Showing posts with label Car Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Car Review. Show all posts

Monday, September 12, 2011

To Purchase A Full Size Sedan


In the United States, this vehicle is known as the sedan. However, if you travel to those areas where British English is spoken, you would come to know that it is not known as the sedan there but as a saloon. The sedan is known as one of the most common body styles of an automobile. The most basic parts of a sedan comprise of a hood that covers the engine in the front, the passenger car itself, and a separate trunk for luggage which is typically found at the rear of the vehicle.

If you are opting to purchase a sedan for yourself, the first thing to do would be to find out just how much are you willing to spend on this type of car. The price for full size sedans range from around $16,000 to $30,000. Also, it is very much recommended that you also try to think just what features do you want your vehicle to hold. You can decide which one is the most important among safety, performance, value, handling, comfort, reliability, dealer service, appearance, interior room and space, amount of cargo, and gas mileage.

Take out a pen and a piece of paper and start listing down the makes and models of vehicles that you would want to consider. You can do some research on these sedans you have listed. To assist you, there are automobile magazines that provide reviews and vehicle specifications. Also, you can just log in to the Internet and there are plenty of pieces of information on vehicles. If you are concerned about safety, you can check out crash test data from various organizations who do them like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) which holds and publishes vehicle ratings at their website at www.hwysafety.org.

You may also want to consider the resale value of your vehicle. You see, the value of full size sedans dwindle down for each year. So you may want to put that into perspective. Also try talking to insurance companies about your choices for your full size vehicle. Remember that any piece of information regarding costs and other vehicle specification would help you out a lot in deciding which full size sedan could fit your lifestyle, your needs, your wants, as well as your budget.

In addition, Car Parts Rush makes sure it has a superior stock of Jeep parts and other vehicle parts to assist vehicle owners in preserving the quality, agility, and performance of their vehicles. The parts are made from high quality materials and are offered at low discount prices.



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Ultimate Aero TT Breaks World Record


The 2008 Ultimate Aero TT is the latest version by Shelby Super Cars (SSC). When the Ultimate Aero TT first made its debut many industry insiders felt that this vehicle would break the world speed record for production cars of 253.2 mph, set by the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. It wasn't long before they were proven right. The Ultimate Aero TT reached an unprecedented speed of 256.15 mph, making this lightweight, aerodynamic vehicle officially the "World's Fastest Production Car."





Achieving tremendous power via its twin turbo V-8 engine, it produces 1,183 horsepower and 1,094 ft.-lbs. of torque. The speedometer on the car goes up to 260, and in sixth gear at 7,200 rpm; the TT's performance stats state that it exceeds 286 mph.



The Ultimate Aero TT does zero to 60 mph in 2.78 seconds and a quarter mile in less than 10 seconds. It has a 422-pound V-8 engine with an aluminum block and heads. The four-wheel rocket redlines at 7,200 rpm, and the vehicle's horsepower is an incredible 1,183 at 6,950 rpm. It is a rear-wheel drive with a mid-engine position. The lightweight body is made of carbon fiber, composites, and a steel space frame. It sets on Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, 19 by 9.5 inches in the front and 20 by 13 inches in the rear. The ride is controlled by unequal length upper and lower A-arms coil-over springs in the front and rear.





This politically incorrect beast vehicle- with a four-inch ground clearance- has a refined side too. The interior is both clean and chic. Even the roll bar enhances the lines of the cabin by matching the car's seats. There also is a high-end sound system and a DVD navigational system. It comes in 11 heavenly colors, including yellow, purple and plum.



The Shelby name has been associated with classic, super-fast automobiles for decades. However, Carroll Shelby, the man who made the world think of cars instead of reptiles when referring to cobras or vipers, is not related whatsoever to Jarod Shelby, the owner of SSC and the designer of the Ultimate Aero TT. Maybe there is just something about that name?



