Car Center

car car car any brands

2011-03-05T14:18:00.000-08:00

Here you can find all kinds of cars you like

Toyota car show(2)

2011-03-05T14:17:00.000-08:00

This car is Toyota Alphard

Toyota car show(1)

2011-03-05T14:13:00.000-08:00

This car is Toyota Alphard

What's more American than a muscle car? (concept car Friday)

2011-02-26T05:35:00.000-08:00

More than trucks, more than minivans and SUVs, I believe that there's no better vehicular representation of America than the muscle car. However, with muscle cars come deep seeded loyalties to and rivalries among the three manufacturers and their respective vehicles. Specifically, we're talking about Ford's Mustang, Dodge's Challenger, and Chevrolet's Camaro. In a recent episode of Car Tech Live, we three hosts were asked which modern muscle car we'd each have and came up with three very different answers. Rather than spend our Independence Day weekend arguing over which is best, we've decided to feature... well, we're not sure what to call it.
Over the course of four months, modeler Robert D. hacked up at least three model kits, taking what he considered to be the best parts of the three most modern American muscle cars, and combined them to form the Flashback, a sort of Frankenstein tribute to Detroit muscle. With the front fascia and hood of a Challenger mounted onto the body of of Chevrolet's Camaro, Robert then grafted the tail end of the Ford Mustang onto the beast. After skillfully sanding and painting, the Flashback was completed. The result is either a unique melding of three very different automotive worlds or a testament to how similar these three vehicles' aesthetics actually are.

2010 Honda Civic EX-L

2011-02-26T05:31:00.000-08:00

An absolute stalwart in the Honda line-up, the Civic maintains its popularity as a practical and quality economy car even after almost 40 years on the market. But, as the latest 2010 Honda Civic shows, popularity comes at a price. Offensive to none, the Civic is a perfectly average little car to which only the most particular person would turn up their nose.The Civic received its last major update for the 2006 model year, acquiring smooth sides and hovercraft like overhangs. Honda did get a little radical with the instrument cluster, using a bilevel arrangement with the tachometer in the usual place, and a digital speedometer just below the windshield.

2010 Toyota Prius

2011-02-26T05:29:00.000-08:00

The good: Getting around 50 mpg on average, the 2010 Toyota Prius is a stellar car for fuel economy, and you can choose accelerator sensitivity. Traffic reports are integrated with the navigation system.
The bad: The Prius isn't designed for handling. There isn't full iPod or USB drive integration for the stereo. The DVD-based navigation system reacts slowly.
The bottom line: The 2010 Toyota Prius is a better car than its predecessor, although there are some areas, especially in the cabin, where we would have liked to see more improvement.

What is the Car Hobby

2010-02-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

The car hobby is over 100 years old and we've seen how the passion of one generation is passed on to subsequent generations because the car hobby truly is one of the few activities that the whole family can participate in and enjoy.

The Car Crazy TV show, radio show and now the Car Crazy Central web site are the result of 100 years of Meguiar's family passion for great looking cars. Our roots go back to 1901 when Barry Meguiar's grandfather started a polish company when the car hobby was in its earliest stages.

For Barry Meguiar, his whole life has been spent loving and caring for cars. But what makes Barry so unique, is his burning passion to expand the hobby. For decades he's traveled all over the planet sharing his passion for cars and supporting car clubs, automotive events and museums.

Now, with the power of the Internet and our new generation phones, Barry sees this as the perfect opportunity to unite tens of millions of us around the world who are car guys and gals, using cutting edge technology.What you see today on this web site, is only the beginning of what Car Crazy Central is going to deliver to you.

'Toyota cars in Philippines different from those in US'

2010-02-09T21:24:00.000-08:00

In an effort to calm customer concerns over recent safety recalls, an official of Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) assured its Filipino buyers that their cars are not manufactured in Europe and in the United States.

Engr. Vitaliano Mamawal III, TMP vice president for customer service operations, made it clear that Toyota cars in the Philippines are either locally manufactured or sourced from Indonesia, Japan, or Thailand.

"So iba ang specfications namin (So our cars have different specifications compared to those in the US)," Mamawal said in an interview at radio dzMM's "Tambalang Failon at Sanchez" on Friday.

Still, he advised customers to talk to their dealers if they have questions or concerns about cars that they have recently purchased. At present, TMP has 28 dealers nationwide.

"The numbers of the dealers are in the warranty booklets. I'll assure you that they'll attend to your concerns immediately," Mamawal said.

It has been a standard practice in the global automotive industry for carmakers to replace vehicles and parts that have defects in workmanship for free, provided that these are still within the company's warranty period.

As for TMP, Mamawal said their cars have a 3-year warranty and a mileage warranty of 100,000 kilometers.

But even if the car goes beyond the said warranties, he said TMP will still make an effort to check its condition and find ways to serve the customer better.

"We would still attend to them, but of course I hope they'll understand that we have to go through some steps so we can serve them better," he explained.

A number of Filipinos have expressed concern over the massive safety recalls of Toyota and Honda cars in some parts of the globe through the Internet. (Read: US recall worries Toyota, Honda owners in Philippines)

This came despite TMP's assurance that their cars do not have any defects and will still be sold in the country. (Read: Toyota cars in the Philippines not affected by safety recall)

No recall yet for Toyota Prius cars in Philippines

2010-02-09T21:21:00.001-08:00

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) has yet to determine if its newest Prius model will still be sold in the Philippines, following news of a safety recall conducted by its parent company, Toyota Motor Corp.

The company confirmed, however, that its 2010 Prius cars are sourced from Japan, where a recall of the said model is currently in place.

"Toyota Motor Philippines is still waiting for the official announcement specific to the Philippines. We will release an official statement as soon as we get more information. The Prius sold by TMP in the Philippines are sourced from Japan," TMP said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Toyota announced a recall of its newest Prius model and 3 other models in Japan owing to brake problems, the latest in a string of issues to hit the auto giant. The recall concerned approximately 223,000 vehicles in Japan

"With myself taking the lead, all of us at Toyota will tackle the issue in close cooperation with our dealers and our suppliers. Together, we will do everything in our power to regain the confidence of our customers," Toyota president Akio Toyoda said in a separate statement.

About 400,000 of the vehicles subject to the latest recall have been sold worldwide. Toyota assured that it will "take remedial measures as soon as possible" in the United States, Europe, and other regions.

Philippines not affected?

Toyota Motor Sales USA earlier suspended sales of 8 models while it examines problems with sticking accelerator pedals. The move came after the world's largest automaker recalled 2.3 million Toyota cars and trucks in the US because of the accelerator problem.

TMP, however, has repeatedly said that their cars are not affected by the recent safety recall in the US. The company made it clear that Toyota cars in the Philippines are either locally manufactured or sourced from Indonesia, Japan, or Thailand.

"So iba ang specifications namin (So our cars have different specifications compared to those in the US)," TMP vice president for customer service operations Engr. Vitaliano Mamawal III told radio dzMM last week.

TMP sold 3,871 units last month, accounting for the largest share of the Philippine market at 33%, data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) showed.

The company is closely followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. and Honda Philippines Inc., with sales of 2,411 units and 1,319 units, respectively.

CAMPI has yet to make a statement as to whether the recent safety recalls of both Toyota and Honda in other countries will affect local car sales.

F10 BMW 5 Series Spyshots

2009-11-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

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Fans of the Bimmer 5 series can enjoy pictures of the upcoming installment which BMW claim to be the best looking 5 series or at least better looking then the current generation. From the images I can see some de-'bangle'-lization work been done to the 5 series. I wasn't a big fan of the long curly eyebrow front headlights seen in the very first 5...

Lexus LFA Super Car Launched!

2009-11-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

This fire breathing Lexus is definitely a highlight of the Tokyo International Motor show. Lets get down to the juicy details. Under the hood of the LFA you will find a 1LR-GSE 4.8 liter DOHC V10 that cranks out 552hp at 8,700 rpm and 480Nm of torque that is achieved at 6,800 rpm (90% of which is available from 3,700 rpm). This engine co-developed...

As for the transmission, the Lexus LFA has a 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox which is operated by paddle shifters located on the steering wheel. The drivetrain also has four driving modes that is made up by Auto, Sport, Normal and Wet modes. All this power transmitted results in the LFA making a century sprint in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 325km/h or 202mph. Breaking power is provided by Brembo's carbon ceramic 390 mm front discs and 306 mm rear discs.

The Lexus LFA sports a drag coefficient of 0.31, has its body mostly made up of Carbon-Fiber (natuarally) is 4505 mm in length and weighs 1480kg or 115kg heavier then the Ferrari Enzo. Bridgestone-sourced 265/35ZR20 tires are to be found in the front while 305/20ZR20 tires are fitted at the rear.

The LFA will be limited to 500 units and pricing in the US starts from approximately US$375,000. For that price you get your LFA hand assembled in the Motomachi plant located in Toyota City Japan.

Mugen Honda Civic Type-R

2009-11-03T17:01:00.000-08:00

Those living in europe & has £38,599 to spare can get their hands on Mugen's Honda Civic Type-R. For such astronomical price you get to customize your very own unit as you will be in touch with the engineers that are responsible for your Civic. Under the bonnet you will find the 2.0 liter i-VTEC engine forged by Mugen using expertise gained from their involvement in F1 & GT racing. The powerplant is capable of churning out 237 horsepower along with a 10-percent torque improvement across the rev range. This feat is achieved by changing the pistons to improve the compression ratio, having a stainless steel exhaust pipes & a good tweak of the ECU. Forged alloy wheels capping four-piston mono-block racing brake calipers offer better breaking power to complement the increase in number of ponnies. If you are interested you ought to hurry up as only 20-units will be built.

Opel Corsa ecoFlex achieve 3.7liter/100km

2009-11-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

Come January 2010, Opel will be releasing the Corsa ecoFLEX to the European nations. The Corsa ecoFlex is powered by a 1.3-liter CDTi diesel engine with a variable geometry turbo for a total output of 95HP, or 28 per cent more power than the existing 75HP Corsa ecoFLEX. As the title suggest this Corsa consumes 3.7 l/100 km (63.3 mpg US or 76.3 mpg UK) of fuel & releasing just 98 g/km CO2 as a three-door. The 5-door version emits 1g/km more than the former means you can still save on your annual road tax.

Among the engineering works involved in achieving these figures includes lowering the car by 20mm to improve aerodynamics, more efficient wheel caps & optimizing the air flows via the air intakes. In addition to that, new 175/70 tires that are roll-resistance-optimized and fitted to lighter, 14-inch steel wheels.

The transmission unit is a 5 speed manual with elongated gear ratio. In line with Opel's goal of producing a fun yet eco-friendly car, 190 Nm of torque available between 1750 and 3250 rpm provides that extra oommph to pull away from traffic. The ecoFlex takes 12.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62mph) from a standstill with a top speed of 177 km/h (110mph) . Oh by the way I find the car bears striking resemblance to the Hyundai i20. What do u think?

Chevrolet Volt On Track For 2010

2009-11-03T16:41:00.000-08:00

The CEO of General Motors(GM) told Michigan members of Congress that the Chevy Volt is on schedule to be launched towards the late 2010. On another note Chief Executive of The Chevy Volt project is leaving for German carmaker Adam Opel GmbH. GM assured the public that Frank Weber's departure will not affect the development of the product. He will be...

Chevrolet Volt
The thorn in the project would be the expected selling price of USD 40000. The Chevy Volt is not a hybrid by definition set by Society Of Automotive Engineers (SAE) because a hybrid vehicle shall have "two or more energy storage systems both of which must provide propulsion power, either together or independently". Since the Volt's combustion engine is not connected to the wheels in any manner hence it can't wear a hybrid badge. GM coined the term to describe a new class of vehicles similar in concept to the Volts. It is called "Extended Range Electric Vehicle" or a plug-in series hybrid. At present the Volt can travel up to 40 miles (64 km) on a full battery charge after which the combustion engine will kick in to provide electricity for the car to travel another 300 miles (483 km).

