Automotive Reviews: April 2010

Friday, April 30, 2010

2010 Best New Cars Online

The automobile journalists' association organizes a competition called TestFest. TestFest takes place in the Niagara, on the lake in Canada. All the Canadian automakers visit this place with their personal choice of the latest new luxury cars. The competition will then mark the "Car of the Year" and "The Utility Vehicle" of the year from this list.

All the vehicles undergo a test drive, back to back, under the same conditions by AJAC'S top reviewers, and get labeled anonymously through ratings consisting of 23 characteristics, which include the costs, interiors space, handling, and performance. In the current year, 70 reviewers-writers belonging to Canada's media tested 51 models in 12 various classifications. They have also written various reviews which provide information for people buying new cars. Note that these do not include every new vehicle of 2010, but only models totally new for 2010 or the ones which are properly revised for the current year. For instance Canada's top cars i.e. Honda Civics or Toyota Corollas are not included in this list, since their previous year version is almost similar to the current year version. On the contrary, Canada no.3 car Mazda3 had three versions within this list because there was a significant revision on this model compared to the last year.

The Lexus HS250h was not included since people might consider it as a cheap new car, and not costly enough to qualify. The BMW Z4 got an entry in the form of a manual transmission auto. Anyway test drive for both of these was also conducted as well. In the end of the test drive, the total points for each vehicle were calculated, and the one with maximum points was announced as the winner of its particular class. A fresh judgment round will be held again in February for each winner at the auto show in Toronto. The utility vehicle and the car of the year will be announced then.

The testing team included the team of Wheels which consisted of auto journalists. Do read our reviews on all vehicles in "Wheels" except for the performance categories. Reviews on new car discount are also available with the same. On Saturday, have a look at reviews on quick cars, and for the "Best New Technology" and "Best Green Technology".

Affordable BMW Accessories

Add life and beauty to your BMW with some of the most in demand BMW accessories now available at authorized dealers of cars part and accessories. Since BMW cars symbolize class and luxury, modifying its parts can somewhat improves and increases its value in the aftermarket.

BMW owners must look into the details of his vehicle. You might want to modify it and improved its looks but you are tied up with the thoughts of its high price. Yes indeed most accessories of BMW are really expensive, therefore before you thought of buying any, consider first how much would you like to spend to make your car more attractive.

Look for authentic dealers of BMW accessories and replacement parts for they know much about the needs of your vehicle. You may even search for two or more suppliers online and compare prices. One thing you need to consider most is the fog lights of your BMW. Perhaps your fog lights now are functioning very well and you want to upgrade it to the latest model. This enhancement is not only for beautification but also for a more safe drive back home most especially when you travel to foggy places.

Having a BMW entails a lot of care also and the more expensive your car is the more you have to care for it. BMW accessories like fog lights are needed to have full and better visibility on the road. While there are expensive accessories but the benefits you can get from it exceeds it cost and will guarantee you of genuine parts and quality service.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Subaru Tradition Continued in 2009

Subaru is the automobile brand of the Japanese conglomerate Fuji Heavy Industries. Subaru cars are manufactured in Japan, the United States, and in other countries around the world. Fuji Heavy Industries is partially owned by the Toyota Motor Corporation, and the two companies cooperate in the development of various automobile technologies used in both Subaru and Toyota cars.

Subaru has built a reputation around the world for the quality and innovative design of its products. Subaru is unique among volume car makers in that it uses the boxer engine design in most of its vehicles that are equipped with engines larger than 1500cc. Subaru also uses an all wheel drive train layout for most of its passenger cars. These features, along with a reputation for outstanding quality, have earned Subaru a loyal following around the world. In the United States, Subaru sells passenger cars and SUVs. The Subaru Legacy/Outback is Subaru's best selling vehicle in the United States.

The mid-sized vehicle is available in either four door or station wagon configurations, and was redesigned for the 2009 model year. All Subaru vehicles in the United States are equipped with all wheel drive, and most Subaru vehicles feature Subaru's venerable boxer engine. The Forester is a compact, four door SUV that competes well with other small SUVs and has attracted a loyal customer base.

