Land Rover - a True Suv

The Land Rovers are originally British vehicles and have a manufacturing unit at Solihull in England. The first Land Rover was made in 1948 in England itself. It was designed by Maurice Wilks. He is known to have been inspired by an American jeep that he had seen at Wales. The first car was in fact itself called the Land Rover. But as time progressed, Land Rover became a brand that took to manufacturing newer cars under it. The Land Rover has passed through many hands, from the Rover group to the Premier Automotive Group, which is a part of the Ford Motor Company, and currently owns it.

If you hear the Land Rover’s rich history, you are sure to exclaim, “The Land Rover almost sounds like best out of waste!” And the reasons are plenty. The body of the Rover is very light and is made from an alloy called ‘Birmabright’ that is made from aluminium and magnesium. This alloy is extremely rust-resistant. These vehicles were in reality, forced to be made from aluminium, as they were made in the post war periods, where there was little steel and surplus aluminium available. This alloy was also found to be softer than steel and so could bend and mould easily, requiring less number of tools. Another peculiar thing about these cars was that, the earlier vehicles were mostly of green color. This was due to the excess of green paint available after the war! The military used this color to paint the aircraft cockpits! Who would think that a world class SUV would have been made in such a way! In fact it is said that the Land Rover was designed just to keep the Rover Car Company busy during the depression period! This first model was a simple vehicle, primarily made for farm and industrial use and was made such that it could traverse all terrain. The car was highly functional and could be cleaned fully when dirtied. It was even bulletproof! The Land Rover was first showcased at the Amsterdam Motor Show and was an instant hit. It attracted the entire world and the media played an important role in this. Even the non-motor magazines gave the car lots of coverage, making the car reach beyond its target customer group.

Many of the Land Rovers have been extensively used by the military due to their durability and sturdiness and astounding features. Endurance of these vehicles can be judged from the fact that many of the cars that were made at the time of the Land Rover’s introductory period, are still driven by people or appear at various shows or are being used after a little bit of restoration! This just shows that a Land Rover is certainly a lifetime investment. They are considered to be one of the safest cars to travel in and will never let you down.

1970s saw the dawn of the luxury Rovers that had all the features of a premium car besides the trademark ruggedness. The Range Rover (the first in this category) was so good that it is the first and only car to be kept in the Louvre museum at Paris as an exemplary form of modern sculpture. So much for the beauty of the Rover! It is simply incomparable. Range Rover was initially a two-door version but when its sales picked up it was made a four-door one. Increased demand and popularity amongst people, led the Range Rover to advance to better versions like the Land Rover Discovery, Defender, Freelander-which is a landmark by itself.

The Land Rovers have a fan base in the film industries across the world too! They have featured in many films! Land Rover celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1998.

The various well-known models of the Land Rover are the DISCOVERY3, FREELANDER2, DEFENDER, RANGE ROVER SPORT and RANGE ROVER VOGUE.

Despite being premium cars these cars have high maneuverability, are very fast, work astonishingly well for long distance travel, can withstand any kind of torture and are amazingly safe! If you want to experience what a true SUV is like, the Land Rovers are your best option.

How to find a new car?

Your car may be the second largest purchase you make in your lifetime. You must take your time and not let it become an impulse decision. Before you go out browsing dealer lots consider the following:

• How will I use my new car, truck or sport utility vehicle? A mini-van will fit fine in a large family but might be out of place in a singles life. Do you go off-road a lot but still like to carry more than 2 passengers, go for the SUV. Trucks have come along way with most comforts available in today's truck rivaling luxury cars. But do you really need that to carry construction equipment to the job site? If you do not go off-road, do not buy a 4 wheel drive truck. The extra weight will only decrease gas mileage and increase maintenance costs. Afraid of the snow? Look to the variety of AWD vehicles on the market which provide excellent traction in the snow and also more economical operation. Take a serious look at your life and find the vehicle that most compliments your lifestyle.

• Color choices. This is a personal preference but rational can come into play. In warmer climates, a lighter colored car will stay cooler. Certain cars are easier to keep clean. White and black are the worst while tan, silver, and brown hide dirt quite well.