Car Pictures

2009-10-28T22:33:00.000-07:00

2010 Volkswagen Scirocco Cup

2009-10-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

The Cup version of the Volkswagen Scirocco is designed to enable eco-friendly motorsport. Based on the TSI unit fitted in the Scirocco, the Bio-CNG-racing version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine develops 203 lbs ft of torque and up to 223 PS. A push-to-pass system provides a short burst of increased power of 30 PS to create additional overtaking opportunities and action throughout the race. Steering...

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec

2009-10-28T22:30:00.000-07:00

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec takes the core performance equipment from the 2.0T Track model and eliminates non-essential convenience equipment to reduce both cost and weight. The Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec is the first production R-Spec model to arrive in the U.S. will make its world debut at the Hyundai booth at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in the Las Vegas Convention...

2009 Loder1899 Ford Focus RS

2009-10-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

Loder1899 tuner has presented a new sport package for the second-generation of Ford Focus RS. The Ford Focus RS is already powerful with its 2.5 liter, turbocharged 5-cylinder engine, 300 bhp but the German tuner Loder1899 has added an extra 45 horses for the Ford Focus RS. Loder1899 Ford Focus RS also comes with a power enhancement system, lowering suspension, various wheel / tire combinations in...

2010 Fox Marketing Lexus IS 350C

2009-10-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Fox Marketing Lexus IS 350C is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 and fitted with a ProCharger supercharger system pushing 6 PSI, a Yonaka Intercooler, 2.5 inch stainless intercooler piping, couplers and silicone hoses. The Lexus IS 350C by Fox Marketing exhaust is from partner F-Sport. The Lexus IS 350C Fox Marketing power thus increased from a standard 225kW (306hp) to 298kW (405hp) which is not...

2010 Ford Mustang Project Vehicles at SEMA 2009

2009-10-28T22:25:00.000-07:00

2010 Ford Mustang by 3dCarbon The 3dCarbon Mustang is different from all other Mustangs because it is the true Boy Racer – an award-winning, full-body styling concept that was originally introduced with the 2005 Mustang body style. 3dCarbon introduces the 2010 Boy Racer – an evolution of styling from the old to the new featuring a bold aerodynamic design. The 3d Boy Racer is sure to turn heads. 2010...

Kia Sportage (2010): the new CAR spyshots

2009-10-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

Kia is developing its new Sportage ahead of launch in 2010. The Sportage is Kia's smaller SUV, slotting in beneath the seven-seat new Sorento.

Our spies caught the new Sportage on test near Hyundai Kia's European headquarters.

Strip away the camouflage and you'll see the updated styling, expected to be of a more European flavour in line with other recent Kias such as the Soul, Ceed and Sorento. Look out for the new purring lion inspired grille, for instance.

Under the bodywork lies the group's compact SUV 4x4 hardware. For clues, look at the Hyundai iX35, the sister company's Tucson replacement.

Lotus Exige Scura (2009) first pictures

2009-10-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Lotus will unleash its most potent and exclusive lightweight car to date at Tokyo tomorrow; the Exige Scura.

Clad in moody black paint accented with slashes of carbon fibre, this is one Lotus you’ll never see coming. Chances are you’ll never catch it either, since the engine sitting behind the driver is Hethel’s most powerful unit shoehorned into the lightweight chassis.
So it looks like a stealth fighter, but does it go like one?

The figures speak for themselves: 257bhp, 925kg. That’s a combination set to put the willies up even the most accomplished track-day enthusiast. The supercharged power plant comes from the Exige Cup racer, and revs to a screaming 8000rpm.

The Scura hits 60mph in 4.1 seconds – courtesy of its launch control system – and keeps on pushing to a shade over 150mph. You’ll need less than 10 seconds to hit the ton.
Power is nice, but I want my Lotus to handle like a housefly…

As ever with a lightweight Lotus, the real performance comes through the corners. Super-sticky Yokohamas, in-car adjustable traction control and two-way adjustable Ohlins dampers which allow you to set up the car for your own driving style, meld the car to the track. And thanks to long hours in the Lotus wind-tunnel the Scura develops 42kg of downforce at 100mph.

Only 35 Scuras will ever be sold, at a sobering £45,000 a pop. Very, very hardcore.

Album - Car Crazy

2009-09-15T02:38:00.000-07:00

Drifting

More Illustrations

DUB

George Barris Kustoms

Illustrations

Car Crazy Signs

CARS the Movie

Cartoons

This Week's Community Features

2009-09-15T02:33:00.000-07:00

Become a member of the Car Crazy Café and upload pictures and videos of your ride! Connect with other Car Guys all over the world in our Forums. Give us your best and you may get featured in our next newsletter.
Click here to get started.

	Featured Ride Member Name: Mr Roush Car Type: 2007 Ford Mustang California Special There are some great names that attach themselves to Mustangs. If it's not a Shelby, or Saleen, it must be Roush!!! Visit Mr Roush and check out his California Special.
	Featured Video Member Name: ROUSHAC Video Name: Mid Ohio 2007 Part 1&2 Roushac takes you in the car and on the track with his Roush Roadster. Enjoy the two-part ride!!!
	Featured Profile Member Name: Safari Get to know Safari - he's a moderator and provides a lot of great car coverage. Sharing lotsa' pictures and video. Stop by, say "Hi" and "Thanks" to Safari.

Toyota's Tundra - Built for SEMA

2009-09-15T02:24:00.000-07:00

The new Tundra is a capable work truck. This customized and supercharged SEMA show truck reveals its possibilities as a street contender.

NSRA in Pueblo, Colorado

2009-09-15T01:05:00.000-07:00

The NSRA Rocky Mountain Nationals rounds up some great looking and great sounding Street Rods. Tommy Darrell talks to a few owners and dodges a '32 roadster.

The Business of Plugging In A Plug-In Electric Vehicle Conference

2009-09-15T01:04:00.000-07:00

October 19-21, 2009
MotorCity Hotel and Conference Center
Detroit, Michigan USA

A volatile economy drives the need to balance the 3 E’s – Energy, Environment and the Economy. Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are emerging as a promising alternative to current vehicle powertrain technology. PEVs offer the potential for clean, diversified and secure energy solutions; however, economic, technical and infrastructure challenges remain.

The Business of Plugging In^sm will bring together vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, energy companies, government agencies, financiers and researchers to address these challenges. New business models and relationships must be developed between these diverse stakeholders to identify and create successful business solutions and promote the growth of the PEV market.

For more information and to register >>>

Sustainable Transportation and Communities

2009-09-15T00:57:00.000-07:00

Kim Hill, Group Director

The Sustainable Transportation and Communities (STC) group concentrates on the long-term viability and sustainability of the auto industry, the surface transportation system, and the communities that lie at the heart of both the industry and the system. STC research focuses on economic and other impacts of federal, state, and other policies on industry, system function, and communities, as well as on how the automotive sector, the transportation system, and communities can work and collaborate to sustain each other. This group also manages the Automotive Communities Program, designed to link the major traditional centers of automotive activity to each other and to the changing North American industry in order to improve the likelihood of regional automotive renewal.

Automotive Analysis Group

2009-09-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

Brett Smith, Group Director

The Automotive Analysis Group (AAG) engages in research that can broadly be described as falling into three distinct categories: industry analysis, industry structure, and alternative energy policy and powertrain technology. AAG analyzes a wide range of automotive industry trends, including vehicle sales and production; safety quality; fuel economy; future vehicle launches; automakers' plans for specific facilities in North America; and vehicle segment trends. The scope of this research is focused on North America but includes a global perspective. AAG's work pertaining to automotive industry structure ranges from automaker/supplier relationships, supply chain optimization, industry-wide collaboration, and the revenue acquisition process to the role private equity firms and other financial institutions play in the automotive industry. AAG also conducts research in advanced powertrain and energy policy. This work includes powertrain technology trend assessment, and the role of energy policy in the implementation of powertrain technology.

C.A.R. Newsletters

2009-09-14T23:41:00.000-07:00

C.A.R. Newsline
Delivered Wednesdays directly to your e-mail inbox, C.A.R. Newsline gives you vital information about economic reports, legal and legislative developments, new products and services for REALTORS®, techno-developments, licensing regulations and more.
Frequency: Weekly; every Wednesday.
Audience: C.A.R. members.

Market Matters Weekly Advisory
With media coverage of the real estate market and REALTORS®' role in the transaction under heightened scrutiny, Market Matters offers proactive solutions to help you make sense of the often conflicting and confusing data, market studies, and news reports about your industry and profession.
Frequency: Weekly; every Thursday.
Audience: C.A.R. members.

Your Membership, Your Way
A new monthly member communication featuring the must-have news, resources, and information from C.A.R. that will save you time, money, your transaction--maybe even your sanity--as you navigate today's housing market.
Frequency: Monthly; sent out the third Tuesday of the month.
Audience: C.A.R. members.

ClientDIRECT ^TM
Put yourself in front of your clients each month with the ClientDIRECT^TM, a powerful new marketing tool.
Frequency: Monthly; sent out the first Monday of each month.
Audience: Consumers (REALTORS® send to their clients and prospects).

WINForms® Today
This newsletter for WINForms® users provides information on how to use WINForms® software, forms updates, tip and tricks.
Frequency: Bimonthly; usually sent out within the first two weeks of the month.
Audience: WINForms® subscribers.

Virtual Advocate
The newsletter reports on important developments in politics, legislation and public policy that affect the real industry. Issues are reported from Washington D.C., Sacramento and localities throughout California.
Frequency: Biweekly; sent out on the first, third, and fifth Monday of the month.
Audience: Members of public policy, political and legislative issues committees, AORs, and GADs.

Realegal®
The Realegal® newsletter contains breaking legal information and legal prevention tips. Our commitment is to communicate short bits of important legal information only as it occurs.
Frequency: Sent as needed.
Audience: C.A.R. members.

InManagement
This newsletter offers real estate management issues, news and developments for office managers, brokers and executive officers.
Frequency: Bimonthly
Audience: Office managers, brokers, top firms, executive officers, and government affairs directors.

C.A.R. Research Highlights
C.A.R. Research Highlights includes the latest summaries of research, such as the Survey of California Home Sellers, and the Internet versus Traditional Buyers report.
Frequency: Bimonthly; sent out the third Thursday of the month.
Audience: Association Executives, C.A.R. leadership team, designated REALTORS®, large offices.

Trends
A monthly publication developed by the C.A.R. Economics Department. Each issue contains a variety of statistical data covering home sales, prices, and much more.
Frequency: Monthly; sent out at the end of each month.
Audience: Financial analysts, lending institutions, brokers, and bankers.

C.A.R. Networker
Legislative Liaison Networker provides up-to-date on the latest state and federal legislative and political issues affecting REALTORS®.
Frequency: Biweekly; sent out on the second and fourth Monday of the month.
Audience: C.A.R.'s key contacts, federal coordinators, and legislative liaisons.

California Association Executive Update (CAEU)
The CAEU newsletter offers information, product/service details, industry research, and upcoming events tailored to the local REALTOR® association executive.
Frequency: Monthly; sent out on the first of the month.
Audience: local association executives, C.A.R. officers, and regional chairs.

Today's real estate news

2009-09-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

California:

Sacramento Bee: Extension of new-home buyer tax credit fails to pass
By Jim Wasserman
09/14/2009
Legislation aiming to extend California's maximum $10,000 new home buyer tax credit to several thousand more buyers has stalled, failing to pass during a weekend rush to adjournment by the state Legislature.

National:

Wall Street Journal: Your House: Just a Home
By M.P. McQueen
09/14/2009
At the end of the second quarter, about 23% of single-family homes with mortgages were "underwater," with owners owing more on their homes than they are worth, according to Zillow.com. And analysts for at least one major bank expect that share to rise as the housing market bottoms out in some areas.

Inman: Real estate's September report card
09/14/2009
Investor buyers are back and help explain some of the resurgence in sales seen in many markets. Investor sales now constitute nearly 26 percent of total sales in the 53 markets where Inman tracks this statistic, which is higher than the peak of 24 percent in 2005-2006 and a considerable rise from just 21 percent in Q3 2008.

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Crazy Cars (5)

2009-04-05T01:54:00.000-07:00

Maybe this Hyundai motor concept car will bring good karma? The South Korean automaker debuted its QarmaQ car, left.

