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S40: Changed for the Better

carlover — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 05:45:52 +0200

The Volvo S40 is a compact executive cars produced by Volvo. It debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2003.

The S40 was refreshed for 2008. This new release continues to enhance Volvo's reputation as a maker of superb sports sedans. It is a 4-door, 5-passenger sports sedan, available in 3 trims, ranging from the 2.4i to the T5 AWD. It features a revised interior and exterior, plus some high-tech features.

“The 2.4i is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I5, 168-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 5-speed automatic transmission is optional. The T5 AWD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I5, 227-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard.”

Exterior changes for the new S40 is only to make a better version of an already good-looking car. Reviewers state that the new exterior design is one of main reasons for the car to have high points on reviews.

It features a new black egg-crate grille with its larger Volvo iron mark. It also got a new headlamp, even the fog lamps now have a new design, identical for both car models. The brake lights are now of LED type. It also has front and rear spoilers and side sills, a modest rear wing, and more.

The 2008 Volvo S40 has undergone a number of changes and it’s good to know that they’re for the better.

Chevrolet S10

carlover — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:07:37 +0200

Being a truck fanatic who loves to go fast and happens to own a Chevy S-10, adding a supercharger to my stock 4.3L was a no-brainer when it all came together.
Superchargers are great and can add gobs of power to an otherwise factory-equipped minitruck. But here’s the problem: one supercharger, plus no computer tune, equals little-to-no horsepower gained. This was the case with our Chevy S-10 as we ran the truck on the dyno when we installed the AEM Brute Force Intake, where the truck laid down a very respectable 171 hp to the wheels.

Source:autospies

Uplander: Minivan or SUV?

carlover — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:31:21 +0200

The Chevrolet Uplander is a minivan introduced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. It is a replacement for the ‘Venture’ and the ‘Astro’. It is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger mini van, available in 3 trims, ranging from the LS Regular Wheelbase 1LS to the LT Extended Wheelbase 1LT. It has functionality and convenience of a van and the styling of an SUV.

“It is powered by a sophisticated 3.9L V-6 that uses variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. The 3.9L engine delivers 240 horsepower (179 kW), 240 lb.-ft. (325 Nm) of torque* and a FlexFuel version that's capable of running on E85 ethanol is available.” A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. Steering and braking have been greatly improved over GM's last generation of minivans, on which the Uplander is based. This car can win over all those who prefer a smooth ride and handling.

I guess, this models’ designer can't make up its mind whether it must look like a minivan or an SUV. It features a prominent band of chrome that runs through the grille. Headlamps are mounted high and wrap over the hood. Available also is an optional, 17-inch alloy wheels that looks exceptionally good. With this exterior features, reviewers conclude that "the overall look is quite appealing.

Most critics are satisfied with the Uplander's interior cabin. It is one of the nicest you'll find in any minivan. There are three rows of seats in the Uplander, which is capable of accommodating 7 passengers.

Its standard and optional interior features include a fold-down DVD player, AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player, dual power mirrors, OnStar and overhead console storage. Another unique and thoughtful feature is the Sit-N-Lift second-row mobility seat that rotates and extends outward to make it easier for those with mobility difficulties. It has a cargo capacity of 17.7 and 26.9 cubic feet with all seats up, but it is proven that the rear seats can be removed without too much difficulty.

Safety features include dual-stage frontal air bags with GM's Passenger Sensing System and available side-impact air bags for the first- and second-row outboard seating positions. Also, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is now standard on all models. According to usnews.rankingsandreviews.com, in government crash tests, the Uplander received five out of five stars for driver and front passenger protection in front impact crashes.

“The suggested price for this car ranges from US$21,250–33,795, depending on options.”

The Improved Hummer

carlover — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:57:22 +0200

The 2008 H3 SUV is a 4-door, 5 passenger luxury sport-utility, available in 5 trims, ranging from the Base to the Alpha. It bears a military-inspired design and an amazing off-road capability. It still lives up to its off-road reputation with a powerful engine and rugged suspension.

“The base H3 and H3X are powered by a 242-hp, 3.5-liter, in line five-cylinder engine bolted to a 5-speed manual transmission. The H3 Alpha brings V-8 power for increased towing and stronger acceleration offering 317 pounds/feet of torque and 6,000 pounds of towing capacity (3,000 for the base model.).”

The 2008 Hummer H3 receives a new front bumper design, new distinctive HUMMER front grille insert, new protective front skid plate and a new finish on the standard 7.5 x 16-inch alloy wheels.

Compared to the H2, the H3 is 16.9 inches (429 mm) shorter in length, six inches (152 mm) shorter in height and 6.5 inches (165 mm) narrower.

