2 Hyundai coupes arrive in 2009 (UK)

Hyundai will launch two new coupes by 2009. The first will be front wheel drive and will replace the current Coupé SIII. This is be based off the i30 and will look alot like the Veloster. Expect the same radical design, including the shooting brake-style rear end and squat, wide body, although the glass roof may be lost for safety reasons. Engine options will include the 1.6 and 2.0-litre engines also used in the i30, with a diesel model still being considered.

As part of Hyundai’s new brand restructuring, the next Coupé will remain in the same price range as the current model (which starts at £15,700) without compromising the level of quality which has been set by the new ‘i’ cars; it hasn’t yet been decided if that nomenclature will appear on the coupé.

Hyundai is confident that the new, more premium coupé’s price won’t rise because it will not come with a V6 engine option — as the current model does.

The second coupe is likely to be the Genesis Coupé. The plan is to introduce an entirely different, more performance-focused coupé based on the rear-wheel-drive, 350bhp V6 Genesis coupé concept that was unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles show. This would be Hyundai’s answer to the Nissan 350Z, and would be available with the concept’s V6; the V8 from the Genesis saloon concept is also being considered.

The Genesis coupé has not yet been confirmed for the UK, but Tony Whitehorn, MD of Hyundai UK, maintains that Hyundai “must have a sports car as its halo model”.

Odd-looking Mazda6 spied (U.S)

Meet your new Mazda6, provding you are in the U.S. This pre-production car was spied in the snowy state of Detroit.

The vulgar headlamps are part of the car right down to the Jaguar XF looking exhausts. A 3.5 litre V6 is likely to be used but the 3.7 litre V6 used in the CX-9 is unlikely.

Look for the official debut of the Mazda6 in the next few months with sales beginning sometime this year.

Related link:

Spied: 2009 Mazda6 sedan

How to Avoid a Car Accident

Car accidents are responsible for one death every 13 minutes in this country. National statistics show that in 2005, the U.S. reported over 6,420,000 automobile accidents. Those are staggering numbers for auto collisions. If that number could be reduced by 1/3 or even 1/10, many lives could be spared and grief avoided. With a few common sense tips and practical advice, anyone can take precautions to avoid a car accident.

Step 1 : Plot your driving before you set out to go anywhere. Determine the best route to get to your destination. This will avoid the possibility of having to rush and drive too fast.

Step 2 : Leave your home or office in ample time to allow for driving safely. Usually when you wait too late to leave somewhere, you feel pressured to make up for that time by driving too fast or taking too many chances in your driving.

Step 3 : Stay alert while you are on the road driving. Limit or eliminate the use of cell phones, perhaps to be used only in cases of emergencies. If you must use your cell phone to make a call, pull over to the side of the road or off the road to do so. Complete your call before you resume your driving. Also eliminate any extra activities like makeup application, reading the newspaper or even drinking beverages.

Step 4 : Listen to the radio to get updates on where accidents have occurred on the road. Take this information into account when planning and adjusting your driving course.

Step 5 : Keep your hands on the wheel at all times. Many accidents occur when a person reaches down to get something, or reaches behind them to get something. This is very dangerous. Letting go of the wheel for any reason can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

Step 6 : Observe the speed limit. The speed limit doesn't exist for people to actually go up to it. It serves as a reminder of what to not go over. As with anything, limits must be avoided, so it is with driving. By contrast, just as you should not go over the speed limit, be cautious to not go too slow. Either one of these 2 extremes is a potential situation for collisions.

Step 7 : Rotate the tires on your vehicle as frequently as your car's manual suggests. This allows even wear and tear on the tires so as to reduce the possibility of a tire blow-out.
It is extremely dangerous to chat on your cell phone while driving. Accidents can happen quickly, often not allowing you sufficient response time.

How to Escape From a Burning Car

A burning car is a death trap. Smoke accumulates quickly within the sealed doors and windows and rising heat and the fire itself make a time bomb out of the gas tank. Escape from a burning car is a difficult but doable challenge that requires fast thinking and even faster acting. Follows these steps to understand how to escape from a car on fire.

Step 1 : Stay as calm as you can. The worst possible thing that you can do is panic. Panic will cause you to waste precious seconds and make mistakes that could end up being tragic. It's important for you to focus on one thing, and one thing alone: getting out.

Step 2 : Unlock the doors and windows. Do whatever you can to accomplish this critical step. Even if you cannot open the door yourself, unlocking the doors will give bystanders or rescuers a good shot of getting you out of the burning vehicle quickly.

Step 3 : Get your seat belt off. This must be done quickly so the heat of the fire does not fuse the metal of the buckle to its anchor. If the metal is too hot to touch, use a piece of cloth to cover your hand so that you can release the buckle. If the buckle won't release, push the shoulder strap over your head and try lifting your legs out from underneath the waist strap.

Step 4 : Kick out a window. If you cannot get the door open, the next best thing is to kick out a window. Getting a window open will allow smoke to exit the car and will also give you an escape route. Use both feet against a side window, if possible, to shatter and then pop the window out of the frame.

Subaru Forester pricing announced (U.S)

Last month, Subaru debuted the Forester SUV and this month, they have revealed the pricing for the new compact SUV.

Priing will start at $19,995 which which undercuts its predessor by $1200 but thats without the $665 destination charge. The PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions) model will start from $20,195 and the XT Limited will be priced from $28,195 excluding destionation charge.