Crazy Cars (4)

2009-04-05T01:52:00.000-07:00

Other cars might win over prospective buyers with their bubbly appeal. At left, Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA, introduces the ball-shaped electric concept vehicle Pivo 2.

Crazy Cars (3)

2009-04-05T01:51:00.000-07:00

At left, Nissan's concept car R.D/B.X is displayed during the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in Chiba, east of Tokyo.

Crazy Cars (2)

2009-04-05T01:49:00.000-07:00

With their futuristic appeal, many look like space capsules. At left, Japan's automaker Suzuki Motor unveils the concept commuter models, a one-person electric vehicle Pixy, left, and the larger SSC (Suzuki Sharing Coach), right.

Crazy Cars (1)

2009-04-05T00:25:00.000-07:00

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's & the world's first flying car. Terrafugia Inc., an aircraft company, announced today the first flight of its Transition Roadable Aircraft. The car is as comfortable on the road as it is in the sky, reaching 115 mph in flight, according to the manufacturer. The proof-of-concept vehicle is also supposed to fit easily in a garage. But at $194,000, it's likely not going to pop up anytime soon in a neighborhood near you.

Smart Fortwo

2009-04-05T00:17:00.000-07:00

Good things come in small packages and the smart fortwo is no exception. Each model’s revolutionary design conveys innovation, functionality and joy of life.

The base pure model comes standard with convenience features such as a 5-speed automated manual transmission with manual or automatic mode, central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel, radio-ready console, and more. Air conditioning, power windows and alloy wheels are optional. Be sure to check out the passion coupe and passion cabriolet that offer more standard features at an outstanding value. Learn more about the smart fortwo pure.

The value packed, sporty and well-equipped passion coupe includes all the features described on the pure, plus much more. Additional standard equipment includes a panorama roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and AM/FM radio with CD player. Learn more about the smart fortwo passion coupe.

The passion cabriolet has all the features of the passion coupe plus an upgraded radio and sound system that includes an mp3 compatible in-dash 6-disk CD changer. The main difference lies in the soft top with a heated rear glass window that is fully automatic and can be infinitely adjusted to any position while driving at any speed. For the full cabriolet experience, simply remove the side roof bars - taken out in no time - and stow them in a special compartment in the tailgate. Learn more about the smart fortwo passion cabriolet.

Daimler Fields Electric Cars

2008-12-19T23:51:00.000-08:00

by Bill Siuru
Large European cities like Berlin, Rome, Milan, Pisa, and London are ideal for electric vehicles. Thus, Daimler has instituted e-mobility Berlin to put over 100 battery- powered Mercedes-Benz and smart cars on the streets of Berlin by late 2009. Another 100 Mercedes-Benz and smart EVs will be deployed in Rome, Milan, and Pisa in 2010 with e-mobility Italy. A fleet of 100 electric smart fortwos have been in daily service in London since 2007.
Daimler is working with major energy suppliers in its e-mobility projects. In Germany it is RWE AG, Germany’s largest power generator, and in Italy it has partnered with that country’s largest energy supplier, Enel. RWE will install 500 charging points around Berlin that will be supplied with ‘green’ electricity and more may eventually be installed. RWE will be responsible for central control of the system. Intelligent and convenient charging points will be installed at homes, at workplaces, and in public areas.

Enel will develop and install over 400 charging stations designed specifically for the three cities. Infrastructure is a particularly important issue in Italy, where the majority of vehicles are parked in city streets. The fortwo EVs used in London are first generation ‘smart ed’ (electric drive) cars that use Zebra sodium-nickel-chloride batteries. EVs in Berlin and Italy will have lithium-ion batteries that are lighter, smaller, and provide both greater range and shorter charging time. Daimler plans to begin serial production of these electric Mercedes-Benz and smart ed cars in 2010.

Daimler and its energy supplier partners are developing convenient and customer-friendly interfaces between vehicles and charging points. The payment method is based on an exchange of data between an in-car communication system and a charging point. The objective is to make the process as simple and convenient as using a cell phone with fees that everyone can afford. The system is being developed with open standards so other companies can participate.

The project will also develop vehicle-to-grid power interfaces between the EVs and the ‘electricity filling station.’ Here, the on-board lithium-ion packs could store electricity when demand is low and feed it back to the grid when demand is high. This could be attractive with renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.

Daimler is planning further urban electric mobility projects in Europe and the U.S. and is also in talks with numerous companies to promote hydrogen infrastructure. In addition to battery-powered electric vehicles, Daimler regards fuel cell vehicles as having the greatest potential for emissions-free driving, also over long distances.

Smart ForTwo by Hermès

2008-12-19T23:42:00.000-08:00

hermessmartcar12ia7.jpg If any Smart Fortwo owners aren't satisfied with the color and trim options available for the Smart Fortwo, there is an answer and it's not from Lorinser, Brabus or other famous aftermarket tuning companies. No indeed, it comes from a company celebrated for stunning leather goods like Birkin handbags
that sell for $15,000 plus.

The company is Hermès and the Hermes Smart ForTwo. This special edition Smart Fortwo is something unique and rather pricey. But who cares if you can afford a $20,000 purse!

To commemorate the Smart MCC and its 10th anniversary, the Como group has custom-built 10 Smart Fortwo’s in 10 different colors, fully clad and upholstered by Hermès.
hermessmartcar2.jpg

Ten wealthy clients can choose from ten distinctive color compositions for the interior, together with Hermes’ trademark orange.

The cars will be produced in Orange, Fuchsia Pink, Ebony, Gold, Charcoal, H Red, Bright Red, Indigo, Lime and Sky. The tridion safety cell is covered with the Toile H.

Hermès Releases Custom Smart ForTwo

hermessmartcar3.jpg

French design house Hermes is known in the fashion world for its premium leather goods, and now the luxury label has used its unique sense of style and material for the Smart ForTwo minicar, with the release of a new special edition model.smart-hermes.jpg

The new model takes advantage of Hermes' specialization in leather goods, with the interior receiving a generous helping of leather trim to give it a more fashionable look compared to the standard cloth seats found in the Smart ForTwo.

The leather covers the door panels, dashboard and seats, as well as other minor details such as the handbrake. The use of leather is accompanied by a special canvas, known as 'Toile H' (French for 'Canvas H'), on other surfaces of the cabin.

hermes-smart42.jpgCustomers will be able to choose from a range of ten color combinations, with yellow, teal, black, red, green, and Hermes' signature orange among the list of options.

Given the nature of Hermes' reputation as a luxury goods manufacturer, the Hermes Smart ForTwo commands a steep premium over the standard model.

While the base Smart ForTwo retails for around $13,990, the Hermes edition is almost three and a half times more expensive, coming in at a heady $48,500.

bugatti_veyron_herms.jpg
Interestingly, the Smart ForTwo is not the first car enhanced by Hermes. The company has previously worked with one special car that sits on the complete other side of the automotive spectrum, the Bugatti Veyron supercar.

Smart Passion

2008-12-19T23:38:00.000-08:00

America has embraced the Smart Passion for many years. The Smart ForTwo’s Passion - so aptly-named, this dynamic, elegant expression of a car is ready to roll. The Smart Passion is suited for you, the discerning driver, the new Smart Fortwo accomplishes in styling and design what no other subcompact has. The Passion is a gorgeous feat of engineering combined with a luxury that’s befits the savvy tastes of the Smart driver.

Sales of the Smart Fortwo remain strong with deliveries topping 1,880 for November; bring the Smart total for 2008 to an amazing 22,281 units in less than 11 months of going on sale in the American marketplace.

The 2008 Smart Passion offers more power, more options, more safety features, and a distinctive cockpit. This Smart is available in six interior color trims and six color choices, and comes as a coupé or cabriolet.

The passionate Smart Passion is a gorgeous feat of engineering that dynamically and elegantly expresses the spirit of a car that’s ready to roll. Responsive, luxurious, and keen to thrill, the Passion offers you a choice of three different and special interior fabrics.

Roll with the Passion.

Smart Cars of America's catchphrase embodies the reasons for the Smart car's global success: "The Smart… where a persuasive passion lives in sync with a potent pulse and a powerful, pure fascination for fun!"

The top-of-the-line Smart Passion coupé starts at $13,590. It includes a vista view top, alloy wheels, climate control air-conditioning, a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and an AM/FM radio with a CD player, all of which are standard. All prices exclude taxes and destination charges.

There's an extensive array of features for the Passion-ate driver: a panoramic polycarbonate roof, 12-spoke alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a compact disc player, power windows, remote keyless entry, temperature control, a fully programmed, automatic soft-touch gear system, and the comfort of a steering wheel embraced in supple leather.

All models are equipped with a one-liter, three-cylinder, 71 hp engine that will get about 40 miles per gallon on premium gas.

Not surprisingly, the 2008 Smart Car Fortwo is one of the most sought- after vehicles to come to our shores in many years. Not only is it one of the more futuristic looking vehicles available, but it is also an acclaimed work of design and art.

They (Smart GmbH) have replaced about 90 percent of the older Smart vehicle's parts. However, the 2008 Fortwo's engineers and automotive designers have preserved the car’s classically unique identity.

This car always makes you smile!

Although the 2008 Smart Fortwo is slightly longer and a pinch wider, it is still the smallest car available. The changeable body panels are available in six colors. The body structure of the Smart Fortwo convertible shares 70 percent of its panels with the coupé.

The 2008 ForTwo is 7.7 inches longer than last year’s models but still three feet shorter than the Mini Cooper.

The passenger area and luggage compartment are 20 percent larger. Below are the facts about the 2008 Smart Fortwo.

The 2008 Smart comes with a new Mitsubishi three-cylinder engine in three versions, delivering 61 hp, 71 hp, and 84 hp respectively, or, in the case of the
Brabus is a high-performance aftermarket tuning company which specializes in Mercedes-Benz and Maybach vehicles. Founded in 1977 by Bodo Buschmann, Brabus has since become the largest Mercedes tuner other than the Daimler-Chrysler affiliate AMG. The company is based in Bottrop, near Düsseldorf, Germany. The English franchise was, until recently, owned by Baron Martin von Brabus, an early lover of Margaret, Duchess of Argyll.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brabus

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It has a DOHC 12-valve, inline-3 aluminum block and head, port fuel injection. The car has a new, smoother five-speed transmission built by Getrag.

Getrag Corporate produces transmission for all the leading automobile manufacturers. Its customers include Volvo Car Corporation, Ford, and Chrysler. The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 comes with one of their drive trains.

The 2009 smart fortwo

2008-12-19T23:28:00.000-08:00

The 2009 smart fortwo will begin production this fall! The new 2009 models will introduce two new colors to make your smart fortwo even more exciting. The smart fortwo will still convey the innovation, functionality and joy of life that defines each and every smart fortwo.

For the exterior, the 2009 smart fortwo will introduce two new colors – a sporty and intense “rally red”, and a cool and elegant “gray metallic”. These two colors will replace the 2008 “light yellow” and “red metallic” colors, though the discontinued colors will still be available through your local smart center as replacement panels or full bodypanel freshup kits.

On the interior of the vehicle, new door nets will replace the solid storage areas on the driver and passenger doors. The flexible door nets will offer a bigger and more functional storage area for you and your passenger. Finally, the LCD display of instrument cluster will now including a Loose Gas Cap Indicator light to warn the driver when the fuel tank cap is not fully closed.

Good things come in small packages and the smart fortwo is no exception. Each model’s revolutionary design conveys innovation, functionality and joy of life.

TwinTech

2008-09-13T01:42:00.000-07:00

Sportech

2008-09-13T01:30:00.000-07:00

This original designed sports car has appeared in more than a dozen magazines, two books and two calendars. The prototype has been test driven by Jackie Stewart at the Ford Motor Company Proving Grounds in Dearborn Michigan. Powered by Suzuki motorcycle engines ranging from 1107cc to 1325cc, they propel the Sportech from 0 to 60mph in 4 seconds. Cornering is superb pulling 1.1 g’s on street tires. The tubular steel chassis is extremely stiff allowing the suspension to isolate the road from the driver without losing the “feel” in the steering wheel.

The last of six to be built is available with a GSXR 1107 with a turbocharger making 250hp. This car is 100lbs lighter (1100) and should run 11 second quarter mile times. Not for the faint of heart! The carbon fiber/Kevlar body is Viper Red with a tan leather interior.