It also has its strict and active safety features. 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Dynamic Rear Proportioning balanced brake pressure between front and rear. Dual front airbags and head curtain side airbags.

As always, I can say that Hummers doesn’t excel in its handling dynamics. Though I understand that it isn't supposed to be a sports car, but other trucks handle better. But I was totally impressed with the H3's suspension and off road power.

The hummer H3’s iconic design continues to make it one of the most easily recognizable vehicles on the road.

Facelift for the Old Magnum

carlover — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 08:53:55 +0200

For the 2008 model year, the Magnum received a facelift. It received extensive exterior and interior restyling. The 2008 Magnum is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in 6 trims, ranging from the Base to the SRT8. It is a full-size American station wagon with spacious cargo capacity.

“The Base is equipped with a standard 2.7 liter, V6, 190-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The SRT8 is equipped with a standard 6.1-liter, V8, 425-horsepower engine that achieves 13-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.”

A redesigned hood, front fascia and new grille highlight the extensive changes on the new 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8. The grille has been lowered and stretched horizontally to remove its truck resemblance. The headlamp units are a nice integrated wedge shape. It is available in exterior colors such as Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat and TorRed.

On the inside, it maintains its race-inspired environment. It also continues to feature power-adjustable, bolstered sport seats. It has an improved grip-enhancing carbon-fiber leather-trim steering wheel. Its sport seats are very much effective in keeping backsides in place during aggressive cornering,

Benchmark braking is the main asset of SRT performance and design.

I can't wait to get my hands on this thing. They did a good upgrade although I think that the original grill was more aggressive than the update.

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse

carlover — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:55:41 +0200

For more than a decade and a half, the Mitsubishi Eclipse has been one of America's more popular sport coupes. Now, it has got a new facelift for the 2009 model year, and it debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. It is a 2-door, 4-passenger family coupe, or sports coupe, available in 4 trims, ranging from the GS to the SE-V6. The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sporty two door, four-seat coupe with good looks and a roomy interior.

“The GS is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 162-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The SE-V6 is equipped with a standard 3.8-liter, V6, 263-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.”

Its exterior features auto-off halogen head lamps and daytime running lamps, black grille opening with honeycomb mesh, integrated rear spoiler and many more.

Its interior features 140-watt Mitsubishi AM/FM/CD/MP3 with 6 speakers. A 650 watt mp3 player with 6-disc in-dash CD changer 9 speakers and 10" subwoofer.

Its safety features include antilock brakes; advanced front airbags; platform is reinforced in key locations using high-strength steel; every Mitsubishi is equipped with a three-point seatbelt and head restraints.

Though the Eclipse doesn't have the sharpest reflexes or handling, it offers a great mix of style.

Auto Repair Article

carlover — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 03:59:08 +0200

Cars, trucks, and SUV vehicles are among the most common means of transportation. A person may easily learn how to operate or drive these machines. But when it comes to repair of damaged machine parts, not all who knows how to drive also do know how to repair.

Auto repairs are expensive as we all know. That's why basic knowledge for auto repair is essential to help reduce auto repair bills.

The best starting point for car repair is making the proper procedure for troubleshooting car problems. You need to know what the problem feels like, looks like, smells like or sounds like.

Here are some basic problems that every car owner/driver must know. Brake repairs, cooling system, fuel pump and fuel injection repairs, noises and squeaks, engine knock, tune up and auto maintenance, wiper blade replacement, electrical system, oxygen sensors, spark plugs replacement, tips in fuel efficiency and steering system repairs. If you know any or most of these repairs, you are saving yourself from great expense.

As we all know that the auto mechanic is a business to make money, so he may certainly point out things that could be done, but may not need to be done to make your charges even higher. If you know these repair procedures, you won’t be doing any unneeded work for the vehicle.

Some drivers may have few ideas about car troubleshooting. But most of them are not so accurate. So let’s not ruin the car by guessing at what parts need to be replaced or repaired. So everyone must take some extra time to save extra money as well as learn a valuable lesson about troubleshooting car problems.

2008 BMW 5 Series

carlover — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 05:16:17 +0200

The 2008 5 Series is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, luxury sports sedan, or luxury wagon, available in 6 trims, ranging from the 528i Sedan to the 550i Sedan. The BMW 5 series has been one of BMW's "experimental" cars, in which they can explore newer ideas. They have inserted new technologies and new ideas into this model. The 2008 BMW 5-Series ranks 2 out of 11 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 52 published reviews and test drives of the BMW 5-Series.

“This models is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 230-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 550i Sedan is equipped with a standard 4.8-liter, V8, 360-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.”

