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

Monday, May 18, 2009

Peugeot - From Coffee to Cars

The Peugeot Family has been in business in some form or another since the seventeen hundreds. From the production of coffee to bicycles in the early part of the twentieth century, automobiles would be the next big thing to come along.
The company produced its first automobile in 1889. The car was steam powered and had three wheels. However, steam proved to be unwieldy and cumbersome for use in any personal passenger vehicles. After meeting with Gottlieb Daimler, Armand Peugeot decided that the gasoline internal combustion engine was much more suited to what he had in mind. Peugeot acquired a license from Daimler to use their engines in Peugeot vehicles. Cars produced by the French company would remain powered by Daimler engines until the first Peugeot engines were developed in 1896.





Just as it had always been, Peugeot continued to produce a variety of products up through the turn of the twentieth century when Armand Peugeot formed his own company to focus exclusively on automobile manufacturing.
Peugeot would become an early influence on car racing in Europe and would remain a power in this arena for years to come. Around the time of World War 1, Armand decided to try his handed at motorcycles. His family had longed produced some of the finest bicycles in Europe. Armand was just as successful at motorcycles as his family had been with bicycles and the Peugeot Auto Company has produced motorcycles every since.
Once Europe became embroiled in World War I, Peugeot, just as most other manufacturers of the time, turned their attention to the war efforts. They eventually became a major manufacturer of arms and military vehicles throughout the remainder of the war. Once the allies were victorious, the focus once again turned to car production.
The French car company entered the United States market in 1958 with the Peugeot 404. Peugeot was never able to find its niche in American society and for the most part consumers simply ignored the brand. After several attempts to pique the curiosity of the American car buyer, Peugeot decided to cut its losses and withdrew from the American market. This did not exclude the company from going after American car manufacturers in Europe, however. In 1978, the company took over Chrysler Europe. Chrysler Corporation was suffering from heavy financial losses both at home and abroad and accepted the offer to take the ailing division off its hands almost immediately. Earlier in 1974, Peugeot had also acquired Citroen and for a brief period had interest in Maserati as well. The acquisition of so much debt so quickly proved nearly to be the undoing of Peugeot in the early eighties. The introduction of the popular Peugeot 205 was credited with the company's recovery from the brink of financial ruin. While the 205 was able to save the company from complete collapse, Peugeot was still experiencing some financial stress.
For the future, Peugeot has announced a goal of selling 4 million units annually. In order to accomplish this, the French car manufacturer has plans of pursuing some of the more exotic markets in the world such as China, Russia and South America. Due to the weakening of the U.S. Dollar, there has been some talk of a return to the American market. At this point, that may well be speculation only.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Review Tesla S - Mass Produced Electric Sedan

Tesla Motors unveiled a prototype of its second vehicle, dubbed the Tesla S. Following on the heels of the recently released Tesla Roadster, the Tesla S takes the automaker in a slightly different direction - seeking to appeal to mainstream buyers, particularly those of less costly sedans with long term higher ownership costs.
Initial Appeal For The Sedan Is Strong
A seven passenger model, the Tesla S will not be going into production until late 2011, which means that when the sedan hits the market it will be cast as a 2012 model. That is still a long way off, but interest in the car is rising steadily. The automaker made a recent announcement that more than one thousand people have plunked down a $5000 refundable deposit on the sedan, signaling that the appeal for this car will eventually prove to be strong.




The Tesla Roadster made its debut in 2008 and is the first pure electric car of its kind. Powered by lithium-ion batteries, the Roadster is famous for going from zero to sixty in just 3.9 seconds while emitting zero emissions. Priced at around $108,000 before a $7500 federal tax credit kicks in, the Tesla Roadster is for the hard core sports car enthusiast, thus it is a low volume vehicle. To date, Tesla has produced just 400 copies of the Roadster although many times that number of people are on the their waiting list.
Going For A Broader Audience
With the Tesla S, Tesla Motors decided to go with a wider audience in a bid to attract customers. Priced at about $57,000, the Tesla S will get the same $7500 federal tax credit Roadster buyers receive, pushing the car's price just below $50,000. Styled like a European luxury sedan, the S will seat five adults and two children, an unusual configuration for a car in this class.
Like the Roadster, the zero emissions S will appeal to environmentally concerned drivers. Powered by a lithium ion battery pack the sedan should have a driving range of about 300 miles. At this time, the automaker says that they are working on a QuickCharge onboard recharging unit, a device that could recharge the sedan's depleted batteries in as little as 45 minutes. This means that for the person taking a long trip, they could stop long enough to enjoy dinner before heading out in their freshly recharged sedan without having to lose out on travel time.
All The Amenities Luxury Drivers Demand
Inside, the design of the Tesla S will astound buyers especially as they take note of a whopping seventeen inch display panel for navigation and offer all of the technological feedback and enhancements that today's luxury car buyers demand. Premium car buyers who are attracted to a BMW or a Mercedes will feel at home in the Tesla S, perhaps finding that the car's power and low ownership costs beyond the base price make it an attractive vehicle for them.

Honda Legend - Quality Luxury Saloon

The Honda Legend has been designed to fit firmly into the pack of luxury cars that currently occupy a sizeable niche in the UK car market. The 3.5 Litre V6 engine, when combined with the slick automatic gearbox, makes for a very responsive and smooth drive. The interior of the Honda Legend is gadget-laden, to the point where any technophobe would probably have an instant panic attack and be found hours later cowering in the rather sizeable boot-space. In tradition with the majority of Honda's fleet (and most cars of far-eastern descent) reliability and build quality are not issues at all.





You will find that the Honda Legend will still be running strong and well long after the average Mercedes' clutch has jammed, the brakes have burnt out and is basically a flaming wreck on the hard shoulder. The one minor factor that will prevent the Honda Legend from becoming a new leader of the luxury saloon market is the badge. Sure Honda have nowhere near the kind of prestige of BMW, Audi, Mercedes Benz or the like, but if you look past the badge you will find a car that is equal (in performance terms) to its rivals. And at considerably less cost, you could buy the Honda Legend and then take a long relaxing cruise around the Mediterranean with the money left over.

