewards and perks to encourage employees to rideshare and drive hybrids or other fuel-efficient cars. You can also subsidize passes for public transit, make your office bike friendly (anything from having good bike racks to having showers), and set a good example with your own transport choices. Facilitating telecommuting can also save on fuel, emissions, and time wasted commuting.
6. Start a biodiesel or veggie-oil coop
If biodiesel is not readily available in your area (or the local pump only sells B20), rally up the interested parties and start a cooperative. Los Angeles and many other cities have effective models running.

The MP3/WMA-compatible car stereo

2008-04-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

If you prefer to store your digital music files on CD-R/RW discs, a compatible stereo might be your best bet. It'll play your files back directly — letting you to store up to 10 hours of music on a single disc — and let you shuffle through various tracks and folders on the fly. On the downside, you'll likely be limited by the file formats that your stereo can play back. Most car stereos are compatible with MP3 and WMA, some can also handle the AAC and ATRAC3plus formats.
What to look for in a car stereo with digital music compatibility
Search functions: With up to 250 songs on any one CD-R/RW disc, intuitive file navigation is crucial. You'll want to be able to jump quickly between files and folders to find what you want to hear. Some stereos offer rotary knobs that allow you to spin through titles quickly, while others use buttons.
Display: Depending on your stereo's capabilities, a large, readable display will show off file and track names as well as artist and album information, making it easy to quickly see what you're listening to. Look for a stereo that can handle CD and MP3 text information (ID3 tags) and offers multiple lines of display text. Car stereos with in-dash monitors obviously offer the best display capabilities — some even feature touch-screen controls.
File format support: Make sure you choose a stereo that can play the music file format (e.g. MP3, WMA, AAC, ATRAC3plus, etc) that your computer uses. Remember, most car stereos will not play the protected music files that you buy from online stores like iTunes and Napster.
Sound shaping controls: Due to the "lossy" nature of compressed digital audio (which results in the omission of certain audio information deemed unimportant or inaudible), the sound-shaping capabilities of your in-dash stereo can play a big role in getting the best sound from your files. All car CD players have some form of tone shaping, starting with simple bass and treble controls. Most offer other features like:
BBE MP and similar processing tools that revitalize your compressed tunes
loudness for fuller sound at low volumes
bass boost or a bass enhancer for punchy low end performance
multi-band equalizers for precision fine-tuning

Car Digital Music

2008-04-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

Most human activities are made lighter with music. This is also through with driving. Although driving is fun, doing it for long hours can be too tiring and stressful. Learn that vehicle control can be affected when you are stressed,. Listening to music however can make you feel lighter and relax. That is why a car stereo system is too vital in your car.
These days, nothing beats the convenience of a digital music collection, that has the ability to carry a library of tunes around in your pocket. And it doesn't have to end there. These days it's easier than ever to bring your digital music files into the car, too. Whether you store your tunes on a portable music player like an iPod, burn them to CD-R/RW discs, or store them on a memory card, there are a variety of adapters and connection solutions available to help you get that music from your computer to your car stereo.
Consider the options:
Play MP3, WMA, or AAC-encoded CD-R/RWs directly on a compatible stereo
Connect a portable music player to your car stereo via a wired adapter or Bluetooth® connection, listening through your car speakers and often even controlling playback with the radio
Use a removable storage device like an SD Card or a thumb drive to transfer files onto a compatible car stereo
Take advantage of stereos with built-in memory that let you store songs directly onto a hard drive or flash memory

Be sure to check out the Installation Guide for tips on how to connect many of these adapters and external players to your car stereo system.

Ford Ranger "Gliders" for Electric Conversions

2008-04-03T01:19:00.000-07:00

One of the most sought-after concessions from automakers is becoming a reality for electric vehicle upfitters: the availability of brand new “gliders” for EV conversions. These vehicles, supplied from the assembly line without engines, transmissions, fuel systems, or internal combustion components of any kind, make electric vehicle conversion a much more straightforward process.
The advantages are numerous. Primary among them is that major internal combustion componentry needn’t be removed before the conversion process begins. This saves time in the upfitting process, which translates into significant savings in labor costs.
Of greater importance is that upfitters will save substantially on product costs, since they will no longer be paying for unneeded internal combustion drivetrains and related systems. Industry sources claim this could reduce the premium cost of upfitted EVs from about 100 percent over that of conventional gasoline counterparts, to around 30 percent.
The first automaker to offer gliders will be Ford. Its popular Ranger pickups will be made available as gliders to companies that meet the requirements of Ford’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) program. QVM requires upfitters to meet requirements in the areas of process and quality control, customer support, and certification. An existing QVM program is already in place for natural gas upfitters who wish to convert F-250 pickups to bi-fuel natural gas vehicles.
“Our goal for the Ranger glider program is to expand our market knowledge and facilitate efforts by others to get electric vehicles on the road,” says John Wallace, Electric Vehicle Program Director for Ford. “This program will give converters an opportunity to improve the quality of their products and cut costs. Whether or not that’s enough to satisfy consumers will be determined by the market.”
It’s ironic that Ford’s QVM standards for electric vehicles were developed in collaboration with U.S. Electricar, a company now unlikely to participate in the program. U.S. Electricar has shifted its focus to building electric transit shuttle buses and commercial/industrial off-highway vehicles as part of its redirection.Ford sources say that the auto development and manufacturing firm TDM World Conversions in Detroit, Michigan, is already working to qualify under the QVM program, and is expected to be one of the first to become eligible for glider purchases. The 2,200 employee company hopes to begin offering an electric Ranger by the end of the year, primarily to commercial fleet users. TDM is an established modifier of Ford products and already converts F-Series pickups into natural gas vehicles

Too green, too sexy

2008-04-02T01:15:00.000-07:00

They say that green cars are sexy. I officially agree because I, myself find them sexy and smart to look at. These days, they are no longer small, ugly, plodding electric commuters - they're speedy, exciting, desirable sports cars. Inhabitat has compliled a list of the 5 sexiest models, which makes for an interesting read. Unfortunately for you though, 5th and 3rd place are only concept cars, 2nd place isn't in production, and 4th place is only produced at a rate of 25 per year. We thought we'd have our own say too, and have compiled our own list of the top 10 sexiest green cars. Read it after the jump.
10. Smartuki
Getting people into smaller, more efficient cars is an important goal, and making exciting small cars is a vital step towards this. Take a Smart car, add an 180hp GSXR1000 Suzuki motorcycle engine, and you get an exciting small car - 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and 132mph. Not the most economical car on our list, but one of the most fun.
9. Aurora
The Aurora is a solar research car, so you can't buy one. It's very real though, and has been setting records for years. The sleek looks and absolutely zero emissions means that this must deserve a place in our list, even if it is only number 9.
8. Zap-X
Not available yet, but in development, the Zap-X looks to be a very affordable and desirable sporty electric car. Its makers, Zap, are a well established and renowned manufacturer, so the chances of this making it into production are pretty high, and we're pretty excited to see what they come up with. Lotus is lending a hand with the engineering, and a top speed of 155mph is expected.
7. Lola B2K
The B2K competed in the Le Mans 24 hour, using a bio-fuel blend. Its higher fuel-economy meant fewer pit-stops and more racing, enabling it to keep up with slightly faster traditional cars.
6. Audi R10 TDI
Audi's diesel race car was so successful that race organisers imposed a handicap to level the playing field. It went on to win the 12 Hours of Sebring race anyway, even with a puncture that cost two laps.
5. PML Mini QED
This modified hybrid mini has a top speed of 150 mph, and a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds. It uses four 160bhp electric motors, one for each wheel, and uses a small gasoline engine to charge the batteries for a longer range.
4. Eco One
This is no concept, but isn't available for purchase either. The Eco One takes sustainability even further than some of the cars in this list - as well as sustainable fuel, the production materials are all renewable too. Seating one, the One can reach 150mph flat out, and does 0-60mph in less than 4 seconds. Due to its unusual construction it is also 95% biodegradable.
3. Venturi Fetish
Its bold design is confusing but attractive - definitely one that will turn heads. Its top speed isn't spectacular, at 105 mph, but its acceleration is typically electric - 0-60mph in 5 seconds. The price for this performance though is just too high to be practical, at a staggering $660,000.
2. Lighting
An all-electric car produced in England, the Lightning has 700 bhp and will sprint from 0 to 60mph in 4 seconds.
1. Tesla Roadster
Another all-electric sports car made in the UK, the Tesla has similar performance to the Lightning. It's heavily based on the Lotus Elise though, so should have unbelievable handling. With a top speed of 130mph, and a 0-60mph time of about four seconds, this is one exciting green car.