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Friday, September 09, 2011

Review Cadillac's Proposed Exciting New Coupe


Automaker Cadillac has a rich tradition of building exciting, highly regarded sedans as well as coupes. However, changes made to its line up over the past decade have resulted in a fleet of vehicles that now consists exclusively of sedans, crossovers, and sport utility vehicles. Gone are the days of the super size Eldorado and the Coupe de Ville, vehicles that long stood for Cadillac quality and excess. Today, plans are underway to bring in a coupe to compete against European rivals Mercedes, Audi, and BMW. Please read on for more information about the proposed CTS derived coupe.

The proposed CTS coupe being planned by Cadillac will not be an Eldorado nor will it be an updated version of the Coupe de Ville. As a large midsize two door model, the CTS coupe will be larger than its European competitors, but vastly smaller than preceding Cadillac coupes.

A 2008 Calendar Year Introduction

Slated for an overhaul for the 2009 model year, the CTS sedan will be the basis for the new coupe, thus virtually all of the parts will be shared between the two cars with the majority of the differences showing up in the roof pillars. Cash strapped General Motors wants to produce the car badly, but they don抰 want to go overboard with development costs. Thus, the coupe and sedan would share an overwhelming majority of the same components.

Downsides to the New Coupe

The CTS coupe does have at least two downsides to it. First of all, the luxury coupe market isn抰 that large and it has been shrinking. Second of all, the CTS will be larger than its European competitors more along the lines of the biggest cars from Mercedes and BMW. This could cause confusion for buyers, especially if the CTS is aimed at smaller cars but is sized with the larger models.

Upsides to the New Coupe

On the positive side, the CTS coupe throws open an important and profitable area of the car market to Cadillac. As part of its ongoing appeal toward harnessing younger buyers, the CTS will do for Cadillac in 2008 and beyond what the Escalade did earlier in the decade: lower the average age of Cadillac owners. The younger the buyer is, the better the chance that Cadillac will have them as customers for the long haul.

GM抯 Money Woes Could Scuttle the Project

Of course, GM抯 financial woes could cast doubt on the new model even though the CTS sedan is a go. Plus, it isn抰 certain yet just how many coupes Cadillac would have to sell in order to turn a profit. Yet, if the car is built it could further signal GM抯 commitment to building cars that buyers really want, a complaint that some consumers have voiced as reasons why they have left the general behind.

The smart money says the CTS coupe will be given the green light. Cadillac needs this car and consumers want a luxury coupe to light up their world. Who better than Cadillac?



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Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Brand Dilution: GM's Real Problem


Throughout General Motor's post World War II history, the company has managed to sell various products across its entire line up, thereby offering visitors to its showrooms a wide variety of models. This custom of "brand dilution" was an acceptable practice at GM, Ford, and Chrysler for several generations, but the practice has had its pitfalls.

More...The cost of rebadging models to cross the entire GM spectrum is much more than you might think be. No, I am not talking about the price of slapping a different name on various models to market them under different brands, instead I am talking about the "cost" to the brand: the consumer's perception that there isn't anything uniquely sold with that brand.

I, for one, am okay with General Motors keeping all of its brands, but I would like to see the company distinguish each brand from one another. Only Saturn and Cadillac seem to have a clear identity, with Pontiac and Buick being little more than divisions carrying rebadged versions of other GM cars. Chevrolet, with its broad line up, partially escapes the brand dilution problem but it is often their models which eventually migrate to Buick and Pontiac to be sold as rebadged versions of Chevy vehicles.

Word has it that now GM's niche division, Hummer, may also branch out. This would be unfortunate as it is the brand's "nichieness" which gives it an edge.

Here are my suggestions for GM: Keep Cadillac going as it is; don't mess with success. Distinguish Buick as a true "near luxury" marque...the Lucerne and LaCrosse are both good sellers, but consider bringing back the Regal...yes, you read it right to spark interest.

Pontiac needs real excitement...invest in the GTO and really make it go. Drop all minivans, SUVs, and concentrate simply on sporty models. Chevrolet absolutely needs the Camaro. Also, a potent Impala along the lines of the Dodge Charger would be a big help. Is it too much to ask for an exciting Malibu?

Saturn must keep tapping its Opel relationship in order to affordably distinguish itself from its American counterparts. The SKY is a hit, the new Aura looks hot and the upcoming VUE replacement looks like it'll sell well.