• Interior options. Do you need the heated seats? Well that depends on where you live and how much winter driving you do. Leather seats can be unbearable in the summer months and generally harder to maintain. Do you listen to music often? The premium sound system might be a great idea if you do, however if you only listen to talk radio then the standard system will be more than enough.

• Insurance rates. Take into consideration the insurance rates before you start you car buying quest. A Honda may be significantly cheaper to insure than the Ferrari that caught your eye last week. Talk with your insurance agent to find out about how cars are classified. Sports cars generally raise premiums while family cars tend to lower them.

• Who will service the vehicle? Having a dealership close by can be a blessing. If there are no dealerships nearby, buy a domestic car which most mechanics can work on. It is also important to examine the warranty offered before making a decision.

I hope the few comments and suggestions above have given you some things to think about. Never rush into a new or used car purchase. Always take some time to think it over. If it helps, get out a piece of paper and write down the pros and cons of all the vehicle you are considering. Writing down this information is often all you need to get you thinking practically and on your way to making a good selection.

Good luck!!!

The Most Popular Car in America

To be the most popular car in America, a model has to posses a wealth of features- reliability, safety, inoffensive yet attractive styling, power, and good gas mileage. Considering these design features, what is the most popular car? These desirable traits come together in the Toyota Camry, making it the highest selling and most popular car in America since 2002.

Launched in limited numbers in America in 1982, the first Camry was compact cars available in hatchback and sedan body styles. A second generation model followed in 1987, upgrading available engine power and offering new safety features such as anti-lock breaks and all-wheel drive. The hatchback model would vanish, replaced by the wagon body style. First sold in America in 1992, the third generation of the Toyota Camry ditched its compact roots to become a mid-size family sedan. 1997 saw the debut of the restyled fourth generation Camry, followed by the introduction of the Camry Solara coupe in 1999. Available as both a hardtop and a convertible, the Solara was built with more graceful and youth-oriented styling than the Camry. In 2000, the Camry became the highest selling car in America for the first time in its history, with reported figures of 422,930 sold. The next timely iteration to the Camry occurred in 2001, when America’s most popular car became much taller and roomier. The wagon body style was dumped for the fifth generation Camry. The sixth generation, launching in 2006, marked a decided change in the Camry’s styling. The aggressive front fascia compliments the available 3.5L V6, giving the new Camry much more power than any of the previous versions. America’s most popular car is now also available as a hybrid, using Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Toyota Camry classically performs well in crash safety tests, with all models since 1997 receiving a “Good” frontal crash rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Strangely, the fifth generation Camry receives a “Poor” rating in side impact tests from the IIHS when not equipped with side-impact airbags. The side airbag option, introduced in 2004, improves the side impact rating to “Good”.

Sales of the Camry in America peaked in 2006, with the nation’s most popular family sedan selling 448,445 units. The Camry’s future includes a foray into the increasingly popular NASCAR Nextel Cup, making it the first non-domestic car to compete in NASCAR in recent years. 2007 also expects to see the Camry produced in America for the first time, finally bringing America’s most popular car a little closer to home.

credit:most-popula

Buying A New Car

Your car may be the second largest purchase you make in your lifetime. You must take your time and not let it become an impulse decision. Before you go out browsing dealer lots consider the following:

How will I use my new car, truck or sport utility vehicle? A mini-van will fit fine in a large family but might be out of place in a singles life. Do you go off-road a lot but still like to carry more than 2 passengers, go for the SUV.

Trucks have come along way with most comforts available in today's truck rivaling luxury cars. But do you really need that to carry construction equipment to the job site? If you do not go off-road, do not buy a 4 wheel drive truck. The extra weight will only decrease gas mileage and increase maintenance costs.

Afraid of the snow? Look to the variety of AWD vehicles on the market which provide excellent traction in the snow and also more economical operation. Take a serious look at your life and find the vehicle that most compliments your lifestyle.

Color choices. This is a personal preference but rational can come into play. In warmer climates, a lighter colored car will stay cooler. Certain cars are easier to keep clean. White and black are the worst while tan, silver, and brown hide dirt quite well.