Friendly Honda

2008-04-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

Most car brands that sell in the U.S. are defined as gay-friendly by the website Gaywheels.com. Only five are not, and one of them is Honda. The Japanese automaker took a step towards moving into the majority recently when it decided to begin offering insurance benefits to same-sex partners at some of its U.S. operations, which include the headquarters at American Honda Motor Co. Inc., the R&D facility in Torrance, CA.; its manufacturing facility in Lincoln, AL; and Honda Power Equipment Manufacturing Inc. in Swepsonville, NC.

While this decision is a step forward for Honda, it's not a big enough step to change its status in the eyes of the editors at Gaywheels.com. While the website applauds the move, a company must offer insurance benefits for same-sex couples to all of its employees before it can move onto the list of Gay Friendly carmakers. Honda, however, says it will be offering these benefits to all of its gay and lesbian employees in the next 12 to 24 months. Apparently its corporate structure is too complicated to do it all at once.

More green cars for green drivers

2008-03-29T02:09:00.000-07:00

Still unable to get what’s the perfect green car for you, here are the last four best cars for green drivers. Take a closer look.

Saturn Aura Green Line (2008)

Starting MSRP $22,140

The midsize Aura Green Line retains the sport-oriented suspension tuning and styling of the regular Aura and combines it with the GM Hybrid system, a mild hybrid setup. The system's four-cylinder engine can shut off when the car comes to a stop and uses regenerative-braking technology to charge its battery pack. It gets an EPA-estimated 24/32 mpg city/highway.

Saturn Vue Green Line (2008)

Starting MSRP $24,170

Saturn's redesigned Vue compact SUV is a thirsty bugger with an optional V-6 engine, but the company made sure it would have a mild hybrid for the model soon after launch. This mild hybrid doesn't get the best mileage, but emissions are low and it whets the appetite for a more significant two-mode Green Line to come for 2009.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2008)

Starting MSRP $33,700

The Highlander Hybrid has an Econ mode to relax gas pedal sensitivity for better mileage, plus a gauge to show how thrifty your driving habits are. The coolest feature is EV mode, which restricts the car to electric power for up to two miles, though the gas engine will kick in if you absolutely need it. Overall gas mileage is a Camry-like 26 mpg.

Toyota Prius (2008)

Starting MSRP $20,950

The Prius is the poster child of green-thumb celebrities and grandstanding politicians — not to mention thousands of drivers with an environmental bent. It doesn't qualify for tax rebates anymore, but the low $20,950 base price means you probably won't be hurting for Uncle Sam's help. Expect mileage in the 40s and conservative emissions; the EPA says the Prius spews less than a third the greenhouse gas of a Land Cruiser SUV.

Top Picks for Green Drivers

2008-03-29T02:07:00.000-07:00

Below are the other top choices for the green drivers. So, if you are a green car fanatic, you may consider the following. Know knows one of them could be your future favorite.

Ford Escape Hybrid (2008)

Starting MSRP $26,265

If you're looking for a green SUV, it's hard to top Ford's Escape Hybrid. Front-wheel-drive versions of the small SUV achieve an EPA-estimated 34/30 mpg city/highway and have low emissions. The Escape Hybrid still has utility, though, with 27.8 cubic feet of cargo room and a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Honda Civic Hybrid (2008)

Starting MSRP $22,600

Even though it looks much like a regular Civic sedan from the outside, the Civic Hybrid achieves significant gas savings — an EPA-estimated 40/45 mpg city/highway — compared to its conventional counterpart and has low output of CO2. As with all hybrids, the Civic Hybrid doesn't ask anything special of the driver; it operates like a normal car.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2008)

Starting MSRP $51,900

The only car that met 2007's stricter diesel regulations, the E320 Bluetec still isn't as clean as a gas engine, even on ultra-low-sulfur fuel. The diesel advantage is 20 percent better mileage than a gas engine — roughly what a hybrid gives you. So if you're more concerned with greenhouse gases than pollution, the E320 does the job in German luxury, style and comfort.

Mini Cooper (2007)

Starting MSRP $18,050

The new Mini Cooper gets significantly good mileage, even when factoring in tougher EPA ratings for 2008, which brings the numbers to 27/36 mpg city/highway. Of course, you have to use premium gas in the Cooper, but we still feel that, with all the fun you get in this car, there's very little guilt at the pump.

The best new car and the best deal car for green drivers

2008-03-29T02:06:00.000-07:00

Earth-friendly cars include gas/electric hybrids, diesel cars and even a few fuel-sipping gas-only cars. Our list included 40 cars from our 2007 Best Bets and models we've driven since, and from there we considered gas mileage and drivability.

The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the best new car for green drivers. The Camry Hybrid is no less than a crossroads where efficiency, clean emissions, versatility, comfort and refinement converge. You can get a larger hybrid, but large is antithetical to the conservational ideal. You can get a smaller hybrid, but compact cars are too compact to appeal as widely as midsize sedans. The venerable Prius is midsize, and more efficient, but it lacks the refinement to succeed as a truly mass-market model. The Camry Hybrid isn't bargain priced, but neither is the regular Camry, which nevertheless is the best-selling passenger car in the U.S. The Camry Hybrid is the perfect compromise.

On the other hand, the 2008 Honda Fit is the best deal for green drivers. Hybrids get all the glory when it comes to being green, but the best deal is the thrifty, gas-burning Honda Fit. With a manual transmission, it's estimated to get 28/34 mpg city/highway, according to the tougher 2008 EPA tests. That compares favorably to any hybrid. Moreover, its starting price is roughly $14,000. That compares very favorably to any hybrid. No, the engine doesn't turn off at stoplights, but owners don't have to wonder how the massive batteries for the electric motor will be disposed of once they're done with the car. Sometimes simple efficiency wins out over high-tech prowess.

Things you might have missed to know

2008-03-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

If you've been out of the car market for a few years, the landscape may look completely different now with all the high-end technology features available today. If you're searching for a luxury car, it's even more overwhelming, as the segment is filled with gadgets.

Some of them are just that — gadgets with little practical use. There are others, however, that provide real benefits, making driving a more enjoyable, safer experience. Let's take a look at some of them.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Cruise control has long been the friend of the cross-country driver, and adaptive cruise control provides the added benefit of being able to maintain a set following distance behind the car in front of you; when that distance is reached, the car stays at that range. A number of luxury manufacturers, including BMW, Land Rover and Infiniti, offer adaptive cruise control systems, but it's worth your while to test a car that has it because some don't let you set a short following distance, making the feature all but unusable in heavier traffic.

Adaptive Headlights

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has adaptive headlights.

The benefits of adaptive headlights are clear: By swiveling the headlights into a turn when cornering, the system gives drivers a better view of the road than traditional headlights provide. Acura, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz are among the brands that offer adaptive headlights.

Navigation Systems With Traffic Information

While navigation systems have received crisper graphics and newfangled control systems in recent years, the real benefit some of these newer systems provide is the ability to display traffic information on the display. Primarily available in urban areas, this kind of information can let you know when you should take a side road rather than become part of the traffic jam. Brands like Acura, BMW and Lexus offer this feature.

HD Radio

HD Radio hasn't received a ton of press, but the sound quality of FM broadcasts in digital HD is noticeably better than that of traditional FM. Unlike Sirius or XM Satellite Radio, which require a subscription fee, once you've invested in an audio system that can receive HD Radio broadcasts, there is no additional cost. A number of BMWs can have radios that receive HD signals, though the station you're listening to must broadcast in HD, too.

Hard-Drive Audio Systems

Hard-drive-equipped audio systems allow you to store your music in your car as opposed to making sure you have your MP3 player with you at all times. In addition, the 40GB hard-drive system in the 2008 Cadillac CTS lets you record a live source and replay it later. Now you don't have to sit in the driveway listening to the last part of your favorite sports talk show before heading into the house for dinner. While the portability of MP3 players seems to make them the preferred method of storing music right now, the recording function of the CTS' system sets it apart.

Cool Features You Need to Know

2008-03-28T05:05:00.000-07:00

Enough with radio and audio system. Now it’s time that you know other stuff. Besides the adaptive headlights, navigation system with traffic information, HD radio, and hard-drive audio system, there are other interesting stuffs integrated that may be integrated vehicles.

Here they are:

Pre-Collision Systems

No one wants to get in an accident, but if you're going to have one you might as well be as ready as possible for it. That's the idea behind pre-collision systems, which take measures like tightening the front seat belts and activating the brakes when the system decides a crash is imminent. This safety system is available from Acura, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, to name a few brands.