This vehicle has been sold. Selected original magazine articles are available for $20. Complete listing available on request.

For more information please contact Dave Piontek at info@funcar.com or (734) 437-3014

Freestream: A Small Sports Car That Out-Accelerates The Biggest And Best

2008-05-29T01:38:00.000-07:00

by: John Hartley

Latest super-sports car from England is the Caparo Freestream supercar, which will have a power-to-weight ratio of 1,000 bhp per ton! The Bugatti Veyron which has 1,001 bhp manages about 560 bhp per tonne, so how you can see that the Caparo is streets ahead of any other supercar in power-to-weight ratio, and that is what makes cars accelerate fast. And fast acceleration is very exciting, and can also improve safety of the car in some circumstances.

So how does the Caparo do it? Not with 2,000 bhp because the car would weigh at least 2.5 tons, which would miss the target. In fact, Bugatti has demonstrated that sheer power means a lot of weight, particularly in the transmission and brakes.

To get a high power-to-weight-ratio you need a light car. And why is a high power-to-weight-ratio important? Because it dictates how fast the car accelerates flat out. A car with a high power-to-weight-ratio can cover the ground quicker because it gets out of corners fast and accelerates up the straights faster. So long as the handling is good, the car will be very fast anywhere.

Lightweight solution

Instead of going for a big engine with masses of power, the designers, who worked on the McLaren F1, have gone for ultra lightweight and a compact V-8 engine based on F1 technology. The result is a pencil-slim car with 480 bhp at 10,500 rpm from a supercharged 2.4 liter engine, and a weight of under 1,100 lb. Both the new engine and transmission are very light, as are all the components. The very narrow body without fully enclosed fenders also reduces weight.

The whole design concept has been aimed at reducing weight, ore not putting in things that add weight. First, the power train is very light compared with mass-production units. Then, the carbon fiber body/chassis is also much lighter than most, as designers without Grand Prix experience tend to over-design their structures. Also, because the power train is light, the loads on the body are lower, so again less weight does not need to be built into the structure.

It has a very narrow cockpit, with the passenger sitting slightly behind the driver to reduce width, so this is more of a track racer or trackday special than a road car. Even so, this car changes the concept of exotic cars to where it should be - ultra-lightweight, compactness and exciting performance round twisty roads or circuits.

To save weight they have adopted a narrow coupe body with cycle-type front mudguards, and side-mounted radiators which flow into the rear fenders.

In fact, these are all factors used by Colin Chapman to design the early Lotus cars, and since used by all racing car companies. In other words, the Caparo Freestream really takes advantage of Grand Prix technology to build a supercar.

The Caparo Freestream looks very unusual, but if you want sheer performance this is it! The makers say the car will hit 200 mph, and accelerate from a standing start of 100 mph in 5.5 seconds!! Holy mackerel that is fast. Oh, and they also say that owing to the downforce available, the T1 will be able to corner and brake at 3g - incredible. This tremendous cornering power and braking would not be possible without the use of Grand Prix design principles.

On top of all that, Caparo, which produces a lot of components for the auto industry, have priced the Freestream at about $320,000 (£176,000).

How To Find The Best Car Dealers In Your Area - Top 5 Tips

2008-05-29T01:27:00.000-07:00

by: Alex Baumm

Buying a car would be made easier, more reasonable and more convenient if you would just prefer to buy from the best car dealers. However, because of the numerous car dealers currently operating in the market, it can be inevitable for consumers to feel a little pressure and confusion when finding and choosing one.

If you are planning to purchase a used car in the near future, you should start looking for the best and most reliable used car dealers in your area. As much as possible, make sure the dealer is operating within your area or community. Otherwise, the deal, no matter how good and attractive it is, would be rendered futile.

How could you possibly find and select the best dealer as you prepare to acquire the car of your choice? Here are some useful guidelines and suggestions.

1. To find a complete list of used car dealers in an area, it would be better if you would employ the use of yellow pages or a Craigslist, which is an online version of the yellow page. Contact details as well as office addresses are provided for your reference. Thus, you could easily contact the dealers if you are aiming to start negotiations for possible price adjustments.

2. Get quotes from four or more dealers. This is the process of comparison shopping. If you think it is a hassle, you can get quotes through the telephone or through online means. On their Websites, dealers usually disclose their terms and tenors for car financing and selling transactions. When doing such a comparison, you are instantly and more clearly determining which quotes from which dealers would be practical and reasonable for you.

3. It would also help if you would heed the advice and recommendations of experts, peers and colleagues. It is a common that people look at actual experiences of others. In this case, you can ask other people over practicality and effectiveness of a dealer. In so doing, you are instantly gaining information on whether a dealer you are eyeing is likely to be the best or not. Actual dealership experiences from real people you know would somehow give you further enlightenment regarding the planned transaction.

4. Check on the securities and exchange commission or the city/municipality registrar over the legality of the used car dealer. Of course, it is logical and wiser to conduct business with legal and duly recognized car dealers. Need it be emphasized? Unregistered car dealers might offer more attractive and irresistible packages, but in the end you should ask yourself, is the risk all worth it? Of course, it is not.

5. Check on the showroom and the car list of the car dealer. The best car dealers always have interesting and updated lineup of product offerings. If you are targeting to purchase a car model that is not displayed or available in the showroom, ask the dealer if ordering the car from the manufacturer would cost additional charges. If the used car dealer asks for further fees, drop it. The best car dealers would always conduct themselves appropriately and offer no additional charge for such a service.

eBay. Are they the Best Option for Collector Cars?

2008-05-08T00:47:00.000-07:00

by: Shane Corliss

eBay is the largest online auction site in the world. You can find anything from Wind Captured from the Katrina Hurricane to Rare Antiques. They have made millions putting buyers and sellers together and pioneered consumer and dealer based online auctions. I decided to take a good look at the over 1,000 collector car auctions that were posted on eBay in the last two weeks. I think you may agree that my findings are a bit startling.

The Statistics

Most searched for term on eBay: Xbox 360

Most Watched Item: One Owner 1942 Vintage Martin D-45 Guitar

Hmm. No collector cars here!

Freestream: A Small Sports Car That Out-Accelerates The Biggest And Best

2008-05-08T00:44:00.000-07:00

by: John Hartley

Best Small Cars for 2008

2008-05-08T00:41:00.000-07:00

by: Emeka Madusha

Small cars come in all shapes but limited sizes - how much variation can you get on a theme you might ask so here is our guide to the best that 2008 has to offer.

One of the most keenly received small cars has been the Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 Club. This was one of the leading cars of any class in 2007 and it continues to hold its own in the super-mini category. It is keenly priced but mixes this with a big-car feel that has enticed critics for many months.

Though classed as a super-mini this car comfortably sits four people and has so much space that it feels like a small family car - even the boot has plenty of space - but you wouldn't use it to take a family of four on holiday for two weeks. A nice little quirk is the removable floor that gives that little extra room.

A lot of thought has gone into this vehicle so that it hits all the right spots. The design is solid without being clunky and smart without being showy. It is also a joy to have well weighted controls surrounding the driver. The entire impression is one of a car whose designers have put real thought into its construction. A nice touch is the ease and room of adjustment in the driver's seating position, which is only added to by the placing of the controls around the steering column.

It has a keen suspension without being over savage and excellent fuel economy to accompany it, with the extras and standards being of exceptional quality for a small car.

At the bargain end of the market comes the Fiat 500 - it is far removed from its predecessors with the same name and carries all the qualities you would expect of a rejuvenated Fiat motor company.

At first impression you need to double-take that you are not looking at the original 50 year old styled automobile. This is no bad thing though - a company that is proud of its past and prepared to make use of its heritage in such a model is something to be welcomed. Unlike the Corsa this really is a super-mini - but perfect for what it has been designed for. Boot space is cramped but adequate for such a small car and you can't complain at the price.

The car is very short at just over 3.5 metres but handles better than you would expect due to the wheel placement as close to the corners as possible. The engine is responsive but you will not be buying this car for its power performance. With a 0-60 of just under 13 seconds and a top speed of 100mph it is certainly at the lower end of the market but its real strength lies in it fuel consumption - the Lounge version supplies up to 90 mpg on the open road.

This car would be ideal for urban use - it is small but still demonstrably a car rather than a Smart car and its superb fuel efficiency makes it a no-brainer for commuting and popping off down the shops. It also has the classic Italian styling of the early Fiat 500 but none of the obvious drawbacks associated with those fiats.

Generally, competition has never been tighter in the Super-mini market. Car manufacturers stopped treating this market with disdain a long time ago as it became apparent how demographics were changing society. So many people now live in or around cities and do not settle down to start families, that the small car market has really boomed over the past decade. Furthermore, concern for the environment and increasing fuel costs have concentrated buyers' minds on the economy of the vehicle they are buying whilst they are not keen on compromising on quality.

The two cars above are examples of this development. The Corsa is an outstanding car that has improved over the years and been embraced by the government as an equal brand leader. The Fiat 500 on the other hand has risen Phoenix-like from the ashes of the disaster that was Fiat in the 70s and 80s. A good sign is that they have embraced their old traditions whilst melding it with their current confidence. Two cars from completely different backgrounds - in much the same way as the eye of the Octopus and Human have come from two completely different evolutions but appear so similar, so these two cars symbolise the end product of differing evolution strands.

Both are good cars and demonstrate the health of the small car market admirably.

Car Driving Tips

2008-04-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

By: George Eddy

It is very important to drive safely. Always is a defensive driver. Check your vehicle properly before driving. Avoid driving when you are tired because this can decrease your concentration level. To overcome tiredness, put off the road for some exercise and fresh air or have a cup of coffee. You should completely concentrate on your driving and should have a total control of your car. No emotions or any factors should dominate your driving.
• Concentrate on driving, not on passengers, mobile phones, or other distractions.
• Never overtake within 30 meters of a pedestrian crossing and never change the lane with out any signal, as this can cause hindrance to the .vehicles behind you.
• You can always drink but do not drive, never mix Drink with Drive.
• National Maximum Speed Limit for a Light Motor Vehicle & a Transport Vehicle is 65 Km/Hr.
• Always obey the traffic rules and signals and you may have to a pay a big price by not following them.
• Violation of traffic rule is punishable and so also violation of Provisions of Motor Vehicles A
Your driving can also change the fuel efficiency to a certain extent. The driving technique of the person behind the wheel is the most important single factor in determining the fuel economy of a particular car. A fuel economy conscious driver can achieve 30 to 50% better mileage than most other drivers by practicing the following instructions:
The 30 second warm up…
• Idle your engine during its initial start not more than 30 seconds, as its not only wastes fuel but also does harm to the engine. Car engines warm up faster when they are in motion.
• Depress the accelerator just once as added pumping wastes fuel.
• Do not rev up the engine before turning it off. This dumps raw fuel on the cylinder walls; washing away the protective lubricating oil film and increasing engine wear at the next start.
Overtaking
Drive keeping certain norms in your mind, do not drive just because you have a car and know driving. Avoid jerky acceleration, screeching start. Accelerate briskly and smoothly up to 50kmph and to maintain the speed, keep a steady pressure on the accelerator. Do not over take just because you are in a hurry. To overtake other vehicle or rather car overtaking, make sure that you are without danger to do so. Use the right-turn indicator to signal that you want to overtake. Be sure the way ahead and behind is clear before overtaking.

Check out for two-wheelers that may be hidden from view in front of the vehicle you are about to overtake. Watch for vehicles in front that may be turning right. Immediately after overtaking, give the signal that you want to get back to the same lane.. Do not cut off a vehicle by suddenly moving in front of it. Another important point to be noted is never race if the vehicle you are passing speeds up and then in such situation get back into your original lane.
Note- Never overtake within 30 meters of a pedestrian crossing.
Avoid cell phones
Do not talk on your mobile while driving, they distract your concentration and incease4 your chance of collision by nearly 400%. And if your call is important, then pull over to a safer side and place your call there.
With all these tips you can make your driving safer and economical with a tint of fun

Top Five of the Most Fuel Efficient Cars

2008-04-19T22:43:00.000-07:00

Author: Steven Magill

With oil prices steadily climbing up, it seems logical to start considering fuel economy among the many criteria that consumers use for buying their next vehicle. Wise consumers are now eyeing at the most fuel efficient cars that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) comes up with every year. This list pertains to cars that are capable of attaining the best gas mileage due to their specific features and engine performance.