Interior options. Do you need the heated seats? Well that depends on where you live and how much winter driving you do. Leather seats can be unbearable in the summer months and generally harder to maintain. Do you listen to music often? The premium sound system might be a great idea if you do, however if you only listen to talk radio then the standard system will be more than enough.

Insurance rates. Take into consideration the insurance rates before you start you car buying quest. A Honda may be significantly cheaper to insure than the Ferrari that caught your eye last week. Talk with your insurance agent to find out about how cars are classified. Sports cars generally raise premiums while family cars tend to lower them.

Who will service the vehicle? Having a dealership close by can be a blessing. If there are no dealerships nearby, buy a domestic car which most mechanics can work on. It is also important to examine the warranty offered before making a decision.

I hope the few comments and suggestions above have given you some things to think about. Never rush into a new or used car purchase. Always take some time to think it over. If it helps, get out a piece of paper and write down the pros and cons of all the vehicle you are considering. Writing down this information is often all you need to get you thinking practically and on your way to making a good selection.

More About Honda Accord 2009

Accord 2009

There are 2 versions Coupe and Sedan available in USA, but here we shall discuss only sedans.

The Honda Accord and the Hybrid

The Honda Accord is a fuel efficient, low emission Japanese car import. The car is available in de facto DX, EX, LX, LX-V6, and EX-V6 line up. It is also available in high performance "enthusiast" versions which boast of better performance.

One of the most well known Japanese car import is the popular Honda Accord Hybrid which features the "green" hybrid car that is making waves in the eco-car community.

Accord Design

The Honda Accord sedan has many design features which make the car a popular choice among car buyers. A few features worth mentioning are the bright LED taillights, attractive 17" wheel design, a GPS navigator and a valuable maintenance minder system which reminds the owner about scheduled maintenance for the car.

Accord Performance

The V6 engine of the Honda Accord generates 244 hp. The 4 cylinder engine, on the other hand, gives 177 hp of power. These improvements to the car's performance were gained by the extensive refinements that the car went through in its intake and exhaust airflow systems. V6 features (VCM) Variable cylinder management technology, which provides even better fuel efficiency.

The car also drives through a Drive By Wire (DBW) system instead of the common throttle cable. This makes the car more responsive and smoother to drive.

The Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, features a 253 hp, 3.0 L, V6 engine and a larger battery back. The Honda Accord Hybrid is easily differentiated from the regular Honda Accord by the difference in their rear light clusters, the antenna, the wheel design, the mirror turn signals and the folding rear which is absent in the Honda Accord. The Hybrid version of the Accord also does not have a 4-way passenger seat.

Safety in Accord

Accord has (VSA) Vehicle Stability Assist which assists in cruising and keeps you away from danger. In emergency situation it reduces gas & adjusts brake pressure at each wheel to help the driver escape from dangerous situations. Also, the (TPMS) Tire Pressure Monitoring System alerts the driver if tire pressure is significantly down. Every accord is fitted with front, front side and side curtain airbags for extra protection. It's infact a top pick for safe driving on the road.

Honda Accord Market

While readily available in the car market, the Honda Accord is also easily accessible in many Japanese used car dealers. In Online Japanese auction sites, the Honda Accord is readily available, Reputable used car dealers offer many good-as-new Japanese used car models and, with proper maintenance, a used Honda Accord can last for years to come. Used car warranty offerings will differ from one dealer to another.

credit:goarticles

Toyota Car with Quality & Technology

Toyota was established as a joint venture between Kirloskar Group and Toyota Motor Corporation, in 1997 with a burning desire to carve its own niche in the Indian car market.

The first Toyota car in the Indian car was the Toyota Qualis in 2000. Thereafter Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, and Toyota Innova were introduced in the Indian market. Though the numbers of car models are low but all the Toyota cars have created a benchmark in the industry with their rugged structure, excellent appeal, and unmatched performance.