The Impreza is a compact vehicle that can be ordered in either a hatchback or four door sedan configuration. The Subaru WRX is the performance model based on the Impreza platform, and has been redesigned for the 2011 model year. The 2011 WRX will come equipped with a 305 horsepower boxer engine and a six speed manual transmission. Subaru had an outstanding year in 2009, with sales of 491,352 units worldwide. This figure represented a 79.7% increase in sales over the previous year. Subaru's strong customer loyalty in Japan and the United States helped it weather the financial crisis, and Subaru continues to increase its export sales in China and other developing world markets.

2010 Acura TL Featuring the 3.5L V6

The new 2010 models of the Acura TL are revolutionizing the way we look at a four door family sedan. No longer is the sedan looked upon as boring and uninspired, particularly when you get your hands on this new Acura. The base model packs a serious punch: It's powered by a 3.5L V6 with 280 horsepower, which is more than enough to make the kids in the back seat squeal with delight when you roll onto the throttle.

This high-revving engine finds its peak horsepower at 6200 RPM (with a peak torque of 254 ft/lbs right around 5000 RPM), making it a whole lot of fun to drive around the city and on the highway. Best yet, unlike models that find their peaks lower in the RPM range, you can keep the power at bay when you need to keep a lower profile. It's really the best of both worlds.

Now, if you can believe it, that's simply the base model. The 2010 Acura TL SH comes with a beefier 3.7L 305 horsepower V6, with just a little bit more torque added into the mix (273 ft/lbs versus 254 in the base model). This gives the driver a bit more passing ability on the highway than the base model, which can certainly get you out of trouble in a hurry if you ever find yourself in the need for that extra push of power.

With the extra power comes a new drive train to keep that power under control: The Acura TL SH comes with all wheel drive standard, which makes driving in the snow and rain just that much easier and safer.

The available 2010 Acura TL engine options are enough to give any driver a grin that just won't go away. See your local dealer for more.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

A Survey On 2010 Toyota Matrix

The 2010 Model
The 2010 Toyota Matrix offers a wide array of travel solutions for the different types of traveler. From what you expect to be different in this car, anything is possible. From the occasional change of travel plans to the problem of cargo space, this car can deliver.

The Accessories
Accessories of the Matrix such as an auto-dimming mirror help provide comfort in your driving pleasure. A front end mask which is used by other vehicles to protect the car is now being used by the 2010 Matrix to provide that sporty look. The best of it all is what the Matrix can offer which other spacious cargo cars don't have, it's the Handy Cargo Tote which is very useful to keep things in the cargo, organize. Some other accessories are drag and bind in the car depending on the client taste and his desire.

A Token of Appreciation
The makers of Toyota express their deep gratitude to their clients by giving them the 2010 Matrix. With accessories to fit different individual's lifestyle, it sure is the bomb in the car industry. Providing costumers the comfort of driving is the aim of the Matrix and the manufacturers. Toyota Japan supplies the best for you to have your own Toyota Matrix at home. Japanese car makers exercise their skills in makes and models to lure car lovers from different parts of the world. Such Japanese car developers are turning the tides around by modernizing and giving depth in various cars, putting the use of cars as transportation into a pleasure-mobile. And this is why Japanese car manufacturer is one of the best in the world.

The Best Choice
Japan car technology not only provides clients with comfort but they also provide them a chance to have their right to choose what is best for them. With their used car dealer program, searching for a car that is right for you can be easy. Just enter your desired model or make and some specifications and the used car dealer program will initiate the search. They also have this Online Japanese Auction which gives the buyer a guaranteed quality for his money.

While bidding for the car you've always dreamed of, now you have the option to go for it. Japanese Car system has also different programs of giving the clients the best possible service through their used car warranty and the importation or shipment of the desired car. Why not join increasing green environmental enthusiasts and save our planet. Great fuel economy combined with excellent performance in design and speed will enchant you whenever you sit inside this small luxurious sedan.

The Kicker CVR 12 Subwoofer

The Kicker CVR 12 is a subwoofer. Maybe we should start by explaining exactly what a subwoofer does. A subwoofer is a loudspeaker that is designed to reproduce very low bass frequencies.

They're generally between 8 to 21 inches in diameter and they're also referred to as a sub. A subwoofer just isn't often used by itself because it is usually used in conjunction with home sound systems and, as with the Kicker CVR12 subwoofer, with car sound systems.

The quality of the subwoofer will rely primarily on the quality of the components used and how well they're put together. They can be made out of assorted materials such as polypropylene, kevlar, carbon, aluminium and even strengthened paper. You get a slightly different sound with every material.