The BMW 5-Series ranks highly due to its offering of a number of strong powertrain options. According to New Car Test Drive, "Most of the styling touch-up lies in subtle details, but in our view they add character to this luxury sedan." In safety matters, the 2008 BMW 5-Series does well in federal government crash tests, although it earns low marks in side crash tests conducted by the insurance industry.

Oh, it's great to know that most of the changes for this model are under the hood. Its mainly because I like the original looks of this car.

Rinspeed Squba

carlover — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 04:08:57 +0200

The squba, is the world's first car that can be driven both on land and under water. It was developed by Swiss company Rinspeed. Like the Tesla Roadster, the all-electric sQuba is based on the Lotus Elise and was inspired by the 1977 James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me. In movies, It is designed as amphibious transport for secret agents, but now it is for real.

According to Frank M. Rinderknecht(Rinspeed boss). "The 'sQuba' is a zero-emission car as documented by the rotating license plate in the rear. It produces no exhaust emissions. The Swiss are among the world's pioneers in the area of hydropower. The 'sQuba's' filling station is the water reservoir." It is no surprise that the vehicle features powerful yet energy-saving LED lighting technology. It drives on land powered by an electric rear-wheel drive powertrain, using rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. In water, it floats on the surface until the operator floods the interior to submerge it.

This is cool! The cars appearance does resemble a beautiful fish too. Although, electricity and water when combined may sound like a bad idea and is dangerous, as long as the pressure in the compartment for the batteries and electric motors exceeds the water pressure, they're not going to get wet. I just hope they did enough research with this before planning into production.

Overall, it’s good to know that anything people dreams of can be made into reality, only, little by little. But this is a very good sign of human progress.

Toyota A-Bat

carlover — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:25:01 +0200

The Toyota A-BAT is a concept truck manufactured by Toyota which was revealed last December 27, 2007 and has officially debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was developed by the TMS Advanced Product Strategy group and Calty, Toyota's North American-based, research and design center located in Newport Beach, California.

This truck concept rides on a unibody platform for car-like handling. Its unique aerodynamic exterior was crafted by Calty Project Chief Designer Ian Cartabiano and Creative Designer Matt Sperling.

It has a 19-inch wheels which creates a tough stance. It has a bold grille that showcases Toyota's reverse trapezoid and T-face theme in a new way," explained Cartabiano. I can say that although the A-BAT is rugged and has a spirited exterior. The A-BAT features a four-foot bed, but has more functional flexibility than other pickup trucks in the segment.

It has other cool features such as; rear seatback can fold down, allowing the cargo bed to expand; also a pull-out storage bins in the side walls and a first-aid kit in the tailgate; it also has a solar panel that charges a portable battery pack. It is a good thing that Toyota has a good idea of recharging battery packs while parked for a long period.

All is well with this vehicle. I am glad that Toyota actually attempted to design something that wasn't boring? They certainly get a point for that. This would be absolutely the thing for a weekend. It is very versatile and unique. I am so amazed with this. I want one now.

Honda CR-Z

carlover — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:54:50 +0200

The Honda CR-Z is a gasoline-electric hybrid automobile developed and produced by Honda. It stands for 'Compact Renaissance Zero.' It was first introduced as a concept car by Honda CEO Takeo Fukui on October 23, 2007 at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. It was also announced that a variation of the car will make production by 2009. This compact could be a good way for the return of the CR-X. According to Automotive News Europe, Honda plans to roll out the production of CR-Z in 2009 or 2010

This car is powered by a gasoline-hybrid engine. It achieves clean performance and a high level of torque with this engine. It also takes care of the environment at the same time.

It has been named by the company as “the lightweight sports car". The perfect word for this concepts interior is 'Hi-tech and Sporty'. In the cockpit, the meter unit conveys the image of advanced technology in a piece of glass artwork. The exterior has an over-sized grille with a high-performance look. It also features tube-shaped rear combination lamps for better visibility. It has door mirrors that provide high visibility in a stylish form. It also has a LED headlight.

Oh man! Their actually made the concept very sweet! I’ve been waiting for this. I guess that if they share the same drive train with the Civic HatchBack. it will be one mean machine. I would like to see a number of this go into production. And I also want them to bring back the CRX, they are great.

Seat Bocanegra

carlover — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:32:47 +0200

SEAT Bocanegra is a super mini concept car, built by the Spanish automaker ‘SEAT’. It was presented during the first press day at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The Bocanegra will replace Seat Ibiza in its car production lineup. It is expected to be in full production version to be released this May in Madrid. Bocanegra literally means ' the black mouth'.