Toyota Innova is one of the leading SUV in the Indian car market that has won the hearts of many car consumers. Even today, there are number of Innova found on Indian roads. The company has recently introduced a facelift version of Innova that has added to the worth and demand of the car in the industry.

Today, after years Toyota has accomplished its own space in the Indian car industry and is still strengthening its presence in the country. The company is continuously creating intelligent solutions to meet the present day mobility challenges and introduce technologies well suited for the future generation.

The reasons why Toyota Cars are successful and winning in both the domestic and international car market are as follows:

Innovation

The quest for innovation is the first philosophy of Toyota cars. This makes a strong platform purely based on advanced and new technologies that may improve the present day status of the car industry and further brighten the industry in years to come. Unconventional ideas, new concepts, improved marketing strategies, and car testing in real-life conditions, are all the steeping stones of Toyota’s success. The company is still in process to introduce new concepts and advancements to fit perfect to the growing needs of the increasing customer base and the need of future drivers.

Engine

Improving car engine technology every now and then with the changing pace of time and requirement, is another philosophy of Toyota. The company has the best of engines that make Toyota cars an asset for the car owner as well as the industry. Toyota has designed a range of award winning engines with highest degree of quality and performance standards. The unique Toyota engine, advanced variable valve technology (VVT-i), is known to deliver best performance, good responsiveness, excellent fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions.

Common-rail turbo diesels (D-4D) and the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) are also among the best engines in the Indian car market.

Safety

Safety is always a top priority for all car manufacturers today but for Toyota its one of the most important business philosophy. The company is introducing innovative and advanced car safety features like advanced steering control, SRS airbags, traction control, anti-lock brake, and a number of other features to ensure safety for both the driver and the passengers. All Toyota cars are carefully and smartly designed to maximize safety. Even the car body and chassis are built in such a way that it absorbs the impact of collision and provide maximum protection. credit:articlebase

Highest Expensive Vehicle from 2007-2008

Are you a big car or automotive fan? If so, it is always fun to look at the new cars that come out. We all love to see all the new features, new safety systems, and new styles that come out over the years. It seems like all the cars on the market now couldn't get any better or improve more. Although, they don't seem like they could get any better there is always some way that they do. Most of the cars on the market are getting cheaper but some seem to keep rising. Some vehicles blow away the word expensive. There are some vehicles so expensive that the majority of the world can't even afford them. These most expensive vehicles are some of the fastest cars in the world! Interested in finding out what the most expensive cars in the world are for 2007-2008? If you are, keep reading below so you can be blown away by the prices tags on these vehicles!

Top 5 most expensive vehicles in the world for 2007-2008

1. Bugatti Veyron - This vehicle is the most expensive vehicle in the world. The price on the Veyron is $1,192,057! This vehicle is surprisingly legal to drive on the streets. What makes this vehicle so different from the other ones is because it can reach up to 253 mph. You can also reach 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds! Although this is an incredibly fast car, it's not the fastest on the market.

2. Pagani Zonda C12 F - This vehicle is the second most vehicle on the market with a price tag of $667,321. This vehicle is the 8th fastest car in the world with the opportunity to reach 60 mph in just 3.5. This vehicle is made by a little company that lies in Italy.

3. SSC Ultimate Aero - This vehicle has a listed price of $654,400. Wonder why it is so expensive? This vehicle is the fastest vehicle in the world. You can reach up to 257+ with the advantage of reaching 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds. This car will just blow you away with its amazing speed.

4. LeBlanc Mirabeau - This is a car that can be driven at 229+ and still be legal to drive on the roads. This car is being sold on the market for $645,084.

5. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo - This amazing car is the first product supercar made in America! The running price for this vehicle is $555,000. This car is ranked to be the fourth fastest car in the world. The Saleen S7 has a top speed of 248+ and you can reach 0-60 in just 3.2 seconds!

The vehicles listed above are the most expensive vehicles not only in the United States but the whole world! The top most expensive car selling at $1,192,057 is just crazy! If you like fast, high tech cars, with insane speed you won't be able to find any better than these top 10 fastest vehicles in the world for 2007-2008. Even if you can't afford these cars, it's always fun to stop by at an auto show and see what the cars are all about. Here, you'll be able to see them up close.

