Friday, February 4, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
2011 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
2011 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
With an MSRP that starts right around $65K, it almost goes without saying that the 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser is packed to the gills with exciting features and topnotch engineering. Its 5.7-liter V8 engine provides ample amounts of power, while its 6-speed automatic transmission glides along with ease. Full-time four-wheel drive allows the Land Cruiser to segue seamlessly from off-roads to city streets. Throw in the fact that its interior is sumptuously appointed and boasts plenty of high-tech gadgetry, and it’s plain to see that Toyota has a winner on its hands.
MSRP: $65,970
Engine: 5.7L V8
Drivetrain: AWD
Transmission: Automatic
Fuel Type: Gas
Review
Whether you intend to use your sports utility vehicle to traverse the great outdoors or you just plan to lug the kids to the beach, the 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser allows you to do it in style. With comfortable seating for 8 passengers, the ability to tow 6500lbs, and a heavy duty suspension system, the Land Cruiser is truly an elite off road vehicle.
Overview
Go off road much?? The Land Cruiser’s low gearing range and skid plate protected suspension system ensure that off-road, rough terrain or even streets with potholes and road hazards never slow the sports utility vehicle down. The 5.7 liter, V8 engine boasts 381 horsepower and a nine cross member reinforced suspension system. With the ability to go from 0 to 60mph in less than 10 seconds, the Land Cruiser’s engine is proficient but also very quiet. The six speed automatic transmission is equipped with all wheel drive. The Land Cruiser gets 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.
Under the Hood
The 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser’s 5.7-liter DOHC V8 engine packs a real wallop. It gets 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Its 6-speed automatic transmission knows just what to do with that torque, too, and is a perfect match. The Land Cruiser’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, or KDSS, is among the best off-road technology being offered today. Full-time full-wheel drive really ups the ante, too, making the 2011 Land Cruiser a true joy to drive.
On the Road
Most people will buy the 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser in order to take it off-roads. That’s smart, because it performs like a champ in such conditions. Its body-on-frame design lets it roll with the punches, while its gas pressure shock absorbers make for a smooth ride just about anywhere. Crawl Control is also back, allowing drivers to set their speeds with ease. In the city, the 2011 Land Cruiser is just as capable - its cornering abilities, for instance, are absolutely mind blowing. On roads or off, the Land Cruiser truly excels.
Exterior Features
Although the 2011 retains much of the same body shape as previous Land Cruiser models, new headlights, tail lights, grille and rear hatch privacy glass give the model its own distinctive look. The 2011 Land Cruiser comes equipped with 18 inch alloy wheels and a power sunroof. Other exterior features include fog lights, daytime lamps, and rain sensing windshield wipers. Exterior upgrades for the Land Cruiser include a roof rack, rear spoiler and running boards.
Interior Features
The 2011 Land Cruiser has all the bells and whistles associated with luxury vehicles including heated leather front seats and separate climate controls buttons for the two front rows. The vehicle, which offers seating for 8, has a 60/40 split rear seat that folds down for extra storage space. It also has cruise control, power telescopic steering column, and steering wheel mounted audio controls. The Land Cruiser also boasts a JBL music system that features AM/FM radio, a 6 disc changer, and 300 watt speakers. Other interior features include storage of up to 97.5 cubic feet, front and rear door pockets, and a huge glove compartment box. Available interior upgrades include a navigation system with a rear view camera and blue tooth connectivity.
Despite its rugged and impressive capabilities, the 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser boasts an interior that is refreshingly sophisticated and comfortable. The Safety Connect telematics system is sure to be appreciated by drivers of all stripes - simply pressing the SOS button puts help on its way. Twenty-eight air vents ensure that all passengers are comfortable; they are helped along by the four-zone climate control system. Rear privacy glass is included on all models, enhancing the passenger experience, and heated power front seats add a nice dose of luxury.
Safety and Specifications
Safety features for the 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser include anti-lock disc brakes, traction and stability controls, and driver and front seat passenger airbags with dual stage deployment. The front and second row seats feature seat belt height adjusters, emergency fuel shut-off, and outboard locking retractors for the second and third rows. The Land Cruiser also offers accident protection in the form of front and rear crumple zones, side guard door beams and 4-wheel automatic braking system.
A synopsis of the 2011 Toyota Lane Cruiser’s specs is provided below.