It has a powerful and economical 1.4 twin-turbo engine with TSI technology, which is accompanied by a seven-speed DSG gearbox. Coupling this highly efficient 1.4 TSI twin-turbo power unit to the speed and sportiness of the DSG transmission promises a very enjoyable drive and a very modest CO2 emission. With this, drivers are able to enjoy sporty motoring at its very finest.

The Bocanegra is known for its tight fit exterior with a low roofline and still-compact four-metre length. It is installed with attractively designed seats which are upholstered in quilted black leather. SEAT says that the front bumper design of this concept will be the face of its upcoming generation of models. Located in the center of the instrument cluster is a high-tech central screen that functions as a phone display. It also features a panoramic glass roof and a concept style 19 inch rims.

I think that this car is absolutely gorgeous, its definitely going to be included in my top choices as the best looking car. Finally SEAT made a real classy car, I hope that bocanegra will be the breakthrough for the said company.

Maybach Landaulet

carlover — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:27:02 +0200

Maybach Landaulet is a concept car which was publicly unveiled at the Middle East International Auto Show around the end of November 2007. The new model is based on the current Maybach 62S. It revives the classic landaulet car body style, which was popular in the 1920s and 30s.

It is powered by the 62S's 612 horsepower (456 kW) biturbo V12. With the use of a twin turbochargers and water intercooling, the V12 develops a maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimeters. The cars engine has an impressive output with a maximum torque of 1000 newton metres between 2000 and 4000 rpm.

The roof of the car opens electro-hydraulically which takes at about 16 seconds. The car has an exclusive finish named antigua white. But the driver’s area is finished with black leather. The passengers can be able to enjoy the clear, blue sky above through a door that can be fully opened at the rear, while its driver’s compartment remains enclosed. The back compartment now becomes the room for entertainment gadgets, which includes the communications equipment, DVD-player, six CD-changer and a cooler compartment .

That'll be their best selling model if it was realized. Maybach finally came up with something that’s worth a high rate. They have relived the art of building majestic automobiles. Maybach really deserves to be given credit due to this concept.

Maybach Landaulet is said to be a study model, but I was glad after hearing that Maybach will take it into a limited production.

Mazda Ryuga

carlover — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:44:42 +0200

The Mazda Ryuga is a concept car introduced by Mazda at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Flowing lava is said to have inspired both the Ryuga's exterior color and its tail lamp design. Ryuga means "gracious flow" in Japanese. Reflecting its Japanese origin, Ryuga is both simple and complex with its design.

The Mazda Ryuga concept opens in a whole new way. The body features two gull-wing doors. It does feature curving accent lines on its sides and has a wedgelike shape. The headlights look like slices in the exterior surface. The Ryuga accommodates four passengers in typical 2+2 seating.

Mazda says the Ryuga concentrates on refinement and sophistication by combining high quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, and innovative details. Large wheels at the corners of Ryuga’s exterior produces a highly stable, balanced stance.

In my personal opinion, this concept is incredible! The design finesse on this Mazda is perhaps one of the best in the industry. I believe Mazda has some of the most talented designers ever. Great imagination at work in their concepts. With the Ryuga concept, we're getting even closer to seeing the car of the future.

I'll be so excited to see how this concept look translates into a third concept car and perhaps a production model down the line. We can hardly wait to see what kind of flow comes next. Mazda is a brand that has its distinctive design. They are aiming to be widely recognized for boldness and originality.

Kia Kue

carlover — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:33:30 +0200

The Kia Kue was debuted as a concept car during the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was also awarded "Eyes on Design Award" for design excellence at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. This concept is just a design study to highlight the company’s new head of design. Unfortunately, it is not planned for production at this time. What’s worse is that, Kia says that the Kue is purely a design concept, but im hoping that there are some possibilities for it to be realized.

The vehicle has a very unique and striking back panel which is shaped like an egg. It features a monocoque platform that sits on 22-inch tires with a wheelbase of more than 114 inches, packaged in an overall length of 186 inches. It has about the same size as a Nissan Murano, and has a 22-inch wheels. The concept comes in a four-passenger seating arrangement Other exterior features include a glass roof, miniscule side mirrors and three mesh-filled openings in the rear bumper.

The Kia Kue concept is equipped with a 400-horsepower, supercharged 4.6-liter V8 which develops 400 lb-ft of torque. I think Kia's main purpose here is that while the crossover possesses a great SUV characteristics, it focuses more on giving the driver an excellent driving experience.

I can say that Kia’s are far better looking than Dodges, Fords and GMs. The Korean brand is starting to produce some exciting concepts. The question now is, why don’t they make it into a reality.