The crossover is what Subaru calls a "more SUV-like" look, in part due to its 3.6-inch-longer wheelbase, now up to 103.0 inches.

Power will come from a 2.5 litre petrol normally aspirated and turbocharged engines. The turbo models will be mated with an automatic transmission. VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and traction control will be standard across the range. It will go on sale in April.

Related links:

New Car: 2009 Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester uncloaked

2009 Subaru Forester

Contesting a Speeding Ticket

Nothing makes a day go from bad to worse or even from great to bad than getting a speeding ticket. You could be having the best day ever. Get pulled over and get a speeding ticket and your day is ruined. You could be having the worst day of your life. Just when you think it can’t get any worse, you get speeding tickets. Tickets suck. That’s the long and the short of it. Well, what do you do know with that ticket? Were you even speeding? Can you contest the ticket?

Of course, the easiest thing to do is to suck it up and pay the fine. If you follow the directions on the back of the ticket, swallow your pride by writing the check and mailing it in then you are done with it and you never have to think about it again. However, every driver who is issued a ticket has the right to contest that ticket in court if they truly believe it was issued to them wrongly.

The laws are different in every state regarding how speeding tickets are handled. In some states you do have the right to have your ticket reviewed by a judge; this is called "bench trial" and a judge determines your guilt or innocence. In these cases, your decision is dependant upon the judge and what kind of mood he is in. Some judges hate to reduce or dismiss speeding tickets because it is good revenue. In other states, you have the right to a "jury trial" which is when a jury hears the merits behind you receiving the ticket and determines whether or not you have to pay the fine. Few states have developed a traffic division, and you would go directly to that division to contest the speeding ticket.

Most people do not know that you also have the right to inquire about the equipment used in the issuance of your speeding ticket. You can ask when was the last time the radar gun used was reset. Speeding tickets have been dismissed because of the length of time since the guns last reset. It calls into question the accuracy with which the gun determined your own speed.

Regardless of whichever way you choose to contest the ticket, bench trial, jury trial or traffic court, you have the right to appeal your ticket if you believe that you didn’t deserve to receive the ticket or if you believe you should not have to pay it. You would appeal your conviction through the court of appeals. The action you choose to go with is completely up to you.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/contesting-a-speeding-ticket-337443.html

History of Aston Martin

Aston Martin Lagonda Limited is a British manufacturer of luxury performance cars, whose headquarters are at Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. The company name is derived from the Aston Clinton hill climb and one of the company's founders, Lionel Martin.

From 1994 until 2007 Aston Martin was part of the Premier Automotive Group, a division of the Ford Motor Company. On 12 March 2007, it was purchased for £479 million (US$848 million) by two Kuwaiti investment companies in a deal led by David Richards of Prodrive. Ford retained a US$77 million stake in Aston Martin, setting the total value of the company at US$925 million.

Aston Martin was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. The two had joined forces as Bamford & Martin the previous year to sell cars made by Singer from premises in Callow Street, London where they also serviced GWK and Calthorpe vehicles. Martin raced specials at Aston Hill near Aston Clinton, and the pair decided to make their own vehicles. The first car to be named Aston Martin was created by Martin by fitting a four-cylinder Coventry-Simplex engine to the chassis of a 1908 Isotta-Fraschini. They acquired premises at Henniker Place in Kensington and produced their first car in March 1915. Production could not start because of the outbreak of World War I, and Martin joined the Admiralty and Bamford the Royal Army Service Corps. All machinery was sold to the Sopwith Aviation Company.

After the war the company was refounded at Abingdon Road, Kensington and a new car designed to carry the Aston-Martin name. Bamford left in 1920 and the company was revitalised with funding from Count Louis Zborowski. In 1922, Bamford & Martin produced cars to compete in the French Grand Prix, and the cars set world speed and endurance records at Brooklands. Three works Team Cars with 16 valve twin cam engines were built for racing and record breaking: chassis number 1914, later developed as the Green Pea; chassis number 1915, the Razor Blade record car; and chassis number 1916, later developed as the Halford Special. Approximately 55 cars were built for sale in two configurations, long chassis and short chassis. The company went bankrupt in 1924 and was bought by Lady Charnwood, who put her son John Benson on the board. The company failed again in 1925 and the factory closed in 1926, with Lionel Martin leaving.

Later that year, Bill Renwick, Augustus (Bert) Bertelli and a number of rich investors, including Lady Charnwood, took control of the company and renamed it Aston Martin Motors, and moved it to the former Whitehead Aircraft Limited works in Feltham. Renwick and Bertelli had been in partnership some years and had developed an overhead cam 4 cylinder engine, using Renwick's patented combustion chamber design, and had tested it in an Enfield Allday chassis. It was the only 'Renwick and Bertelli' motor car made. It was known as 'Buzzbox' and survives to this day.
They had planned to sell this engine to motor manufacturers, but having heard that the Aston Martin car was no longer in production they realised that they could capitalise on the reputation of the Aston Martin name (what we would now call the brand) to give themselves a head start in the production of a completely new car.

Between the years 1926 and 1937 Bertelli was the technical director of Aston Martin, and the designer of all subsequent Aston Martin cars during this period, these being known as the 'Bertelli cars'. They included the 1 1/2 litre 'T-type', the 'International, the 'Le Mans, the 'MKII' its racing derivative the 'Ulster, and the 2 litre 15/98 and its racing derivative the 'Speed Model'.
Mostly open two seater sports cars and mostly bodied by Bert Bertelli's brother Enrico (Harry)a small number of long chassis four seater tourers, dropheads and saloons were also produced.
Bertelli was very keen to race his cars and he was a very competent driver. One of the very few motor manufacturers to actually sit in and race the cars he designed and built , the competition no doubt 'improved the breed' and the 'LM' team cars were very successful in national and international motor racing including at Le Mans and the Mille Miglia.