Leave Hummer alone. Not everyone can or should be able to afford one! GMC will probably plod along as reskinned Chevys. GM could consider dropping GMC and ramping up Chevrolet trucks as the real world leader that it is.

Saab. Pity poor Saab. Neglected and almost not worth keeping. Still, if GM allowed Saab to thrive as Ford has given Volvo plenty of autonomy, then Saab could also make a difference for the general.

I doubt anyone in Auburn Hills is paying much attention to my words. For GM's sake, I do hope that they are examining this whole brand dilution practice closely and will put something into practice to get the world's number one automaker moving again.



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Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Cadillac v. Lincoln: Does It Matter?


Back during the 1950s and all the way through the 1980s, two American luxury car brands battled for supremacy. For General Motors, builder of Cadillacs and for the Ford Motor Company, builder of Lincolns, corporate prestige rested upon which automaker sold the most models each year. For many years, a pitched battle was raised until the clock struck midnight on New Year抯 Eve. During those years, no one knew for sure who the sales winner was until well into January; that is when the final sales tallies were released. Today, the luxury car market has changed dramatically, so much so, that the storied battle between the two automakers no longer matters. So, what brought about this change? Several things, please read on for the details.

More Competition -- Before the 1980s, Mercedes and BMW were minor players in the luxury car market. Infiniti, Lexus, and Acura were previously nonexistent brands created during the 1980s by parent Japanese auto giants, Nissan, Toyota, and Honda respectively. Add in Audi, Jaguar, Volvo, and Saab and the competition really heats up.

Higher Incomes -- The average American family抯 income level has surged over the past two decades, meaning more buyers are choosing luxury brands. Why settle for a Chevy when you can afford a Cadillac? Why buy a Cadillac when there are so many other choices for consumers?

American Quality Problems -- Both Cadillac and Lincoln have had their share of quality issues over the years. Brand confusion has reigned too as Cadillac once sold rebadged Chevy Cavaliers as Cimarrons and as so many of Lincoln抯 models have failed to capture the imagination of potential buyers. European brands gained in prominence as many of their models were considered to be better engineered, better built, more fuel efficient, and just as luxurious as the American brands.

Cadillac Transforms, Lincoln Wallows -- Although Mercedes and Lexus both outsell Cadillac today, Cadillac has made dramatic improvements over the past ten years while Lincoln has not. Most Lincoln vehicles sold today are simply reskinned Fords while Cadillac has been developing and successfully marketing new models that are unique to the brand. Most Cadillac products today compare favorably with BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, and Mercedes vehicles. Most Lincolns do not compare favorably with any other luxury models. All of this has been proven out in the marketplace as Cadillac regularly outsells Lincoln by more than 2 to 1.

Yes, the luxury brand battle has changed well beyond Cadillac versus Lincoln giving consumers better vehicles and more choice. While Cadillac has successfully redone its dowdy image, Lincoln has not. That, with the increased competition from foreign makes, spells all the difference in what was once a heated battle for American luxury car supremacy.



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Monday, September 05, 2011

Cadillac Sixteen: Concept or Production Vehicle?


This past month I was finally able to get a first hand view of a fabulous looking concept car called the Cadillac Sixteen at the North Carolina International Automobile Show. As concepts go, the Sixteen is truly a radical looking, but thoroughly luxurious sedan that serves as a reminder of Cadillac抯 past glory while incorporating a forward-looking 21st century style. Will the car be built? That is hard to say, especially considering GM抯 current financial condition. However, let抯 take a closer look at the dream car and what a Sixteen could do for the Cadillac brand.

It is a given: Cadillac has made tremendous strides over the past decade despite the ongoing problems with parent GM. No longer solely the builder of posh luxo-cruisers for the elderly, the current Cadillac line up is exciting, invigorating, and competitive. Whereas in times past comparisons with BMW and Mercedes would not have been made, today抯 models frequently are compared to their elite German rivals. Sales are up and profits are up; still, there is room for improvement and the Sixteen could be the model behind the continued upswing in Cadillac fortunes.