Here is a list of the five most fuel efficient cars that are available in the market today.

Honda Civic GX

One of the main reasons why this particular Honda model has made it to the list of most fuel efficient cars is that it uses compressed natural gas unlike other vehicles. It has a fuel economy rating of 28 miles per gallon (of compressed natural gas). It comes with an at-home pump that you can use to tap into your home gas line to fill it up before you leave your home. However, since compressed natural gas isn't likely to be available in all gasoline stations everywhere, you will want to carefully plan your trips if you're going to use Civic GX. It may be one of the most fuel efficient cars but it can only travel 170 miles on a single fill-up.

Toyota Prius

Prius has always made it at the top of the list for the most fuel efficient cars from EPA. It has an overall fuel economy rating of 46 mpg, one of the lowest in the market these days. The mid-sized sedan features a spacious interior which has made it a crowd favorite as well. As one of the most fuel efficient cars in the market, Prius has an estimated annual fuel cost of $1019.

Honda Civic Hybrid

The Civic Hybrid features electric motors that maximize the potential of its small 1.3-liter engine. It is another one of Toyota Prius' direct competitors when it comes to rankings for the most fuel efficient cars. With an overall fuel economy rating of 42 mpg, one can easily surmise how it came to figure on the list for most fuel efficient cars.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Camry Hybrid has a fuel economy rating of 34 mpg which barely made it to the list of most fuel efficient cars today. Its battery pack, while a bit bulky compared with other models, is one of the main features that have made it figure in this roster of the most fuel efficient cars. It also features a fuel economy gauge that lets the driver know when its average mileage rises.

Nissan Altima Hybrid

The Altima Hybrid uses practically the same technology that the Toyota Camry Hybrid has but with a couple of different features. It also has an overall fuel economy rating of 34 mpg making it another one of the most fuel efficient cars among compact sedans. Altima is great to use for city driving. According to estimates, it fares better in the city when it comes to best mileage than when used on the highway. But with its superb engine performance, it has managed to maintain its place among the most fuel efficient cars available today.

Solar Powered Vehicles - Alternative Energy Sources

2008-04-19T22:38:00.000-07:00

Author: Steven Magill

Years ago, no one ever thought that solar powered vehicles are even possible. There are solar-powered calculators or solar batteries that can run small devices but as for solar-powered car engines, many have remained skeptical until they finally saw actual vehicles that run on the energy of the sun created for exhibits in various science and technology fairs. These days, many are already considering on the possibility that, in the next couple of years, mass-market solar powered vehicles will be available to consumers in replacement for the ones that run on oil fuel.

These days, one can see solar powered vehicles in engineering demonstrations and solar car race events.

Cost-efficient

Solar-powered vehicles are, without a doubt, more cost-efficient than the typical cars that run on oil fuel. After all, these cars harness energy from something that is abundant ' the energy from the sun. So long as the sun shines, these cars should be able to run just as efficiently as any other type of vehicle. Because they run on solar power, these vehicles will also enjoy higher mileage and longer life spans according to most experts. Solar powered vehicles offer a lot of benefits to the potential consumers who would be willing to invest on such cars.

While solar powered vehicles are not yet practical day-to-day transportation devices, it's only a matter of time before they actually get introduced into the market.

How they work

Solar powered vehicles literally run on the energy coming from the sun. They follow the same idea as that of other solar-powered devices such as calculators or batteries. The surface of the car has solar panels that collect solar energy. Photovoltaic cells installed in the vehicle work to convert this energy into electrical energy that the engine will need to run the car. In theory, solar powered vehicles will only run when the sun is present. However, numerous studies are now being conducted with regards to the creation of energy trapping components that will enable the car to store enough energy for it to run even at night.

Design

The design of solar powered vehicles is largely limited by solar batteries that are installed in it. Most cars that run on the sun's energy are designed to be lightweight. Every component shouldn't weigh as much as the ones that you would typically find in conventional cars. They do have practically the same basic parts that traditional vehicles have. You will find brakes and accelerators in them. Some even come with cruise control.

Challenges

With solar powered vehicles, the current challenge is to create a process or a mechanism that is capable of harnessing solar energy efficiently even on places with a relatively smaller surface area such as cars roofs. Solar cells are usually effective on buildings because they are always exposed to the sun's heat. Cars will warrant more attention on this area to create efficient solar powered vehicles that can be used just like cars that run on oil fuel.

2008-04-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

By: George Eddy

For the longest time, BMW is a trusted brand when it comes to vehicles. Whether it is a classic sedan or a sporty coupe, BMW has been able to offer a wide array of models that surely fits everyone’s needs and tastes. What started as a simple automobile manufacturer in Germany way back in 1922 suddenly became one of the world’s largest companies dedicated to building vehicles that are all about powerful performance and true luxury. Their credentials don’t stop there, as BMW is also successful in the field of racing. It won 19 grand prix in Formula One and was successful in touring car racing (European Touring Car Championship and World Touring Car Championship).

What makes a BMW car stand out is not just its exterior but what lies underneath.One of the BMW parts that make it so powerful is its engine. Adapting the Efficient Dynamics innovation, the engine is made even more breathtaking when it comes to speed and strength. Using advanced technologies, the reduction of fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are made possible. New petrol engines were developed; these engines come with lean-burn technology and High Precision Injection. All these were achieved without compromising the performance of any BMW vehicle. The BMW Hydrogen 7 is one good example of the company’s massive efforts to manufacture vehicles which are friendly to the environment. The Hydrogen 7 is the first vehicle produced in the world that is powered by hydrogen gas.

Aside from being active in keeping the environment safe, BMW is also known for making cars which are attractive and sleek. From its paint job to its wheels, the BMW parts are made with their customers in mind. The wheels are one of the most important parts of a car and not just because it gives a more personal touch to the vehicle. It is clear that these need to be cared for properly and be given a regular maintenance. However, since the wheels are exposed to harmful elements they also need to be replaced when it has already deteriorated. A good set of wheels are crucial in keeping a car on top of its performance, which is why BMW offers a vast array of that.

No matter what task at hand each auto part delivers, BMW parts are made available to ensure that any vehicle gives an optimum performance and a longer life. Whether it is the fog light or the tail light, the engine or the wheels, each part is made with care and precision for better driving experience.

New Car Purchase: Tricks And Tips To Get The Best Deal

2008-04-16T04:41:00.000-07:00

by: Alex Baumm

New car purchase is not that difficult to do as other people think. You only need to follow a certain game plan and stick to it and never allow your heart and bias to intrude in the process. What I am about to reveal are time-tested tricks and tips to give you the necessary leverage as against car dealers.

First in the list is for you to determine the fair price for your new car purchase. The heart of this step is how to get or identify a fair market price of the car you are interested to purchase. You can log on to websites providing features and options relating to the actual price of various types of cars. Then, come up with some notes about your findings.

After you have identified the fair market price of the car you want, you are now ready to move to the next step. This step involves securing free quotes from car dealers.

You can easily do this by logging onto the websites of companies offering car dealership and other related services. Do not be afraid if they ask you about some personal details like your name and email as these details will be used only for purposes of giving you a quote.

Representatives from the companies you contacted will contact you in no time and when you deal with them be honest and straightforward. Do not be swept away by their attractive offers and presentations but be focused on your goal.

Now, you are ready to consider trade-in offers. In relation to this step, your target should be: which of the two options you have will yield better gain for you. Will that be by trading your car with the company or by selling the car to a private person? With this in mind, you will have a guide when it is now time to decide.

The next step is to begin your negotiations with the companies. The dealer would like to know if you would be purchasing in cash basis or not. So, tell them you are thinking of buying the car in cash basis but nevertheless do not close the bridge for possible financing.

A great tip to remember is as much as possible never purchase a car based on installment basis as this would defeat your objective to save money.

Making new car purchases will prove to be a rewarding experience if you only know what to do. By following steps and keeping in mind your goal - to save money, that is - you will almost always get the best buy.

New car purchase in addition allows you to develop real-life wisdom as they are possible avenues where you can learn how to negotiate and deal with people who are experts in the field but walk away happy because you made a good deal.

With these tips in mind, you will not find it very difficult to strike a good deal with any company and thus make the most out of the sum of money you have.

About The Author

Alex Baumm. Find more tips at our car forum http://www.CarClubTalk.com

Find the Best Car Financing Online

2008-04-16T04:36:00.000-07:00

By: George Eddy

Looking for buying new car but worried for finance? Car buying has become very easy these days with all the financing companies. Number of finance company provides online finance to buy car.

Online car finance is an easy way to get the finance in the market and its interest rates are flat as compared to other finance that is available in the market.

Some car owner may not be satisfied with their high interest monthly car payments. Consider refinancing your car loan with low interest rates. If you are planning get finance for car from dealer then new car financing can be headache for you. It is lengthy process as all the paper work should be done, yet you think you are signing a contract which is really a very time consuming. Sometimes dealers call and say they found you a lower APR but you just make sure they did not increase the number of months. If that is the case then do not re-sing any contract. This would have been avoided if you used online car financing.

Many people have got a new car from approved online car finance. Now you can too.

Use online car financing site which is the best way to get car finance with in the limited time period and to get online car finance is not a lengthy procedure. It’s not always necessary to do down payment for all car loans. You just have to provide them with all the details of employment and income for verification. The car interest rates and repayment terms are based on credit risk, car model selection, and equity position of the car loan.

So now what you are waiting for? You can purchase new car without any hesitation in your mind. Nowadays, once you hear this statement uttered by your credit collector, it is nothing more than idle threats.

Top 5 RC Car Accessories

2008-04-16T04:25:00.000-07:00

By: George Eddy

RC cars are one of the hottest hobbies going but to keep your vehicle in top condition you need to have a stock of standard equipment to maintain your car. There are also great RC car accessories that can add to the experience and get you up and running more easily.

You don’t want to be left on the sidelines because you can’t get your vehicle started or perform a quick maintenance on the spot. Here are the top five accessories every RC enthusiast should check out…

Starter Boxes

Need help starting your engines? Starter boxes can give you the boost needed to break in your new RC vehicle or just make the starting process easier.

The starter box will eliminate the need to pull-start your RC nitro car. Some car models are more difficult than others to pull start and having a starter box removes the problem and gets your vehicle going in no time.

RC Tools

Specialized tools help you keep your vehicle in top form. Some of the recommended additions to your standard tool box are:

Magnetic Balancer: reduce wear and tear on your RC vehicle by ensuring that rotating parts are properly balanced. Ideal for balancing new tires before hitting the road.

Gear Puller: avoid stripping the set screws by using a gear puller.

Temperature Gauge: test the temperature while tuning your engine without risking a burn.

Tool Pouch: keep all your tools handy and organized to make pit stops and tuning an easier task.

Glow Plug Wrench: makes the necessary task of changing glow plugs easier and quicker.

Glow Plugs

You will definitely need spare glow plugs on hand otherwise you may have to cut your driving time short if your glow plugs fail. Even new plugs can be faulty so having a small kit that includes a glow plug igniter, charger, spare glow plugs and a glow plug wrench is a good idea so that you can make a change on the course instead of ending the fun.

Fuel

If you’re going to drive a nitro car you’re going to need fuel. The fuel used for RC nitro cars is specially designed for optimum performance. Using the fuel recommended in your owner’s manual will provide your vehicle with exactly the right combination of synthetic and castor oils.

To make fueling easier you can select a fuel filler bottle that fits your needs. Several sizes are available and they are equipped with long, angled tips to speed up the refueling process and prevent spills.

Always keep your fuel tightly capped since moisture will quickly be absorbed from the air and ruin the fuel. You might also consider including a fuel cleaner and rags in your stash to clean up any spills and drips.

Air Filter Oil

Treating your nitro car’s air filter with special air filter oil will improve the ability of the filter to keep out dust and dirt while also extending the life of your car’s engine. Over or under oiling the filter will affect the performance and possibly damage the engine. Only use the oil specified for your type of filter since using the wrong oil can disintegrate the filter.