Financial problems reappeared in 1932 and the company was rescued by L. Prideaux Brune who funded it for the following year before passing the company on to Sir Arthur Sutherland. In 1936, the company decided to concentrate on road cars. Car production had always been on a small scale and until the advent of World War II halted work only about 700 had been made. During the war years aircraft components were made.

Type : Private
Founded : 1913
Founder : Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford
Headquarters : Gaydon, England, UK
Slogan : Power, Beauty, Soul

2008 Lincoln MKS

The Lincoln MKS is a luxury sedan produced by the Lincoln division of the Ford Motor Company. The production version is based on the MKS concept car which was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. It will begin production in the summer of 2008 at the Ford Chicago Assembly plant in Chicago, Illinois. The MKS fills the gap since the discontinuation of the Lincoln LS in 2006.

The MKS continues the new Lincoln naming convention for future models, including the new 2007 crossover SUV Lincoln MKX and the mid-size car 2007 Lincoln MKZ which replaced the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr. By this naming scheme, new vehicles will be designated with alphanumeric names rather than more traditional names like "Zephyr" and "Continental". This is part of a new Lincoln strategy to give its vehicles alphanumeric monikers, in much the same way as some other luxury automakers do, to get people to refer to the cars as Lincolns, rather as just "Continentals" or "Navigators".

Pronounced "Mark S," it's a potential flagship for Ford's stuck-in-the-doldrums prestige brand. It isn't yet officially headed for the assembly line, but a production MKS likely will be built on Volvo's versatile P2 architecture, some form of which underpins the Volvo XC90 and S80, the Ford Five Hundred, and the Mercury Montego. Expect powertrain options to include a 315-hp V-8, a six-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive. If Lincoln really wants a design hit, though, they should learn from Cadillac. Take some risks, don't copy the Japanese.

Video: Caterham Skills

Guy can really drive.


Very Skilled Driver - Watch more free videos

Hyundai i30 Estate pricing announced (UK)

After months of teasing UK customers on the Hyundai UK website, Hyundai has announced the prices for their newest arrival in the i30 family.

The i30 estate will start from £12,995 for the entry-level Comfort grade which gives you a 1.6 litre petrol engine that is equipped with electric folding door mirrors, air conditioning, 15” alloy wheels, ESP, six airbags, USB/iPod and aux connections. Expect to pay £16,295 for the flagship Premium grade which features 17" alloy wheels, heated & leather seats, climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear parking sensors and front windscreen wiper de-icer.

It goes on sale 2nd April.

i30 Estate 1.6 Comfort £12,995
i30 Estate 1.6 Style £13,995
i30 Estate 1.6 Style Auto £14,995
i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Style £14,695
i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Premium £16,295

Standard specification:

Comfort:

Air conditioning
15” alloy wheels
ESP
Six airbags
Electric folding door mirrors
USB/iPod and aux connections

Style:

As Comfort, plus:

16” alloy wheels
Automatic lights-on sensor
Cloth seats with leather trim
Leather gear knob and steering wheel
Solar control glass (windscreen)
Tyre Pressure Monitoring

Premium:

As Style, plus:

17” alloy wheels
Climate control
Auto-dimming rear view mirror
Leather seat facings
Heated front seats
Rear parking sensors
Front windscreen wiper de-icer

Related link:

Hyundai Elantra Touring preview

Chrysler gives Europe a diesel SRT 300C

Later on this year, Chrysler will install a 3.0 V6 diesel engine in the 300C SRT which is borrowed from the regular 300C 3.0 CRD. This means 218 bhp, 163kW and 376lb ft of torque.

It will be available as a sedan or a touring model and boasts many of the SRT features including 20-inch alloys, body kit, chrome mesh grille. On the outside bootlid spoiler, revised rear light clusters, and extra LED lights will be incorporated in the facelift.

The interior will feature a satellite navigation system with a 20GB drive (referred to as MyGig), carbon-fibre detailing and leather sports seats straight out the of the 425bhp, 6.1-litre V8 SRT-8.

Honda Swindon plant produces 2 million cars

HONDA CELEBRATES ONE IN TWO MILLION:

£80m investment tops day of achievement

This week marks Honda's celebration of the 2 millionth car from its Swindon car production facility. The silver CR-V is scheduled for production tomorrow evening (21st February, 2008) nearly 16 years after car manufacturing began in October 1992. Today the company announced substantial new investment, showing further commitment to its UK manufacturing operations. Building on its 22 year history, Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. (HUM) is investing a further £80 million to upgrade and improve manufacturing processes.

This includes:

• £20 million into Plastic Operations which started mass production in January 2008 - capable of moulding and painting 1300 sets of bumpers for Civic and CR-V each day

• £16 million into a new casting facility employing the Honda patented process of ASCT (advanced semi-solid casting technology). This unique new process will enable HUM to independently cast diesel blocks, a process which, until now, has only been carried out at Honda in Japan

• A further £50 million being invested in welding and paint production technology, increasing efficiency and production flexibility. Honda's Swindon plant has shown a 25% increase in production volume over the last 18 months, with the company's UK sales operation breaking through the 100,000 sales barrier for the first time in 2007. Currently just under 30% of Swindon production goes to the UK market. In 2007, HUM produced 237,783 cars. David Hodgetts, Director at HUM, stated that "We are extremely proud of our workforce here in Swindon. This major milestone demonstrates the scale of our achievement since our operations began nearly 22 years ago. This fresh investment will enable Honda to improve overall competitiveness and increase the level of localised manufacture in Swindon. " Ken Keir, Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe, said "The fact that there are over two million happy customers driving Swindon built Honda cars is testament to our Associates' commitment and is a great accomplishment."

Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. (HUM) : Key Facts 1) HUM Vehicle Production History

• Accord 4 Door (1992~2002 ) 280,432
• Accord 5 Door (1999~2002) 46,418
• Civic Aerodeck (1998~2000) 48,064
• Civic 3 Door (2001~Present) 213,810
• Civic 5 Door (1994~Present) 777,850
• CR-V (2000~Present) 633,426

Total 2,000,000

Lincoln Town Car 2008

The 2008 Lincoln Town Car is a 4-door luxury sedan that is available in four models, Signature which comes in a regular body shape, the Signature L which is available in the extended body shape, Signature Limited and the Designer Model. All four models are equipped with a 4.6 Liter V8 engine that is rated at 239 horsepower. All models are equipped with a rear wheel drive and a four speed automatic transmission. The fuel economy ratings of the Town Car are 17 miles per gallon on city streets and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Town Car Signature is equipped with 17 inch tires, leather seats, power ront seats, power adjustable pedals, a CD player, and its dashboard is equipped with an analog clock, headlights that switch on automatically and sensors in the back that helps the driver park the vehicle. The Town Car Signature Limited is equipped with front seats that are heated, a driver’s seat that has memory, an expensive music system which is equipped with a CD player that is located in the dashboard, and a trunk that can be opened or closed using power. The Town Car Designer model is equipped with air conditioning, steering is powered, a cruise control system, seats made of leather and a split seat in the front pedals that can be adjusted with the help of power and mirrors that are powered and heated. the Signature L model has the same equipment as that of the Signature model but adds, power points that are attached to the rear sea, head rests that are heated and a music system and temperatures inside the car can be modified switched on or off with the help of a remote control.

The 2008 Lincoln Town Car is equipped with a system to control traction and stability and air bags mounted on the side for those seated in the front. The interior of the Town car is huge and its eats its passengers in comfort. It has a trunk whose capacity is 20.6 cubic feet.

Biography of Henry M. Leland

Henry Martyn Leland (16 February 1843-26 March 1932) (born Barton, Vermont, died Detroit, Michigan) was a machinist, inventor, engineer and automotive entrepreneur.
He learned engineering and precision machining in the Brown & Sharpe plant at Providence, Rhode Island, and subsequently worked in the firearms industry, including at Colt. These experiences in toolmaking, metrology, and manufacturing steeped him in the 19th-century zeitgeist of interchangeability. He applied this expertise to the nascent motor industry as early as 1870 as a principal in the machine shop Leland & Faulconer, and later was a supplier of engines to Ransom E. Olds's company, Oldsmobile. He also invented the electric barber clippers, and for a short time produced a unique toy train, the Leland-Detroit Monorail. He created the Cadillac automobile, bought out by General Motors. He also founded Lincoln, later purchased by the Ford Motor Company.

In 1902 William Murphy and his partners at the Henry Ford Company hired Leland as an adviser, and later asked him to sort through problems on the shop floor. A clash quickly came when he gave orders to Henry Ford. Ford understood he was in charge, however, the partners took Leland's side, and Ford was shown the door. Ford got $900 cash and the designs for a new car he was working on. The partners got the car Ford had been hired to produce. Taking Henry Ford's car they removed his engine and replaced it with the precision single cylinder engine produced by Henry Leland. The directors lost no time in renaming the company Cadillac. At Cadillac, Leland applied many modern manufacturing principles to the fledgling automotive industry, including the use of interchangeable parts.

The Cadillac won the Dewar Trophy for 1908.

Leland sold Cadillac to General Motors on July 29, 1909 for $5.6 million but remained as an executive until 1917. With Charles Kettering, he developed a self-starter for the Cadillac, which won its second Dewar Trophy in 1913 as a result.

He left General Motors over the company's involvement in the war effort and formed the Lincoln Motor Company to build Liberty aircraft engines. After the war, the company's factories were retooled to manufacture luxury automobiles.

In 1922, Lincoln became insolvent and was bought out by Henry Ford's Ford Motor Company. Ford's bid of $8 million was the only bid at a receivers sale. Ford had first offered $5 million, but the judge would not accept it for a well-equipped company whose assets were conservatively estimated at $16 million. After the sale, Leland and his son Wilfred continued to run the company, believing they would still have full control to run the company as they saw fit. Ford assigned a number of their people to Lincoln, they said to learn. However, it soon became clear they were there to streamline their production and stop the loss of money that had bankrupted Lincoln. Relations between the Henry Ford and Leland workers continued to deteriorate. On June 10, 1922, Ford executive Ernest Liebold arrived at Lincoln to ask for the resignation of Wilfred Leland. When it became clear that Mr Leibold had the full authority of Henry Ford, Henry Leland resigned as well. That afternoon both men were shown out of the factory they had created.

The Lincoln continues to be part of the luxury line of Ford to this day.