So, why is the Sixteen still receiving raves three years after making its debut at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show? Well, let me paint a picture of this car for you: imagine a sedan with an extra long hood which seamlessly flows up to a rakish windshield. To the top of the car and down to its trunk, the Sixteen looks as if it is in motion while standing still. GM used no less than 30 coats of paint to bring out the deep, rich midnight silver color in the finish which gives the car an almost surreal look. Add in bountiful 24 inch tires and the car is truly commanding. Strikingly, the hood is center hinged like cars of old: while it was on display, one section of the hood was lifted up to reveal half of its sixteen cylinders. That抯 right, the car isn抰 called "Sixteen" for no reason.

The inside of the Sixteen is simply opulent. Because the car was sectioned off by roping, it was hard to get an eagle eye look. Nevertheless, I was able to see that the Sixteen incorporates advanced interior lighting, deep wood trim, and brushed leather almost everywhere.

After leaving the show I did some investigating and have learned that GM won抰 be producing the Sixteen as shown. Supposedly, the 1000 horsepower output and 1000 lbs of torque is a bit much for a production vehicle and even with displacement on demand technology in use, 16 cylinders is a bit of a stretch in this day of elevated fuel prices.

What I have learned is that is several upcoming Cadillac models will adopt some of the Sixteen抯 styling cues when they are updated over the next few years. Talk of adding a V12 engine to one model continues to persist, but most of the speculation involves styling.

Yes, Cadillac is no longer just the exclusive realm of blue haired grannies; instead, the brand is as exciting and as stimulating as just about any make today.



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Friday, September 02, 2011

The Nissan Juke

Nissan introduced the Juke in 2010; it is a small mini-crossover type of vehicle. All 2 wheel drive variants for the UK market are built at the Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd (NMUK) plant in Washington, UK. The four wheel drive version and models for other parts of the globe are made at the Oppama plant in Japan.

Thursday, September 01, 2011

Best deals for Mini Cooper, Mini parts, Used Mini

Mini or MINI as it is commonly styled is a British automotive marquee owned by BMW which specializes in small cars. The Mini first originated as a specific vehicle – a small car and was launched by the British Motor Corporation in 1959 and later it became the brand for many models such as the core two-door Hardtop/Hatch to include the Clubman (estate), Convertible and Countryman (crossover).

Monday, August 29, 2011

The First Charging Point in Lincoln

I have been debating whether I should buy a used Nissan in Guilford or buy a brand new Nissan, which will probably last a good few years before I have to change it. I decided to see the used Nissan first, if I don’t like it then I will buy myself a new car.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Dodge Sprinter Vans – Lot Of Room

Dodge Sprinter 2500 Passenger van gets 19.2 mpg compared to the 2008 Ford E-350, which gets 16.1 mpg. This is a relatively good mileage compared with similar vans. This is only one of the reasons to consider a Dodge Sprinter for your family. Another reason why people would upgrade to a larger car is to carry more cargo. You may be moving to a larger house or you may be going on vacation to the beach or a ski lodge. When you are going on vacation you often have to pack a lot of items to be comfortable.

dodge-sprinter

First, there is the luggage which can be large and heavy. Then, if you are going to the beach, you will want an ice chest, pool tools, and beach chairs. Many of the things that we need to go on a trip are large items that are irregular in shape. A Dodge Sprinter Cargo van can store up to 600 cubic feet. This is perfect for holding skis, a family’s worth of luggage, or many boxes.The best example for a Dodge Sprinter van that comes to mind is a soccer mom. The ultimate soccer mom may be responsible for carrying many of its players in a carpool or a lot of its equipment. Soccer balls, goalie nets, cleats and safety gear can take up a lot of room in an average sized car.

The Passenger van can hold up to twelve people comfortably, which is enough to carry a whole soccer team. You should hope that you don’t get stuck in traffic, because with the whole team in your van, they would have to forfeit the game.Whether you are taking a family vacation, a friendly road trip, moving to a new residence, or carrying an entire soccer team, Dodge Sprinter vans are perfect for your needs. They fit many people comfortably and can carry a lot of cargo to your next destination.