Friday, May 8, 2009

List Of Luxury SUV Hybrids

Luxury SUV hybrids are becoming the popular pick among car consumers nowadays. Look at the number of people opting for these cars in contrast to those who are still buying the conventional ones. The growth is staggering.
The Favorite Pick
However, just like conventional cars, there are also different variants of hybrids. Hence, among these different models there would also be the crowd favorite and as statistics reflect, that would be luxury SUV hybrids. So, as a guide, here are the best hybrid SUVs that consumers of all levels love and adore.
Pick Number One: 2008 Lexus RX 400h


According to various polls, sales records and statistics conducted by authorities, the top SUV to hit the chart would be the Lexus RX 400h. This car actually gives its owners a rare mix of sport efficacy performance along with Lexus luxury with an environmental twist. It actually ranks extremely highly among SUVs in the hybrid category and luxury midsize SUVs.
Without considering its sticker price, reviewers actually praise this luxury SUV hybrid model for its driving performance that is notable comparable to the RX 350, which is its sibling. Additionally, this is a lone pick for the fuel-efficient types, especially within the luxury SUV category.
Experts believe that this model is actually the first to offer its users an ecology-minded no-compromise alternative for users that do not want to sacrifice comfort and for the planet's sake. However, if you would consider the price, you would be better off thinking that you'll be saving the environment and not necessarily money.
This car's performance is considered to be very good along with its sleek and stylish exterior. As for interiors, you'll surely find it comfortable and pretty well equipped.
SUV Hybrid Pick Number Two: Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008
This car is the second most favorite and best SUV in the hybrid category. This car ranks close to the top of its class since it offers a smooth ride, roomy interior and most of all a refined hybrid powertrain. Nevertheless, some experts feel that its price is too high in contrast to its non-hybrid counterpart. Additionally, it can't match the offered cargo space and sportier handling of other competitors.
Compared to its predecessor, this model is quite larger. It also sports an innovative electric-only mode so that you can improve fuel economy even more. A lot of reviewers are actually pleased with its changes. However, this luxury SUV hybrid has a price that might make you pause.
If you'll consider performance alone, this model also ranks best among the rest. This is because it offers you a very smooth ride that has a lot of power; this is considered to be a pretty rare combination considering that it's a hybrid vehicle.
However, one set-back of this luxury SUV hybrid is that its exteriors are somewhat mediocre. It lacks a bit of uniqueness and seems to simply blend in and not stand out when compared to other SUVs. Nevertheless, its interiors are much pleasing as it offers a spacious cabin compared to what others have.
Pick Number Three: Ford Escape Hybrid 2008


This SUV is very environmentally conscious yet still sports comfortable interiors and a tough exterior. Sadly it still doesn't match the overall quality or level of driving dynamics that other top-class SUVs could offer.
As for power, even though hybrids are known to have lower power, most reviewers are actually pleased with this SUV's capabilities. In fact, this vehicle's performance even ranks over the upper half of its class.
Nevertheless, handling is still not quite balanced. This drawback is said to be due to its powertrain's added weight, which is more over 250 pounds. This significantly affects the car's handling, which is also worsened by its electric power steering, which is a must for any hybrids.
As for the exterior characteristics, most people have mixed emotions on how they perceive this car. Some describe it as muscular, while other people don't really think so. On the other hand, its interiors have has significant improvements. First off, would be the car's cabin comfort along with quality. As soon as you get in, you'll observe the clean, quiet and modern cabin, which has a lot of interior room to offer. Due to these, this car became really worth it to be one of the best hybrid SUVs in the market.

Honda Civic Type R – An Obsession

Neither of Kelly Brook, nor great literature scholars but of a Honda Civic Type R. The thing I loved about the Honda was that the standard Civic was so boring to look at and drive that you seemingly needed at least 65 years of life experience before being able to own one. Don’t get me wrong, just because it was boring to drive doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good car, it was just very safe and sensible and, well it was for old people. The Type R badge didn’t just add a few thousand pounds to the price tag; it transformed the retirement home company car into a snarling piece of motoring exotica that I aspired to own one day if I studied hard.

I’d struggle to win the argument that it looks much different from the standard model, with 17 inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and twin exit exhaust the only obvious external differences. This however was more than enough for me to start salivating and by the time I read the performance figures I needed oxygen. A 2 litre VTEC engine lurked under the bonnet producing 197bhp, revving to a crazy 8,250rpm and dragging the car from 0-60mph in a mere 6.6 seconds. To put it more succinctly, it was as if Honda had strapped a rocket to a mobility scooter.
Inside you weren’t met with the most luxurious cabin but racing seats, white dials and a brushed aluminium gear knob offered further evidence that speed really was the only priority for this car. The gearbox is mounted on the dashboard which appears odd at first but it falls so easily to hand and changes so slickly, you’ll be converted in minutes. Despite it being front wheel drive, the car handled superbly thanks in no small measure to it’s expensive independent rear suspension (something Honda have skimped on with the latest derivative) and communicative feedback through the steering wheel.
Quite rightly in the little Honda’s lifespan (2001 – 2006) it became the biggest selling fast hatchback, smashing all modest targets Honda HQ in Japan had. Priced at a tad under £16,000 and delivering all you could want in a driving experience, this was hardly a surprise.
The big question then is, three years on from graduating from university do I have a Honda Civic Type R on my driveway? Um, no but my ‘I really want one of those’ radar is still twitching very strongly. The very exciting news however is that prices are now reaching a level where this extraordinary car is accessible to the majority – and very possibly me too. A low mileage four-year-old car is now valued at £8,000 (add £400 for air conditioning).
This being a Honda, there should be very little to worry about with a car of this age, the VTEC engine is one of the most reliable in the world and the car itself is well put together, so don’t expect to find doors hanging off. As with any used car though it’s important to check some key points.
Firstly the car was available in red, black and silver. If the one you’re looking at is white it’s an import from Japan which may have an extra 20bhp but will be difficult to insure, will depreciate quickly and will have your Honda dealer running for the horizon. The turning circle isn’t great on the Type R so check the alloy wheels for signs of a struggle against the kerbs and whilst you’re there, have a look at the side skirts for speed hump damage.
Other than that the Type R is as widely praised now as it was when new and with the new model now on sale this version should become more readily available. As a final plus point (if one was needed) it’s faster and handles better than the new model. Right I can’t wait any longer…I’m off to buy one.

2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid

Most experts consider that the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid would be the most popular among all hybrids. This kind of expectation may be due to several reasons, mostly related to what the car has to offer its consumers. Nevertheless, Saturn still keeps up with consumer expectations as they continue to improve their Vue model.
Their 2009 model has been the talk of the town lately since it was noted that this car makes use of General Motor’s newest motor system, which is the Two-Mode Green System.