History of Lincoln

Lincoln is an American luxury automobile brand, operated under the Ford Motor Company. Founded in 1917 by Henry M. Leland and acquired by Ford in 1922, Lincoln has been manufacturing vehicles intended for the upscale markets since the 1920s. Lincoln's prevalent competitor Cadillac, was also founded by Henry M. Leland having acquired the assets of the Henry Ford Company, Ford's second company. While Lincoln was the best selling luxury marque in the United States as recently as 1998, Lincoln lost ground to its competitors. To combat this recent slide in sales Lincoln has unveiled three new models, the MKZ sport sedan, MKS luxury sedan, and MKX crossover sport utility vehicle.

It usually takes about thirty years for a car to become a collector's item but the old Lincoln Continental was sought after from the moment the model was discontinued in 1948. Most classics are renowned for ageless elegance, unique construction, and superior performance. The Continental had only one of these to offer -the most elegant body style to appear on an American car. Its crisp sculptured lines, a dramatically pointed grill, sharply curved fenders, and boldly squared rear, created an appearance reminiscent of the finest in European cars. This graceful and handsome automobile was prosaic mechanically. There were no innovations, only a standard chassis and a modestly powered engine. When Edsel Ford had the car designed he was interested in style. It was all he got.

If Henry M. Leland had been around in 1939 when the Lincoln Continental was first made, the car would undoubtedly have exhibited engineering qualities to match its superb styling. Leland was one of the most important figures in automotive history. He was associated with the first Oldsmobile and is renowned as the designer and founder of the Cadillac.

In 1921 he produced another luxury car which he named after one of our greatest presidents. It was a solid, well-engineered piece of craftsmanship - big and powerful. Pioneer that he was, Leland equipped his early Lincoln with the first multiple-barrel carburetor to be used. But the car was a failure financially. It was much too expensive, and the company went into receivership almost immediately.

When a public auction of the Lincoln Motor Company was announced, Henry Ford decided to purchase it. He wanted to produce a prestige car and what could be better than one with the great reputation of Leland behind it? So he approached the aging engineer and told him that he would take over the entire Lincoln organization and retain Leland as chief executive. Then Ford planned the acquisition of Lincoln in his methodical manner. Other purchasers were carefully discouraged from even appearing, and when the auctioneer opened the proceedings in January, 1922, only one bid was offered - Henry Ford's. The Lincoln Motor Company was sold to him for only eight million dollars.

The scene that followed the sale again showed careful planning. According to Keith Sward, in his excellently documented book The Legend of Henry Ford, a brass band appeared from nowhere, playing "Hail to the Chief," and a huge portrait of Henry Ford unrolled slowly over the face of the Lincoln building. A well-timed news story pointed out the historical significance of the connection between Henry Ford and Henry M. Leland as two giants of the industry.

The honeymoon did not last long. In six months Leland was out and the Lincoln became completely a Ford product.

The Lincoln Division of the Ford Motor Company made good cars in the 1930's. The bodies were elegant and some models housed a fine V-12 engine. One of the most successful cars was the Zephyr, produced in 1936. One of the first streamlined classics, it reflected the growing interest of Edsel Ford in body styling. It was he who developed the entire styling department of the Ford Motor Company, and under his direction the classic Continental evolved.

In the postwar period, the Lincoln-Mercury Division continued the Continental, but in 1949 replaced it with a large luxurious Lincoln that in the eyes of many was only a bigger Mercury. However, in 1955 a new car was produced in an attempt to cut into Cadillac sales. The name Continental was revived, an astronomical price tag added, snob appeal was sought for by announcing that only a limited number of cars would be produced, and a European flavor was added by naming the cars with Mark numbers. By 1960 the company had reached the Continental Mark V, the longest, lowest, widest, and heaviest of any American machine. It is difficult to picture a Continental on a tight winding road. The car is really at home on U.S. super-highways.

For the design of this new Continental one must give full credit to the Ford styling experts. They managed to avoid many of the cliches that bound the industry in the 1950's. The tailfins are modest, very little chrome is used, and the grill and bumpers are uncluttered. The entire car, in spite of its immense size, has a clean, trim look. One wonders, however, how many Continental owners have had to enlarge their garages to accommodate the monster.

It is difficult to assess the probable future of the Lincoln Continental. High costs could well end its career, unless Ford decides to support it as General Motors did the Cadillac in the thirties. In 1960 the car was available to the very few and some experts believed it would be regarded as a classic in the future. Others felt that it was only an expression of the American predilection for bigness and luxury above all other considerations. Perhaps that is true. For years we have built cars on a "bigger, better, shinier" concept. And as a matter of fact, that is just what Henry M. Leland set out to accomplish.

Type : Luxury division
Founded : 1917
Headquarters : Dearborn, Michigan, USA
Area served : North America
Key people : Henry M. Leland, founder of the Lincoln Motor Company
Industry : Automobile
Products : Luxury vehicles
Parent : Ford Motor Company
Slogan : Reach higher

2005 Cadillac STS V8

Cadillac is serious about playing in the international luxury car league, and none of its products demonstrate this more than the 2005 STS. The new STS shares about three letters with the previous Seville STS, otherwise it is a very different machine, and a uniquely American interpretation of the contemporary premium luxury-performance sedan.