Car pricing: MSRP $65,970
Engine: 5.7-liter, 381-hp, 401 lb-ft of torque V8 engine
Transmission: 6 speed automatic with standard overdrive
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in fewer than 10 seconds
Upgrade Options
Available upgrades include 19-inch wheels, running boards, roof rack, rear spoiler, navigation system with rear view camera, bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and iPod interface.
How the 2011 Land Cruiser Compares to Other Luxury Sports Utility Vehicles: The Land Cruise can definitely hold its own in the class of luxury SUVs and comes with a cheaper price tag than the similarly situated Range Rover.
Pros
Whether you’re looking for topnotch off-roads capabilities, a luxurious ride or an abundance of high-tech features, the 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser is sure to thrill. Better still, it has a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds, making it extremely useful in a number of situations. Indeed, the 2011 Land Cruiser is a workhorse, a recreational vehicle and a slick city cruiser all rolled into one exciting package. If you have the means to buy it, you will not have any regrets.
Cons
There is one big, glaring con associated with the 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser: its price. Its MSRP starts at $65K; while that includes a whole lot of goodies, that price is still without extra options. Considering the fact that the Land Cruiser boasts the features and capabilities of several cars in one, though, most people who can afford this price range will have no problem with its cost.
Conclusion
Is the 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser a Smart Buy? With comfortable seating for 8 and the ability to cover rough terrain easily, the 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser stands out as a superb luxury sports utility vehicle. For a luxury SUV the Land Cruiser is reasonable priced and because of the great resale value of Toyota’s, owners will easily recoup their investment in this vehicle.
2011 Subaru Forester Review
2011 Subaru Forester Review
A robust and pleasant vehicle, the Forester provides the driver with a sporty, mid-class vehicle that functions excellently for trips and other longer term outings. With a standard array of features and exceptional engineering, the vehicle is ideal for those who enjoy travel, but are not terribly concerned about being flashy or ostentatious. Excellent window views for the driver and passengers make driving in scenic areas particularly pleasurable.
MPH 06
MPH 06
As well as being a great fun show, MPH offers a great exhibition of cars from the latest popular cars, to the most desirable of supercars. This year the live show was even better than last year's MPH05, and the side show offered even more exotic machinery for visitors to drool at. Visitors to the MPH06 show at Birmingham's NEC also enjoyed the Classic Motor Show, while Earls Court visitors will find that their MPH06 is supported by MPH Classic.
As well as being a great fun show, MPH offers a great exhibition of cars from the latest popular cars, to the most desirable of supercars. This year the live show was even better than last year's MPH05, and the side show offered even more exotic machinery for visitors to drool at. Visitors to the MPH06 show at Birmingham's NEC also enjoyed the Classic Motor Show, while Earls Court visitors will find that their MPH06 is supported by MPH Classic.
Le Mans Display
Le Mans Display
This year, we were particularly looking forward to the Le Mans feature which celebrated the famous race with some of its exciting cars. Top of the bill was the lightweight C-type Jaguar which was victorious in 1953 and the latest Le Mans winner the Audi R8. For most of us, this could be the only chance to see such a fantastic range of Le Mans vehicles, and with so many past and present Le Mans drivers attending the show, this year's Le Mans interest at the show was particularly exciting
Le Mans 24 Hours 2007
Le Mans 24 Hours 2007
Audi will be very pleased to have retained their Le Mans 24 Hours title after one of their cars crashed out in the second hour of the race, and a second suffered a similar fate 15 or so hours later.
The Number 3 Diesel engined R10 driven by Mike Rockenfeller crashed out early on Saturday and was travelling backwards when it hit the safety barrier. Later, with less than a third of the race left to run, it very much looked as if Allan McNish, Rinaldo Capello and seven time winner Tom Kristensen might triumph in the number 2 Audi, but they too suffered an accident after 16 hours when a wheel came off and Capello briefly became a passenger as the car ploughed into a tyre wall. Fortunately for Audi, their number 1 car was in second place at this point, and driven by Germans Frank Biela, Marco Werner and Italian Emanuele Pirro, was brought home to a second successive Le Mans 24-Hour victory for the Audi R10 Diesel.
The Audis were pushed hard in the race by another Diesel in the shape of Peugeot's new V12 engined 908 LMP cars driven by Sebastian Bourdais, Stephen Sarrazin and Pedro Lamy. The Peugeot 908 car came second having completed 359 laps to the winning Audi's 369 laps in 24 hours, and a second Peugeot piloted by Jacques Villeneuve, Nicolas Minassian and Marc Gené was running in second with just over an hour and a quarter to run when unfortunately it suffered mechanical failure.