Be sure to let your oiled air filter dry for up to half an hour before installing it to avoid the excess oil from choking the system. Carry pre-oiled filters for changes rather than using a recently oiled filter or dry filter.

These are a few of the recommend RC car accessories you should be sure to keep with you when racing or just playing around with your RC vehicle. You will find many more products that are designed to help you fix or add on to your vehicle by shopping online or at your local hobby shop.

Is The Water Car A Dream? - Gas Savings Discovered

2008-04-16T04:14:00.000-07:00

By: George Eddy

With the cost of fuel increasing, greenhouse gases, and global warming developing changes in our planets climate, a water powered car is considered a long-awaited answer to the increasing high cost of everyday life and the evironmental issues. This idea has grown to almost mythological proportions. Is it real? Is it even feasible? Unfortunately, 100% water trucks or vehicles are still in the experimental stage. While many researchers are still pounding away at it, no practical solution has yet emerged. Currently, they are way too much to manufacture and too complex to implement.

But, there are Right Now solutions. An alternative to the water powered car is using Water For Gas. To run your car on water may seem crazy for some but you should try to understand that an hydrogen powered car is less complicate than you think. It would only need a system to contain and brake water into hydrogen and oxygen and then inject these gases to a regular engine so it would run “on water”, the future is at hand.

With just some technical effort we can realistically think about converting our regular car or SUV a vehicle which uses water for gas that will allow us to spend less at gas stations that appear every morning in the news.

Take Action on how you can Right Now turn your car into a gas saving machine So You Can Run Your Car On Water. It’s easier then you think

How To Choose A Body Shop To Repair Your Car

2008-04-09T01:55:00.000-07:00

By: George Eddy

Having been involved in an accident when my truck was only three months old, and then having re-painting done while restoring a ten year old vehicle, I've had some experience with body repair shops.

There are different types of body shops out there as we're all not looking for the same quality of work. The first rule I'll give you is that you get what you pay for. If you want to pay $599.00 to have your entire car painted, that's fine. It may be a huge improvement over how your car looked initially, but it wouldn't have suited me in either case mentioned above. I wanted that three month old truck to look like it looked the day I purchased it, and the paint on the hood of that ten year old sports car had to match the rest of the car perfectly.

The best way to find a body repair shop is the probably the same way you found your auto mechanic, word of mouth. Talk with friends and work associates, ask your mechanic. Talk to your neighbors and get their opinions. Everyone knows someone who's had a good, or bad experience. Listen when people talk about their cars and experiences they've had. I called the dealership where I had purchased my truck for a referral.

When you think that you've narrowed it down to a particular shop, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged. Remember that you may find they have a few, but no business can keep everyone happy. Talk with the shop manager if you have any questions or concerns.

Take a look around the shop. Is is kept clean? It won't be sparkling clean due to the type of work, but you shouldn't see dust and filth and chemicals spilled on floors.

Ask to see their work. They should have before and after pictures of their work and will also have cars they are currently working on. Do they have letters of recommendation? A lot of business keep letters from happy customers.

Do they give any type of warranty? Some body shops offer a limited warranty.

Finally, use your gut. How are they interacting with you? Are they taking the time to answer your questions completely or do they seem put off by them? If they seem put off, it's time to look elsewhere.

Car Accessories for Fashion and Security

2008-04-09T01:50:00.000-07:00

By : George Eddy

Do you know the most cost-effective way of making a car flashy and comfy? It is the way of making some additions to it. Car accessories offer a gainful and easy option of doing up a set of wheels. So, don’t worry if your car looks like a box on wheels! You can revamp it with lots of small and cute kits and give it a give a complete new look. You can even make it comfortable from inside and more secured to drive even.

The automobile market has endless options on car accessories. Both for interior and exterior add-ons, there are endless options to choose from. From trifle things like tattoos to important accessories like security kits, leading manufacturers have everything on offer. While some accessories can be used as mere fashion, some others can be added to the car to get valuable service from them. Most of these accessories are easily affordable; though a few of them can be expensive.

Alarms, central locking, immobilisers are some of the kits that certainly beefs up the security of the car. On the other hand, dash kits, gear knob, car mats, roof boxes etc. serve the purpose of both glamorizing the car and increasing its beauty too. Tattoos and stickers are the accessories mostly used by young people and liked by kids. Seat covers, seat belts are for comfy feeling and security precautions.

Car mats are one of the commonest of car accessories. They are available in all variety. Regarding size, colour and style, floor mats offer endless options. Whether for the front or the rear side; or even for the trunk─ there is an exhaustive variety of mats available in the market. They save the floor from damage by preventing liquid penetrate inside. If kept in the trunk, car mats can save goods from damage by keeping tight hold on them.

Top 5 RC Car Accessories

2008-04-09T01:48:00.000-07:00

By : George Eddy

Starter Boxes

Need help starting your engines? Starter boxes can give you the boost needed to break in your new RC vehicle or just make the starting process easier.

RC Tools

Specialized tools help you keep your vehicle in top form. Some of the recommended additions to your standard tool box are:

Magnetic Balancer: reduce wear and tear on your RC vehicle by ensuring that rotating parts are properly balanced. Ideal for balancing new tires before hitting the road.

Gear Puller: avoid stripping the set screws by using a gear puller.

Temperature Gauge: test the temperature while tuning your engine without risking a burn.

Tool Pouch: keep all your tools handy and organized to make pit stops and tuning an easier task.

Glow Plug Wrench: makes the necessary task of changing glow plugs easier and quicker.

Glow Plugs

Fuel

Air Filter Oil

Automatic Translation Vs Manual Translation

2008-03-15T03:17:00.000-07:00

By : John Smith

Translation can be defined as an act of interpretation of the meaning of a content and consequent re-production of equivalent content. The content or the text that is required to be translated is called "Source Text" and the language in which the source text is to be translated is known as "Target Text". In simple language, translation is also described as a communication written in second language having the identical meaning as written in a first language.

Today translation has turn out to be one of the key tools to have a better understanding of different cultures and in past couple of years has gained its recognition world-wide. However, looking at the present scenario translation service can be broadly categorized into two categories, namely:

Automatic Translation: Automatic or automated language translation is a process where any translation task is carried out by computer software. The most vital point to understand automatic translation is that by applying specific rules, the software initially analyze and then transmits the grammatical structure of the source text into the target language. Also known as machine translation, it is a process where the translation is produced by contemporary technology, without the interference of human translators.

Advantages of Automatic Translation: The main advantage of automated language translation in comparison to manual translation is that it is done by computer and therefore it works faster than a person and thus saves time while translating any large content. Moreover it is cheaper and reliable than manual translation. In addition to this you can also translate any web page content and inquiry of search engine by the use of machine translation systems. This is especially efficient when the language combination belong to the same family, like Spanish/ Portuguese, Spanish/ French, Spanish/ Italian.

Disadvantages of Automatic Translation: It is based on systematic rules and so sometimes it is unable to solve the uncertainty. It can not always produce perfect quality translations, but as a tool for having the gist or generating the primary draft of a translation, it can be very cost saving and beneficial. The most important point to consider in machine translation is if you run the translation task through machine translation system and reverse the translation process in order to re-translate the content back into the source language, this activity can increase the error rate and will make translations quite silly, though sometimes useful for getting the gist.

Manual Translation: As the name suggests, this is a translation process, where any translation task is carried out by human translators. In manual translation, the translations assignments are performed by translators and editors who are experienced enough to perform the translation task and convert the source text into target text.

Advantages of Manual Translation: The most vital advantage of manual translation is it maintains the confidentiality. In most of the cases people use translation service to translate their private emails or legal documents. Now in case of machine translation any minute file corruption or deletion can result in the wrong translation result. No one would agree to give or store his private correspondence in any computer, therefore maintaining the ethics of this profession, manual translation can be more trustworthy. Though the processing speed in machine translation can be high, but with manual translation the probability of improving syntax or grammatical errors is higher. Sometimes it can be more suitable to choose manual translation for certain tasks. For example, if a content that is required to be translated contains repetitions of same text, then it comes into special consideration, and with manual translation you can have better result.

Disadvantages of Manual Translation: Usually any professional translator is either specialized in one or few defined field and can perform translation task in his/her specialized field but with machine translation system you can translate any copy and any area. Apart from this if you want to translate special terminology, all you need to do is just switch on a corresponding setting. Finally in case of a professional translator, if he or she translates your source copy, you have to pay enough money for each page but very frequently we require only a rough idea of the content. In this case machine translation system is more consistent and effective for you.

On the face of it, all you need to do is decide what kind of translation you require depending upon the complexity of the source text and the time required to get the final result.

Author Resource:- For language translation services in Europe, visit Goihata. Goihata provides one of the best professional and technical Japanese Translator and Spanish Translation.

What to Do After a Car Accident?

2008-03-15T02:59:00.000-07:00

By: Theodore

What to Do After a Car Accident?Just about everyone of us have very little or no experience at all at the scene of a car accident. But knowing beforehand the right and appropriate steps to take during such instances is very improtant to every driver.

No matter whenever the hit is a minor fender curve or a major car accident, having the knowledge on what to do next will definitley make the unfavorable experience a little less traumatic. Knowing what to do next will also help you avoid even further mistakes.

Most likely than not, your area or the state you live in has provisions for information that are important like this one. Check out the agencied responsible for regualting insruance in your place and ask for a copy of the materials, or brochures, that indicate the legal steps you should do in case of an accident. This is very important since different states and areas have different traffic regulations. Knowing what traffic regulations that apply in your area will work best for you.

Below is a concise of information on what to do after an car accident which you may copy or print out to serve as your guide.

Step 1: It is very important that you stop your vehicle after an accident. Not stopping your car can put you subjected to a criminal offense or prosecution.

Step 2: If anybody is hurt or wounded, or if the entire damage to all the cars and material possession involved comes out to be more than a thousand dollars, better call 911. If nobody suffered and injury and entire damage to all the cars and properties involved seems to be lower than $1,000, call your local police for guidance and directions.

If the police force are not discharged, you must report to a Collision Reporting Centre within twenty-four hours. Check your local phone directory or the internet, to find a Collision Reporting Centre in your area

Step 3: Turn on the hazard lights of your car. Once it is safe already, move your car to the safe side of the road.

Step 4: Get the addresses, names, phone numbers, licence numbers, driver's licence numbers, and auto insurance details of the drivers and the owners affected by the car accident. (Some states provide downloadable accident worksheet together with the electronic brochure.

Step 5: Get the contact information of all the passengers, if there are any, and even the witnesses.

Step 6: Put down on record the particular information about the setting of the car accident.

Step 7: Finally, it is important to let your broker, auto insurance agent, or auto insurance provider know about the accident the soonest possible time. You may also ask them for help and guidance on how you can claim your auto insurance.

These are just few of the helpful steps you may wish to observe or implore in the event of an accident. The most important thing to remember is that you should gather all the information necessary in the event of the accident. This will work for your own best in the end.

Article Source: http://add-articles.com
Get to discover cheap auto insurance quote for your cars today by visiting our website. Simply select a state on our website and start to compare car insurance quotes from top leading car insurance providers in your area! Save money today on auto insurance with our ideal auto insurance policy coverage! Get your affordable car insurance quote now!

Buy a Fuel Efficient Car

2008-03-15T02:38:00.000-07:00

By: Dennis James

With the ever high rising fuel prices, a car’s consumption is one of the most looked at specifications. No matter if you are looking for a new car or a second hand one, a car which is fuel efficient is desirable. Choosing a car that is more fuel efficient will save you a lot of money during its lifespan. The fuel consumption will vary greatly from one car to another, from one class to the other. When you buy a car you will receive the EPA ratings for both the city and the highway miles per gallon. However these numbers are achieved in special conditions and you may never obtain them.

There are a lot of things you have to be aware of when you want to buy a fuel efficient car. You can start asking the people around you what mileage they obtain from their cars. You can also consult with web sites and specialized forums to see what performances other people are getting from their car.

Before buying a car, think well about your necessities. Buying a bigger car will most surely involve higher gas consumptions, because bigger cars are heavier and thus have more powerful engines. After you have selected the group of vehicles you want to chose your car from (small ones, SUVs, compact or mid-seize cars), find the one that is the most fuel efficient. There are online sites which will help you compare numbers of different types of cars.