Note that the Seville nameplate is gone. With it went the front-wheel drive ``G'' large-car platform. Cadillac's premium offering is now called just ``STS,'' and is available with a 3.6-liter, 255-horsepower V6 or the 4.6-liter Northstar V8, now with 320 horses. Both engines feature aluminum alloy construction and dual overhead cams with variable valve timing, and are matched to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. V6 models are all rear-wheel drive, while V8s may be had with rear- or all-wheel drive. The platform is the same ``Sigma'' architecture found under Cadillac's smaller CTS sedan and SRX crossover, but stretched out a few inches. Although new STS's wheelbase is nearly four inches longer than that of the most recent Seville, overall length is down nearly four inches.

Cadillac is serious about competing with the best luxury cars from Europe and Japan - everywhere. To that end, panel gaps, inside and out, have been made significantly smaller, and fit and finish has improved. The new STS's size, performance, appointments, and vehicle dynamics were designed with far more than the demands of the American market in mind.

We've just spent a week with a new V8, rear-wheel drive STS, and have spent plenty of time in both previous front-drive generations. And, yes, Cadillac's newest is its closest approach yet to the foreign competition, although it retains its American character just fine, thank you. But, despite driving the rear, instead of front wheels, it's really not all that different from the previous STS Sevilles in most ways, merely further-refined and developed. Its looks are distinctive, and, to my eyes, handsome, and its Northstar powertrain is first-class. So, now, are its road manners. Cadillac claims it wants to truly be ``The Standard of the World'' (an old Cadillac ad slogan) once more, and the new STS is a serious step in that direction.

APPEARANCE: Cadillac is to be commended for creating its own distinctive design language. There is plenty of continuity with the look of the last two generations of Seville STS in the 2005 model's styling, and, like its immediate predecessor, it looks smaller than it actually is. Styling cues that first appeared on the Seville in the early 90s have been developing over the past decade, aided and abetted by the angular ``Art and Science'' theme of Cadillac concept cars of the past few years. The results first seen on the XLR luxury-sports roadster and the mid-sized CTS sports sedan are further-developed on the STS. But, on the STS, the angles and planes of the bodywork are ever so slightly rounded. The body proportions are classic long-hood, short-deck. The latest iteration of the classic Cadillac egg-crate grille graces the front, between the distinctive vertically-stacked headlights. A character line on the sides that rises toward the rear emphasizes its sporty wedge-shaped profile, and noticeable but not overdone rocker panels also give a performance message. At the rear, tall, thin LED taillights make the STS as distinctive at night as it is during the day.

COMFORT: There is some evolution and some revolution inside of the new STS. The basic interior design is still tasteful and contemporary, with the two-tone motif of today's luxury cars. But the Zebrano wood that was almost a Cadillac trademark for over a decade has been replaced by European-style aluminum trim, and eucalyptus wood is available. The front seats offer very good support and comfort. Included in the all-encompassing 1SF option pack is heating of both front and the outboard rear seats, and ventilation of the front seats, among many other amenities and gadgets. The rear contoured bench has good room for two adults in the outboard positions, but, as is the norm in cars these days, the center rear position is best for smaller people and shorter distances. Because of the shorter overall length, the new STS's trunk is slightly smaller than that of last year's car, but it's still large enough for plenty of luggage or several sets of gold clubs. Extensive soundproofing by both design and materials makes the STS relaxingly quiet on the road. It's a great car for touring, on any kind of road.

SAFETY: The new STS's structure has been enhanced for greater strength and occupant protection. Dual-stage front, front side, and side-curtain airbags are standard, as are 4-wheel ventilated antilock disc brakes, all-speed traction control, and the Stabilitrak stability enhancement system.

RIDE AND HANDLING: Why the switch from front- to rear-wheel drive? Front-wheel drive gives good steady-speed traction in moderate driving, but running large amounts of power through the wheels that steer adds complexity and can result in annoying torque reactions - torque steer - through the steering wheel. Also, as weight is transferred rearwards under acceleration, a powerful front-wheel drive car will lose traction. For the best performance in a high-powered car, rear- or all-wheel drive is better than front-wheel drive. Any slight advantage of front-wheel drive in low-speed, steady-state conditions can be made up for with modern stability and traction control systems, and Cadillac's Stabilitrak is one of the best of those. The Sigma platform has been enhanced for the STS, with even greater rigidity than the CTS or SRX. The fully-independent suspension uses a short-and-long arm setup in the front, with a multi-link rear, with moderately-sized stabilizer bars at both ends. Sachs (yes, German) hydraulic shocks are standard, but my test car was equipped with the ``Magnetic Ride'' (MR) suspension as part of the extensive 1SF option package. This has been a high-tech Cadillac feature for several years, and allows real-time adjustment of shock damping by electronic sensors and actuators interacting with magnetic fluid in the shocks. It keeps the tires in solid contact with the pavement, provides a firm-but-comfortable ride, and enhances the STS's cornering abilities. The 2005 STS is a Cadillac that is as happy being pushed on a challenging road as it is to be cruising down the Interstate.

PERFORMANCE: Cadillac's Northstar engine was a gem when it was introduced in 1993, and has only improved with age. The aluminum alloy 4.6-liter dual overhead cam V8, with 320 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, now has variable valve timing on all four camshafts and new intake and exhaust manifolds, among other high-tech features, and is coupled to a new five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. The five-speed is just what the STS has needed for years - the more closely-spaced ratios give a smoother, more-refined driving experience in automatic mode, and the ability to easily shift manually improves the sport driving experience. And make no mistake, this is a Cadillac that likes to play in the twisties. In everyday driving, put it in ``D'' and the electronic and hydraulic circuitry in the transmission and the engine's fine low-speed and midrange torque takes care of the rest. For added enjoyment, move the shift lever over to ``Driver Shift Control'' mode and let the Northstar rev. There is a healthy dose of acceleration, accompanied by a fine V8 growl.