Mazda RX-8 - It's your!!!

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2,616 cc 2.6 liters rotary 2 front engine with 0.0 mm bore, 0.0 mm stroke, 10.0 compression ratio, none and zero valves per cylinder RENESIS

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Premium unleaded fuel 91

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Multi-point injection fuel system

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15.9 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 13.2

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Power: 173 kW , 232 HP SAE @ 8,500 rpm; 159 ft lb , 216 Nm @ 5,500 rpm



credit:automotive

The Nissan Novo 2008 Concept

No, this isn't the third coming of the Nissan Pivo concept. Meet the 2008 Nissan Nuvu concept, a look at a possible electric city car that may be in Nissan's distant future.

If you're noticing some resemblance to the existing Micra subcompact, it's no coincidence. Nissan says the Nuvu is intended to offer a "new view" (get it?) on what the Micra could become in the future.

Though the Nuvu is just as round and cute as the current Micra, designers took the bubble-theme to the next level. Aside from the overtly-rounded shape, there's also the matter of the interior, which is clad with a bubble-print fabric.

More noteworthy is the Nuvu's electric drivetrain - especially since we don't know much about it. Nissan's release says the concept car's powertrain - which, surprisingly, is fully functional - is so close to its future technology, it can't disclose all the specifications. What we do know is the electric motor, powered by a lithium ion battery, drives the Nuvu's rear wheels, and is more than capable of reaching a top speed of 75 mph.

At this point, it's anyone's guess as to how close the Nuvu is to the next Micra, but we wouldn't be surprised if the electric drivetrain - along with a few bubbles - managed to make their way into production.

credit:results.myhpf.co.uk

The 5 doors of Honda Civic

Today I found one website regarding the Honda Civic 5 doors (motortoday.com) saying about the Honda Civic and I would like to share the model to you.

(The picture copyright:Honda)
You may have ever seen the Honda Civic 3 doors which launched in 2004 in USA and Japan. At the Geneva Motorshow 2004 Honda, you will see the Civic 5 doors Study Mode. This can prove to you that Civic don't have only the 3 doors.

credit: Motor today

LED Car Tail Lights - Why Are They So Popular?

We live in highly industrialized world today. Our cities, and even the towns, are equipped with too much lighting system that you sometimes wonder where those lights came from. Well, most of the lights you see (especially the ones at night) come from your vehicles. Because automobiles are a common ride today, it is never a wonder why our roads are full of lights these days.

When you view cars at night, you can compare their lighting systems; you can tell whether they are weak or they have just been replaced with batteries. More specifically, you will know if the bulbs mounted on the rear of their rides are LED car tail lights or not.

So how do you know if the ones mounted on a particular vehicle are LED car tail lights? Well, that is just very easy. If you see lights which have very high beams and if you see them with a very bright glow that only means that the light you're looking at are the LED car tail lights.

The Popularity Of The LED Car Tail Lights

Why are LED lights popular among cars? The answer lies on the three most beneficial features of LED car tail lights – the quality, durability, and the affordability. These three features are arguably the marks of great lighting system. They are so to speak the soul of any product out there in the market. Because all three important light characteristics are already found in one lighting system, more people deem it convenient to buy this type of light.

First, let us know about the quality of these LED lights. The Light Emitting Diodes is a property which is made from the earthly elements of aluminum and silicon. Because they are all natural, you can only expect the quality to have higher standards.

Next, let us try to review a LED light's durability. Most of the LED light users say that this type of bulb lasts for more than five years. Compared to the olden halogen bulbs, these LED lights are by far, the "longest living" lights. Because they do not heat up that much, the glass surrounding the bulbs do not get easily destroyed or mottled.

Lastly, let us try to know how much affordable the LED car tail lights can be. Most of these lights have the same prices as the halogen bulbs. Of course, everything depends on the brand and quality of the lights. The price also depends on where you get these lights from. If you purchase them over local stores or warehouses, then you can expect the light rates to be a little less costly; but if you purchase them over big city stores, then you can anticipate for the costs to go up.