Another element which can determine your car’s fuel efficiency is the type of transmission that is equipped with. The general rule states that a car with a manual transmission is more fuel efficient than an automated one. The best option for a fuel efficient car is one with a manual transmission, overdrive and shift indicator or tachometer. If you go for the automatic one, be sure that it will have the largest amount of gears.

Another relevant aspect when it comes to fuel efficiency is the size of the car and the engine’s capacity. Usually smaller engines will be friendlier with your fuel bill. The bigger the engine will be, the more the number of cylinders is, the greater the fuel consumption. Smaller engine cars will also be cheaper than one equipped with a large engine. But there are certain scenarios in which a car with a bigger engine will prove itself more economical than one having a smaller one. When you need you car to do a lot of heavy work or tow heavy loads, you will be better off with a bigger engine, as a smaller one will be more stressed to cope with the heavier load.

In modern cars there are not big differences the fuel consumption rates between a car with front wheel drive and one with rear wheel drive.

The options you equip your car with can also be elements contributing to the amount of fuel consumed by your car. Things such as seat heaters, power windows and air conditioning consume a certain amount of fuel. Indeed, it is not great, but will lower your car’s fuel efficiency.

Article Source: http://add-articles.com
Dennis runs Car Dealer Check which has independent Car Dealer Reviews written by the car dealerships customers and a Car Forum.

Fuel Injectors for an Efficient Engine Performance

2008-03-15T02:20:00.000-07:00

By: Anthony Fontanelle

The optimum performance of a vehicle depends on its engine operation. To achieve this, all engine components need to work properly at all times. This includes the fuel injection system. For Honda vehicles, efficient Honda fuel injectors are integrated to ensure the ample amount of fuel that is sprayed to the intake valves. A fuel injection system also provides an accurate fuel metering and quick response.

Honda fuel injectors play an important role in fuel combustion. A Honda fuel injector is composed of a pump, which sprays fuel in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector controls the amount of fuel injected to the cylinder for the engine and its components to operate. Found at the intake manifold of the engine, Honda fuel injectors disperse the fuel based on the driver’s preferred performance. They help achieve improved gas mileage and cleaner emissions.

Honda fuel injectors start working when pressure is applied on the gas pedal. This opens the fuel injector and makes it release fuel to start the combustion process. Before the fuel injector sprays the fuel, its amount is calculated to maintain a balanced air and fuel ratio. For smooth vehicle performance, it is recommended that the Honda fuel injectors be regularly checked. Other components that help in its operation such as the fuel pump and fuel filter must also be in their top condition. The fuel filter needs to be changed regularly since it traps particles or debris that can clog the tiny fuel injector tips, for the contaminants may disrupt the fuel injector’s ability to properly dispense fuel to the engine. If you need to replace your Honda’s fuel injectors, visit our site that offers topnotch and long lasting Honda parts. Get the value for your money with our discount offerings for every purchase.

Article Source: http://add-articles.com
For more information about your parts needs like Honda fuel injectors visit your trusted online source. Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

Megaloud - A New Concept in Car Audio

2008-03-09T00:59:00.000-08:00

by: Vincent Craine

For so many years we have relied on the car audio manufactures to put out a great product that we could enjoy listening to. Well just the opposite has happened for the last several years. Many manufactures have tried to find ways to make a profit by selling diluted quality. They have spent thousands of dollars on advertising by pulling full page adds in all the top car audio and car magazines so they could Brain Wash you on how good their product is.

The problem with this is the quality each year keeps going down as the cost rises. The only one loosing is YOU!

Well the time has come to stand up and say enough is enough and demand an honest car audio line that does not depend on mass production and lower quality to survive.

My name is Vince Craine and I want to introduce you to the NEW buzz in the car audio industry. Simply put this new line resulted from one mans dream to produce the best car audio products on the market and make them affordable to the average car audio enthusiast as well as the very competitive car audio competitor.

Introducing Megaloud Inferno Series

Megaloud is brand new concept in car audio. Megelound produces music so crystal clear you won’t believe your own ears. 6 years of Black Board testing has now resulted in the best top of the line audio series without breaking the bank! There is no doubt Megaloud car audio will soon become one of the best lines in the world. (Hint: It’s already there!)

The man behind the dream and inventor is Milt Nasiopoulos… he’s been taking care of car audio enthusiast for decades. Milts passion for car audio started way before he graduated as an electrical engineer from one of the finest colleges in New York.

As a teenager he had a love for music and an ear for quality. As a competitor he tried many different lines but was not satisfied and in his heart felt he had the ability and talent to build a car audio line that would please not only him but also many of his fellow car audio enthusiasts. After many years of testing and blackboard trial he reached his goal. Megaloud was born...! This is a very high end line that will surpass all expectations from his critics and set new standards in the car audio world.

About The Author

Vincent Craine
Owner-Publisher
Nat'l Sales Manager
Megaloud Enterprises
Phone:1-888-475-4068
http://www.caraudioamps.com

The Soul Of Kia

2008-03-09T00:54:00.000-08:00

by: Dan Mercurio

Kia has Soul and is trying to sell it to the American car buyers. But this probably comes as no surprise to the American public The Soul we are talking about was announced earlier this year in 2007 at the International Auto Show. It is believed that this car was named “Soul” to represent the cars Korean origin and the combined efforts of both Korea and their North American counter parts in California. The 2008 Kia Soul combines tastes and design in an effort to bring new life to a concept car that truly does have a soul of its own.

Kia’s new Soul concept car has a design that hopes to attract a younger, more active group of buyers. The modern stylish package offered standard along with new exterior features puts it all together for those looking for taste and style all in one.

The interior of the Soul is cram packed with one awesome and fully customizable multimedia communications system. In addition, mood lighting, a wide cargo area and a remote powered lift gate rounds out an interior that meets everyone’s expectations and then some.

When we look closer at the exterior of this wonderful pint sized new vehicle, we find a roof that houses not just one but two sun roofs, one in the front that is moveable and a rear window that is hinged. This design creates a panoramic sun/moon roof that adorns the Kia Soul’s sloped roofline. This allows Kia Soul occupants to enjoy open-air driving while also taking advantage of panoramic views. In addition, the Soul’s roof features adjustable roof racks integrated into the design. This design is intended to create an open, uninterrupted passenger cabin.

To add additional style to the interior, the audio systems speakers were made part of the overall design by making them a different color than the dash board which allows them to stand out. The small thin framed seats are a slight shade off the color of the speakers, and provide seating for four with a long center console that divides the first and second rows.

With its efforts to appeal to a younger more active generation, and realizing that today’s vehicles are becoming more of a mobile office, the Soul comes equipped with a video game monitor and a laptop computer that swings out of the glove box. The design allows it to be operated from either the driver or passenger side seats.

The hip, urban feel of the Kia Soul is enhanced by unique interior lighting. Rather than utilizing a standard dome light, lighting shines from around the moon roof, as well as from the trim of the door panels.

Kia wants to inspire passion in young car buyers, and to accomplish this, the Kia Soul will provide a unique and dynamic vehicle in the increasingly crowded compact SUV market allowing the Soul Concept crossover SUV to be its roadmap to success.

Kia Motors is stepping outside of the shadow of its competitors and making a significant place for itself in the key SUV sector.

About The Author

Dan Mercurio is President of http://www.elite-searchenginemarketing.com. We can administer a quality SEM campaign for you as we have for http://www.kingskia.com.

Tips For Getting Cheap Finance To Buy A Car

2008-03-09T00:53:00.000-08:00

by: Melissa Kellett

You have decided you want a new car, but your last experience buying a car was not so good because of the huge burden financing the purchase was. Now you need a loan but do not want to be caught in a bad deal again. You do not need to worry, buying a new car and getting a good deal on a car loan is possible if you follow these easy steps and you pay attention to the tips we provide in this article.

Few cars are bought fully on cash, most people have to use some sort of finance in order to get all the money needed to buy a car. The most common financial products used for this purpose are personal car loans and financial schemes offered by car dealerships. The first thing you need to understand if you want to save money on your purchase is that car dealers are not loan specialist and they can not provide you with a competitive loan. Moreover they work in association with certain financial institutions and they receive a share of the profits. The financial institution will most certainly charge you for that cost and you will end up paying a lot more.

Personal Car Loans

When requesting a loan, what you need to be aware of is that the lending industry is a buyer’s market which means that lenders will be competing to get clients and thus, you need to shop around to get the best loan offer available. Do not be afraid to bargain with lenders, if you get a better offer let the others know so they can improve theirs and so on. You might end up paying far less than you thought.

The easiest way to compare loan offers is to take note of the APRs and compare them in order to see which one is the lower. However, the APR is not the only thing you need to compare. There are some fees and costs not included in the APR, beware of these as they can greatly increase the overall cost of the loan. Watch for prepaying penalty fees, closing costs, and any other loan term that may affect you.

The best place to look around for car loan lenders is the internet. You will find many lenders dealing with car loans. There are lenders willing to approve car loans for people with bad credit, no credit or even bankruptcy. You need to request loan quotes from them and make sure they will not pull your credit report till you are certain to get approved. If you are unsure whether you will meet their requirements or not, do not authorize them to check your credit history because too many credit checks or declines can affect your credit score negatively.

Raise Your Credit Score

It is important to have a good credit score since a good credit score equals to lower interest rates. If you are about to finish paying an outstanding loan and you have paid the installments on time, it is better if you just wait to cancel it completely before applying for your car loan. This will increase your credit score substantially.

Do not pay late and never miss payments. Prepay any small loan you may have as this will increase your credit score. Too much outstanding credit, even if not used, affects your credit score. So, you should close store cards accounts and credit card accounts you do not use. Bear in mind though, that you should not do so with all the accounts at the same time as this might be misinterpreted.

Make A Down Payment

Finally, another great way for saving money by getting a better deal on a car loan is to put aside as much cash as possible and make a down payment. This will greatly reduce the interest rate you will have to pay for financing and thus, you will save thousands of dollars over the whole life of the loan. Down payments show the lender you have the capacity to save money and that you will be able to repay the loan. Thus, the risk for the lender is greatly reduced and the interest offered will be substantially lower.

About The Author

Melissa Kellett is an expert loan consultant who has worked for twenty years in the financial industry and helps people to repair their credit and get approved for home loans, unsecured personal loans, student loans, consolidation loans, car loans and many other types of loans and financial products. If you want to learn more about Car Loans and Motor Vehicle Loans you can visit her site http://www.speedybadcreditloans.com

How to keep your Car Air Con Healthy

2008-03-08T04:57:00.000-08:00

by Steven Magill

For all of you, who treat your car with the utmost care, even a scratch to the body of your prized possession will be cause enough for you to become irate. However, spending long hours over your precious weekends to shampoo and polish your car from the outside is not good enough. In order, to ensure that your car gives peak performance, you need to maintain it by getting it serviced by an expert services shop. LVV Services , located in South Wales , are experts in servicing all types of car Airconditioning.

Why not let a mobile aircon technician pay you a visit ?

However, just as your car requires servicing, so does your car air conditioning system. The health of the car air conditioning depends upon routine checks and regular servicing sessions, ideally spaced twelve months to eighteen months apart. The natural porosity of the hoses and other components of the air conditioning require regular upkeep. Moreover, a well-functioning car air con system is not just important it is a necessity, since lack of use, could result in the refrigerant gas leaking slowly out of the car air con system at an estimated rate of 15%-20% every year!

Ensure that you switch on your car air conditioning for at least five minutes every week even during winter because an unused system can result in seals becoming dry, leading to gradual deterioration in the air conditioning systems performance. This could also mean that the system could slowly wither away.

Do you have more questions on the servicing and re-gassing of your car air con system ?

We hope that the below frequently asked questions will help to clarify your doubts whilst providing you with a deeper insight about the air-conditioning system servicing process.

• What is the time duration required for servicing and re-gassing the car air con?

In order to complete the servicing and re-gassing properly, a minimum of one hour is required. A time period of less than one hour means that the job is not being done properly.

• How much gas does the car air con system require?