After last year's race, the organisers vowed to bring in restrictions to limit the size of the Diesel powered cars' tanks to an equivalent energy rating as their petrol equivalents, but once again the R10 has won, and a second Diesel powered car has finished in the top three.
The Pescarlo Sport, Pescarlo 01 driven by Stéphane Sarrazin, Pedro Lamy and Sébastien Bourdais finished just one lap behind the Peugeot to take third place this year. In 2006, a Pescarlo C60 Hybrid driven by Sébastien Loeb, Eric Hélary and Franck Montagny had finished second, sandwiched between the two top running R10s.
Chrysler 300C Viper SRT10 Engine
Check out this video posted by Dodge on their official Youtube channel with the current generation Chrysler 300C packing a Viper SRT10 engine. The 8.4-liter V10 powerhouse SRT10 is now found in several of the Dodge line of cars, including the Viper, Charger, 300c, and RAM pickup truck. So what happens when you put a Viper engine in a Chrysler 300? Hit the jump to see the teaser video of what is to come at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
2009 BMW M3 E90 & E92 - Double Dealing
2009 BMW M3 E90 & E92 - Double Dealing
If wanting more power from your M3 is the problem, then that's a problem many of us would like to have. While no slouch at 414 hp, it is, nonetheless, something an owner can get used to.
Fortunately for them, there are plenty of power parts that can take an M3 to that coveted, if cliché, "other level." While we have yet to see anyone turbocharge the M3's 4.0-liter V8, plenty of tuners have developed supercharger kits, one of them being ESS Tuning.
We featured a car with an ESS kit in a story about Vorsteiner's body mods for the E90 ("Apt Pupils," March 2010) but didn't have the opportunity to do a full writeup on the kit until now.
ESS started in Norway in 1995 with a small group of engineers and, according to their marketing literature, has since become the world's largest manufacturer of supercharger kits for BMWs. Their range is extensive, from the 1 Series to the Z4,With
many older-generation models accounted for. The reason why they haven't had much coverage in the States is because they were so focused on engineering, it left them little time for marketing.
But that's changing now that they have a full-time marketing manager to get the word out. They've also benefited from viral, word-of-mouth marketing via forum chatter and videos of their cars outrunning seemingly faster competition on a Swedish airport runway.
The two M3s here take slightly different approaches to solving their power dilemmas. ESS offers E9x M3 owners five levels of power, from 535 to 625 hp, with the non-intercooled version at 535 hp and intercooled versions going from 550 to 625 hp, with boost levels, pulley sizes, injector sizes, ECU tuning and octane
requirements being the differences between them. The black coupe here is fitted with their VT2-575 kit, good for, you guessed it, 575 hp, while the Brilliant White sedan runs a VT2-600 kit. All kits for the E9x M3s and other late-model vehicles are based around a Vortech V3Si supercharger.
Although the difference between the two is only one pound of boost (5.5 vs. 6.5 psi) and 25 hp, they have different characteristics. This is mostly attributed to the sedan's use of a Dinan 3.62 rear differential, which gives it explosive quickness off the block, so much so that it requires some modulation to
keep from spinning the tires. The trade-off from the shorter differential is a reduced top speed. ESS Tuning's director of marketing, Roman Zepeda, says the less-powerful, longer-geared black coupe will start reeling in the sedan at around 150 mph and eventually pass it. Dinan's literature says a slightly taller, 20-inch wheel/tire combo, like the setup the sedan is using, will slightly offset the shorter gearing.
The white sedan also uses two Dinan exhaust components. For track use, the owner swaps in Dinan's Racing Middle Exhaust and free-flow cat-back system. For daily driving, he uses a pair of high-flow cats and the aforementioned cat-back system.
As mentioned earlier, the car is Usain Bolt-like out of the hole, enough to snap my head back the first time I stepped into it. Power is delivered in one long, steeply rising, relentless surge that never wants to stop. Unlike some supercharger systems, both versions of this ESS kit never felt as though they ran out of
air when approaching redline. It wouldn't be surprising to see them pull right through redline without fuss. As both cars were equipped with DCT transmissions, they also benefit from ESS' software massaging. The result is quicker, more positive engagement through the gears.