Stand-Alone Backup Cameras

Until recently, you had to have an expensive navigation system to get the safety benefits of a backup camera. That's changed with Toyota's recent debut of a stand-alone system for its Highlander crossover SUV and Hummer's available rearview mirror-mounted backup camera on the H2 and H3. Expect more manufacturers to go this way in the future, especially as aftermarket navigation systems gain wider use, giving shoppers an alternative to carmakers' nav systems.

Blind Spot Warning Systems

Automakers are working to make sure you never again attempt to change lanes only to find a car in your blind spot next to you. These systems, which use side-mounted cameras or radar technology to track vehicles next to you, will illuminate icons or lights to let you know when a car is next to you. Cadillac and Volvo offer such systems.

Lane Departure Warning and Prevention

Lane departure warning is designed to keep an eye on where your vehicle is on the road and warn you if it's drifting out of its lane. Lane departure prevention takes LDW a step further by actually working to keep the vehicle from drifting. Cadillac, Infiniti and Volvo have LDW systems, and Infiniti also offers LDP.

Active Seats

Besides powering forward and backward and up and down, high-end bucket seats from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, to name two brands, can fit your form with adjustable side bolsters and keep your muscles relaxed with a massage feature. The sides of the seats in some Mercedes-Benz models even pump up automatically to help keep you in place during hard cornering.

Climate-Controlled Seats

One of the biggest gripes regarding leather seats is that they're cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Heated seats help take the chill off in the wintertime, but what can you do when it's hot in the summer? Climate-controlled seats can circulate cool air through the seats to help keep you comfortable. A number of brands offer climate-controlled seats, including Audi, Lincoln and Jaguar.

At The New York Auto Show

2008-03-27T04:02:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK - In recent years, "auto" shows might have been more appropriately named "SUV and truck" shows. But the 2008 New York International Auto Show, which closes today, bowed to economic and environmental reality by steering toward the "no trucks allowed" lane.

Not that there weren't any trucks on display here - it's just that no one was really pushing them. This year, the favorites were cars. Here are my picks from the show, although it should be noted that some of these will still cost a pretty penny to fill at the pump.

2009 HONDA FIT: I loved this car when it was introduced with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, particularly with manual transmission. Now, Honda says it will achieve an even better balance of power and fuel savings by offering a manual transmission and an automatic with shift paddles, both featuring five speeds.

2009 VOLVO XC60: Want a car smarter than you? How about a small SUV with big-SUV safety DNA, that knows enough to apply the brakes if it senses a collision? The XC60 shrinks the XC90 model without giving up safety, performance, and utility.

2009 AUDI A4 AVANT: Want to bring the groceries home fast and in good style? Try this hot rod wagon from Audi. It boasts about 270 horsepower (which, from what I know about Audis, will feel like 300), and Audi's sublimely great interior. The Avant will make for an elegant and subtle beast on the road.

2009 DODGE CHALLENGER: Almost all the ponies are back in the corral, with the Mustang reborn, the Camaro coming, and the new 2009 Challenger line. It features R/T models with the new 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine that generates 370 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. There is also a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 250 horsepower and 250 lb-ft.

2009 PONTIAC SOLSTICE COUPE: Pontiac has been deemed the performance division of General Motors Corp. and its Solstice sports car, with its light weight and snappy power, helps put the brand in that league, as does its near twin, the Saturn Sky. I'm a Sky fan, owing to its muscular look, and I sure wish they had decided to make the Sky a hardtop as well. But for now, Pontiac leads with this helmeted model that will draw new buyers to a cult-like car culture.

More with New York auto show

2008-03-27T03:03:00.000-07:00

As a continuation to my previous post, here are the next five cars that caught my attention at the New York auto show.

FORD TRANSIT CONNECT TAXI CONCEPT: Call me crazy, but I've always wondered what would happen if a classic British taxi was mated with an American minivan. The result, I think, would be a taxi filled with safety features and plenty of headroom. And the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine would surely perform more economically than some of the big American engines now powering our urban taxi fleets.

KIA KOUP CONCEPT: They show us a concept car called the Koup, which is better known as a coupe (two-door). Then they say it will be a sedan (four-door) at least for now. Where's Len Hunt, a superb thinker who ran Kia's operations hereabouts, when good guidance is needed? As is typical of Kia, he did not satisfy instant and likely unobtainable goals, so he's gone. If the company can't hire and keep good people, I wonder if they care about building good cars?

2009 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE: Wind in your hair? How about hurricane-force winds? A bit early to ask that since I have yet to drive this new BMW, but driving a 414-horsepower car with the top down sure sounds like a bad hair day.

2009 HYUNDAI GENESIS: This is a true coupe, featuring rear-wheel-drive, 223 horsepower and 310 horsepower engine options, and a nifty look. Watch for this to be a hit with young drivers.

2009 PONTIAC G8: Built at Holden in Australia, the G8 is a new muscle car that looks far more enticing than the limp attempt at restoring the GTO. It's got a distinct look, with a top-end 402-horsepower V-8 that can power the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under five seconds. Watch for a future remade model called the Sport Truck, which is basically this car with a pickup truck bed - a flashback to the classic Chevrolet El Camino.

Catalytic Converter, Gold for the Thieves

2008-03-26T02:59:00.000-07:00

Bulging in the exhaust system like a rabbit deep in the belly of a boa constrictor, the catalytic converter cleans engine fumes before they are released into the air. To the inexperienced, the oversized metal cylinder looks rather uninteresting. To a thief, it is a pod of precious metal worth nearly $200 on the black market.

Catalytic converters are loaded with small amounts of precious metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium. When combined with hot exhaust gasses, a chemical reaction detoxifies the pollutants (this all happens without any trip to a Malibu clinic). All the average Joe really needs to know is that every car and truck is supposed to have one.

This low-lying fruit for the criminals hangs within easy reach under many sport-utility vehicles. Sitting taller than your average passenger car, their cats are easy to steal, and often don't even require the vehicle to be lifted for access. According to police, the Toyota 4Runner and Kia Sportage are the running favorites.

Unless it is your normal dwelling, there is no need to sleep underneath your vehicle with a shotgun; innovative consumers have found that spot-welding the catalytic converter to the rest of the exhaust system has proven to be an effective deterrent.

Ford concept car champs!

2008-03-26T02:01:00.000-07:00

The 2006 Ford Reflex concept car took top honors at the Ward's Auto Interiors Show. The Reflex was named Specialty Concept Vehicle of the Year and Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year by the South East Automotive Media Organization (SEAMO). The Reflex was unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit

"This is the first concept vehicle in the five-year history of the program to be unanimously chosen as a top-three pick by every member of the jury," said Tom Kelley, executive director, SEAMO.

"It's just plain good-looking, and I think that's what got people's attention," said Patrick Schiavone, Design director, Trucks, who accepted the award.

The SEAMO awards recognize design, engineering and market responsiveness and are given to the concept vehicles most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry.

Does this mean we will be seeing the Reflex on the road at some point in the future?

"I certainly hope so," said Schiavone. "I really do believe that small is big, and we want to work on something that's very exciting in the B car segment in North America and I'd love to see something like this go into production."

Also receiving honors were the Aston Martin Rapide and the Volvo C30. Both vehicles shared the Production Preview Vehicle of the Year Award.

The Chevrolet Camaro was voted Concept Car of the Year, and the Dodge Rampage was recognized as Concept Truck of the Year.

A Ford Surprise

2008-03-25T02:58:00.000-07:00

Transit Specialist Dealers across the Britain are going all-out this month to make the new Ford Transit available to Britain's builders plumbers, electricians and small operators to drive for the first time. With prices from £13,150, new Transit offers standard features such as: CD/radio, ABS with disc brakes all round, full steel bulkhead, front mud flaps, high-output alternator, upgraded starter motor and upgraded security systems.

The new distinctive front-end styling, improved driving dynamics, dashboard-mounted gear lever and high tech features for the driver make the new Transit a great business proposition. It has the first self-charging ignition key available from a wide range of specifications, including for the first time, leather seats.

The seven all-new engines, six diesel, one petrol, give an improved ride and, combined with other engineering improvements, make for a quieter environment.

From today, more and more people will be talking about Britain's new and stylish van as it appears on the roads and in radio and TV campaigns. A new microsite for Transit also goes live today on www.fordvans.co.uk.