LED Tail Lights And Their Beam

People have noticed that with their usual bulbs, the lighting system seems to reflect low beams especially at night. So to attend to customer needs, the LED lights have been made. Because of this type of light, road hazards are considerably decreased and mitigated while road visibility is increased.

The LED light's high beam offers more illumination during the night and even the day. Because the bulbs emit powerful light beams, the front and back pathways of your vehicles are also lighted up. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone. Moreover, the LED light's illumination capacity can even reach up to the peripheral sides of the road, thereby causing more glow of light to be reflected on dark roads.

The Safety Of LED Car Tail Lights Earns Popularity

Almost all lighting systems mounted on cars are safe to use. However, you need to be extra careful when changing the lights. Because everything is generated from the car's power, that can only mean that electricity is present in the wirings and bulbs of the light.

So when you try to replace your old tail lights, you need to kill the power first before holding them. Moreover, you need to wear rubber gloves to shield you from the electric current that's present in lights. If you do all precautionary measures, then changing the lights would not be a dangerous task for you.

Car brand for your decision

Peugeot reveals new hybrid concept for Paris
A new four-door hybrid concept by Peugeot will make its first appearance at the Paris Motor Show.

Jaguar X-Type with over 500 new components

Jaguar has sought a revision of its struggling X-Type, with over 500 new components installed and looks borrowed from the larger XJ, including a squarer front grille that freshens up the drooping oval of old.


The latest generation of X-Type will feature new trim and equipment options but more importantly, a new 2.2-litre diesel with optional auto' transmission will be added to the range. Priced at £1,450 extra, the new transmission uses a six-speed set-up and additionally offers a one-touch Sequential Shift system.

Jaguar is keen to promote the X-Type as better value for money, with prices only slightly altered despite its apparent improvements. Starting at an unchanged £21,500 for the base 2.0-litre diesel saloon, the new 2.2-litre oil burner will cost £22,500 for the saloon and £23,900 for the estate.

Making its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of the month, the new X-Type will go on sale in March 2008 in the UK and a month later in European markets. The US won't get the X-Type after March. credit:carenthusiast

Chevy's new family car cruises in for 2009

Chevrolet has released the first-ever pictures of its global family car, the Cruze, due to hit UK showrooms next spring.

The compact, four-door offering will make its official debut at October's motor show in Paris. Three engines will be offered to customers at launch next year: two petrol burning units and one with diesel power. The former options will include a 1.6-litre and a 1.8-litre, while the latter is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel producing 150bhp.

Design cues for the Cruze come from some of Chevy's sportier offerings, such as the Corvette, incorporating a twin-cockpit interior and the trademark two-tier grille.

Chevrolet insiders say the aim for the Cruze's design is to portray boldness rather than evolution and make a 'look' footprint for the company's future products. It claims this latest model is the start of an introduction period of new models, including the latest Camaro.

Word from officials at GM Europe is that the Cruze will start at around £11,000, although exact pricing information will be released closer to the car's launch. credit:carenthusiast

10 ways trick to save your money on gas

It’s no surprise to hear gas prices have gone through the roof lately, peaking at over $4 a gallon in many cases. It seems every American would give almost anything to reduce these prices, but can’t afford to give up their habit of driving. What are you to do when your wallet can’t support gas prices anymore? Don’t jump right to riding your bike everywhere, but instead try a few of these tips to help lower what you’re paying at the pump.

1. Get to work a different way

People spend most of their gas money traveling to and from work daily. Try assessing whether or not you really need to drive. You may try riding your bike or walking if your work in close by. If not, take a train or bus as the fares will probably cost less than driving to work yourself. Besides these alternatives there is always the tried and true tactic of carpooling to reduce how much you spend daily on gas.

2. Consolidate trips

If you know you need to go to the grocery store, vet and cleaners this week do all three trips in one. By doing this you will cut down on the amount of small trips you make throughout the week, thus saving yourself some gas.

3. Park it and walk

If all of your errands are located in one area, park your car and walk to each different store. If there is no need for you to drive, why waste the gas? Walking is also better for your health so you win all around.