Aston Martin’s iQ to cost £31k
Aston Martin’s iQ to cost £31k
The Cygnet White gets, obviously, a white paintjob with silver mesh, chrome brightwork, white diamond-turned alloys, together with hand-trimmed pearl white leather seats, satin chrome and the iconic Aston ‘wings' in matching white.
The Cygnet Black gets ‘Magic Black' paintwork with deep sea green effect, matt black louvers, chrome brightwork, full grain black leather interior with a diamond pattern, dark chrome accents and black wing badges.
For your rather significant outlay, you also get a bespoke Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set especially fitted for the Cygnet.
So they've handily trimmed the interior to make it not-a-Toyota, but those hoping for something more V8-shaped under the bonnet will be disappointed. The Cygnet gets the 97bhp 1.33 VVTI petrol engine, capable of 0-62mph in 11.6 seconds (with MultriDrive) and a heady top speed of 106mph.
Still, the Cygnet does have two very important existential reasons. One, it emits just 116g/km of CO2 with the six-speed manual box, meaning if they shift enough of them - now available to the great unwashed and not just to Aston owners - the company's fleet emissions will be significantly reduced.
Aston Martin One-77 hits the 'Ring
Four-wheel-drive Ferrari 'Four' shooting brake revealed
Four-wheel-drive Ferrari 'Four' shooting brake revealed
The front is basically nicked from the current 458 Italia, but the aluminium spaceframe is entirely new and allows for a pretty useful 450 litres of bootspace, extendable to 800 litres with - wait for it - flip-down rear seats. In a Ferrari.
But the big news remains the all-wheel drive. Ferrari's ‘4RM' system is 50 per cent lighter than a conventional setup, mated to a beefed-up seven-speed dual-shift transmission already used in the California and 458 Italia.
And, interestingly, that seven-speed DCT ‘box has to contend with the might of a re-worked version of Ferrari's rather glorious 6.0-litre V12. Now a 6.2, this reworked Vee sits just behind the front axle and produces 660bhp and 504lb ft of torque. You might be interested to know that in the Four, this 6.2-litre returns 18mpg and emits 360g/km of CO2.
But you'll definitely be more interested in learning that the Four can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and top 208mph; fast enough to destroy any lingering doubt you still have over that controversial shape.
We've got more details in next month's Top Gear magazine - on sale 27 January - but until then, we open up the floor to you. What do you make of Maranello's latest?
Audi reveals hottest S-line A1
The new S-line A1 gets the supercharged and turbocharged engine from the Polo GTI generating 182bhp and 184lb ft of torque. Audi claims it will do the 0-62mph sprint in 6.9 seconds, just 0.1 seconds quicker than the 185bhp Mini Cooper S.
It's quite an engine too. The supercharger kicks in at 1,500rpm and retires at 2,400rpm, after which a turbocharger takes over duties from 3,500rpm. Audi says because the supercharger handles the low-range, it has been able to slot in a bigger turbo, for efficiency and economy, you understand, not powerrr.
Audi reveals hottest S-line A1
The A1 gets the S tronic seven-speed twin clutch auto box as standard, together with ESP and an electronic limited slip diff; this brakes the inside front wheel briefly when sensors detect a loss of traction, or, in layman's terms, immediately after saying ‘watch this', and immediately preceding a potentially expensive ding.
It comes with sports suspension, naturally, exterior S-line bits, 17-inch alloys and part-leather seats.
Yours for just £20,075. Which would you rather have, this or a Cooper S?
Subaru WRX STi saloon driven
Subaru WRX STi saloon driven
Despite appearances, this is not a Subaru Impreza, since the Impreza name has been ignominiously dropped in the UK. The performance car previously known as Impreza is now only called the Subaru WRX STi, and available as a saloon as well as a hatch, making this the first time you can buy both a five-door hatchback and four-door saloon STi in the UK.
The stats look good. A burbling, Euro-5-compliant 2.5-litre turbo with 300bhp and 300lb ft, 0-62mph in 5.2, a generous top end - even given the aerodynamics of the TopGear offices - of 158mph. All for £32,995. The body-shell is now stiffer, allowing for greater suspension travel and yet a lower ride height.
The wheels are 2kg lighter per corner, reducing unsprung weight, and the suspension itself is essentially the well-regarded Spec C set-up. The bumpers are new and a bit meaner, and the rear panels are massaged, meaning that WhatWasTheImpreza looks pretty good.