Mitsubishi – New Innovations

Mitsubishi Motors is set upon making use of this new diesel locomotive as an innovative feature to automobiles that they would be selling abroad to the Europe province. Mitsubishi has determined on mounting such an innovative variety of locomotives for Europe for the reason that the marketplace has been screaming for diesel locomotives.

In actual fact, vehicles escalated with such locomotives are beginning to nurture in auctions. To one side of that, Europe is exposed for motor vehicles that have lesser carbon dioxide discharges. And Mitsubishi has before now lain down its wits on being the vehicle producer that could fetch what that advertise demands.

mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-x

Mitsubishi declares that they possibly be manufacturing and mounting a 2-liter locomotive. They would be escalating this on automobiles that vary from the undersized ones to midsize motor vehicles. Certainly, they are scheduling on making certain that this new locomotive would congregate the severe and new production customaries in Europe which is named as Euro5. The Euro5 possibly be taking upshot in the year 2010 and it necessitates automobile producers to have stricter customaries as for every particulate contaminants and production of nitrogen oxides.

Saab Cars – Generated From Jets

Saab is marketing the cars by using the campaigns which was related to the aircraft maker of Sweden. The main motive behind this kind of campaigning of the car models is to popularize the car models and to emphasize on the fact that there cars had been born from jets. Another reason is that these cars have got the design of the aircraft aerodynamic. These kinds of tactics are adopted by the company to attract the people by saying that same technology is used in the manufacturing of the cars which is used in the planes.

Saab-cars

Saab had been a leader in the production of the car models which are unique and serving the needs of the people. Recently the company had manufactured a concept car which is composed of the traditional doors. These doors are very much similar to the doors which are used in the fighter jets so that they can form a canopy. Whole car is made up of the light materials so that fuel economy can also be maintained. Besides this, company had also decided to use the ethanol instead of using the gasoline.

The engine used in the models of Saab is V6 engine which is providing the 400 hp and is present in dual quantity in order to enhance the performance of the car. The production of these car models are increasing and people are more enthusiastic about the generation of the new version of cars.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

2011 Infiniti M56 and M37 – Blind Spot Alert System

Infiniti gave a “virtual” preview of the upcoming 2011 M at 59th Annual Pebble Beach Concours with screening true-to-scale clay model was. Meantime, it released “M” Interior and Exterior photos.

new-infiniti-m37

Infiniti offered 2 models which is the M37 and the M56 comes with a V6 and V8 engine respectively. The M37 has been powered by Nissan’s new 3.7 liter V6 engine while the M56 will be powered by the 5.6 liter VK56DE twin-cam V8. The 5.6-liter V8, which pounds out “more than 400 horsepower,” does so as well. Infiniti’s stout 3.7-liter V6 will also be available.

M revealed the technology highlight of the car is a new blind spot alert system. It’s called a blind-spot “intervention” system, as it will actually piloted help bring the M back into its lane if it has veered off-course.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Review Buick Terraza – V6 3.5L version

Buick Terraza which offers a smooth and quiet ride and is better equipped than most vehicles in its class. With the options of the 3.9L V6 engine which generates 240 horsepower and 240 lb / ft of torque compared with 196 hp and 213 lb / ft of torque from the V6 3.5L version.

Also adventures in the real world will not produce a significant drop in fuel economy of this used minivan wonder. If this used Buick is compared with the best minivan, it becomes evident the engine management and single biggest reason to buy the used vehicle may be excellent the engine.

Buick_Terraza_123

At higher speeds of the standard engine is quiet and smooth, but there is still enough power if needed for rapid acceleration to avoid problems on the freeway or rapid lane changes at rush hour. And not only that this used minivan has an excellent and responsive transmission to help fully exploit the power that is available from this used family minivan.

A used Buick Terraza transmission offers four speeds, but still responds quickly and appropriately to the driver’s action on the accelerator and never feels indecisive and changes way up and down are as smooth as can be.

The full-time GM Versatrak system works very well in snow and ice conditions making this a very safe used minivan. The mechanics of Versatrak are relatively simple and adds less weight to the vehicle helping to keep those important fuel costs down. When the front wheels lose grip, the system automatically switches the engine power to the rear wheels, greatly increasing the chances of continuing to move forward.