It’s All About The Engine
Since hybrids are known well for their engines, then you should expect this car to have a pretty specialized one. It actually has a gas engine that has 3.6-liter V-6 direct-injection, which has been working its way up the automaker's lineup.
For starters, you should know that the conventional Vue would have an engine that has the ability to make 248 lb-ft of torque and 257 horsepower. Its electric power consequently comes from two transmission integrated 55 kilowatt electric motors. It’s really noteworthy that merely the older model can already be considered to be a mean machine.
What is pretty interesting though is that General Motor actually claims that the fuel economy for their newest model, which is the Vue 2 Mode would be 50% way better in contrast to their gas-only V-6. Additionally they claim that their new model would also have a 500 mile range.
Believe it or not, the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid is so powerful that its 0-60 time is actually expected to be about 7.3 seconds. It would also have a maximum towing load fixed at a maximum of 3500 pounds.
The Results Of Good Team Work
What most people don’t know is that this car’s 2-Mode system is actually co-developed with former DaimlerChrysler and BMW. This system actually has the ability for regenerative braking. Another perk would be its engine idle off feature. The system also has various modes like electric-only operation during low speeds, around 30 mph.
The 2-Mode system also has well-organized accessory systems such as the electric power steering. Additionally, this car wouldn’t have any traditional reverse gear. Hence, there’s no more need to worry about doing scary reverse maneuvers, since all your reversing operations would be powered by your car’s electric motors.
Viewing Down Under
The 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid vehicle doesn’t only impress from the outside nor the inside, but even its down under view can impress anyone. In fact, this model has gone chassis improvements and adjustments, so that it could compensate for its massive 189 pounds of additional heft, which includes stabilizer bar rates and revised springs. It also has recalibrated front struts, along with rear shock absorbers.
The Outer Make-Up
Generally, the physical appearance of the 2009 model is somewhat the same with the older version. In reality, not much has changed visually for this model. However, of course, you would find this car to have 2 Mode badges on its front doors. The bandages could also be found at its rear liftgate.
The car also sports rims that are made up of lightweight aluminum alloy. It also has special tires that are actually low-rolling resistance, which are designed to additional aid you with your fuel savings.
Additionally, subtle changes have been. One of these would be the car’s chrome door handles. In fact, it also has dual exhaust tips and rear and front skid plates that are all made up of chrome. The older version’s tachometer was also replaced with a fuel-efficienct gauge, which also informs you whenever your vehicle is currently on engine-only mode, electric-only mode, or the combination of both. Hence, your gauge also serves to be a reminder that your car is actually turned on, even if you know that your engine is turned off.
The arrival of the Vue Green Line 2 Mode, which is scheduled to go into production in late 2008, questions the future of the existing "mild-hybrid" Vue Green Line. It appears GM is going to keep that model around as a lower-cost alternative, but the presence of two similarly named models may confuse some customers. Pricing and other details of the Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be released closer to launch.
For sure, the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid would definitely be a great buy if you’re really on the hunt for something that can save you money and at the same time has a deadly engine!

Review Audi A6 - Fast cars last for ever

Fast cars like Audi A6 last for ever. The new Audi A6 (previously the C6) was unveiled in the year 2005. At that time fast cars like the Audi A6 was a big carhit all over the world. The new Audi A6 was premeditated by Walter de'Silva, the new form is visually a development of the C5, but is longer by 492 cm. It includes the new Audi brand single-frame grille, and has more refined equipment. Its design has been censured, as the grill is approximately closely the same as the Rover 75 V8's, which was released a year before.

Most prominent is the MMI (Multi Media Interface) which is an arrangement calculating in-car entertainment, satellite routing, and climate management, automobile settings like suspension arrangement and optional electronic accessories using a central display interface. This has the benefit of diminishing the amount of buttons usually found on a control panel by substituting them with controls which manage many devices using the incorporated screen.
The engine of the Audi A6 sports a fresh FSI direct injection technology was commenced for the first time outside the race track. Although the line of engines symbolizes the same succession as the previous model, all engines were original.
The Multitronic mechanical transmission persists as a substitute with a new 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox obtainable in the high end models. Quattro stable four wheel drive is existing in most of the array, and typical in the most powerful models. The quattro is not offered on the multitronic alternative of the Audi A6 but can be bought on the physical and Tiptronic gear arrangements.
On the contrary, the Tiptronic scheme is only accessible on the quattro variations of the sedan. The 6-speed manual gearbox is offered with the 3.2L engine but not for the North American market as sales of C5 manuals were sluggish. The Audi A6 comes with other choices of body too. The Avant turned up during the course of the year 2005.
In China, a longer car was brought out in the same year and named the A6 L. The all road (now called A6 all road quattro) model made its first appearance in 2006 and as before is an off-road prepared model of the Avant which is available with either a 2.7 or 3.0 diesel or 3.2 or 4.2 petrol.
The sport model S6 was introduced in the Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales commencing from early 2006. It is power-driven by a Lamborghini-derived 5.2 L V10 FSI delivering 435 PS (320 kW). The S6 attains 60 mph from stationary in 5.1 seconds and the quarter mile is covered in 13.5 seconds.
A powerful RS6 will go on sale early in the year 2008. This will be motorized by a Lamborghini-derived 5.2 LV10 TFSI giving 580 PS (426 kW). The car is well-built and its materials are of high quality. The dashboard is covered with a material which is soft and pliable. Seats are upholstered with leather and the wooden inserts look very elegant and attractive.
Audi A6 sports a comfortable feel and its Bluetooth hands-free cell phone system is excellent. Its backup camera and iPod integration work very well.

Nissan Altima - Easy For The Family Man to Obtain

The economy in the turmoil that it is in and the fact that the government leaders are claiming that we need to bailout the “Big Three” in order to save the nation has led us to believe that without this rescue package we are all doomed. That is why I believe that we should review a few of the newer vehicles like the Nissan Altima to find out if our auto manufacturers are using the money to make good automobiles or just playing with the figures to get more ready cash to throw away. Personally I believe that the auto industry of America is one of the most reliable manufacturers that we as a nation and the world can depend on. The workers take great pride in their work, the industry itself takes pride in their accomplishments, and the reviews that I have read about the newest upcoming vehicles are outstanding. The consumer does not need to worry when it comes to quality and care of making a vehicle. I think that we should all be proud of the standards that not only the government requires of the auto industry but the standards the industry has put into place for them.



The Nissan Altima is one of the many vehicles on the road today that is a four generation vehicle proving its performance. The Nissan Altima on the market for over fifteen years has proven itself to be a great five passenger family sedan with all the performance that appeals to the public. The newest Altima has matured when it comes to its features, finesse and power. This vehicle has proven that family sedans have never been more capable than a Nissan Altima. Competition has never been fiercer than in today’s market. The makers of the Nissan Altima boost of the coupe handling ability. When looking for a vehicle for the family and good transportation you will not go wrong by selecting the Nissan Altima. You get great gasoline mileage with all the improvements you have very little expense if any for maintenance and it is consider one of the safest vehicles on the road.
The newest vehicle starting price is only around $19,000 which makes it easy for the family man to obtain. The price makes this vehicle one of the easiest to obtain providing a great driving experience with a lot of space for the whole family.It’s always beneficial to search for the car you want when you’re in the market to find a car that’s great for the whole family. When considering a purchase, you have to keep value in mind but you also have to remember that you don’t want to go too cheap because you get what you pay for. When you do find the car that you like, look online at reviews and more to see what others think. It’s always best to get an unbiased opinion on something rather than from the dealer. When considering a car, keep the Nissan Altima in mind.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

History of The Great Ford Mustang

As far as the consumer is concerned, the history of the great Ford Mustang began when it was shown to the public at New York's World Exhibition. The prototypes had been in existence since 1962, with the Mustang 1 (T-5) being first introduced to the motor racing world at the Watkins Glen Grand Prix where Stirling Moss and Dan Gurney drove it for a few laps each as a demo.
In the early 1960s, Ford desperately needed a new car to compete with the sporty Chevrolet Corsair Monza, and its first attempt, the Falcon Future, failed to compete. A brand new car was needed, and the idea for the Mustang was born. It was sporty and quick and a four seater. It was appealing to youngsters, and the prototype was well received when shown at the motor racing circuits.
It went in production in 1964, and was an instant hit. Its launch on 17th April, 1964 was the beginning of what was to be the most popular car ever in American history, and it sold half a million in its first year. Its customers included every age and it was equally popular to men and women.