Steve Kimber, director of commercial vehicles, Ford of Britain, said: "We have the largest network of Transit Specialist Dealers who are trained to understand the needs of our customers, not just as drivers, but as serious professional business owners. We are very proud of the new Transit. Its new design, together with its leading edge technology will create a great experience for everyone who takes a test drive."

The Amazing Concept Cars

2008-03-25T01:56:00.000-07:00

It's true, that old saying: they don't built them like they used to. They build them better, actually. But they arguably don't style them like they used to. For many enthusiasts, the ideal combination is old-school styling with new-world construction. Count among them The Creative Workshop, the Florida-based carrozzeria which has created this special one-of-a-kind roadster it calls the Sport Speciale.

The retro spider draws inspiration for its design from the likes of the 1959 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 and 1957 Maserati 450S. Not a bad place to start, then, but underneath the seductive classic lines lies a BMW-sourced 6-liter V12, driving 450 horsepower through a six-speed transmission. The specially-fabricated engine is cradled in a tubular chassis overlaid with handcrafted aluminum bodywork made in classic Superleggera fashion and appropriately painted in Ferrari Rosso Barchetta. Authentic retro touches abound, from the Borrani wire wheels with knockoff hubs, Marchal and Carello lamps, Veglia gauges, Nardi steering wheel, Magneti Marelli switchgear and Monza quick-fill fuel cap, while a modern limited-slip traction control system ensures smooth handling and grip with Brembo brakes keeping the power in check. By all accounts the Sport Speciale strikes us as a stunning example – unfortunately only one was built, on special commission for Barry and Lynn Smith of Scottsdale, Arizona, who we hear are very generous people and should feel free to contact us to arrange a special Autoblog test-drive. In the meantime, we'll invite our readers to gawk along with us at the images in the gallery and the full details in the press release after the jump.

Bertone's future continues to hang in the balance as three court-appointed bankruptcy commissioners move forward with trying to secure a new owner for the 96-year-old design house and coachbuilder. The commissioners have just presented a 132-page initial report to the court outlining their findings, but while sources suggest that as many as seven potential buyers have stepped forward, the commissioners have thus far only met with the lawyers and bankers representing those companies.

While the courts try to determine the carrozzeria's fate, a selection of crude images have surfaced of the BAT 11 design study that Bertone unveiled in Geneva at a location away from the motor show. Check them out in the gallery below.

A Guide on How to Save Gas

2008-03-19T17:38:00.000-07:00

It is really cool being an active online reader. Just like blogging, reading is a good way to spend my leisure time. As a lover of cars, reading has helped me in a number of ways. I learned useful automotive lessons that help me enjoy the pleasures being a driver and a car owner. I thought I could never be as enthusiastic as I am now. Thanks to automotive sites that provide free sights and the much needed information a driver must know. I know how my life as a car owner evolves from being a neophyte car enthusiast to a great driver and an active blogger.

If you could still recall, I was a teenager when I had my first car. Young as I was, I did all I can to save on every aspect of car maintenance. And one of the effective ways I learned as a young driver then was to save on gas. I personally wrote this post to the young drivers like I was several years back, although I know all drivers can benefit from the information I had to feed. Here’s a guide on how to save on gas. Got it from the family car and I hope you find this useful.

1) Keep starts and stops smooth. Nailing the pedal to the floor in “jackrabbit starts” wastes gas. Abrupt stops also waste fuel—and cause extra wear and tear.

2) Perform routine car care. Dirty air filters and oil filters wornn spark plugs, neglected oil changes and problems with the emission-control system can reduce fuel economy. Change your oil and check the filters every 3000 miles for peak performance.

3) Maintain tires and keep wheels aligned. Low tire air pressure is dangerous—and costly. It creates a drag on the engine, prematurely wears out tires and burns more gas. Misaligned wheels, worn wheel bearings or dragging brakes also can reduce fuel economy by 10%.

4) Buy the right octane. Most cars work fine on regular gas (unless you hear an engine knock). But you should use the octane the carmaker specifies.

5) Use your air conditioner wisely. Running your air conditioner greatly increases gas consumption. Don’t use it if fresh air will cool the vehicle sufficiently. On hot days, park in the shade and open the windows for a few minutes when you get in to let hot air escape.

6) Lighten the load. Don’t use your trunk to store stuff—extra tires, beach chairs, a case of motor oil. Added weight lowers fuel economy. A rooftop luggage rack also creates a drag that will reduce mileage.

7) Stay out of traffic. Stop-and-go traffic takes a drastic toll on fuel usage. If at all possible, plan your trips to avoid periods of peak traffic congestion. Also try to avoid unnecessary idling, which burns more gas than turning off and restarting the engine.

8) Drive smart. First, keep your speed down: Going 65 mph uses about 15% more fuel than going 55mph, and going 70 to 75 mph may consume 25% more. Second, keep a constant speed—use cruise control if you can. Finally, use overdrive if you have it(most vehicles with automatic transmissions do). That way, the car will shift into gas-saving mode at about 50 mph.

9) Plan your errands. Taking frequent short trips will guzzle gas. Instead, try to combine errands with your daily commute: Pick up your dry cleaning on the way home from work, for example.

10) Fill up in the morning. You’ll get slightly more fuel for your dollar if you fill up when it’s cooler outside. (Cooler gasoline is more compact.) Over time, the savings can add up!

Good bets and Bad Bets

2008-03-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

It’s really fun to know what’s in and out. Let me share to you the good bets and bad bets in the world of cars.

Buying a car with a good track record is important in reaching the 200K Club. Consumer Reports identifies Good and Bad Bets for those shooting for 200,000 miles.

Good Bets have performed well in Consumer Reports tests and have better-than-average reliability scores for several model years. Bad Bets have multiple years of much worse than average reliability and more problems than other models overall. Reliability is based on the results of Consumer Reports Reliability Survey, and all have three or more model years of data.

Good Bets: Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Lexus ES, Lexus LS, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV4

Bad Bets: BMW 7-Series, Infiniti QX56, Jaguar S-Type, Jaguar X-Type, Mercedes-Benz M-Class (V8), Mercedes-Benz SL, Nissan Armada, Nissan Titan, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90 (6-cyl.)

Reaching 200, 000 miles

2008-03-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

So what makes a car great? Well, there can be so many characteristics that can be attributed to a great car. When a car for example got superb engine, you can safely say it’s a great car. Or when it is equipped with awesome accessories such as spoiler, grille and decals, you may say it has a great exterior display. Others also claim that a great car is one with good cargo capacity and can accommodate more passengers. See? There are different perceptions as to what makes a car great. But let me ask you this – Do you know that the car’s ability to reach 200, 000 miles also counts? The truth is, your car’s really great if it can.

For motorists looking to make their car reach 200,000 miles, the October issue of Consumer Reports offers complete advice on how to do it. Here are some of the highlights:

Go by the book. Follow the maintenance schedule in the vehicle owner’s manual and make necessary repairs promptly. If you think you’re saving money by skipping an oil change, think again. Missing even one oil change can accelerate premature engine wear and cause engine damage. The manual contains a maintenance schedule.

Use the right stuff. When it’s time for maintenance or repairs, use only parts and fluids meeting manufacturer specifications. Using the wrong type of oil or transmission fluid, for example, could result in damage leading to expensive repairs.

Know what to look for. Problems can arise at any time and for inexplicable reasons. So it helps to get in the habit of opening the hood and looking, listening, and smelling what’s happening in your engine bay. Look for fraying or cracks in belts, and cracks or bulges in hoses. Investing in a vehicle service manual, available at car dealerships and most auto-parts stores, will help show you what to look for and assist you with minor repairs.

Keep it clean. Get out the cleaning products periodically. Regular cleaning inside and out can make the car a more pleasant place to be as you roll up the miles, and washing and waxing can help preserve the paint and keep the sheet metal below it from rusting. Vacuuming sand and dirt out of carpets and seats can minimize premature wear that leads to tears and holes.

Buy a reliable, safe car. Buy a car with a good track record. Consumer Reports offers comprehensive reliability ratings in every April Autos issue and to ConsumerReports.org subscribers. Buy a car that has performed well in government and insurance-industry safety tests and has the latest safety equipment, like electronic stability control and curtain air bags. If you’re going to live with a vehicle for a long time, you will want it to provide maximum safety protection.

You can visit www.ConsumerReports.org for more Consumer Reports advice from car owners on how to make a car last 200, 000 miles.

Meeting the 2008 Top Cars

2008-03-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

Though the year 2008 has just begun, there have been top 10 declared cars for the year. So if you are among the certified car fanatics, then you better check this out. According to MSNBC, my source, Consumer Reports pick up these vehicles in their categories considering road tests, reliability and safety. You may have known some of the models included in the top 10. There are however two fist time winners – the South Korean cars.