The Versatrak found on the used Buick Terraza can even change the power from side to side between the rear wheels vastly increasing stability. In tight spots, this used auto is phenomenal and very light and easy to negotiate especially in parking lots.

The exiting used auto also comes equipped with standard Stabilitrak, the electronic stability system from GM. Why this is a great innovation is for example, let’s say a driver inadvertently dropped the wheels on the right side outside the regular road surface and onto gravel at the edge of the road. Without Stabilitrak, the wheels on the left side would continue with the same amount of grip as before, directing the vehicle toward the center line or even the opposite lane.

Review Nissan Micra – Excellent Handling

The Nissan Micra has been a stalwart of the supermini category, having donned various guises since its UK inception in 1983. It has been, in recent years, slightly eclipsed by its showier, more flamboyant brethren. Nevertheless, the Nissan Micra has been providing fuss-free, reliable and enjoyable motoring to its owners throughout all this time and will continue to do so long into the future.

2008_nissan_micra_123

It would be dishonest of me to write sentence after sentence proclaiming the Micra to have excellent handling, a peppy engine and all the style of a Louis Vuitton handbag, as it patently doesn’t. But it was never supposed to. The Micra was an invention for those who simply want to get from A to B, in a reliable vehicle that won’t end up costing them the earth to run. By its own modest parameters, the Micra is a resounding success.

This is probably a valid enough reason as to why the Micra has never set the world alight in terms of sales. The buying public seem more interested in buying (and paying over the odds for) cars that look the part rather than cars that adequately match their means and needs. It’s definitely worth thinking about the amount of money you are spending on the badge when buying a car. In the same price brackets, engine performance rarely differs dramatically, especially at the lower cost end of the market.

In all honesty, if you are looking for comfort, luxurious surroundings, effortless cool and performance to match, you are most definitely in the wrong place. If, however, you just need a car that moves and does so cheaply, then you will be hard pushed to beat the Micra. As the popular saying goes, “it does exactly what it says on the tin.”

Review Honda Accord 2007 – EX V6 6-Speed

The Honda Accord, 2007 model has reduced weight, especially at the rear where the full-width taillight decorate the ’03-‘05 models. A center stop light mounted in the rear window gives way to separate LED taillights mounted at the rear edge of the trunk. Minor revisions are also in the grille and front bumper. One difference of the 6-Speed from other V6 models is its 17-inch alloy wheels.

The EX trim is given an upscale specification by Accord’s interior design, leather upholstery, and navigation system. Ambience is further improved by the 6-Speed’s good soundproofing. The “carbon fiber-look” trim around the window of all 6-Speeds lifts on the doors and on the instrument panel and console give it a fitted sporty look.

honda-accord-2008

Interior details include interior door panels scooped to further improve elbow room. Easy to see in all lights are the bright, back-lit instruments. For perfect driving position, heated, power-adjustable seats and a steering wheel manually-adjustable for both tilt and reach are available. Additional light is provided by a tilt-and-slide glass sunroof. Storage pockets with bottle holders are on all doors. The navigation system controls audio and the climate system through the touch screen at the top of the center stack. The interface is simple and has voice control. Aside from a huge trunk, the rear seat also has plenty of room.

Many useful interior storage spaces are found inside the car. A dual-layer console box/armrest with a power point in the lower section and a cord pass-through to the top for phone charging and a very useful storage box at the bottom of the center stack are just few of the examples.

All Honda Accords have safety features like dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags with a passenger-side occupant detection system, side curtain airbags, daytime running lights, and antilock brakes, which, in V6 models, are four-wheel discs. Vehicle Stability Assist is standard on all V6 models. The Accord receives a five-star frontal impact rating from the U.S. Government and a “Best Pick’ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Excellent ride and handling is provided by 17-inch alloy wheels and low-profile, 50-series tires last year. V6 Accords got firmer Honda shock so smooth sailing ride is provided by the vehicle. Changes were not massive, but they result in improved steering response, from the shorter tire sidewalls, and an added improvement in suspension control. Comfort is assured with a more European suspension tuning.