Though it does lose something by not having the optional rear wing fitted to our test car. The all-wheel-drive system is calibrated for a 41/59- front/rear default bias, but you can play with the balance via the four modes of the DCCD (Driver's Control Centre Differential), and decide when the electronic fairies move in by adjusting the WRX's VDC stability programme. Oh, and there's another button to control the SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) to get the best out of the engine mapping.
Sounds like a comprehensive suite of go-faster bits. And down one of the UK's dirty, greasy, bumpy little excuses for a back road, it is a very easy car to drive quickly. Brake hard and late, turn in, get on the gas earlier than usual, and as long as you have the throttle telling the transmission to set to, the worst thing to happen is a bit of understeer. The gearbox is the usual Subaru, chunky-feeling, six-speed manual; the brakes are strong; and the suspension more balanced front-to-back than any Subaru I can remember.
There's just one problem: it doesn't feel fast. It certainly doesn't feel like 300bhp. There's a satisfaction in getting it right, but it doesn't come easily. In fact, like a lot of modern four-wheel drives, the Subaru becomes more about productivity than sheer fun.
With a drivetrain like this, you either need it to be slippery so that you can engage in teasing the best from the 4x4, or you need a gobful more power, so that you can engage in staying pointing in the right direction and teasing the best from the 4x4. Without either, this particular Scoob is just a little... effective. It's good value, and with the optional rear wing, the saloon looks tastefully brutal. But the x-factor is missing.
Tom Ford
We like: Saloon flatters average drivers
We don’t like: Needs extremity to really shine
TopGear verdict: Fast, grippy, effective and... just a little bit boring. The WRX STi saloon is back!
Performance: 0–62mph in 5.2secs, max 158mph, 26.9mpg
Tech 2457cc, 4cyl, 4WD, 300bhp, 300lb ft, 1505kg, 243g/km CO2
Tick this on the options list: SuperMassive rear wing, £n/a
And avoid this: Not having the rear wing
Engine tuning
Firstly owners look to increase the power of their engine. Breathing mods ie intake and exhaust are usually the first to be considered. Next up we move on to internal engine modifications ranging from reboring and engine, engine swaps and rebuilding the engine.
The head of the engine is easier to work on with many owners changing their cams for fast road camshafts and porting and polishing the head for better gas flow. It is worth looking into getting uprated valves and springs while you have the head off if you are serious about your engine tuning.
With forced induction engines (turbos and superchargers) you have a lot more options open to you and these give very good power gains for a minimal outlay. With a remap you can increase power by as much as 50%. A performance intercooler will greatly benefit most engines as the OEM intercoolers are either ineficient or non existant
Welcome to Car Tuning Tips
Welcome to Car Tuning Tips
Car Tuning Tips represents the cutting edge of car tuning techniques. We cover the latest methods and tips to get the most performance from your engine. Get an overview of the best methods and learn what each part does and if it is worth fitting.
If you are after parts or details about a specific model of car can we recommend that you also visit TorqueCars our main sponsor and one of the largest online tuning sites around.
We quickly yearn for more power in our cars. As we start to investigate the options we quickly learn that cars are far from fully tuned. The aim of most manufacturers is to achieve an average power figure as defined in their sales brochure, optimum fuel economy to fit into the tax bands and finally to produce a car that is reliable.
There is much that can be done to improve a car but we need to accept the car tuning mantra “there is always a hidden cost”. It is also true that your power gain is proportional to your base power so you need to work from the most powerful engine you can afford for the best return on your tuning investment.
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Generally speaking we will be pushing the engine harder so it will require more frequent servicing intervals to maintain reliability. With the extra power released you will almost certainly (unless the engine is very inefficient) lose some fuel economy. You will also induce stress on weaker components and these will need to be uprated to cope with the extra power.
A Few Tips to Lower Your Insurance Cost
A Few Tips to Lower Your Insurance Cost
There are lots of ways to obtain very cheap auto insurance while still getting great coverage. Here are a few you might not know about:
Switch companies. Insurers want your business and will often offer discounted rates to steal you away from a competitor. When seeking rate quotes, be sure to mention the insurance company you are currently with. Stoking the competitive juices among insurers can work in your favor.