Individuals will often put subwoofers in enclosures to make them easier to mount (particularly in cars) and to also give them a deep booming sound. There are numerous diferrent enclosures available and, as with subwoofers, each one of them provides you with a slightly different form of sound.

You do get sealed enclosures, ported enclosures and bandpass enclosures. Sealed are the smaller of the enclosures and these give a really accurate bass. Ported, or vented, are the mid sized enclosures and these give out a more boomy sound. Bandpass enclosures are the largest which produce the largest boom sound but with the least amount of accuracy.

Should you purchase a sub on it's own it is known as unmounted and if you purchase a sub which is already in an enclosure then this is known as mounted. So, If you are looking to purchase a sub for your car you have to determine whether or not to buy mounted or unmounted.

The Kicker Comp CVR range includes subwoofer sizes from eight to 15 inches with the CVR12 being probably the most popular. They are considered the best sub in it's class, delivering top quality performance with superior bass technology.

With the Kicker CVR 12 subwoofer you will get the clearest, loudest bass that Kicker has to offer from there high quality range.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

2010 Toyota Rav4

The Rav4 has certainly made a name for itself in the mid-size crossover SUV market. Benefits of these vehicles include a great V6 engine and an optional third row seat. There have been minor changes both inside and out for the 2010 Toyota Rav4 making it an even more refined vehicle. With room for possibly 7 people it is capable of acting like a full size SUV while retaining it's wonderful fuel economy. Compared with vehicles like the Ford Escape, the Rav4 has been more adept to change. The new model is probably one of the most modern looking in it's class.

Trim packages available include the Base, Sport and Limited. Front or all wheel drive is choice for all these packages along with either a 4 or 6 cylinder engine. Base models come with standard features like limited slip differentials on front drive models, AC, full power accessories, remote keyless entry, CD players, electric power driver seats, and cruise controls. Base models that have 4 wheel drive come with 17 inch alloy wheels that are only offered as optional equipment on 2 wheel drive models.

Sport packages have standard 18 inch alloy wheels. Other features include different exterior accents, suspension designed for highway driving, different location for spare tires than the rear door, run flat tires, heated mirrors, and leather steering wheels. As a mid-level package the Sport models offer enough amenities to compete with high-end models of vehicles like the Ford Escape and Chevy Trailblazer.

Limited Edition packages have a regularly tuned suspension system and are reduced back to 17 inch alloy wheels. they have heated mirrors as well, roof rails, remote ignition starters, dual climate controls, upgraded audio systems that have a 6 CD changer, and optional satellite radio. The limited edition is offered with the V6 engine only. Another set of interesting features for these packages is a hill start assist, and down hill start assist system to relieve the transmission.

It is important to note that all these vehicles were mainly designed for highway driving. Though they do have capable 4 wheel drive systems, they will fair better in poor conditions on the highway than in mud. Overall handling characteristics are very nice and offer a great ride quality and limited road noise.

The engines offered are a 2.5 liter four cylinder that give 179 horsepower and 172 pound feet of torque, and a 3.5 liter V6 that produces 269 horsepower and a whopping 246 pound feet of torque. The smaller engine gets a fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The larger engine comes in with 19 mpg city, and 27 mpg highway. Outfitted with a towing package these vehicles can haul up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2010 Toyota Rav4 comes with standard safety features like traction control, front head restraints, stability control, front and side airbags, and full curtain airbags. In crash tests these vehicles received mixed reviews. In frontal crashes, drivers safety got a perfect score, while passenger safety only received 4 out of 5 stars. Side impact tests were rather similar as well, receiving mostly perfect scores.

Rav4 models have become very popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer very classy bodies and interiors, along with more than capable 4 wheel drive systems. As a city vehicle they are well adept for parking in small places, and can hold their own out in the country as well. Consumers looking for an all around vehicle capable of handling poor driving conditions, and hauling a decent sized family should really enjoy owning one of these renowned Toyota vehicles.

Land Rover Discovery 4x4

There are many desirable vehicles on the market these days. From the best of the Europeans, to the top notch US automobiles, to the quality Japanese brands. But the standard set by the Green Oval has been high, and with the release of the Land Rover 4 - the Land Rover Discovery 4x4 - any excuse to overlook the Discovery has evaporated.

Lovers of the Discovery are many; and you are in a good company. You are a select group - a group with certain style, appreciation of quality; a of love of great machines; an appreciation for the finest workmanship; and a love of great things that are British.