Honda’s VTEC variable valve timing system gives the Accord V6 good low- and mid-range power. But the engine still likes to rev from the 5000-rpm torque peak, where 211 lb-ft are produced. Peak horsepower (244) is at 6250 rpm. Shift action is quick and smooth, thus adds enjoyment. Unlike many expensive sports sedans, the Accord V6 uses regular unleaded gasoline, not premium. EPA fuel economy is 21mpg in city and 30 along the highway.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Aston Martin - James Bond Connection

If you were asked what car James Bond drives, most people would reply - Aston Martin. However throughout the James Bond series of films and novels, Q branch has given Bond a wide variety of vehicles including, Bentleys, the Lotus Esprit; the BMW Z3, BMW 750iL and the BMW Z8 and even a Saab 900. So why is there such a firm association between James Bond and Aston Martin vehicles?
Not only are Aston Martins important exotic espionage equipment , packed full of mission winning gadgetry, weapons systems, anti-pursuit systems, alternate transportation modes, and various other functions but they are also character building. James Bond isn't your average man; and with a brand new Aston Martin DB9 costing more than half the value of the average house in the UK, only a very few people to own one, this mirrors the exclusivity of Bond.



Bond's most famous car is the silver grey Aston Martin DB5. James Bond, then played by Sean Connery was introduced to his silver birch Aston Martin DB5 in the 1964 first seen in Goldfinger; it later featured in Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Casino Royale. The standard equipment on the Aston martin DB5 included reclining seats, pile carpets, electric windows and a fire extinguisher. All models had 4 seats and 2 doors. Of course James Bonds Aston martin DB5 came with a few extras - front machine guns, electable passenger seat, bullet proof glass and steel shield.
During filming a number of different Aston Martin DB5s are used because vehicles inevitably get bumped and smashed up during the filming process. One of the Aston Martin DB5s that featured in so many of the 007 films was sold in January 2006 at an auction in Arizona for $2,090,000 to an unnamed European collector.
Similarly, one of the Aston Martin DBS' that was used during the filming of Quantum Of Solace, its fate ending in Lake Garda, was sold 200, 000 pounds when a fan decided to pay for its wrecks.

Monday, February 02, 2009

Kia Soul : Turbo Diesel option

The first thing that strikes you about the Kia Soul is the way it looks like a child’s toy that has been designed by a hyperactive, caffeine-addicted, Attention Deficit Disorder sufferer. The thinking behind the aesthetic design is obviously Kia’s attempt to shake of the drab and cheap impression that many people have of the brand. The boxy body, with odd curves, tall roofline and high ground clearance does look a lot more striking than anything else that has rolled out of Kia’s Korean production line, but is it all a bit too much for the classically reserved British palette?
Early indications suggest that the Kia Soul will most probably fit very nicely into the market; unavoidable really considering it is trying so hard to impress every single type of car owner. The sporty looks will attract the youngsters, the ecologically-sound engine will impress the ‘Green’-set, the roomy interior will persuade those of us with families and the price-tag will convince those who have recently been credit crunched. For one car to attempt to corner four vastly different markets is a very brave move but one that could potentially blow up in Kia’s face.
The Kia Soul is available with 1.6 Litre Petrol or Turbo Diesel option, both generating an impressive 124bhp and producing 55.4 mpg, so it is relatively powerful for its class and isn’t a gas-guzzler either. Its notable 137 g/km Co2 emissions are also worth mentioning in this increasingly environmentally aware society. All in all everything under the bonnet performs above expectation, which is a rare boon for Kia, who seem to stick rigidly to the engineering principle of ‘never surprise or overwhelm’. That is until the Soul popped its odd-looking head over the horizon.