CONCLUSIONS: The 2005 Cadillac STS makes a run on the world's best luxury cars with distinctive style and rear-wheel drive performance.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Engine Type dual overhead cam aluminum alloy
• V8 with variable valve timing
• Engine Size 4.6 liters / x cu. in.
• Horsepower 320 @ 6,400 rpm
• Torque (lb-ft) 315 @ 4,400 rpm
• Transmission 5-speed electronically-controlled
• automatic with manual-shift mode
• Wheelbase / Length 116.4 in. / 196.3 in.
• Curb Weight 3,921 lbs.
• Pounds Per Horsepower 12.3
• Fuel Capacity 17.5 gal.
• Fuel Requiremen 91 octane unleaded premium gasoline recommended
• Tires P255/45 VR17 Michelin Pilot mxm4 xse
• Brakes, front/rear vented disc / vented disc, antilock,
  traction, and stability control standard
• Suspension, front/rear independent short-and-long arm /
  independent multi-link
• Drivetrain front engine, rear-wheel drive
  

PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy miles per gallon city / highway / observed : 17 / 26 / 20
0 to 60 mph 6.0 sec.

History of Cadillac

ON THE BANKS Of the Gironde River in southwest France stand the ruins of a fourteenth-century fortress, which once dominated the people of the valley and controlled the river traffic. In its time the castle was a symbol of the prestige and power wielded by the medieval aristocracy. It was called Cadillac. The men of the family were military leaders through the centuries, but historical fame came chiefly to Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, who led a French army into the Great Lakes region and founded the city of Detroit in 1701.

Although the name has since been used in many ways, it was a car that restored to it the prestige and status that the ancient lords enjoyed. Cadillac has become a byword in the English language, connoting the epitome of excellence, the best of anything.
The car that A. P. Brush and Henry M. Leland built in 1902 was a modest beginning for an automobile that became America's status symbol. It was a one-cylinder, low-priced machine with chain drive, not too different from many other makes of the period. But Leland, an experienced engineer, soon decided to produce an expensive, finelytooled car - a prestige machine. In 1905 his new model appeared, one of the first four-cylinder cars on the American market.

In 1908, Leland staged the most astounding demonstration that the automotive world had ever seen. He took three Cadillacs to England, and after putting them through their paces, stripped each car down to the last nut and bolt. The thousands of parts were then mixed up thoroughly and Leland's workmen proceeded to assemble three Cadillacs. When they were finished the amazed British officials saw the. cars complete a 500-mile speed test without a hitch. It was obvious that each car contained parts from the other two, but the precision standardization during manufacture made sure that any collection of components would work together. At that time no other car in the world could pass a test of this sort, but it was a routine operation for Leland who had worked in the Colt revolver factory where this type of standardization was inaugurated.

In 1909, Leland sold his company to General Motors, but the new corporation wisely retained him as head of the Cadillac Division. Leland guided the development of his creation with a sure hand. Cadillac became the pacemaker for the industry and pioneered many devices that we have today. By the time Leland left in 1917 to design the Lincoln, the Cadillac was firmly established as one of the foremost American prestige cars.

The innovations introduced by Cadillac are among the most important developments in the automombile. In 1911, Leland purchased a revolutionary device from the Dayton Engineering Laboratory Com pany - the initials spell the now familiar DELCO. It was Charles F. Kettering's self-starter. Among other things the self-starter meant that women could finally handle a car by themselves, for the arm-wrenching job of cranking a car was too much for their delicate bones. It also spelled the eventual death of the steam cars whose major selling point lay in the lack of a crank handle. In addition to the self-starter, Leland pioneered the use of the generator-battery system which made .headlights, ignition, and eventually heaters much more practical. By 1912 the first timing chain appeared on the Cadillac, in 1914 the first production V-8 engine, and in 1928 the first dependable synchromesh transmission.

The Cadillacs of the early 1930's were classics of automotive design. Big, lean, powerful, they slowly began to dominate the market. With their introduction of the V-16 engine, they outsold all the other luxury cars of the period. Year after year, as other makes were put out of business by the economic fluctuations, the Cadillac continued its rise. In reality, the Cadillac lost money in the thirties, but the advantage of being in a big organization lay in the fact that other divisions could support a financially embarrassed section. This was why the Cadillac survived a period that meant the eventual finish of almost every other American luxury car.

Just prior to World War II Cadillac discontinued the massive V-12 and V-16 engines in favor of the more efficient V-8 and they entered the postwar period as the leader of their price range. Unfor tunately Cadillac, because of its prestige, became a style leader as well. In 1948 the Cadillac division started the tail-fin trend which blossomed luxuriantly throughout the industry. Soon there was intense competition among manufacturers, not in performance or durability, but in the size and shape of the rear-end outrigging. Tail fins are required for aerodynamic stability on airplanes but no one has yet proved their value on a touring car, except as adornments. The tail-fin fad spread like a plague, erupting in huge proportions on even the smaller cars, and, like a world epidemic, finally crossed the Atlantic to appear on some European machines. It is a tribute to the prestige of Cadillac as a pace-setter in style, that the fin disease spread so widely, and one may only hope that the shark-shaped appendages will finally wither. When they do, it is quite probable that the next trend will be pioneered by Cadillac.