Land Rover lovers are everywhere: all over the world and are the most loyal bunch in the world. So if you are looking for a Land Rover Discovery for sale, you are about to join a special group - a very special group of auto enthusiasts.

Series 4 has just been released. And there has been numerous mechanical, technical and performance upgrades to make the Discovery stand alone in terms of reliability, quality and luxury. The Land Rover Discovery is such an awesome vehicle. It comes from a long line of superb pedigree off-roaders from the green oval factory: Range Rover. Known for their prestige, quality and superior driving pleasure, Range Rover is one of the worlds great automobile manufacturers. To own a Land Rover is to own ruggedness, reliability, luxury and the thrill of Englands best.

The Discovery 4 Station Wagon comes in a number of engine options. The 2.7 litre TD V6 is most economical and very popular. The five litre V8 engine is very powerful. The typical list of features include Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Seat Height Adjustment, a Driver and Passenger And Front Side Air Bags, Automatic Air Conditioning, 18In Alloy Wheels, Radio/CD Autochanger, Remote Central Door Locking, Computer, Memory Seats, Front/Rear Electric Windows, Front/Rear Heated Seats.

There are many places you can go to find a Land Rover Discovery for sale. These days the smartest place to do your comparison shopping is online. There are numerous websites devoted to auto sales, car sales, SUV sales, 4wd sales and you are sure to find a land rover discovery for sale at one of these great sites.

It is a good idea to shop locally. Look for vehicles that are a couple of hundred miles or kilometres from your home, so that it is not too difficult to check out the car, make the purchase, and drive it home. If the car is not right for you once you make your inspection, then you can turn around home, and you have only lost a half a day and not wasted too much money. You may need to travel with a friend, or you may identify a land rover discovery for sale in a city that is a cheap flight away from your home.

Monday, April 26, 2010

2009 Mitsubishi Raider

The Mitsubishi Raider, a restyled version of the Dodge Dakota midsize pickup, ended production in 2009. For its final model year, it came only with a V6 engine; Mitsubishi dropped the optional V8 in 2007. The Raider's sole engine was a Chrysler-designed 3.7-liter V6. Known as EKG, this 12-valve, SOHC engine is part of Chrysler's PowerTech family. It is essentially a six-cylinder version of the 4.7-liter V8 used in various Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles.

Like the V8, it has a cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder heads, a plastic intake manifold, chain-driven overhead camshafts, and roller-type cam followers. The EKG shares the V8's 90-degree bank angle, rather than the 60-degree angle ideal for a V6 engine. It uses a split-pin crankshaft to give even firing intervals, and a balance shaft to reduce the shaking forces created by the 90-degree layout. The 3.7-liter engine was revised in 2005 with hydraulic valve lash adjusters, a new cam profile for better mid-range torque, and a higher, 9.7:1 compression ratio. In the Raider, it made 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque.

The 3.7-liter engine was sorely underpowered for the Raider's size and weight. It had adequate power for commuting, but freeway merging demanded caution, particularly with a heavy load. Its performance was dramatically inferior to rivals like the 236-horsepower Toyota Tacoma and 261-horsepower Nissan Frontier. The Raider was further hampered by its automatic transmission, which had only four speeds, compared to the five-speed automatics of most competitors.

Despite the V6's lack of grunt, the Raider's EPA fuel economy estimates were unimpressive, inferior to the more-powerful Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, and no better than the far more muscular Nissan Frontier. In compensation, the Mitsubishi's 3.7-liter V6 was reasonably refined and very well muffled, making the Raider one of the quietest trucks in this class.

Volkswagen Scirocco

It was the mid nineties and I wanted something different to drive. Having just sold a fairly well worn but solid 1980 GTV, the one with chrome bumpers, I was still in a fastback coupe phase so the Scirocco was a natural choice at the time.

Finding a Scirocco in half decent condition was a difficult job as most had been driven to within an inch of its life. Finally I came across one while buying parts at the trade counter of a VW garage. It was a 1984 Scirocco Storm with electrics and leather, covered in dust and general garage junk, but it looked original. A deal was struck and I took it away that week, after a bit of playing around it was up and running, and it wasn't a bad car at all, very original. There was one big problem, it was brown. Not tan, this car was chocolate brown with tan leather, luckily it had escaped the vinyl roof surgery.