Many of its parts were taken from the failed Falcon, and its immediate success had as much to do with the almost perfect advertising campaign as it had to do with looks and speed. The advertising power of the three major television networks was used extensively, and with its distinctive mane and tail galloping across the red, white and blue of America the 'Pony Car' was the phenomenon of its age, representing the flavor of the 1960s more perfectly than its designers could ever have dreamt possible.
It was a car of its day that arrived with perfect timing. Later to be called the 1964 1/2, the original Mustang was available as a convertible and as a coupe, both with chrome wrap-around fenders, the distinctive chrome grill with running pony, and a lengthened hood. Although it claimed to have four seats, the back seat was a bit small and it also sported three tails lights on each side. It has sold a million by 1966, although before that the GT and fastback model had been introduced.
The car continued to progress, and by the end of the 60s had become longer by four inches, and a lot heavier than the original, much of this in response to the development of Chevrolet's Firebird and Pontiac. It was the Corvette, however, that brought the Mustang into the road racing arena. The Mustang was so popular, especially with the young, that Ford were desperate to race it against the Corvette. However, only production two seaters were allowed to race, and to enable them to do this at least 100 two seaters had be produced by January 1965.
This was achieved with the help of Mustang fan and racer, Carol Shelby, who modified 100 of the 2+2 models into GT 350 models, in the process re-equipping them to render them more suitable for racing. The suspension, wheel and brakes were all modified, and the cars were to become the basis of many future models that are even now are much sought after.
During the early 1970s the Mustang lost its way a bit and became a bit too big and unwieldy. The original grace and elan that so attracted early admirers was lost, and it becamejust another car. Part of this was due to emissions regulations, but sales dropped so much that Ford had to rethink its design strategy with the Mustang.
The Mustang II was introduced in 1974, and although it was small and vastly underpowered, it takes its place in the history of the car because it brought to a halt the drop in sales. It sold because of economy in fuel, and the 1973 OPEC fuel embargo. People were afraid that a gas guzzler would hurt their pockets, and so temporarily went for the smaller car. However, this did not last long, and 1975 brought back the V8 engine to the Mustang. However, although it had a 5 liter engine, the carburetor was too small and the catalytic converter combined with that to render it lifeless.
Then came a period of relative stability although there were a few trim changes. Fans must have seen the end coming because the late 1970s saw a slight increase in sales, rather than the drop that model now deserved. The Cobra II and King Cobra versions did little to spark a return to the glory days for the 1960s, and Ford made a last ditch attempt to rewrite the Mustang in 1979. The new Mustang was available as a coup' or fastback with a bit more room inside than the either the original or the ill fated Mustang II.
However, the running horse had gone, and the rear lights lost their distinctive three segments: this expanded to six, while the side scallop also disappeared. It no longer resembled a Mustang! Alterations continued to be made, and the California Highway Patrol found a use for a special coupe model as a high speed pursuit vehicle. With its 157 HP V8 engine, this car was used by a number of law enforcement agent up until 1993, when Ford killed them off.
The fans were wrong, however, and development continued as the Mustang conformed with the coming of fuel injection, air bags and other essential improvements, though the original concept had completely disappeared. In 2005 Ford finally ditched the ancient Fox platform and introduced that now used for the Lincoln and the Thunderbird. The newest Mustang has reverted to some of the original features, and it is a miracle that the car has survived so long.
Nobody involved in 1962 development team would have believed that the great Ford Mustang would still be around 45 years later.

Lamborghini Murcielago Review

A century-old tradition in bullfighting is to spare the life of a bull which shows outstanding courage in the arena. Such a bull was Murcielago, The Bat, spared by a famous matador after a breathtaking fight in the arena of Cordoba, some 130 years ago.
Much like the bull that gave it its name, the Lamborghini Murcielago belongs to a special breed of cars. With its 6,5 liter V12 engine, 640 BHP, an amazing 665 Nm torque and permanent 4-wheel drive, nothing can stand in it's way. 3,4 seconds is all it needs to get to 100 km/h, and if you keep your foot on the gas pedal, it will not stop until you reach a mind-blowing 340 km/h.
But this power comes at a price. The massive 12-cylinder engine requires an average of 21,3 l/100 km, and the car's fuel tank can carry (only!) 100 liters.




This 2-door, 2 seats coupe with a mid-mounted engine follows the traditional design successfully applied by Lamborghini for more than three decades. The gear box placed in front of the engine, the permanent four-wheel drive, along with the integration into the engine unit of the rear differential, are but a few of the advantages of such a displacement which result in an optimal weight distribution, 58% rear and 42% front, with positive effects on the car's handling, braking and traction.
The security of the car is ensured by the carbon fiber body, with steel doors and roof, and a tubular frame made from high-strength steel alloy with carbon fiber structural parts. The stopping power is ensured by power vacuum, aluminum alloy calipers (8 pistons front calipers and 4-pistons rear calipers), ventilated discs, and optional carbon-ceramic brakes, with 6 pistons break calipers (front-rear).
The interior aims for functionality, and lacks any useless or distracting elements. The optional equipment includes an "Interior Carbon Package", where the cover for the driver side display, dashboard cover, handbrake lever, armrest frame, gear lever cover, the air conditioning and radio covers are made entirely from carbon fibre, offering those really demanding customers an extra air of class.
Unlike the older models, the Murcielago brings a touch of practicality through it's design, which allows for more control over the car; however, the rear visibility remains poor.
Its name refers to a bull and a bat, but the Murcielago encompasses their features and beyond; the interior is reasonably comfortable for an exotic car, capable of going 300+ km/h. Used to its full potential, this car can provide one of the most thrilling sensations a driver will ever experience.
Its unique design ensures that it will stay in vogue for a long time. It is precisely the type of car which will keep Lamborghini among the world's top manufacturers, in showrooms, publications and, best of all, in the hearts of the customers.

Review Kia Carnival - An Affordable Option For The Growing Family

If you have a large family and you're on a tight budget, then you may want to take a close look at a one owner Kia Carnival. The Kia Carnival is a people mover in the same vein as the Honda Odyssey, the Chrysler Voyager and the Mazda MPV. However, the Kia Carnival is available at a much more affordable price for the growing family on a tight budget.