4. Stop looking and park it

When parking, go with the first spot you see in stead of looking around for a “better spot”. Driving around the parking lot will just waste gas. And like I said, a little walking won’t hurt you.

5. Join the club

Save money on gas by joining loyalty clubs at gas stations or grocery stores with gas station. Grocery stores usually offer you discounts at their gas stations with your food purchases. Also, check online to find out the cheapest gas prices in your area. Simply do a search for “lowest gas prices” and you’ll encounter sites that can give you information about the price of gas at different stations in your area.

6. Fill up when you’re empty - and not before

Some people trick themselves to think they are saving money by only buying a half or fourth tank of gas. However, these little amounts will add up to the same as a full tank eventually and waste you gas by driving to the station each time. Wait until your tank is empty before filling up and fill it up all the way.

7. Get frequent tune-ups

Make sure you car is always operating at its best as this is when it uses gas most efficiently. Get regular tune-ups and oil changes as well as check the pressure in your tires. Maintaining your car will improve your gas mileage as well as increase the life of your car.

8. Do you REALLY need a Hummer?

If you drive an SUV, Hummer or other gas guzzling car, reevaluate if you really need it. Here’s a hint-if you live in the suburbs and work at an office you probably don’t. Look into getting a hybrid or a smaller car. Although the upfront cost may seem large, in the long run you will use less gas and the savings add up.

9. Stay consistent

When driving on the highway, try to keep a constant speed. Acceleration uses gas, so put it on cruise control to save up a little. Also, try and pick routes that require less stopping as the acceleration after the stop will use up gas as well. Try country roads where you can leave your windows open and turn off the A/C, adding to your decrease of gas usage.

10. Lighten your load

Remove unnecessary items from your car as the extra weight can reduce your gas mileage. Take a look in your trunk and decide if you really need to keep your golf clubs on hand 24/7.

New Jazz - You are So Jazz!!!

Honda's new Jazz arrives this autumn; it is more spacious than ever with more power and improved fuel consumption. Honda's stated aim is to build a small car with a 'big car feel'.

The new Jazz is 55mm longer and 20mm wider than the current model, the increases carrying over to greater interior room. Luggage capacity has grown by just over 40-litres and the rear seats have been redesigned to fold away more easily.

Slimmer windscreen pillars and larger windows - combined with retractable rear head restraints - should improve front and rear visibility. To allow more light into the cabin an optional glass roof, made of heat absorbing glass, is also available.



Honda has revised the suspension to improve the ride, while the wheelbase has increased by 50mm and the front track by 35mm to improve both stability and handling. Vehicle stability assist is available to provide an extra margin of safety.

Other safety features include a redesigned front crumple zone to better disperse crash energy. Front, side and curtain airbags are fitted and the front passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a child seat to be fitted in the front passenger seat.

Power comes from 1.2- and 1.4-litre engines with 89bhp and 99bhp respectively. Fuel economy is improved too: on the combined cycle the 1.2-litre Jazz returns 55.4mpg while the 1.4 manages 54.3mpg (in comparison to 51.4mpg for the outgoing 1.2-litre Jazz). Carbon dioxide emissions are similarly modest at 120g/km for the smaller engine and the larger unit gets a 123g/km rating with manual transmission or 120g/km with the updated six-speed automated manual i-Shift transmission.

There is no official information on what the new Jazz will cost but a slight increase over the current model seems reasonable. Exact trim levels and pricing details will be announced closer to the car's unveiling at the Paris Motor Show. credit:carenthusiast.com

Are You Ready for BMW 7 Series?

BMW has revealed technical highlights of the new 7 Series, including a range of turbocharged engines, adaptive damping and optional four-wheel steering.



Three engines will be offered at launch. The 730d has a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine delivering 245bhp and 398lb.ft, while the entry level petrol engine is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six delivering 326bhp and 332lb.ft; the latter is fitted to the 740i and long wheelbase 740iL. The most powerful unit will be a 4.4-litre, twin turbo V8. First seen in the X6, it produces 407bhp and 442lb.ft and powers the 750i and 750iL.