For those who have the plan of purchasing a new vehicle this year, this listing of the top 10 cars for the year may help. You can however check my previous posts should you want to know the other top cars under different categories. If you have noticed, my recent posts were all about the top cars and I take pleasure showing them with you. Hope you find them interesting.
So let’s meet them. Here they are.

CHEVROLET SILVERADO
The redesigned Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab strikes "a nice balance between work attributes and livability," according to Consumer Reports. Its interior and steering are enhanced. It also offers easy access, a comfortable ride and a high payload rating. The GMC Sierra is nearly the identical twin of the Silverado.

TOYOTA RAV4
The V6 version of this small SUV literally accelerates from 0 to 60 mph like a sports car, namely the Mazda Miata, according to Consumer Reports. The RAV4 gets an impressive 22 mpg with the V6 engine, while the four-cylinder version gets 23 mpg, the best of all nonhybrid SUVs tested by Consumer Reports. It's also versatile, comfy and roomy.

HYUNDAI ELANTRA SE
This redesigned small sedan offers a lot in a little package, according to Consumer Reports. The Hyundai Elantra SE has good fuel economy and is spacious and safe. It comes with standard electronic stability control, a proven safety feature that's missing in many competitors.

HYUNDAI SANTA FE
The Hyundai Santa Fe's redesign turned it into a winner this year. Quiet and roomy inside, it offers an optional third-row seat, a decent ride and nice drivetrain. For safe handling, it has standard electronic stability control.

HONDA ACCORD
This redesigned family sedan offers plenty of room, a comfortable ride, agile handling and smooth, enhanced powertrains, according to Consumer Reports. Like competitors, the Honda Accord includes electronic stability control -- but its crash-test results stand out.

TOYOTA SIENNA
A second-year winner, this minivan offers the space, stillness and interior of some luxury sedans, according to Consumer Reports. The Sienna is the only minivan on the market with all-wheel drive. While its V6 variety offers a powerful and fuel-efficient engine, the Honda Odyssey is more agile.

INFINITI G35
This upscale sedan offers an appealing mix of sportiness and luxury, according to Consumer Reports. The Infiniti G35 comes in both rear- and all-wheel drive. It also contains an impressive powertrain, well put-together interior and agile handling.

MAZDA MX-5 MIATA
This sports car is not just fun, but affordable. At about half the price of the Porsche Boxster, the Mazda MX-5 Miata beat out its close competitor. It contains fast and precise steering, balanced handling and easy-shifting six-speed manual transmission. Also, you can lower and raise the top with one hand from the driver's seat.

LEXUS LS 460L
The Lexus LS 460L scored the highest marks of all vehicles tested by Consumer Reports. This luxury sedan is spacious, comfortable and quiet. And it accelerates quickly while offering decent fuel economy. It's also teeming with electronic goodies, but the controls are user friendly.

TOYOTA PRIUS
This fifth-year winner's 44 mpg are unbeatable in a five-passenger car, according to Consumer Reports. The gas-electric Toyota Prius hybrid also is versatile, reliable and roomy.

Airbag’s wonder!

2008-03-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

Safety is very important while on the road. That’s why, auto manufacturer have thought of maximizing passenger safety with the use of safety gadgets and components like the seat belt and air bags and others. Like seat belts, the concept of the airbag -- a soft pillow to land against in a crash -- has been around for many years. The first patent on an inflatable crash-landing device for airplanes was filed during World War II. In the 1980s, the first commercial airbags appeared in automobiles.

Since model year 1998, all new cars sold in the United States have been required to have airbags on both driver and passenger sides. (Light trucks came under the rule in 1999.) To date, statistics show that airbags reduce the risk of dying in a direct frontal crash by about 30 percent. Then seat-mounted and door-mounted side airbags came to existence. Today, some cars go far beyond having dual airbags to having six or even eight airbags. Having evoked some of the same controversy that surrounded seat-belt use in its early years, airbags are the subject of serious government and industry research and tests.

But what is actually the scientific explanation behind the airbag, how the device works, what its problems are and where the technology goes from here…

Well, before looking at specifics, let's review our knowledge of the laws of motion. First, we know that moving objects have momentum (the product of the mass and the velocity of an object). Unless an outside force acts on an object, the object will continue to move at its present speed and direction. Cars consist of several objects, including the vehicle itself, loose objects in the car and, of course, passengers. If these objects are not restrained, they will continue moving at whatever speed the car is traveling at, even if the car is stopped by a collision.

Stopping an object's momentum requires force acting over a period of time. When a car crashes, the force required to stop an object is very great because the car's momentum has changed instantly while the passengers' has not -- there is not much time to work with. The goal of any supplemental restraint system is to help stop the passenger while doing as little damage to him or her as possible.

What an airbag wants to do is to slow the passenger's speed to zero with little or no damage. The constraints that it has to work within are huge. The airbag has the space between the passenger and the steering wheel or dashboard and a fraction of a second to work with. Even that tiny amount of space and time is valuable, however, if the system can slow the passenger evenly rather than forcing an abrupt halt to his or her motion.

So, air bags are indeed important in maximizing every vehicle occupant’s safety.

Always buckle up!

2008-03-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

According to a research report from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, seatbelts save approximately 13,000 lives in the United States each year. Furthermore, the NHTSA estimates that 7,000 U.S. car accident fatalities would have been avoided if the victims had been wearing belts.

While seatbelts do occasionally contribute to serious injury or death, nearly all safety experts agree that buckling up dramatically increases your chances of surviving an accident. According to the NHTSA, seatbelts reduce the risk of death for a front seat car occupant by about 50 percent.

When you think about it, this is absolutely amazing: How can a piece of fabric end up being the difference between life and death? We'll with the technology of seatbelts they are one of the most important safety mechanisms in any car.

Top 10 Most Stolen Cars

2008-03-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

Automobile theft is much more than an insurance problem; it's an expensive social menace. Every year automobile theft costs citizens close to $1 billion, including $600 million for insurers to fix or replace stolen cars, $250 million in police, health care and court system costs and millions more in correctional services expenses. 160,000 vehicles were stolen in Canada in 2005. The following is the Insurance Bureau of Canada's 2006 list of the top ten most-stolen cars. Canada’s car insurers announced today that, for the second year running, the 1999 and 2000 Honda Civics SiR 2-door hold the dubious distinction of topping this year’s most frequently stolen vehicles list. The two models also had the third and fourth highest theft claims cost per vehicle. The highest theft claim cost per vehicle “honour” went to the third most frequently stolen vehicle, the 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi 4-door all-wheel-drive.

Here are the top ten stolen vehicles

1. 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
2. 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
3. 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi 4-door AWD
4. 1999 Acura Integra 2-door
5. 1994 Honda Civic Si 2-door Hatchback
6. 1998 Acura Integra 2-door
7. 1993 Dodge Shadow Convertible
8. 1996 Honda Civic Si 2-door Hatchback
9. 2000 Audi TT Quattro 2-door Coupe
10. 1996 Chev/GMC Blazer/Jimmy S Series 2-door 4WDž

Once again, none of the vehicles making the top ten most frequently stolen vehicles list had an Insurance Bureau of Canada-approved immobilizer system.

“The stats prove time and again that theft deterrent systems work. This year, we see that auto thieves continue to find it easier to steal older vehicles lacking an IBC-approved immobilizer,” says Rick Dubin, Vice-President, Investigations, IBC. “We’ve seen this trend developing for several years, and these results confirm it,” adds Dubin.

Electronic immobilizers are systems that prevent a vehicle from starting unless the engine computer recognizes the specific electronic code embedded in the key. IBC, along with vehicle manufacturers, after-market manufacturers, and other interested stakeholders, developed a Canadian standard for automobile theft-deterrent systems that was approved by the Standards Council of Canada in 1998. Many insurance companies provide premium discounts on automobile policies to customers whose vehicles are equipped with an IBC-approved, factory-installed or aftermarket immobilizer system.

“Immobilizers are highly effective at deterring car thieves. In terms of this year’s stats, you have to go down the list to the 28th most-frequently stolen spot to find a vehicle, the 2001 Audi S4 Quattro 4-door, that registered a high theft frequency despite the fact that it is protected by an immobilizer. It just underlines the reality that theft is much more likely when a vehicle is not equipped with an immobilizer,” Dubin adds. For this reason Transport Canada has made it mandatory that all new cars, light trucks and SUV’s are required to be equipped with an electronic immobilizer as of September 2007.