The Kia Carnival represents good value for money as, unlike many other Asian people movers, it is powered by a V6 engine while comfortably seating seven people. With the new car price at around $30,000 a good used Kia Carnival will represent true value for money for anyone needing to lug around a growing family on a tight budget. Of course, you will not get the same car as you would with one of the more expensive people movers from Chrysler, Mazda, Honda or Mitsubishi. For example, the ride and handling may not be up to the same standard as the more expensive people movers however this is to be expected from a vehicle that sells for a lot less. This also goes for the finish on the interior. But if your young kids are sitting in the back for long periods, then you may not want anything too fancy on the inside anyway. A bored kid can be quite destructive!
Some of the features available on the Kia Carnival include:

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Nissan Navara - Comfort and style

The Navara from Nissan is in a class of its own when it comes to comfort and style. Looking tough and sturdy on the outside the new Nissan Navara has all the modern interior comforts you would expect from an SUV as standard in this pickup class.
The double cab is capable of seating up to five people in comfort. The Navara oozes style throughout. It comes with leather upholstery, power seats and cruise control to make your driving experience the most pleasurable you can encounter.

An onboard Birdview DVD satellite navigation system assists you to find the most economical route and the hardest to reach destinations with ease. Mounted on the dashboard near to the steering wheel, the system is easy to control and view without imposing a safety risk.
Nissan have used tough high tensile steel for their F-Alpha ladder chassis which provides extra durability without the weight. The Nissan Navara has a maximum payload of over 1,000kgs. Offering the opportunity to take your goods wherever they need to go with ease.
The endless disputes and disagreements of one person being too hot whilst the another is cold is swiftly settled with one of the newest innovations of dual zone climate control which has been included with the Navara. This enables the driver and front seat passenger to regulate their own temperature settings.
There is no lacking of inside storage space, Nissan have maximised the necessity of storage space which is easy to reach.
Safety features highly on this vehicle. The Nissan Navara has front and back crumple zones have been specifically designed to absorb energy in a crash. These help to protect the reinforced central zone and the occupants.
Both driver and front seat passenger airbags are included as standard with all the Navara models. Providing peace of mind that you and your front seat passenger are given some protection should you be involved in a front impact accident.
Side and curtain airbags are fitted as standard on the Adventura and optional on the Double cabs and Outlaw King. These additional airbags provide an extra safety barrier during side impact accidents for passengers and driver.
Additional protection to minimise injury from whiplash are provided in the sports models and above with the inclusion of active head restraints. These are adjustable the same as a standard head restraint. The additional protection comes from padded head restraint which is linked to the back of the seat with a pressure plate and pivot system. Studies carried out have shown that neck injuries are significantly reduced by active head restraints.
Anti Lock Braking System referred to simply as ABS is fitted to prevent the wheels from locking. This keeps you in control of the vehicle and reduces skidding should you need to brake hard. As braking hard usually increases the payload on the front brakes Nissan have incorporated Electronic Breakforce Distribution which balances the braking distribution of the front and back of the Navara, providing maximum breaking efficiency.
The Nissan Navara is a tough looking vehicle with all the creature comforts and safety features you would expect from Nissan.

Kia Pro Ceed - Sporty 3 Door Hatch

The sceptics who thought that Kia only made cheap cars will need to re-think. The newest range of Pro Ceed appears to have proven that the most critical will need re-consider their opinion.
Kia have produced a well made sporty looking 3 door hatch which offers exceptional quality for a car of this class. The Pro Ceed is said to be the sporty version of the already popular Ceed range. The new sleek look is in part due to the slightly longer body coloured doors. The door inlays have be given a stylish metallic finish which coordinates with the console of the car adding to the overall stylish appearance of the Pro Ceed.
The exterior style looks impressive. It is complimented by black bezel lamps and trendy alloy wheels which come as standard across the range. Pro Ceed is available in the latest bright colours which includes a very chic white, which is a real head turner.

Taller people will be pleased to know that the interior head room is very generous. Anyone would have to be well over six foot before their head brushed the roof. Back seat passengers are also offered generous head room even with the sloping of the roof. The longer doors enable easy access for rear seat passengers, four people can travel in comfort with the generous back seat leg room allowance.
Kia have given careful consideration to personal comfort. Seats have leather trim and are fully adjustable. The entire range includes air conditioning as standard along with USB and AUX sockets which are iPod compatible. Interior storage has been optimised, the rear seats fold to provide additional luggage space when needed.
The Pro Ceed is easy and relaxing to drive. Road handling is positive even on tight corners. With a six speed gear box the Pro Ceed handles well on both rough and smooth road surfaces. Although not designed as an off-road car, it can handle uneven surfaces pretty well for a car of this class.
Kia are in no doubt as to the quality of their cars, as such they offer an unrivalled 7 year or 100,000 mile warranty across the range. This in itself speaks volumes as to the precision manufacture and careful thought the designers have put into this sporty style car.
With low CO2 emissions and an average 58mpg, the Pro Ceed offers exceptional economy, along with trendy styling and a very competitive pricing. The Kia Pro Ceed range includes two petrol and three diesel engines.
The price range also takes some beating. Approved Kia dealerships are also offering some very tempting special offers, combined with the reduction in VAT, the Pro Ceed offers outstanding value for money.
The Kia Pro Ceed is definitely worth giving serious consideration to for anyone looking to buy a new car with sleek lines and a sporty style. Arrange for a test drive to dispel any doubts you may have had about the quality, road handling and style of a car manufactured by Kia.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

The Baby VW - Fox

The Golf and The Polo both command large portions of the supermini market. In the same way that certain lagers are advertised as being “reassuringly expensive”, the VW range has billed itself as the connoisseur’s choice of hatchback. So what happens when Volkswagen go cheap? With prices starting as low as £6,625, Volkswagen are really stooping below their usual price bracket. The VW Fox is here to put its case forward.
The first impressions of the Fox are about as positive as they possibly could be; it essentially looks like a slightly smaller Polo, which is pretty much all you could expect. The trademark boxy looks bare the VW hallmarks that have etched themselves into automotive history. To sweeten the deal, the Fox is also taller and wider than most of its competition. So far, so good.



I am an advocate of the popular adage “you get what you pay for”, so to be honest I wasn’t expecting a great deal from the Fox’s drive. And I didn’t get much either. But we have to put this into some kind of perspective, for six and a half grand you can’t expect the comfort or styling of the Golf...it is double the price of the Fox after all. What you do get is a car that has been specifically tuned to pull at low revs. This makes it perfect for city driving, but as soon as you get out on the motorway or country roads, the Fox will struggle. The cars weight is also a bit of a problem when you consider the 1.2 Litre petrol engine only has 55bhp, again it will perform well from the traffic lights, but take it beyond 50 mph and you will hear the effort.
The interior of the Fox doesn’t exactly set the heart racing either. Its grey, it’s very plastic and there are no added gadgets bar the CD player. Again I have to revert to the price argument. For slightly over six grand you can hardly expect in-built sat nav or even air conditioning (which is available to install but will cost you a whopping £925!). The closest you get to flair as standard on the VW Fox are the two cup holders. What you get is...well...functional. The Fox isn’t a particularly pleasant place to sit for extended periods of time, but for the 10 minute drive to the supermarket and back, it will suffice amicably.
The handling isn’t bad at all for the price bracket and the Fox’s steering feels light but intuitive. The Fox feels positively agile compared to some of the supermini competition. If they could match the peppy steering with an engine that could maximise the handling potential, then the Fox would be a fun drive. As it stands, it can feel frustrating at times; you want to go faster, but the heavy bodywork and struggling engine are holding you back.
As a result of all of this I found driving the Volkswagen Fox to be a confusing experience. I knew that I wasn’t particularly comfortable, or enjoying the ride so much, but I know if I bought one I’d be so blown over to own a genuine VW for less than £7000 that I would probably be constantly sporting a smile anyway.
In summary, if you don’t drive for fun or particularly long distances then the VW Fox is a cheap, reliable car that has enough space to accommodate four people comfortably. For weekly trips to the shops you would be pretty silly to splash out any more than the Fox costs. It’s practical, stylish and has the VW badge...just don’t expect too much and you won’t be disappointed.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Review 2009 Lexus GS350 and GS460 - Sporty Luxury Sedans