The new 7 Series has double wishbone front suspension while a five-link set-up controls the rear end, along with four-mode variable damping that lets the driver choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. Dynamic Stability Control + is standard on the new 7 Series: this includes brake drying and brake fade compensation among its features. Optional Integral Active Steering allows up to three degrees of rear-wheel steering and is claimed to improve low speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability.

BMW is claiming a world first for the 7 Series by placing side-facing cameras in the front bumper. The optional cameras display an image on the new larger iDrive screen and offer a view round obstacles. Other innovations include an improved night vision system that can recognise pedestrians. There are also lane departure and blind spot warning systems, while cars with head-up display and lane departure warning are able to read speed limit signs and display the current speed limit in the head up display.

The new Seven benefits from BMW's EfficientDynamics program. The results are modest fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions figures. Even the 750i can return 24.9mpg on the combined cycle.


credit:carenthusiast

Hybrid Car - Thing to know

Let's face it; we need to do our part to save the environment. Well, if you own a car or have heard the news, there is something called hybrid cars? What exactly is a hybrid car? Do you know? Well, if you don't, do yourself a favour and read on.

So, a hybrid car, or generally know as a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses tow or more power sources to propel. The more common power sources are rechargeable energy storage system commonly known as RESS, a fuel powered source, air or human powered vehicle with electric or gas engine.

However, most hybrid cars are commonly referred to as hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV). This includes internal combustion and electric motors. So, what exactly is a HEV?

A conventional propulsion system and RESS are usually combined together to make a HEV. Yes, you read it right; they are combined. They are combined to achieve better fuel economy..

HEVs are considered the premium for hybrid cars. Thus, this tells us that they are more expensive. This is usually due to the car having more electronics and also extra batteries. However, some hybrid cars are considered more expensive because of their design. One important thing to note is that when you sell your hybrid car it is not the same as selling your normal car. The selling price depends on the usage of the car.

Why choose hybrid cars? The most obvious benefit of having a hybrid car is that we can do our part to save the planet as a hybrid car is environmentally friendly. The other thing you have to trust me on is that a hybrid car is fun to drive. If you ever have an opportunity to test drive a hybrid car, you should jump at it right away.

I am sure you are dying to know the other benefits of driving a hybrid car and I am sure I have to do better to convince you that a hybrid car is much better than a conventional car.

We all know that the price of fuel is just going up. And, with the higher standard of living, not many can afford. You have to trust me on this as it is proven that the fuel consumption of a hybrid car is much lesser than a conventional one.

Durability of a hybrid car is like the durability of a range rover. Sounds unbelievable but you have to trust me. Its gasoline engine, brakes and also batteries are so durable that the cost of maintaining them are close to nothing.

Are you ready to own a hybrid car? Well, let me tell you this; in a about 10 year's time most cars on the roads will be hybrids. Even the most popular hybrid car company, Toyota is going to increase production to a million in less than a decade's time.

Your next step? Put this to the test right away. Maybe you should start plannig to do your part to save the planet by trading your conventional car with a hybrid car. credit:articlesnatch

New Engine for Audi A5

Audi has added a new engine to the A5 line-up. The 2.0-litre TFSI unit sits between the 1.8 TFSI and 3.2 FSI models in the A5 range. Like the 1.8, on which it is based, the new engine is turbocharged and Audi has added variable valve lift. As a result the power output is 208bhp and peak torque of 258lb.ft is available between 1,500 and 4,200rpm. By comparison the 3.2-litre FSI engine delivers just 243lb.ft from 3,000 to 5,000rpm.



Performance claims for the new model are 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 155mph. On the combined cycle 42.8mpg is possible, which makes the 2.0-litre more economical than the 1.8. As a result CO₂ emissions are low at 154g/km, which puts the 2.0 TFSI in vehicle tax band D.


Priced at £28,760 - or £30,285 for the quattro version - the A5 2.0 TFSI will be in showrooms from August. Customers wishing to join the queue can place their order now.

credit:carenthusiast