New cars can be cheaper to insure. Some insurers offer new car discounts which can often save you a lot of money. Of course, it depends on what kind of car you buy. A flashy sports car with a huge engine will cost a lot more than a Honda Civic. A car that gets stolen a lot will require higher rates. You may want to check the Highway Loss Data Institute’s theft loss list before buying your next car. Even similar car models can have substantially different rates. Also be sure to get anti-theft devices installed on your car as this help you get very cheap auto insurance.
Bundle your policies. The more business you give an insurer, the better rates you are likely to get. Having your homeowners insurance with the same company that provides your auto insurance can get you a great quote.
Different rates for different areas. Often city dwellers will pay more for car insurance than folks who live in rural areas due to the traffic congestion and higher likelihood of accidents in dense urban areas. Some insurance companies focus on urban areas and will offer better rates, so it really pays to compare quotes from multiple insurers if you live in a city.
Check your insurance company. No matter how good a rate you may be getting, very cheap auto insurance is not worth it unless the company is stable and will be there in the event of an accident. You can check on the financial strength of an insurer by going to rating companies like Standard & Poors or Fitch Ratings. These rating companies look at al aspects of an insurer’s financial condition and provide a grade for all major insurers. A quick check on the financial stability of your insurance company can save you a lot of heartache down the line.
Boost your credit score. To the extent possible, you should do everything in your power to get your credit score as high as possible before shopping around for a new policy. Carriers have found that drivers with poor credit record have a tendency to file more claims, costing the insurer more money. Carriers tend to reward drivers with good credit scores with lower rates, so be sure to review your credit report and clear up any problems before you start your rate compariso
Bank of America Car Loan Rates
Bank of America Car Loan Rates
Bank of America is advertising some of the best car loan rates available these days. The new car loan rate is the lowest auto loan rate available at Bank of America, the current new car loan rate is currently at 4.10 percent for car loans up to 60 months and 4.34 percent for auto loans for 61 months to 72 months.
Getting a new Car? Now is the time to look into how much auto insurance will cost for your new vehicle. Find auto insurance companies offering coverage in your zip code here: Auto Insurance Rates
Bank of America’s used car loan rate for cars purchased at a franchise dealer is currently being advertised at 4.55 percent for car loans up to 60 months and the auto loan rate is 4.74 percent for loans between 61 months and 72 months.
Used car loans for purchasing an auto from a private party is a lot higher than purchasing from a franchised dealer. The current rate of loans up to 60 months is 6.85 percent and 7.65 percent for auto loans between 61 months and 72 months.
Rates for doing an auto refinance are at 4.74 percent for auto loans up to 60 months and 5.54 percent for car loans between 61 months and 72 months. Leased buyout loans, buying your leased auto and financing the purchase, are at 9.24 percent for car loans up to 60 months and 9.69 percent for car loans between 61 months and 72 months.
Porsche Boxster Spyder (2011)
Porsche Boxster Spyder (2011)
Editor's note: Full details of the 2011 Porsche Boxster are not available, but information on the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder follows. Sold as a limited edition in a previous generation, the Boxster Spyder is now a new trim level for sale as a 2011 model. In most cars, the term spyder means convertible, but in the Boxster —
which is always a convertible — it represents the model's lightest, most capable version. Features like a manual-folding soft-top, sport seats, aluminum sheet metal on the doors and lighter inside panels shave 176 pounds from the already lightweight Boxster. An additional 10 horsepower over the Boxster S also helps cut the zero-to-60-mph time to 4.6 seconds from 4.9 seconds. A new suspension lowers the car by nearly an inch. A limited-slip differential and distinctive wheels are standard.
Editor's note: Full details of the 2011 Porsche Boxster are not available, but information on the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder follows. Sold as a limited edition in a previous generation, the Boxster Spyder is now a new trim level for sale as a 2011 model. In most cars, the term spyder means convertible, but in the Boxster —
which is always a convertible — it represents the model's lightest, most capable version. Features like a manual-folding soft-top, sport seats, aluminum sheet metal on the doors and lighter inside panels shave 176 pounds from the already lightweight Boxster. An additional 10 horsepower over the Boxster S also helps cut the zero-to-60-mph time to 4.6 seconds from 4.9 seconds. A new suspension lowers the car by nearly an inch. A limited-slip differential and distinctive wheels are standard.
Young Car Insurance Rates For Under 21 New Drivers
Young Car Insurance Rates For Under 21 New Drivers
There are very few UK car insurance companies around that are willing to provide cheap young car insurance cover to new drivers even though many people have gotten their driving license (or driver's license as known in US) by the age of 21 years old.