I was reminded of this car when I was behind one in traffic recently. I used to wash my one with pride, loved cruising in it, and now I was looking at this one with a gasp of shock at how awful it looked! Its covered in cheap plastic moldings on the body that look like they were fitted with a hammer. The front end looks misaligned, the driver looks like hes too close to the steering wheel, it just looks all wrong. What the hell was I thinking?

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Fiat 130 Coupe

The Fiat 130 Saloon was first produced in 1969, replacing the the Fiat 2300. The Pininfarina designed coupe would follow in 1971. Four-wheel independent suspension, disc brakes all round and an alternator all sounds fairly standard but it was big news at the time and hailed them as being very technically advanced.

I was never really a fan of the saloon it was just another big Fiat, but the coupe was a good looking well engineered car. Although there was no doubt of it being a technical and design success it would never become a sales success. This was mainly because of it's awful build quality and Mercedes and BMW, which were this cars main competitor, could do it a whole lot better.

Engines for these cars were designed by Aurelio Lampredi, Ferrari engine designer, they were basically a copy of the Fiat Dino V6 engine except for cambelt instead of a chain and SOHC on each bank.

Production under Fiat's control ended for both the saloon and coupe in 1976, but Pininfarina continued production of their coupe until sometime in 1977 when they eventually ran out of major build components.

At first glance this car is nothing special and most people would walk past it and not have a clue what it was. And they where probably overlooked as a classic, they weren't even a great drive, and yes they did fall apart but they were a fantastic car.

The Danger of Convertibles

Convertibles may look like a sporty car on wheels, but they are also incredibly dangerous. But, what makes convertibles so much more dangerous than other vehicles? For starters, because convertibles usually have a soft top, in the event of a rollover (in which the vehicle lands with the roof of the car on the ground), whoever is inside of the vehicle stands a much greater chance of suffering life-threatening injuries and/or even death.

Convertibles have been around for a long time. James Dean was famous for driving convertibles and even died in a sports car when it crashed. Recently, one of my friends (who is a police officer) told me about a call that he responded to in which someone phoned in that they had witnessed a car accident where a woman driving a convertible ran off the side of the road. When he responded to the scene of the accident, it was a horrific site. The vehicle that the woman had been driving veered off of the side of the road, down an embankment and had apparently flipped over multiple times before landing upside down.

In the process of the car flipping over, the woman was ejected from the vehicle by way of the front windshield and had died immediately.Besides the fact that the woman was going too fast, the officers were able to determine that the cause of the accident was the combination of the woman driving too fast plus the fact that she realized that she had missed her turn. In an effort to try to make the turn anyway, she over-corrected her steering and wound up losing control of her vehicle. Additionally, she was not wearing her seat-belt. However, even if she had been wearing her seat-belt, there is no guarantee that she would have survived because the entire top of the vehicle was crushed down almost completely.

Had she been driving a regular, hard-topped car and wearing her seat-belt, she probably would have survived.My boyfriend drives a BMW Z3, and every time he has to leave to go to work or drive somewhere at night, I always remind him to be careful. In a regular vehicle, you at least have a fighting chance of walking away. However, when you own and drive a little sports car convertible, it becomes increasingly difficult to beat those odds. There have been a few times where I have had close calls with deer and other wild animals crossing or standing in the middle of the road at night, and it was all I could do to swerve out of the way at the last minute.

Had I struck one of those animals, there would have been damage to my car, but I don't doubt that I would've walked away. However, when you are driving a little convertible, you're lucky if you even make it out alive. If you do own a convertible car, try to make sure that you exercise even greater caution when you are out and about driving. Wear your seat-belt and be cognizant of what other drivers around you are doing.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Great Cars Under $10,000?

There are many cars on the market that are under $10,000. One of which is the Hyundai Accent GS. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for this car starts at $9,970. Not only is this a great starting price, it has great gas mileage as well, getting as high as 35 miles per gallon.

Another automobile that comes with a great price tag is the Nissan Versa sedan, starting at $9,900. Again, it offers great gas mileage at 34 miles per gallon. Being a decent sized sedan, it is an excellent starter car for families as well as coming with a reliable name.

Some cars may have a price tag of over $10,000 but that does not mean that is the final cost of the car. Many car dealerships are giving incentives such as an automatic $1000 back with a new vehicle purchase, or they take a trade in. Furthermore, since the economy is slow, many dealerships are willing to make a deal and will bargain the price of the auto, so remember, the sticker price is not always the final cost.