Lexus GS appeals to people having a flair for sporty luxury sedans. The new 2009 Lexus GS ranks high among world's top premium cars. Available in two varieties - the GS350 and GS460, which replaces the previous GS430, Lexus 2009 GS sedans are ready to give tough competition to the BMW 5-Series. If you are concerned about the deteriorating environmental conditions along with your budget there is the 2009 Lexus GS460H offering economical, eco-friendly driving with enhanced performance.Lexus GS350The V6 powered all-wheel drive 2009 Lexus GS350 is a carry over from 2008. Mica paint exterior with body colored front and rear bumpers, power fold side mirrors, 18-inch aluminum wheels and Bi-Xenon headlamps give the impression of the most contemporary car.



Its Direct Injection 3.5L V6 featuring WT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) produces 303 horsepower along with 274 pound-feet of torque. The V6 powertrain combined with 6-speed automatic transmission achieves 18mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway as par EPA standard.Electronic traction and stability control with cut-off switch, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and immobilizer make handling the big GS350 easier. It also features tire pressure monitoring, dynamic cruise control system and HID headlights are as standard. As for creature comfort, the 2009 GS 350 is equipped with a host of high-end features. These include Bluetooth connectivity, dual zone auto climate control, 10-way power and heated fronted seats. Lexus' signature premium sound system with 10 speakers, in-dash 6-disc CD changer and an auxiliary iPod/MP3 port adds entertainment to drive.Moreover, the 2009 Lexus GS350 ensures safer ride with a radar based Pre-Collision System, rear view camera and an electronic parking assistant.



The 2009 Lexus GS350 reviews shed more light on various facets of this first-rated luxury sedan from Lexus.Lexus GS460A juxtaposition of luxury and power the 2009 Lexus GS460 is identical with previous GS430 version in exterior styling. Under the hood, this mid-size sedan gets a 4.6L 342Hp V8 powertrain with latest 8-speed automatic transmission. With this superior powertrain combination Lexus GS460 is designed to deliver much better performance and increased fuel efficiency. The car achieves an average 24mpg in EPA rating.The combination of electronic and mechanical technology is used to optimize the car performance, handling and safety. Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) in GS460 gives a choice between comfortable cruising and hard sporty ride.Toyota's effort in fitting Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System (VDIM), Intuitive Park Assist (IPA) and Pre-Collision System (PCS) in GS460 reinforces its commitment to passengers' safety.
The VDIM integrates sensors attached to various components of the car including steering and brakes and processes the input to generate information required to keep the vehicle on the right path. The GS460 also gets an active stabilizer and an electronic navigation system with integrated back-up camera for increased safety.The 2009 Lexus GS 460 varies a little in style from its predecessor. A redesigned instrument panel, push-button access, sophisticated dashboard, heated and cooled front seats, Lexus' signature leather upholstery with classic design and spacious interior in GS460 exude opulence and luxury.Entertainment and comfort features in 2009 GS460 include most of those available in GS350 along with touch screen audio system.Auto experts, in 2009 Lexus GS460 reviews, expressed their satisfaction over this luxury sedan from Toyota. It is a unanimous conclusion that with the 2009 Lexus GS the Japanese car maker has put forth a firm step in a market dominated by the Germans.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Review Jaguar XF - Mid-size luxury car

The Jaguar XF is the latest sports sedan or mid-size luxury car from Jaguar Cars. First seen in 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Jaguar XF was formally launched in 2008 with its first unit delivered to their customer in March 2008. The new XF took over the place of its predecessor—the S-Type. The development of the XF is done in Coventry, UK and its production line is in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, UK. The Jaguar XF was named the Car of the Year by the prestigious “What Car?” magazine in January 2008. Another award, the Car of the Year 2008 award was given to the Jaguar XF by the “What Diesel?” magazine. XF was also named The Best Executive Car 2008.

Before the actual launching of the Jaguar XF, Jaguar Cars has already come up with the Concept-XF or the Jaguar C-XF. This concept car was first exhibited in the North American International Auto Show held at Detroit, Michigan. The C-XF served as the preview of the now released Jaguar XF model. The C-XF design that was unveiled in January 3, 2007 had the newest design strategy that departed from the retro designs of the classic cars and other predecessors of the Jaguar C-XF. The design of the final Jaguar XF just had a little variation from the C-XF design that is notable in the nose and its front lights. The mesh grille carrying the Jaguar badge is still present serving as the distinctive feature of all the Jaguar cars. The exterior is somewhat amazing almost resembling the concept car.

The XF wheels are also designed to fit the car’s visual exteriors. Several mags and wheel designs are available for future exterior modifications. The XF wheels are available in 18” and 19” alloy construction. The Supercharged car is the only car of this type that can be fitted with its standard 20” alloy wheels. The interior of the XF gives a relaxing and luxurious mood to its riders. The driver-friendly 7” touch-screen control makes driving easier and more comfortable. The blue phospor halo illumination that emphasizes the XF instruments and meters make it more relaxing to the eyes at night.

The XF has an automatic climate control system that includes the rotating vents that slowly and quietly roll and almost disappear when not in use. Taking the place of a manual or automatic transmission selector is the drive selector or rotary dial that pops out when pressing the engine start or stop button. This is the latest shift-by-wire technology that gives precise shifting and at the same time adding to the picturesque view of the interior. Most of the interiors are made with exquisite wooden materials with modern aluminum linings and leather seats showing the finest craftsmanship used by the XF. The interior lightings are activated and controlled by touching the lights’ plastic covers.

The Jaguar XF cars are available in different engines ranging from 2.7-liter and 3.0 V6 Diesel and Petrol to the 4.2-liter V8 Petrol Natural and Supercharged. The 4.2-liter V8’s compact and lightweight construction is the most used engine because of the big performance that it offers in its small all-aluminum construction. The V8 uses four valves per cylinder and four overhead camshafts in its variable camshaft phasing. The natural V8 can give 310 lb-ft torque and 300 bhp in an effortless performance. The supercharged can give 413 lb-ft torque and 420 bhp with its rotor-type supercharger.