Firstly, it is difficult to provide an accurate measure of the driving risk for new young drivers because they have no prior records of their driving habits. The insurers will prefer to err on the safe side by charging very expensive young car insurance rates to prevent losses. This has become the norm and you are unable to fight the trend even if it sounds unfair.
Higher cost premiums are expected from car insurance under 21 years of age because drivers from this age group has been proven statistically to be at high risks of getting involved in road accidents. This policy loading is independent of other factors such as the crime rate and accident rate in the working and residential area of these new car owners and can make under 21 young car insurance rather expensive
Georgia Auto Loan Rates
Shopping for a new car in Georgia can be a lot of fun! Kicking tires, breathing in the new car scent and taking the model you fancy on a test drive are all part of the process.
Additionally, locating a current auto loan rate that comfortably works into your budget is another necessary step that should be taking before stepping onto a dealers’ lot.
Rental Car Rates Soar
dug through Abrams Consulting Group data on car rental prices, and it seems the cost of part-time wheels has gone up considerably in the last year. By how much?
In May, the average rate for a weekly airport rental of a compact car booked seven days in advance was $345.99, up a whopping 73 percent compared with $199.65 for the same month last year . . . In mid-June, weekly airport rental rates for a compact car averaged $347.44, compared with $210.38 a year ago.
Abrams Consulting blames falling demand, which has rental agencies cutting fleet sizes and jacking up prices. One example from the NYT piece is from Portland, Oregon, where personal experience proves that renting a car can be hilariously difficult. A recent attempt at renting a car mid-week here in Stumptown had me calling every rental agency in town before finally finding an available ride at the last agency on the list. One factor that the NYT piece doesn’t consider: falling residuals for the kind of fleet-queen Detroit iron that rental agencies used to cram onto lots. With resale bringing in less than it used to, it’s no wonder rental firms are trying to cut fleet size and bring up prices.
High-Theft Target Dodge Charger Compared with Ford Focus
The Dodge Charger is a full-sized muscle car, a large 4-door sedan backed by a high-performance engine with serious horsepower. A recent Cars Direct review describes the Charger as having all the pavement-ripping, gut-thumping power of the old muscle cars, but packaged with modern creature comforts and tempered by handling competency.
Noted for fast acceleration and a top speed of up to 150 miles (241 kilometers) per hour, the Dodge Charger placed 7th among America’s top 10 most-stolen vehicles in 2008. This finding is based on a theft-claim study from the Highway Loss Data Institute, an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That study focused on vehicle models from 2005 to 2007.
A compact car, the Ford Focus was the 5th least-stolen vehicle in the U.S. last year. In the following analysis, average car prices and insurance rates for the Dodge Charger are compared against the cost for the much smaller Ford Focus.
Noted for fast acceleration and a top speed of up to 150 miles (241 kilometers) per hour, the Dodge Charger placed 7th among America’s top 10 most-stolen vehicles in 2008. This finding is based on a theft-claim study from the Highway Loss Data Institute, an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That study focused on vehicle models from 2005 to 2007.
A compact car, the Ford Focus was the 5th least-stolen vehicle in the U.S. last year. In the following analysis, average car prices and insurance rates for the Dodge Charger are compared against the cost for the much smaller Ford Focus.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Ford Parts
Henry Ford is the founder of the Ford Motor Company. Ford brand is well known for its quality and performance. It is very famous for its SUVs and trucks. The first model released by Ford Motor company is the Model A. In the period of 1908-1927, T-series was very popular in the market. In 1925, Ford Motor Company purchased Lincoln Motor Company in order to expand its market to the luxury-car segment. The company also paid attention on the mid-sized cars. During 90s Ford retrieved its market with its mid size SUV and Explorer. In 1999 and 2000 the company also purchase Volvo's car division and Land Rover to expand its market. Dur to the increase in cost and competition, Ford sold Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover and retained only Volvo and Mazda.