Beyond new cars, there are many used cars on the market that can be purchased for under $10,000. Websites such as Auto Trader and Car Max can help consumers find the car they are looking for. Some popular used cars that are reasonably priced are the Ford Focus, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla. If buying a used car, it is recommended to have a car facts report on the car to know of any previous accidents or damage. There are many incentives as well, and each dealership will vary, so do the research before going and purchasing a car. Have a firm price in mind before going in, as it is a situation in which they want to make the most money off of their cars.

Toyota FJ Cruiser Cold Air Intake

Toyota FJ Cruiser is a midsized SUV. It is second to none so far as its distinctive look and its off-road performance quality is concerned. Its excellent interior as well exterior designing is another feature that goes in its favor. It has four doors and its seats are comfortable. In its 2010 version its engine provides ample power and is simultaneously fuel efficient, which is a rare combination.

The SUV is able to negotiate rough roads even those with boulders and other obstacles and is able to go up on steep slopes. The SUV is able to achieve all that because of its tough chassis, good suspension, and an engine that generates and equally well transmits ample power. It is safe on road as well as off-road due to features that include stability control, traction control, anti-lock disc brakes, and air-bags at the required places. It requires less effort to drive it because its controls are located where it is easy to reach them. The SUV can be very easily maneuvered.

When you buy a car you would expect that you get the best out of the expenditure incurred on its acquiring and running. Installation of cold air intakes is a step to accomplish that. A Toyota FJ Cruiser cold air intake will help you in getting more power from the engine for a given amount of fuel consumed. The engine generates power by the combustion of a mixture of fuel and air. It is the oxygen in the air which is the active agent in this process. For complete combustion adequate supply of air is required.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser cold air intake does that by bringing in atmospheric air in the engine. The air that is brought in is cold and hence denser than the air inside the engine area which is hotter. Denser air means more of air and hence more of oxygen in a given volume. It results in better combustion and more power.

Friday, April 23, 2010

The Fourvette Concept Corvette

Every so often the powers that be at GM come up with a Corvette notion that is four doors and family friendly. The very perception is enough to make even the strongest stomach Corvette fanatic sick but low and behold the Fourvette is born.

This time the notion of a four door Corvette is more than just words and GM has actually made a concept car version of what the production Fourvette might look like. Hopefully this is as far as the Fourvette goes, but it certainly isn't the end of the sickness you will feel in the pit of your stomach when you hear the next tid bit of info on the Fourvette.

In addition to the four doors, the Fourvette will include a six cylinder engine. This is supposedly to market to the women of America, but if they can drive the big soccer mom V8 SUVs, why can't they drive a V8 Corvette? A more fitting question is why they are even considering such a vehicle?

Here's the problem. Last year Porsche came out with a four door called the Panamera and although it looks like a stretched out turtle, the sales are unbelievable. So unbelievable that GM is thinking of following suit. However, the birth of the Fourvette could be the death of the Corvette.

Owning a Corvette has always been something that you do as a reward for yourself. You don't buy a Vette so that you can load up the kids and take them to soccer practice right before you go to the grocery store. In fact the mere sight of a baby seat inside a Corvette would be enough to put you into exile with your Corvette club.

Now it seems that GM may want to curb all that the Corvette has come to be in it's almost 60 years of existence and redefine it as a family car. So the great American icon will become the greater family icon? Not to say that women can't own Corvettes, but why does the Corvette have to be four doors and six cylinders?

Hopefully this is as far as it goes and perhaps GM is only doing this to gain a little bit of notoriety and some publicity. The last time that a four door Corvette went to concept was back in 1963 and if not for the pictures of that four door Corvette, no one would have believed the story. While it is up for debate as to why that model never made it to the production line, the fact remains that it never made it to the production line.

In 1963 GM was wise enough back then to destroy that version of the four door Corvette and say, "What four door, we don't have any four door," so hopefully they will be just as wise with the Fourvette. While the name is nifty, the notion of an actual four door Corvette being put into production is anything but. While a picture is worth a thousand words, a picture of the Fourvette is only worth three; no thank you.