The XF’s transmission uses a six-speed automatic transmission system with superb character. The automated system responds to the way the car is driven and according to the road conditions in giving the smoothest gearshift. The drive selector in the driver’s panel is another latest innovation in transmission that is used by the XF. If you want to combine luxury and comfort in your sports car then you better be ready with the leap of the Jaguar XF. Check your local dealers for their latest Jaguar XF.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

2010 Chevy Camaro Review - Iconic Pony Car

The Chevrolet Camaro is back. Chevrolet has reintroduced this iconic pony car after eight years. The all new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, a two-door, four-passenger sports car excels in design, power, handling, efficiency, comfort, convenience, safety over the previous models. The new, fifth-generation Camaro delivers on all fronts. The 2010 Camaro is not retro as the new Dodge Challenger or the Ford Mustang. The Camaro manages to look thoroughly 21st century – in fact, futuristic. The 2010 Camaro delivers the best of both worlds – great heritage and a thoroughly modern, advanced package of sporty driving, comfort and technology. Built on GM’s new, global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Camaro is offered in V-6-powered LS and LT models as well as the V-8-powered SS. All models and powertrain combinations include fuel-saving six-speed transmissions.



Highlights of the 2010 Camaro • Sleek, heritage-inspired interior and exterior styling with contemporary cues • Robust body structure, exceptional build quality and suite of safety features including 6 standard airbags • Advanced powertrain technologies, including engines with direct injection and Active Fuel Management, enabling a balance of performance and fuel economy • Four-wheel independent suspension system tuned to match the performance capabilities of the respective powertrains • Variable-rate power steering with the rack mounted forward of the front axle for better weight balance and greater driver feel • Four-wheel disc brake systems standard on all models, including four-piston Brembo calipers on SS models • StabiliTrak stability control system and traction control standard on all models • Family of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels Standard features include XM Radio, an auxiliary jack for MP3 players, steering-wheel-mounted cruise controls, front sport bucket seats with adjustable head restraints and rear-seat trunk pass-through, a tilt/telescoping wheel, and turn-by-turn OnStar voice prompts (a navigation screen is not offered).
Sunroof: power with Express-Open and venting is optional. Options (or standard features, depending on model) include: Bluetooth, a USB port with full iPod integration, a leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob, six-way power driver's seat, heated leather seats, and a 245-watt, nine-speaker audio rig. 2010 Chevy Camaro Power and performance An advanced 3.6L direct-injected V-6 with variable valve timing is standard on LS and LT models. It offers power and efficiency, with 304 horsepower (227 kW) and EPA-rated 29 mpg in highway driving. The performance-oriented Camaro SS comes with a pair of 6.2L V-8 engines, including one with Active Fuel Management that helps improve fuel economy by shutting down four cylinders during certain light-load driving conditions.
That model delivers 25 mpg in EPA-rated highway fuel economy. A six-speed manual transmission is standard while a six-speed automatic, includes steering wheel-mounted TAPshift controls is optional. 2010 Chevy Camaro Exterior and interior Combining great looks, performance and advanced technology, the 2010 Camaro honors its heritage while delivering on customer expectations of a sports coupe for the 21st century. The front and rear, body color front fascia with front grille and rear diffuser is standard. The SS trim's front fascia ads the front air scoop and brake cooling slots. An optional RS Package is available with 20-inch flangeless painted-aluminum wheels with Midnight Silver finish; body-color roof ditch molding; high intensity discharge headlamps with integral halo rings; unique tail lamps; and rear spoiler when LT model is ordered. Inside the four-passenger cabin, gets a distinctive glow with an available ambient light package with advanced LED light pipe technology.
Cloth upholstery is standard and leather-appointed seats are included on 2LT and 2SS models. Four-way manual adjustment including fore/aft and up/down on the driver seat and two-way adjustment on the passenger seat is standard. Heated, leather-trimmed seats with driver six-way power adjustment are optional. Both LT and SS standard cloth and available leather interior colors are black, gray and beige. The front seat travel is a generous 8.5 inches (216 mm) from front to back. On SS models, the seats feature a distinctive SS logo on the headrest with contrasting stitching. An Inferno Orange interior trim package also will be available with leather interiors. An AM/FM stereo with CD-ROM and MP3 playback, music navigator, Graphic Information Display and auxiliary audio input jack which includes outside temperature display is standard. A premium, 245-watt Boston Acoustics nine-speaker audio system can be ordered on 1LT and SS models. XM Satellite Radio is standard on all models. All models also include power door locks and express up and down driver and passenger window. Cargo capacity can be increased with the standard fold-down rear seat.
The capacity of the trunk is 11.3 cubic feet (320 liters). 2010 Chevy Camaro Safety features The 2010 Camaro, a four-passenger, front-engine, rear-drive coupe, comes with a comprehensive system of safety features – starting with a robust body structure and integral safety cage around the passenger compartment. High-strength steel and ultra high-strength steels are used in key areas throughout the structure. 2010 Chevy Camaro Safety technologies also include: • Driver and front passenger dual-stage air bags • Driver and front passenger seat-mounted thorax side-impact air bags • Head curtain side-impact air bags for front- and rear-seat occupants • Front-seat safety belt load limiters and pretensioners • A front passenger detection system that senses children and small-stature adults, and suppresses air bag deployment when appropriate.

TATA NANO – Small and Affordable Car

Finally the World Cheapest car is on the road for its first drive. Launched in Bombay India under the guidance of Mr Ratan Tata, the car is set to hit the road by July 2009.Nano is 10 feet long and nearly 5 feet wide powered by 623cc two-cylinder engine. This 33 horsepower Nano is able to run on road with a speed of about 65 miles an hour. It has four small wheels at the absolute corners of the car to improve handling.
There is a small trunk, big enough for a duffel bag.The base modelof Tata Nano would cost Rs 120,000 rupees, including road tax and delivery. Higher level models will cost more and come with air-conditioning. Sun visors and radios are extra.“They are not concept cars, they are not prototypes,” Mr. Tata announced when he got out of the car. “They are the production cars that will roll out of the Singur plant later this year.”Claimed as "People's Car", Tata Nano has announced booking procedure for the car . The booking has been opened to public from 9th April 2009.



The forms for the car would cost Rs 300 and would be found in more than 30,000 locations around the country. You would be able to collect the form from Tata dealerships, outlets of other Tata ventures like Westside, Croma, Tata Indicom etc. Rs 2,999 would be the minimum amount to be paid with the application form.Forms for the first phase would be accepted in April 25, when one-lakh forms would be selected randomlyfrom the ones received for delivery. Your would be able to get your spanking new Nanos from July 2009.Maruti 800 would face major competition with the launch of this small and affordable car as uptill date Maruti was amogst the most deserious economic car of India. t is 8% small and has 21% larger seating capacity than Maruti 800 , more so Maruti 800

BMW X3 xDrive 18d - Successful Sports Activity Vehicle

The new, particularly economical entry-level version of BMW's highly successful Sports Activity Vehicle - average fuel consumption to the EU standard 6.2 litres/100 kilometres (45.6 mpg imp), CO2 rating 165 g/km, emission standard EU5. Munich. Fascinating agility on all kinds of terrain is now becoming more economical than ever before. Introducing a new entry-level version of the BMW X3, the world's most successful manufacturer of premium all-wheel-drive vehicles is once again setting the standard for efficiency in a Sports Activity Vehicle. The new BMW X3 xDrive18d is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel delivering an ample 105 kW/143 hp. Average fuel consumption of the new model in the EU test cycle is a mere 6.2 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 45.6 mpg imp. In CO2 emissions, this means a rating of just 165 grams per kilometre.