The amount of gas is dependent on the make and model of the car. The gas is measured by weight and a small sized car can consume up to half a kilo of refrigerant, whilst a luxury car with climate control can take as much as one and a half kilos of gas.

• How often does the car air con system require servicing?

Ideally, the car air con system should be serviced every 12 - 18 months. This ensures peak efficiency in operation. If the air conditioning system is run on low refrigerant level, then the compressor has to apply extra effort, thereby reducing its life span.

• Is the frequent running of the car air con healthy?

Running the car air conditioning system regularly is good for the systems health. It's advisable that you switch on the air con for a short duration of time, irrespective of the outside weather. When you run your aircon daily, it ensures that the rubber seals and gaskets in your system remain lubricated, thus preventing leaks.

• What are the causes of bad odour? How can the car smell fresh again?

Bacteria, micro - organisms or fungal growth behind the dashboard on the evaporator is usually the cause of a strong smell. When the fan blows air, these organisms blow into the ambient car atmosphere causing flu like symptoms or allergic reactions. Having the car air con system serviced will help get rid of these types of bacteria, leaving your car smelling fresh and fragrant

Steve Magill is the Managing Director of LVV Services Ltd. which is located in South Wales.Covering Cardiff, Swansea , Newport ,Bridgend and surrounding areas. http://www.lvvservices.com He advises all car owners against any mechanics who suggest that they can service the system in less than an hour. This probably means they are taking shortcuts and will not do a proper job.

5 Facts About Changing Your Oil

2008-03-08T02:49:00.000-08:00

by Denise Palmer

When was the last time the manufacturer of your car went out of their way to tell you to change your oil every 3,000 miles?

Isn't it funny that in fact, automotive manufacturers have not agreed with this "opinion" for more than 20 years.

So WHO created the "change your oil every 3,000 miles" rule anyway? And why, have we as consenting adults, with brains and knowledge of our own, bought into it for so many years?

Let's take a look at the "reasons" we've all heard, time and time again about why we SHOULD change our oil every 3,000 miles.

We're told:

1) Oil breaks down after 3000 miles

2) Oil changes are great preventative maintenance

3) 3,000 miles is an easy number for the car repair customer to remember

4) The 3,000 mile interval is traditionally viewed as best by mechanics

5) It's necessary due to the elements, driving patterns, and weather conditions.

But when we really look at the people, or entities that are URGING us to change our oil every 3,000 miles, we realize, they are the same people and companies that profit the most from us following their lead.

This is not to say that oil changes aren't important - they are. They're just not as frequently needed as we're made to believe.

Here are 5 FACTS about the 3,000 mile oil change myth.

1) Quality motor oil recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer does not break down after 3,000 miles

2) Yes, changing your oil is great preventative maintenance, but it should be done in accordance with the manufacturer service intervals

3) The easy-to-remember 3,000-mile interval actually creates more confusion as to the real maintenance needs of your vehicle. Thus, it is easier to follow factory guidelines, more economical, and more appropriate.

4) The traditional view that 3,000 miles is best for your car is old school, wasteful, and fails to appreciate today's mechanical and oil technologies

5) Unless you're in a constant high-speed police change in the dead of winter - your oil will be just fine

So with all of that said, it begs the question; how often do you really need to change your oil? While it depends on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, it's clear that for today's vehicles it's not every 3,000 miles. 20 years ago this was true of many vehicles. However, this is virtually obsolete as most vehicle have 5,000, 7500, 10,000, and even 15,000 mile oil service intervals.

So just what is motivating the auto industry to push 3,000 mile oil changes? Let's look at it in real life. If you change your oil every 3,000 miles, and like most, you average 15,000 miles per year, then you'll be in the repair shop 5 times in only 12 months. Do you really need to perform maintenance on your car 5 times per year? Seems excessive doesn't it?

The average oil change price is $30.00. $30.00 X 5 = $150.00. If you changed your oil every 5,000 miles, you'd only need 3 oil changes per year = $90. That's a $60 savings. And not to mention all the "extra's" you are pressured to buy into while getting your oil changed. See below for more on these.

For the most part oil changes are cheap, as it's a very competitive market. They're also not very profitable for repair shops. However, the more times your vehicle is in the shop, the more chances that shop has to sell you something else - an alignment, tires, wiper blades, brakes, shocks, fuel cleaning services, transmission services...etc - these are money-makers. This is not to say that these services aren't needed, but they should be performed according to manufacturer guidelines only and performed by only a certified repair company.

A detailed manufacturer's maintenance schedule (this is separate from your manual) is the best and most accurate guide. You may stumble across one in all the unnecessary paperwork you find in your glove box, but ask your repair shop or dealer for a detailed print out of your entire maintenance schedule. If the service center can't produce one quickly - you're in the wrong place for your car's needs.

Finally, have a little fun: the next time your local mechanic tells you to change your oil every 3,000 miles, ask him what the manufacturer recommends. It's fun to watch him stumble through the answer or tell you, straight-faced, the wrong answer.

How to Plan a Car Show Extravaganza and Fundraiser

2008-03-08T02:22:00.000-08:00

by: Tonza Borden

A car show “extravaganza” is a fantastic opportunity to bring a community or special interest group together – for more than one cause. Planning your car show event is not an easy task but the process can be simplified and efficient. The most important steps to planning your extravaganza are as follows:

The Organizers

You can be the sole show organizer or it can be a joint venture with another group. Whichever way you decide to go, there is a lot of face-to-face coordination involved. Also, it may be inconvenient to get everybody to together at a meeting on the same day. But you will need to make sure that everybody knows what’s going on and be reminded of their role and responsibilities. You’re probably wondering how to accomplish that because coordinating people is a major feat itself. Here’s where Atlanta Antique Car Club comes in with those hard-to-find resources. We recommend staying in contact with helloWorld – Video e-Mail. It is easy, affordable and so much better than phoning.

The Event

Plan a car show with a fun and festive atmosphere for the whole family. Plan a luxury and performance car and bike event dedicated to the automobile industry – featuring the best possible cars, motorcycles, limousines, customs, and art cars available because this is the “attraction”. Varying your selection of automobiles and automotive products is what will give your show the extravagant factor and take it over the top.

The Venue

Location, location, location. This is where your show will go down in history. Because of the nature of your event, selecting a venue that is unique is very important. It must have an acceptable floor plan to accommodate a large crowd, registration, bathrooms, many exhibitors and vendors, and ample parking spaces for visitors and show car trailers.

The Theme

Classic cars, food and old music are the right formula for an old-school theme and goodtime. Dressing in period clothing can add nostalgia and interest, too. And, when the 50’s music starts, your visitors will be taking a trip down memory lane. Check out this 50s party in a box to get your creative juices flowing.

The Attraction

If this is your main event of the year, it should be a festive “extravaganza” representing a vintage and classic car lifestyle. Whether it is one day or held over a few days, it should have a dramatic theme to set the stage for beautiful motorcars and beautiful people. Your car show should be the hottest ticket in town – not the most boring. So pull out all of the stops and go for it!

The Multi-Task Team Building

The people behind your car show are a very important component – especially the creative team. Here’s a tip that will pay dividends. Keep all of your volunteers happy because they comprise the logistical teams to perform the multi-tasks, at no cost. That being said, the creative team is responsible for planning the theme and working with the committees to get it done, under budget and on time.

The Vendors or Us

Buying, cooking and selling foodstuff has its advantages. On the other hand, your event may be so huge that you won’t have enough hands to flip burgers quick enough. Inviting vendors is a good thing as long as they:

Carry insurance
Be liable and on-time
Be very professional

The Fundraising

Make your car show extravaganza make money – without spending a lot. How? Use your church parking lot or a donated venue. Be your own vendor by cooking and selling food and beverage – that’s donated or bought at discount prices. What you spend upfront will make a big difference on your bottom line. Sell tickets for a raffle, special attraction, etc. Charge a small fee for parking lot spaces for swap meet vendors. Or, collect donated sale items from your members for 100% profit. Ask for donated folding tables as well as monetary donations (if you are a nonprofit organization). Write and publish FREE public service announcements to announce your event – giving them at least two weeks lead-time. Tell everyone to tell everyone. Get the word out for FREE.

The Sponsors

Sponsors are companies who wish to be associated with your car show and visitors. A great car show is an event that sponsors would like to be associated with so keep that in mind when building your sponsor relationships.

The Exhibitors

You will want to round off your show with sponsors, food vendors, swap meet vendors, disc jockey, musicians, bands, bike performances, etc. Because when it’s all said and done, it’s all about having a good time so give your visitors variety, thrill and excitement. When they’re happy, they tend to buy from exhibitors.

The Visitors

Vintage and classic car show visitors are unique. They are in a class by themselves. They are a special group of people who live the old-school car lifestyle. They are car collectors, enthusiasts and wannabes – with buying power. They are a group who recognize and respect universal status symbols and the finer things that money can buy. That being said, your car show visitors deserve the very best show you can provide.

The Media

Last but not least, you will want to invite the media to make them your partner for all of your car show extravaganzas. As I’ve stated, you must encourage volunteers to tell everyone but telling the media is your best bet. A public service announcement will cover a greater audience and territory than you will be able to do by word of mouth. Another form of ‘media’ is flyers, banners, your web site where people can visit your site for information about upcoming events. In fact, you should be advertising your car club, group, organization at all times and I.D.IT!PLATES is a great way to drive traffic to your web.

Planning and implementing a car show won’t be easy but if it was it probably wouldn’t be a car show “extravaganza”. Use this outline to get started with your first car show. Having a plan will help you to stay focused and efficient – while keeping it simple. After the show, you will want to see pictures that tell the story about your success. So ask all volunteers to bring a camera to snap lots of pictures of event activities and car enthusiast having fun. Please don’t forget to share your pictures with Atlanta Antique Car Club's photo gallery - for the entire world to see.

About The Author
Tonza Borden is the developer and administrator of AtlantaAntiqueCarClub.com. She is a successful home-based communications specialist. Collecting antique automobilia is her hobby. Learning all about vintage automobiles is her passion. Visit http://www.atlantaantiquecarclub.com or contact tonza@atlantaantiquecarclub.com for written permission to reproduce for noncommercial use ©”How To Plan A Car Show Extravaganza and Fundraiser “ giving credit to the author.

tonzaborden@atlantaantiquecarclub.com

Secured Car Loan – Low Cost Funds For Buying A Dream Car

2008-03-08T02:15:00.000-08:00

by: Pamella Scott

When thinking of buying a car through a loan, you should first ensure that such a loan does not become a repayment burden and your monthly outgoings are easier on your pocket, secured car loan is one often that you can explore for the purpose of buying a car of your choice.

The loan enables in borrowing greater amount against your property like home as collateral. You can take the loan against the car deal papers, which the lender will return on getting the loan back.

Secured car loan allows you to borrow greater funds for buying a high price new car. The loan amount, however, is kept only up to the car price, which you must know before hand. One advantage is that the loan is less costly for the borrowers. Lenders incur little risks and so they willingly offer the loan at lower rate of interest. This means that your monthly outgoings towards the loan installments fall substantially and make the loan repayment easier.

As far its repayment duration is concern, though secured loans are of larger duration, but keeping in mind the erosion of car price in few years, the lenders approve the loan only for 5 to 7 years.

Another advantage is for bad credit history people. they can borrow an amount without worrying about their past payment mistakes like late payments, defaults, arrears, CCJs as lenders do not many risks and so the loan approval comes with ease. Interest rate for these borrowers, however, goes a bit higher.

One way to ensure lower interest rate, even if your credit history is blemished, is to offer greater down payment to the lender as this way the lenders feel safer. You must have some ready cash with you for making down payment, which the higher it is the less burden some becomes the loan for the borrowers.

Online lenders offer secured car loan at competitive rate of interest, which implies that your chances of getting the loan at low rate, for your circumstances, are higher with these lenders. But, compare these lenders first, to find out a suitable deal. Pay off the loan in time for escaping debts and repossession of your property.

About The Author
Pamella Scott is an author who can certainly identify your kind of loan. A loans borrower/user demands for timely, reliable, accessible, comprehensive, relevant and consistent loan service. To find Secured Car Loan, secured loans, secured personal loans, secured debt consolidation loans, secured home improvement loans that best suits your need visit http://www.easyfinance4u.com