If you own a Ford and you are need of replacement parts, you are in the right place. At Buy Auto Parts you can find variety of replacement parts for different models like Ford Aerostar, Ford Aspire, Ford Contour, Ford Escort, Ford EXP, Ford Fiesta, Ford Maverick, Ford Pinto, Ford Ranger, Ford Focus, Ford Flex, Ford Fusion, Ford Country Squire etc. At Buy Auto Parts you can get the best quality replacement parts at very much affordable prices. All our car parts are tested for quality to meet the industry standards. We provide you only with the OEM replacement and aftermarket parts at discount prices. Our warehouses are located in many places of the country. So, you can purchase the Ford parts by visiting any of our warehouse. Our Ford performance parts include AC Accumulator/Drier, AC Clutch, AC Compressor, AC Compressor Bracket, AC Condenser, Brake Pad Set, Control Valve, Drive Axle, Fuel Injector, Fuel Injector Pump, Glow Plug, Inner Tie Rod End, Manual Steering Gear Box, Pitman Arm, Power Steering Gear Box, Steering Shaft, Supercharger, Turbocharger, Wheel Hub Assembly etc. You can also purchase the car parts from being at your home through online shopping. On selecting the year, make and model of your car, you will be able to view the car parts from our online catalog.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid
Expect the all-new 2010 Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrids to generate some serious excitement when they go on sale .These highly advanced hybrids boast city mileage figures of 38 mpg or better. Thanks to a highly compact design, the hybrid system has a minimal impact on passenger and luggage space. The instrument panel features SmartGauge, consisting of high-resolution LCD screens that deliver information to the driver to help encourage fuel efficient driving.Peugeot 908 RC
The stunning Peugeot 908 RC is a luxury four-door limousine concept, and derives its name from its engine: the Peugeot V12 HDi DPFS, which powers the racing version of the Peugeot 908. The engine offers an amazing level of performance for a diesel engine, with 700 bhp and torque in excess of 885 lb-ft. A compact 6-speed electronically controlled sequential gearbox has been specially adapted to withstand the tremendous torque, and is located under the engine.
Chevrolet Volt Concept
The Chevrolet Volt Concept is a highly advanced, plug-in electric hybrid. However, the 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged motor never powers the wheels directly. Instead, the Volt uses the combustion engine, which runs at a constant speed to maximize efficiency, to generate electricity to power the electric motor and charge the lithium-ion battery. The end result is the ability to travel 60 miles on just 0.4 gallons of gas, averaging an astonishing 150 mpg.
The Latest Rolls-Royce, 101EX
The latest experimental creation from Rolls-Royce, 101EX has been designed and built to investigate the stylistic and engineering requirements of a more dynamic Rolls-Royce. To this end the EX team has created a thrilling 21st century interpretation of the classic Grand Touring coupe.Once again its aluminium spaceframe is a modified version of that used in the Phantom, along with the familiar 6.75 litre, V12, 48 valve direct injection petrol engine. Shorter, and with a lowered roofline, the 101EX is a sleek, lithe, muscular machine, with tighter, more overtly sporting lines to emphasise it's high performance capability, while under the bonnet a black engine bay and specially finished black cam covers set a suitably distinctive tone.
In contrast to production Rolls-Royce cars, which rely on predominantly alloy body panels, the 101EX's sleek lines are formed from special carbon-fibre composites. Once again, a pair of rear-hinged doors are used, and the waistline of the car is high, to emphasise the cocoon-like nature of the interior. Providing, intimate, opulent space for four, the 101EX features an extraordinary 'Starlight headliner', which employs fibre-optics to create the illusion of a star-filled night sky. The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy has also been the focus of attention. In place of the traditional nickel-plated steel mascot, the EX team fashioned it from a polycarbonate material. With a frosted finish and illuminated via fibre-optics, the 101EX's Spirit of Ecstasy is a fittingly spectacular figurehead for a truly extraordinary car. In the finest tradition of Rolls-Royce's experimental cars, the 101EX is the latest tantalising taste of what might be.
World's Most Beautiful Cars
Mulsanne is inspired by the company founder W.O. Bentley's crowning achievement, the 8-liter auto first shown at the 1930 London Motor Show. A 6 3/4-liter, V8 engine gets 505bhp; inside, exotic woods, leather hides and solid stainless-steel brightware are hand-crafted for maximum luxury
Aston Martin RapideThe front mid-mounted 6-liter V12 engine produces 470 bhp, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. The engine is hand-built in Köln, Germany, and features a six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission.
Alfa Romeo 8C Spider
The 4.7-liter, V8 engine gets 444 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Each angle on the front and sides of the car was calibrated to ensure the most efficient airflow around the car, Alfa says, and it shows: It'll do 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and 0 to 100 mph in 9.7 seconds.
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