This makes the BMW X3 the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicle in its segment also in this performance class. And it almost goes without saying that the BMW X3 xDrive18d in series trim naturally fulfils the EU5 emission standard. All-round driving pleasure and supreme efficiency have made the BMW X3 a genuine trendsetter, contributing significantly to the car's worldwide success. Indeed, it was the BMW X3 which for the first time carried over the features and qualities typical of a Sports Activity Vehicle into a new segment, total sales of the X3 now amounting to more than 500,000 units. For a long time the BMW X3 was the only premium vehicle in its class, and to this day it remains the epitome of driving dynamics on the road as well as agility and supreme traction off the beaten track. And last but certainly not least, the BMW X3 offers an unparalleled balance of performance and fuel economy throughout the entire competition segment of BMW X models. Superior all-wheel-drive technology, powerful traction and premium quality now with even greater all-round economy. The attractive combination of all these features is now borne out in yet another excellent rendition in the guise of the new BMW X3 xDrive18d.
The benefits of BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, the spontaneous development of power typical of BMW's diesel engines, and the uncompromising quality of a genuine premium model now come with an even higher standard of economy. The BMW X3 xDrive18d is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine featuring an all-aluminium crankcase and common rail direct fuel injection developing maximum output of 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 350 Newton-metres (258 lb-ft) at just 1,750 rpm ensures truly outstanding traction and pulling power at all times.
The new BMW X3 xDrive18d accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 10.3 seconds and has a top speed of 195 km/h or 121 mph. In conjunction with BMW EfficientDynamics naturally featured as standard, the superior all-round efficiency of the diesel engine ensures the outstanding economy of the BMW X3 xDrive18d. Offering average fuel consumption of just 6.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 45.6 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 165 grams per kilometre, the new model is even more economical and cleaner than the former leader on the efficiency scale, the 130 kW/177 hp BMW X3 xDrive20d (6.5 litres/43.5 mpg imp/172 grams). And just like its "bigger brother", the new BMW X3 xDrive18d naturally fulfils the EU5 emission standard. The highly successful BMW X3: efficient, lasting in value, reliable. The introduction of the new BMW X3 xDrive18d increases the number of engine variants available in this SAV from BMW to no less than seven. The customer has the choice of three petrol-engine models with power output ranging from 110 kW/150 hp to 200 kW/272 hp and four diesel models culminating in the 210 kW/286 hp BMW X3 xDrive35d as the most dynamic performer in the range. Like all engine variants the new BMW X3 xDrive18d also comes as standard with BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
This permanent, electronically masterminded all-wheel drive ensures variable distribution of drive power front-to-rear, promoting both driving dynamics on the road and safe, secure traction off the beaten track, with drive power constantly going to the wheels where it can be converted most effectively into actual driving forces on the road. Thanks to the outstanding and truly convincing qualities of xDrive also available in many other BMWs, BMW remained the world's most successful manufacturer of all-wheel-drive vehicles in the premium segment also in 2008.
Over and above such outstanding efficiency and fascinating agility, the BMW X3 also offers truly excellent reliability. In 2009, for example, the X3 was lauded for the second time in a row with the renowned Yellow Angel Award by Germany's and, indeed, the world's largest motoring club, the Allgemeine Deutsche Automobilclub (ADAC), for outstanding all-round quality. Proceeding from the findings of ADAC's breakdown helpers famous throughout Germany as "Yellow Angels", this leading motoring club once again acknowledged the BMW X3 as the most reliable vehicle on the road in Germany. Last but certainly not least, BMW's SAV also comes right at the top in terms of lasting value. In the category of off-road vehicles the market observers at EurotaxSchwacke ranked the BMW X3 No 1 in their AutomobilForecastIndex 2008, confirming that of all vehicles in this segment BMW's SAV shows the lowest decline in value.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Review Mercedes Benz C 2008 - Sports and Luxury

Mercedes Benz C2008, being up for sale in the markets has kept its promise and the two variants have a lot more differences than just of looks. While the Sports model has lesser grille slats and is characterized by an eye catching Mercedes Benz emblem on it, the Luxury model has extra chrome grilles and the famous emblem takes the pride of the place on the hood. For long Mercedes has been associated with wealth, prosperity and affluence. When you think of a high-end, fully loaded luxury car almost certainly you think of a Mercedes. The car in all its models exuberates sheer brilliance of technology, style and performance. Mercedes Benz unveiled their 2008 Mercedes C class in its world premier in Sttutgart.

http://www.thetorquereport.com/2008_mercedes_benz_c_class.jpg

This car claimed to be a tailor made machine for every customer as it was being released in two variants – sports and luxury. The car after being up for sale in the markets has kept its promise and the two variants have a lot more differences than just of looks. While the Sports model has lesser grille slats and is characterized by an eye catching Mercedes Benz emblem on it, the Luxury model has extra chrome grilles and the famous emblem takes the pride of the place on the hood. Although it is said that the style and design of the new Mercedes C class is inspired by the Mercedes Benz S class it turns out that the newly launched car has a statement of its own to make and not just look like a miniaturized version of the S class. Safety, class and comfort are also on the top priority of the new Mercedes C class and the revised suspension and steering make the C class more nimble.
The car has been designed to be a couple of inches longer and wider that makes a huge difference to the comfort of the passengers. This makes the new C class around 1.8inches wider at the wheelbase than its previous model. At the technological front, the C class brings cutting edge technology to the industry through the use of a digital prototype which enabled the Cars to get new standards of accident safety, aerodynamics, chassis behavior and comfort along with better acceleration. Both the sports and luxury variants have a V-6 engine with the C300 Luxury model offering a 3.0liter 228HP one and the C350 offering a bigger 3.5liter, 268HP one. The C300 Luxury and C350 Sports models get a seven-speed automatic gearbox; the C300 has a six speed manual transmission. There is a new Hydraulic shock system provided in all the variants which has a feature called Agility Control that does adaptive damping. The interiors of both the variants are extremely polished following the tradition and give a plush, swanky feel. While the interiors of the luxury variant are more sophisticated with wood and leather finishes, those of the sports model are replaced by metal panels. A power sunroof, power front seats with lumbar support, twin zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and a central controller with a larger than your imaginations display screen are few of the luxuries provided as the standard equipments in the sedan.
The sports model has sport shocks and improved springs to provide a crisper ride and better suspension tuning. Based on the differences in technology, looks and style, you can choose a model that suits your personality. This legendry icon of rich plush luxury is sure to sweep your heart away with either of the two variants of its newly launched model.