In contrast, all but three of the least stolen vehicles last year were models that featured IBC-approved immobilizer systems. These vehicles were best insurance bets as far as auto theft is concerned.

The Least Stolen Vehicles

2008-03-14T15:46:00.000-07:00

You must be lucky if your vehicle is not among the least stolen vehicles.

Here they are:

1. 2002 Volvo S60 4-door AWD

1. 2002 Pontiac Bonneville 4-door

1. 1998 Lincoln Continental 4-door

1. 2001 Ford/Mercury Taurus/Sable Wagon

1. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville 4-door

1. 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette

1. 1997 Saturn SW1 Wagon

9. 1998 Toyota Avalon XLS 4-door

10. 2000 Lincoln Continental 4-door

The first eight models shared the lowest frequency of theft claims, the vehicle in 9th spot, had the second lowest, and the last three tied for the third lowest frequency.

Data on vehicle theft frequency is based wholly on actual insurance claims information collected from companies that write almost 100% of all automobile insurance in Canada.

Get Accessorized

2008-03-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

Although your vehicle can still run without auto accessories, you just can’t discount the importance they give to your ride. They make your ride protected from road damaging elements as well as enhance your vehicle’s aesthetics. The benefits you enjoy from using these add-ons are enough reasons why you should invest on them. Indeed, buying useful automotive accessories is definitely not a waste of money. While there are lots of auto accessories you can integrate in your precious ride, an article from autonews24h recommends the following.

Car Cover This is one of the most popular auto accessories, especially for those who do not own a garage or carport. A car cover can protect an automobile from inclement weather and even from the occasional flyover of a bird. However, when purchasing a car cover, be sure to read the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the car or having the paint peel off from an improper application.

Seat Cover. One of the most popular auto accessories for your car's interior is a seat cover. They can help to protect your car's original seats from stains, cigarette burns, tears, etc.

Steering Wheel Cover. This product, which is designed to provide improved grip on your steering wheel, is created to help your interior in a number of ways. If you purchase a cloth steering wheel cover, it will protect your hands from grabbing an otherwise hot steering wheel after your car has been sitting in the sun. Additionally, a steering wheel cover is one of the more popular auto accessories because it helps to protect the steering wheel from scratches.

Floor Mats. Every automobile is susceptible to dirt, mud and anything else on the bottom of our shoes. In an effort to keep the floor clean, mats are ideal auto accessories.

Handheld Vacuum. Not commonly thought of as auto accessories, handheld vacuums are essential to keeping your interior clean. These handy little gadgets are ideal for cleaning seats and the floor of your car.

Hands-free Cell Phone Connector. Although it is not recommended that anyone drive while talking on the cell phone, there are often emergency situations or calls that need to be addressed and this is why a hands-free cell phone connector is one of the best auto accessories that you could have. Rather than shuffling for the phone, using a hands-free connector is much more convenient and will not distract you from driving.

Cell Phone Charger. This is one of the essential auto accessories if you own a cell phone. A cell phone charger connects to your phone and also to the cigarette lighter in order to recharge your cell phone's battery. If you happen to encounter car trouble on the highway only to find that your cell phone battery is empty, you will be glad to have this handy little device to give you instant use of your cell phone.

Emergency Battery Charger. Owning one of these auto accessories could be one of the smartest purchases you make. They are charged at home using a regular outlet, then placed in your car. If your car's battery runs down, you are out of luck unless you have an emergency charger. These will help get you back on the road quickly and without the help of a tow truck.

Child safety seat. If you have a child, the proper safety seat is a must-have for traveling. While you are on the go, you want the little one to be safe right along with you. A child safety seat is one of the best auto accessories in existence for both you and especially your child.

Harness seatbelt for your pet. If you have to take your pet to the veterinarian or on a road trip, but have difficulty finding a travel crate large enough to fit him/her, a harness-style seatbelt for your pet will be ideal for keeping your pet in the seat and will prevent it from wondering aimlessly throughout the automobile. This can be both distracting and dangerous to the driver and other pedestrians on the road.

Famous Hollywood Cars

2008-03-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

This is fun. Do you want to know the top 10 Hollywood cars? Cars are undeniably great elements in most movies. In fact, movie actors and actress can make beautiful scenes through them. Action, comic and even sexy scenes can be done in and out a car. No wonder there are cars that can be indirectly associated to famous Hollywood actors or actresses. I thank top celebrities blog from where I learned the top 10 Hollywood cars. Here they are.
Bugatti Veyron 16.4$1.4 millionThe Veyron 16.4 is reported to be the only production car with more than 1,000 horsepower, at 1001 hp. Unless someone is building one in a secret lab somewhere, it’s also the only one that costs more than $1 million. It has a 16-cylinder engine that forms a "W" out of two Vs .

Maybach 62S$428,750The Maybach brand from Mercedes-Benz broke the $300,000 barrier four years ago. To own a 62S today means parting with $400,000. The 62S gets a bigger turbocharged V12 than the "ordinary" 62 model, and about 50 extra horses, at 604 hp. It also gets upgraded upholstery that Maybach calls "Grand Nappa" leather, with color-contrasting piping, carbon fiber trim, different woods and exclusive paints.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition$482,750Mercedes-Benz named the 722 Edition of its already exorbitant SLR McLaren after its winning entry in the 1,000-mile Mille Miglia race in Italy, in 1955. Also memorable is the new model’s scorching 650 hp. Owning an SLR includes membership in the "SLR Club" at the Circuit Paul Ricard high-tech test track in Le Castellet, in the south of France. The club hosts an SLR Safety & Speed Academy, which offers special driver training courses and seminars.

Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe$412,000Nothing else makes an entrance like the Drophead Coupe, powered by a nearly silent, 6.75-liter V12. Its fabric top even includes a layer of cashmere, allegedly because of the material’s sound-deadening properties. As in the Phantom sedan, push a button in the glovebox, and The Spirit of Ecstasy roof ornament disappears down a trapdoor, to discourage thieves and vandals.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster$362,400Like other Lamborghinis, the Murcielago is named for a breed of fighting bull. This convertible is definitely a hard charger, which gets its second name from its 640 hp, V12 engine. It has full-time, all-wheel drive, which helps keep it pointed the right way when you step on the gas.

Bentley Azure$337,085The Bentley Azure is the costliest Bentley, keeping other Bentleys off our list. For the money, the 500-hp Azure better be exclusive. It is. Only 133 were sold in the U.S. in six months, following its debut in December 2006. Before that, the Azure was out of production for about three years.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1$280,295The 599 GTB Fiorano F1 is named for Ferrari’s Fiorano test track. In Italy, the high-pitched buzz of Ferrari’s Formula One (F1) race team on the track stops traffic. People abandon their cars and run to watch. This car, with 611 hp from a V12 engine, could get a similar reaction.

Aston Martin DB9 Volante convertible$175,550The term, "Volante," is Aston Martin’s term for a convertible. It sounds like something that would fly, and the DB9 Volante does, thanks to a 450-hp V12. The wood and leather in the cabin are handcrafted and include walnut, "piano black," mahogany and bamboo. The last two are highly unusual. Wood panels are also solid wood, not veneers. In addition, Aston Martin offers oiled finishes like fine furniture, as an alternative to a shiny, high-gloss finish.

Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet$136,500 (2008 model)Keeping up with the Joneses gets tougher in September, when the 480-hp 911 Turbo Cabriolet goes on sale. The seats are covered with hand-stitched leather, and high-tech features borrowed from racing include a rear spoiler that automatically extends at speeds over 75 mph. The Cabriolet has the same 3.6-liter, six-cylinder, twin-turbocharged boxer engine found in the 911 Turbo Coupe. The manual transmission version goes from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.8 seconds; top speed is 193 mph

Maserati Quattroporte Automatic Executive GT$126,500The name is a mouthful, signifying a six-speed automatic transmission, and Executive GT extras like heated and cooled massage seats, more chrome, more and nicer leather, and special badging. Far from cheap, this version of the V8, 400-hp Quattroporte is the least-expensive car on the Top 10 Most Expensive List.

Your car VS the most expensive cars

2008-03-12T01:14:00.001-07:00

Is your car really your dream car? Mine is uhhh.. well.. yeah. I can say it’s my dream car. I mean my first dream car. Browsing the net last night, I happened to go over a site naming the most expensive cars. The site actually mentioned 10 most expensive cars. Here in my post, you will see the first five. You can however check them all at automotoportal.com. Now I have 10 more dream cars and I wish I can get drive any of them.