2010 New GMC Vehicle Line Up

If you are looking for a sturdy and dependable truck, the 2010 GMC Canyon delivers 242 hp and a towing capacity of 4,000 lbs for a modest price. GMC's Sierra collection has a variety of 2010 truck models to choose from. The eco-friendly Sierra Hybrid delivers great fuel economy and 332 hp while the Sierra 1500 delivers 367 hp and can handle a maximum payload of 2,160 lbs. For really big jobs nothing beats the Sierra 2500HD and Sierra 3500HD. These workhorses can tow between 15,800 and 16,500 lbs with ease.

For versatility and reliability consider the GMC SUV lineup. The 2010 GMC Terrain comes equipped with Multiflex Seating to allow for convenient cargo storage or a full back row for passengers. Up to eight passengers can ride in comfort in the 2010 Acadia, Yukon, Yukon Hybrid and Yukon XL, all of which are loaded with extra features and enhanced safety construction. If you are in the market for a van for family or business use, GMC offers both, the 2010 Savana Passenger and Savana Cargo Van. The passenger model has seating for 9 adults or can be adjusted to carry 252.6 cu. ft of cargo. For maximum interior space the cargo model accommodates 2 adults and up to 316.8 cu. ft of storage.

For the ultimate in GMC vehicles consider the 2010 Denali line. The Yukon Denali, XL Denali and Yukon Denali Hybrid all have a Vortec V8 engine and abundant horsepower combined with the most luxurious interior appointments. These amazing vehicles are the top of the line and available at Allen Family Automotive.

The Allen Family Automotive Group takes pride in offering quality vehicles at down to earth prices. We are your Orange County GMC Dealership. Our extensive line of GMC Trucks, Vans and SUVs has something for every lifestyle and every budget. Browse 2010 GMC Trucks for sale online.

If you have any questions about our GMC inventory or if you would like to schedule a test drive please Contact Us. Our knowledgeable and helpful customer service team is on standby to assist you any way we can.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Mazda Embraces New Technology

Mazda has released an iPhone app designed to make motorists lives that little bit easier should they break down.

The application is part of their roadside assistance program which enables Mazda drivers to send their breakdown location directly to Mazda by using the app's GPS functionality. This is just the latest example of how the iPhone's functionality is being used to make lives a little bit easier.

The app is free to download for all those who are signed up to Mazda's roadside assistance plan. Once the driver has sent their location through the app they will then have a notification 'pushed' to their iPhone which allows them to concentrate on other matters.

The app has been designed so that it's easy to use - it gathers information about the vehicle through a simple questionnaire so that the roadside assistance team know all the information they need to know.

It currently runs on the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS and is only available in the US - so you will have to keep an eye out to see when it hits the UK.

The first roadside assistance app was introduced by an American road agency. So, keep an eye out for more roadside apps.

You'll also notice a lot of car dealers launching new mobile sites that are designed exclusively for the iPhone. This is so that people can browse through their selection of used cars whilst they are on go. It basically makes their services more convenient and accessible - especially as mobile browsing is really taking off.

New BMW F10

The new BMW 5-series (BMW F10) aims to change or better yet - revolutionize the limousine sedan concept. At first sight, you can't help notice that the new 5-series BMW has a much better design that the previous generation 5-series. The design is classic, elegant and dynamic at the same time and it looks like it's inspired from the famous 5-series E39 model of the 90's which some say it's the most loved and appreciated 5-series generation.

The new 5-series offers a wide range of engine options, such as the 8-cylinder engine, three 6-cylinder gasoline engines, two diesel engines and one turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine. The most powerful is the 8-cylinder engine which will power the BMW 550i and benefits from BMW's Twin Power Turbo and High Precision Injection technologies for a maximum power of 407 hp. The most efficient is the 4-cylinder turbo-diesel which powers the 520d and promises a fuel consumption of 5 liters per 100 kilometers while offering 184 hp.

The 6-cylinder diesel engines offer 258 hp for the 530d and 204 hp for the 525d BMW.

Transmission options include the new, 8-speed BMW automatic transmission as well as the standard 6-speed manual gearbox.

The interior features an elegant design and has certain similarities with the 7-series. The dashboard is driver oriented which guarantees an unique driving experience, which is definitive for a BMW.

The new 5-series comes with new technologies such as Surround View which assists the driver, Collision Warning - a new speed limiting technology, Lane Change and Lane Departure Warning, the now-usual HUD (Head-Up Display) and the BMW Night Vision system.