Inside the Kia Soul is a relatively comfortable and pleasant place to be. The interior has obviously been as well considered as the exterior. Clearly laid-out controls, good driving position and firm but comfy seats show that Kia have the driver’s pleasure at the forefront of their designing minds. The Kia also comes with air-con as standard to keep you feeling cool, whilst the Soul continues looking cool.
The handling is light, progressive and responsive, which is everything the prospective supermini owner is looking for in a car. The 16inch basic wheel option is also oddly superior to the 18-inch option, which somehow manages to multiply the feedback of every tiny bump thousands of times. Other than that, the Kia Soul provides a generally smooth and enjoyable ride.
The Kia Soul will be available for around £12,000, which slots it in at the lower end of family-sized hatchbacks. Its nearest competition is likely to be the new Fiesta, which we already know will trounce the Kia Soul in every conceivable way. What Kia will be looking for however, is to make a little headway into the market and hopefully convince a few naysayers that Kia can manufacture cars with character and good performance.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Chevrolet Vehicles - Irresistibly Classy

Chevrolet is a brand of automobiles under General Motors (GM) in the United States of America. In the world of automobiles, few brands have enjoyed as much admiration and popularity as the Chevrolet (also nicknamed fondly as Chevy) from automobile owners worldwide. The classic ‘bow-tie’ logo used by the brand is considered to be a symbol of style and class in the world of cars.
Chevrolet Motors was founded in 1911 by two persons, Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant. Louis was a race car driver, and Durant was the founder of GM, who left the company in 1910. Since its inception, Chevrolet has made a mark for its innovative and stylish car designs. The luxurious and spacious Impala was launched in 1958 and received satisfactory feedbacks from many owners. The Corvair, produced in 1959, was another grand success for Chevrolet that lasted for many years. Instead of following the usual vehicle mechanics, Chevrolet revolutionized the automobile industry by installing the compact aluminum engine in the back, with enough space around it to store the spare tire. This saved a lot of room under the hood and the inside of the car, allowing for more effective usage of available space.

The present Chevrolet line up features cars for all kinds of users. Compacts like Aveo, Prizm, Cobalt, Cavalier, and Heritage High Roof (HHR) serve small families effectively and are great for a shopping trip or for driving on the busy city streets, where the turning radius of a car is a cause for concern. Luxury coupes like the Monte Carlo have won the hearts of customers looking for a luxurious driving solution. The beauty, comfort and smooth handling offered by these vehicles have made these a status symbol among many affluent customers. Sports car drivers need not be disappointed either, for the Corvette was launched keeping them in mind. This stylish, 2-door coupe is perfect for customers who plan to hit the inter-state highways for a long drive. The 6-speed automatic transmission introduced in 2006 has further improved the performance of the car.
Chevrolet trucks have a history of being among the most high-performance pickup vehicles in the industry. Ironically enough, this reputation has its downsides. For nearly a decade before 2006, Chevrolet trucks topped the list the most stolen brands of pickup vehicles in the US state of Texas, according to police records there. There can hardly be any greater evidence of the sheer popularity enjoyed by these vehicles.
Chevrolet remains one of the most popular brands of automobiles in the world. According to some recent surveys, Chevrolet vehicles constitute roughly one-tenth of all automobile sold in the United States every year. The classy and useful design and the superior performance offered by these vehicles will surely rule the world of automobiles for a long time to come.

Porsche Finally Gains Control of Volkswagen

In a surprising move, German sports car maker Porsche has just taken over the largest European car manufacturer, Volkswagen. After purchasing more than 50 percent of VW’s shares, Porsche is now in the driver’s seat of a massive conglomeration controlled by its shareholders and unions.
This isn’t the first time that Porsche has attempted to overtake Volkswagen. In 2005 the automaker made a failed attempt to acquire more than 50 percent of VW due to unstable market speculation, which had sent VW shares as high as $1,350 per share. With such growth, VW claimed in August to have overtaken Ford to become the third largest automaker in the world, behind GM and Toyota.

Reports claim that Porsche intends to increase its stake to 75 percent this year, gaining complete control of the auto group. At dealers such as Volkswagen Saint Louis, the relationship between VW and Porsche has already been apparent. Vehicles such as the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne already share many components with each other. VW and Porsche have much to benefit from each other strategically observes Mercedes Benz Pittsburgh dealers.
Trade unions are powerful at VW, and reports also indicate that Porsche control may upset the balance currently established. While Porsche claims to be a long-term investor, job cuts at VW plants could ultimately result. At the retail end, Dartmouth Volkswagen expects plenty of long-term changes and exciting new products, perhaps further blending components and design across the likes of Porsche, Volkswagen, and Audi.