Top five most expensive cars

1. Bugattti Veyron ($1, 700, 000) The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the most powerful, most expensive, and fastest street-legal production car in the world, with a proven top speed of over 400 km/h (407 km/h or 253 mph). It reached full production in September 2005. The car is built by Volkswagen AG subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS and is sold under the legendary Bugatti marque. It is named after racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm. The Veyron features a W16 engine—16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders.

2. Enzo Ferrari ($1, 000, 000). The Enzo Ferrari, sometimes referred to as the the Ferrari Enzo and also F60 is a 12-cylinder Ferrari supercar named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. It was built in 2003 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon-fiber body, F1-style sequential shift transmission, and carbon-ceramic brake discs. Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active aerodynamics. After a maximum downforce of 1709 pounds (775 kg) is reached at 186 mph (301 km/h) the rear spoiler is actuated by computer to maintain that downforce.

3. Zonda C12 F ($741, 000). The Zonda C12 F debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is the most extensive reengineering of the Pagani car yet, though it shares much with its predecessors including the 7.3 L V12. Power is increased to 602 PS (443 kW/594 hp) with a special clubsport model producing 650 PS (478 kW/641 hp). The company promises a 3.2 second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h, a top speed over 374 km/h (225 mph) and it will be the queen in braking from 300 km/h to 0 (186 mph to 0). The Zonda F clubsport has a power to weight ratio of 521 bhp/ton (384 W/kg) . Compare, for example, the Enzo Ferrari which has a power to weight ratio of 483 bhp/ton (356 W/kg).

4. Koenigsegg CCX ($600, 910). The Koenigsegg CCX is the latest supercar from Koenigsegg. CCX is an abbreviation for 4. Competition Coupe X. The X commemorates the 10th anniversary of the completion and test drive of the first CC vehicle in 1996. The CCX is intended to be more suitable for the U.S. market and thus engineered to comply with US regulations. The CCX is powered by a Koenigsegg designed and assembled, all aluminium, 4700 cm³ DOHC 32-valve V8 based on the Ford Modular engine architecture enhanced with twin Rotrex centrifugal superchargers with response system, 1.2 bar boost pressure and an 8.2:1 compression ratio. The engine produces 806 hp (601 kW) and 678 lbf.ft (920 Nm) on 91 octane (U.S. rating) gasoline, 850 hp (634 kW) on 96 octane (Euro rating) gasoline and 900 hp (671 kW) on biofuel.

5. Porsche Carrera GT ($484, 000). The Porsche Carrera GT is a supercar, manufactured by Porsche of Germany. The Carrera GT is powered by an all-new 5.7 litre V10 engine producing 612 SAE horsepower (450 kW). Porsche claims it will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62.5 mph) in 3.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 330 km/h (206 mph), although road tests indicated that in actuality the car could accelerate from 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds and to 0-100 in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 335-340km/h (209-212.5mph).

Now let me ask you again. Is the car you are driving really your dream car? Just like me, you would probably say it was your first dream car. But who cares if you don’t own any of the expensive cars these days. You shouldn’t be sad seeing there are better cars than the one you own. My reason to include the most expensive cars in my blog is not to belittle your car or make you feel bitter about it, but rather to inspire you more. Gonna go saving now and who knows someday I can drive the most expensive car. It always starts with a dream, anyway.

Top 10 cars for women

2008-03-12T01:13:00.000-07:00

My fiancée, Aubrey is prospecting a new car. She’s actually a bit confused which to buy. All I know is that she wants girly cars -those cars that are agile with good visibility and are not hard to drive. She wants to sit higher and insists on plenty storage space. Thanks to about.com from where I learned the top 10 cars for women. Now I have something to share with my sweety. You too may find this useful so I decided to include this in my post.

Below are the top 10 cars for women.

1. Ford Focus. The Ford Focus has a markedly different character than most Ford products sold in the US and Canada. That's because it was developed by Ford of Europe -- that's right, this is an honest-to-goodness European car. The tall cabin, upright driving position, roomy interior and trunk and smile-generating driving experience all come courtesy of the Focus' old-world roots, but with the humble Ford badge on the boot -- er, trunk -- you aren't paying for a fancy European name.
2. Honda Civic. Civics are everywhere, and with good reason: They're economical, easy to drive, and they run like a Swiss watch. With their blue-chip resale values and impeccable build quality, Civics are good investments both short- and long-term. Innovations like a totally flat passenger floor (no center "tunnel") make the Civic comfortable and practical.
3. Honda Fit. The Honda Fit is just one of a handful of subcompacts now on the US and Canadian markets, but few others can match the Fit's balance of front seat, back seat and trunk room. The Fit is especially handy in urban areas, where its small size allows it to nip through traffic and squeeze into tiny parking spots. Its fuel-efficient 1.5 liter engine has plenty of get-up-and-go, even with an automatic transmission, and Honda quality means it'll last an eon.
4. Mazda 3. Mazda's new compact brings with it a combination of style, space, and driving pleasure not often found in this class. The 4-door costs less initially but we recommend the 5-door for all-round practicality, not to mention a little elbow room for a growing family.
5. Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Miata is a great set of wheels for a woman who doesn't have a family, and an excellent second car for one who does. Few cars deliver the Miata's combination of fun in the sun and raw driving thrills, and even fewer deliver such great fuel economy while doing it. Though trunk room is tight, the Miata offers just enough room for a romantic weekend getaway for two. And on a day-to-day basis, it's a great way to put a little sparkle into your commute.
6. Mercedes Benz E-class. The Mercedes E-class offers more prestige of the three-pointed star. The E is ideally sized, big enough for the family to ride comfortably (without a chorus of "Mom, he hit me!" "She hit me first!" from the back seat), but small enough for easy parking and urban handling. The E is the practical way to treat yourself right.
7. Nissan Sentra. Sentra is one of the most practical compact sedans on the market, blending a generous back seat with a continuously-variable transmission, a type of automatic that delivers better acceleration and fuel economy than a stick-shift.
8. Subaru Forester. The Forester toes the line between car and SUV, but unlike most crossovers, the Forester does everything well. On the road it offers invigorating handling and performance; off road it'll keep up with many bigger, brawnier SUVs. And when the weather turns foul, the Forester is one of the best vehicles of any size for safely negotiating slick roads.
9. Toyota Camry. There's a reason the Camry is the best selling car in the US, and has been for years: It does just about everything well. It's roomy, quiet, comfortable, and built like the proverbial brick outhouse. With the new-for-2007 redesign, the Camry offers more choice than ever.
10. Volkswaggen Jetta. Volkswagen's compact sedan offers up enough individuality for an independant woman, enough cachet for the up-and-coming executive, and enough room for a growing family.

Now take your pick!

My friend and his next auto.

2008-03-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

Remember my friend Daniel? He’s a Mercedes Benz fan. If you recall my first post, Daniel currently owns two Mercedes Benz models – the Mercedes Benz E320 and the SL class. Now, this guy wants a Ford E-series and assures me that he’ll get it before the end of the year. At first, it was a puzzle to me why he hastily chose the E-series when I knew there were other Ford models he had to learn about and consider. Well, everything is clear to me now. I learned he’s prospecting the 2009 Ford E series. Here in my post, I take pride of my friend’s choice. The 2009 Ford series got something new to offer its users. Let me share to you what I’ve read early this morning. Got it from my favorite auto news and so read on.

E-Series updates include a redesigned instrument panel and console, door trim panels with more storage, built-in auxiliary switches users can customize, wider-opening rear doors, more comfortable seats, a first-in-class factory-installed navigation system and Ford Work Solutions – a collection of technologies aimed at making business and fleet owners more productive and successful.

Understanding E-Series is the van of choice for a range of customers – from small business owners to custom upfitters to larger commercial fleet operators – Ford is offering new features and technologies to make work and travel more productive and convenient. They include:

Four industry-exclusive Ford Work Solutions innovations:

An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin. It’s the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production and features available wireless accessories including a mouse and printer. This system allows customers to print invoices and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks – right on the job site.

Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock®, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area of E-Series vans and wagons.

All four Ford Work Solutions technologies also will be available this fall on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks; F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 pickup trucks. Transit Connect vans join the lineup in mid-2009.

A navigation system integrated into the instrument panel with a 6.5-inch touch screen display. This is available for the first time in E-Series along with SIRIUS satellite radio.

SIRIUS Travel Link, an industry-exclusive feature. When coupled with navigation, this system provides a collection of data services including real-time local traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations.
Reverse Camera System, which mounts a small camera at the rear of the vehicle. It’s activated when the van is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle. The video image is displayed in the navigation screen on vans equipped with that option or in the self-dimming rearview mirror on vans without the navigation system. The screen image includes an industry-first centerline and colored guides, which provide the driver a better perspective of the vehicle’s center point and periphery.