The BMW 5-series' price on the European market starts at 40,000 EUR in Germany for the 520d version and can go as high as 70,000 EUR for the 550i version.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

New Updates Expected With the Chevy Hybrid Silverado 1500

With people trying to save as much money as possible while being environment conscious turn to hybrid cars to do their part. These cars, including trucks produce fewer emissions which makes them more fuel efficient as well as environmentally friendly. The brand new 2010 Chevy Hybrid Silverado 1500 will have all of the power in the right place to help you load and work, while helping to save you money in the process.

Being able to produce a truck that can run off of electricity as well as tow up to 6,000 pounds is an incredible mark in technology. The Chevy Silverado has been reported to maintain the power that you would have if you were driving in a diesel truck. Rather than using up energy while driving at higher speeds such as on the 2009 models, you can now use less energy while coasting at higher speeds.

Along with the great fuel efficiency, you will get a number of great features added to the 2010 model. For example you will power the car with the 300 volt battery that is installed on the electric motor. You will also have a gas motor installed that will switch back and fourth to electricity when the truck is not moving. Trailer and towing packages are also available on these new trucks as well as the typical cab sizes that the 2009 models come with.

The overall look and feel of the Chevy Silverado 1500 Hybrid gives is a very sleek look and feel to it. The power behind it is still very surprising for an electric truck. The 26-gallon tank will last a lot longer than typical trucks due to the energy and gas saving technology used to produce these trucks. The Silverado Hybrid has also been joined by Hybrid models coming from GM models such as the Yukon and even the high class Escalade.

You can find this car on the market for just under $40,000 which seems incredibly reasonable seeing as it is a truck. The Chevy Silverado 1500 Hybrid will also come with the traditional 3 year/ 36,000 mile warranty. As time and technology progresses we will start to see a variety of new trucks coming to the surface with the Hybrid stamp attached to the back. You can now get all of the bells and whistles that you want in a truck without breaking the bank and going broke.

2007 Ford Mustang

Make no mistakes, the day of the pony car is still here and the 2007 Ford Mustang makes that statement boldly. While the imitators tried to compete with the original, they have fallen by the wayside leaving the Mustang the only pony produced in the '07 model year. The body styling is a continuation of the retro style revamp Ford created in 2005 and it is still looking sharp. The sold axle rear suspension has finally been tweaked so that the ride quality resembles what it should for a car in the 21st century. There is truly something for everybody with a price tag starting in the very affordable range.

Highlights for the year include a DVD navigation system and auxiliary input jacks for audio devices on all models. This is the ninth generation of these pony cars and they actually are more similar to the original in appearance than any previous models in recent times. The choice of engines remains impressive with either a V6 or V8 being offered. The V6 is 4.0 liter that puts 210 horsepower and 240 pound feet of torque. GT models come equipped with the larger 4.6 liter V8 and an all impressive 200 horsepower. All of these cars are rear wheel drive and have a standard five speed manual and a optional five speed automatic transmission. The GT models equipped with a manual transmission can easily go from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

The trim packages offered for the 2007 Ford Mustang are the previously mentioned V6 and GT models which both come in either deluxe or premium packages. There is also a standard package for the V6 models that come with remote key-less entry, standard 16 inch wheels, AC, full power accessories, CD players, and power mirrors. V6 deluxe models come with alloy wheels and many other optional features. A V6 premium comes with a Shaker 500 stereo system with a CD changer, upgradeable wheels, and power driver seats. There is also a "pony" package offered that has sport tuned suspension systems, 17 inch wheels, fog lamps, and a stylish front grill.

GT deluxe models come with the same features as the V6 counterpart along with ABS, a rear spoiler, sports themed seats, and fog lamps. The GT premium has a Shaker 1000 audio system that is more than just a little impressive. Full leather upholstery is also standard on all GT premium models.

Handling characteristics are similar between the V6 and GT models. Acceleration is more than adequate with the V6 models, and downright fast with the V8 GTs. Not much aftermarket work is necessary with these vehicles being that Ford has produced them with performance in mind. It is difficult to compare these cars with any other from the '07 model year because there really isn't any other car that offers this great of a price with all that performance.

Perhaps best of all is the fact that these cars retain very nice fuel economy ranging from 19 mpg city to 28 mpg highway. Those numbers are more similar to a economy full size sedan than what you would expect from a powerful muscle car. The 2007 Ford Mustang is a great way for consumers on a budget to get a performance car. Buyers who are looking for a luxury experience can find that as well in a high end GT model.