Wow! It excites me to see my friend driving such a great wheeled machine. But what excites me more is to take the driver’s seat and drive it even for a short mile. In my next post, I hope I can include a picture of Dan’s brand new car. See? There is really an excitement being a certified car fanatics.

Inside the Ford 2009 series

2008-03-11T00:48:00.000-07:00

The Ford 2009 series has got almost everything that a driver may look for a ride. Now it features class leading convenience with its integrated navigation system and SIRIUS Travel Link and a redesigned instrument panel that includes four new upfitter switches. And because of the affordable smart technology, the E-series also provides its users with Ford Work Solutions by giving them connectivity, flexibility and security to better run key aspects of their business – from their van, cutaway or wagon, even on the job site. Undeniably, these are all great additions to the full size Ford 2009 series van. But because driving satisfaction greatly depends on how you feel during a ride, the interior must also promote comfort and relaxation. So let’s see what is inside the Ford 2009 series.

Comfort and Convenience

For 2009, the E-Series features a tougher, more functional interior that better reflects its exterior design, which was improved for 2008. New features include:

A new, more user-friendly instrument panel and center console.

Even more storage, cleverly integrated throughout.

Redesigned door trim panels feature integrated second-bin compartments. A contents-retention strap helps secure items in the driver’s door.
The instrument panel has a new storage tray above the passenger air bag.
The center console doubles the usable storage space of the previous version – and now includes three larger cup holders that can accommodate a wider variety of cup/mug sizes, an integrated clipboard holder and space for a laptop.
Four new optional user-defined switches on the dashboard and a more efficient wiring harness, which make it easier for upfitters to integrate aftermarket features such as auxiliary lighting.
An optional audio input jack on the instrument panel that connects E-Series to MP3 players and other portable audio devices.
A new glove box that provides still more storage and a second power point.
A new message center available in E-Series vans and wagons that features standard vehicle maintenance information as well as miles-to-empty and fuel economy numbers. The message center is standard on vans equipped with the 6.0-liter Power Stroke® V-8 Turbo Diesel engine and includes an engine-hour meter that keeps a running total of engine use, even during idling.

No wonder now. Ford 2009 E-series is cool to drive.

Ideal picks for the FIRST TIMERs

2008-03-06T00:59:00.000-08:00

I had mixed emotions when I had my driving lesson. Learning to drive for me was exciting although I won’t deny the fact that it was a bit scary too. My dad was my first teacher before I finally I took a short course driving lesson. Anyway, you may be wondering why I wrote about first time driving. Well, my purpose here is to actually introduce a set of vehicle models perfect for the first timers who are anxious and excited to drive. These models are recommended for neophyte drivers because of their considerable qualities and features. Basically, first-time drivers need safe and dependable transportation that won’t break the bank. Preferably, you may consider sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, convertibles, SUVs and cab pickup since they cost less than $20, 000.

I want to share an author’s choice from cars.com. Included in the criteria are the safety features, exterior styling, value and interior comfort. From his choices, I got the first five and here they are.

1. Ford Escape. Updated for 2008 with new styling, the five-seat Ford Escape is an affordable small SUV. It features a number of important safety features — antilock brakes, side curtain airbags and Ford's AdvanceTrac stability system with Roll Stability Control — that come standard. The Escape can have either a fuel-efficient four-cylinder or a 200-horsepower V-6.

2. The 2008 Honda Civic. On a car review on cars.com, it was revealed that whether you're a concerned parent or a sensible young person looking for a first car, the Civic can't be beat. It's safe, reliable, gets good mileage, retains its value and has a lot of standard features. Heck, even if you're slightly less responsible, the Civic has sporty handling and a sharp-looking exterior in coupe and sedan models. The interior is futuristic and well made, and the doors shut with a solid thunk. The Civic is one of the best cars on the market for any driver; first-timers certainly won't go wrong with it.

3. Ford Escape 2008. Updated for 2008 with new styling, the five-seat Ford Escape is an affordable small SUV. It features a number of important safety features — antilock brakes, side curtain airbags and Ford's AdvanceTrac stability system with Roll Stability Control — that come standard. The Escape can have either a fuel-efficient four-cylinder or a 200-horsepower V-6.

4. Hyundai Sonata 2008. A long list of standard features — like air conditioning, cruise control, antilock brakes, side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system — and a low starting price make Hyundai's Sonata a sensible choice. Both engine choices (four-cylinder or V-6) offer good fuel economy, and the Sonata has a five-year/60,000-mile warranty with five years of roadside assistance.

5. Mini Cooper. The Cooper will easily stand out from the sea of Civics and Mustangs in the high-school parking lot: It's a Mini, stupid. Pick the base model over the 172-hp Cooper S hatchback, which is pricier and may have too much power (remember, this is a lightweight car) for a first-time driver. Though it's at an inherent disadvantage in a collision with larger cars, the Cooper comes standard with six airbags and antilock brakes. Parents should appreciate the excellent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal crash-test ratings, too. Those in sunnier parts of the country might also consider the Cooper convertible.

As you can see the year model, these models are new. This means that besides they provide ideal rides for first time drivers, they are also equipped with modern features and components for high performance and dependability.

So welcome to the car world and enjoy your time in the process of learning. Remember that the safest ride is the best ride.

Meet Daniel

2008-03-05T23:23:00.000-08:00

This time I would like to introduce my friend. Folks, meet Daniel Walker – a man who would rather pick hot rods over hot chicks. (I hope he won’t box me after reading this post.) I could still recall the time when I invited him to a tripsco to chase some hot mamas. So we went there and had a drink or two. The night was ahh…fun but the plan to get dirty was futile. The reason? Well, the night passed with him talking only about his next prospect car – the Mercedes Benz SL class model. Whew! I told you.. he would rather fall for wheels – not for girls. No wonder he’s still single at the age of 34. Oh I guess I’m being too blabbermouth. Oh my bad Dan…

Dan and I used to play car toys then. In fact, we both had a collection of them. I unfortunately lost mine. Now, we have kissed playing car toys goodbye. But our love for cars seems unstoppable. Dan once told me that collecting your favorite cars could answer a variety of needs that a single car cannot fulfill. He loves cars that accelerate, turn or stop with appreciable vigor and insists that there is no satisfaction having only a family ride that is not a performance car. Dan’s really addicted to high-end cars. Just like you, Dan had dream cars and he shall never stop until he gets them all.

So how many of you are like Dan? I see hands there, here, and another there. Wow! Everybody seems to like Dan. I hope in my next post I can show you Dan’s photos with his awesome cars.

Car to Car Talk

2008-03-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

So what prompted you to buy the car you are driving now? With many great choices of makes and models these days, I presume you had a hard time deciding which car to buy. Mind you, choosing a car is not as easy as choosing the best pair of shoes. A car is a luxury item and the money spent on it is no joke. A friend told me he bought his car because it was a good price, with tempting financing. Now he got two luxury cars - Mercedes Benz E320 and the SL class model, and in the next few months he’ll probably get another, Ford this time. Oh how I envy my friend. The thing is, every car buyer got a various set of values that he needs a car to live up to. You may either like or hate my car and it’s pretty fine with me. It’s not my game to assign value to your choice and I would appreciate if you do the same. Now, that’s a deal.

Anyways, my personal reason for blogging is to relate with those of you whose hearts and souls are car fanatics. But first let me clear one thing – I am not a car expert like you would probably think I am. Yes I adore cars but am neither a mechanic nor a teacher. My goal here is to share my passion and hopefully to be able to inspire car enthusiasts in ways I can.

I personally believe my ‘romance’ with my cars is something I should share with online readers with the same passion. My first car was a gift from dad when I was 16. Well.. I didn’t actually ask for it but he insisted I better off start driving my own car. It wasn’t really my dream car but it was nevertheless fun. My dad, who was a self-proclaimed car mechanic, fortunately taught me how I can make it appear like my dream car. And oh, it did! From him, I learned that the secret to a happy car ownership is simply treating your car as if it’s a loved one. Trust me, it really works! It doesn’t really matter whether you drive an old or a new model. Great changes are achievable if you put your heart on things you love the most. Love your car and the fun is yet to begin.

Like my dad, I might as well help you create a desirable difference with your precious ride. I’ve been driving various cars for 15 years now and I would take pride to share my road stories – the funny, the happy and even the shitty. So keep in touch and hope to hear from you, too.