However, under the hood, the efficient and durable V-8 engine spells pure function. Cadillac engines last a long time with proper maintenance and produce an amazing amount of power. Before the development of the Corvette engine, these V-8's were used in many racing machines such as the British-made Allard.

Today the Cadillac is perhaps the most luxurious of American cars, and in the Eldorado-Biarritz model, can be the most expensive. Almost everything is power assisted or electrically operated. Air condi tioning makes hot weather touring an extremely pleasant experience,, and radio-telephones keep the occupants in touch with the outside world, for the interior of a Cadillac is a world in itself. Only the addition of television is required to make this car a traveling living room where owners can relax in utter comfort as the world speeds by the glare-proof windows.
Purists may decry the sybaritic luxury of the Cadillac, but one must remember that the American public whole-heartedly favors this type of automobile. The Cadillac Division of General Motors does not want for customers, and the car itself serves as an example to other manufacturers who follow in its sumptuous path. One can be sure that the ancient lords of Cadillac would have approved of the car that is made in their name.

Suzuki Splash pricing announced (UK)

Prices for Suzuki’s all-new Splash mini-MPV, which goes on sale 8 March, will start from £8,999 for the 1.2 GLS model rising to £9,499 for the 1.2 GLS+, which adds 15 inch alloys, front foglamps and privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate.

Both are powered by an 86 PS 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The GLS+ model can also be equipped with a 4-speed automatic, priced £10,349. Combined fuel consumption is 51.4 mpg for the manual, 47.9 mpg for the automatic.

For those whose preference is diesel, the 1.3 DDiS model, with an identical specification to the GLS+, is £10,499. Its 75 PS Fiat-derived turbo diesel is capable of 62.8 mpg on the combined cycle and emits only 120 g/km carbon dioxide, making it eligible for £35 annual road tax. Splash is one of the safest cars in its class – all models are equipped with six airbags – including two full length curtain airbags – and ESP® electronic stability as standard – reflecting Suzuki GB’s policy to make ESP® a universal fitment on all new models and all major facelifts.

All Splash models are also equipped with a CD tuner with MP3 player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls; leather-trimmed steering wheel; remote central locking; front electric windows with driver’s auto-down; air conditioning; electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors; height-adjustable front seats; tilt adjustable steering wheel; and an information display.

Petrol models are insurance group 3E, the diesel model 4D.

History of Toyota (post-war) : An era of rapid expansion

In December 1945, Toyota was given permission by the United States military to startup up peacetime production. Toyota Motor Corporation had learned from the American War Department’s industrial training program, which worked on process improvement and employee development; the program, abandoned in 1945 by the United States, lived on in Japan as Taiichi Ohno built kaizen and lean manufacturing around it. (From globalspec).
After World War II, Toyota was kept busy making trucks, but by 1947 it began making the Model SA, called the Toyopet, a name to stay with Toyota for decades, albeit attached to different cars. The Toyopet was not powerful and had a low top speed – 55 mph from a 27 horsepower engine – but it was designed to be cheap, and to handle the rough roads of postwar Japan. In the five years the SA Toyopet was made, 215 were made. The SD may have been more successful; this taxi version saw 194 copies in just two years. The SF Toyopet was the first truly popular Toyota car, with a modified engine (still putting out 27 horsepower) and a taxi version. An RH model with a 48 horsepower engine came out shortly after By 1955, Toyota was making 8,400 cars per year; by 1965, 600,000 cars per year.
In addition to all these cars, Toyota started producing a civilian truck named the Land Cruiser. Styled like Jeeps, the original Land Cruisers were, according to Schreier, based heavily on the legendary Dodge half-ton weapons carrier as well as the Bantam (predecessor of the Jeep) They used a bigger engine than the Jeep (their Chevrolet-clone six) and a size and configuration more like the Dodge weapons carrier, whose capacity it shares (one half ton).
Starting in 1955, Toyota produced its first luxury car, the Crown, powered by a four cylinder, 1.5-liter engine with a three-speed column shift, followed by the 1-liter Corona; only 700 cars per month were made in 1955, but this rose to 11,750 in 1958, and 50,000 per month in 1964.

Biography of Sakichi Toyoda

Sakichi Toyoda (February 14, 1867 – October 30, 1930) was a Japanese inventor and industrialist. He was born in Kosai, Shizuoka. The son of a poor carpenter, Toyoda is referred to as the "King of Japanese Inventors". He is often referred to as the father of the Japanese industrial revolution. He is also the founder of Toyota Industries Co., Ltd.
He invented numerous weaving devices. His most famous invention was the automatic power loom in which he implemented the principle of Jidoka (autonomous automation). The principle of Jidoka, which means that the machine stops itself when a problem occurs, became later a part of the Toyota Production System.
Toyoda developed the concept of 5 Whys: When a problem occurs, ask 'why' five times to try to find the source of the problem, then put into place something to prevent the problem from recurring. This concept is used today as part of applying Six Sigma methodologies to solve problems, improve quality, and reduce costs.
Sakichi Toyoda had two younger brothers, Sasuke Toyoda and Heikichi Toyoda (1875–1954, father of Eiji Toyoda). Sakichi's three children were: son Kiichiro Toyoda (1895–1952), founder of Toyota Motor Corporation, and daughter Aiko Toyoda. He was awarded the Medal of Honor with Blue Ribbon and the Order of the Sacred Treasures Third Class.

History of Toyota

The official Toyota history is, like that of most companies, fairly glossy and bare-bones. An article by Konrad Schreier, printed in the Complete Book of Toyota (a bit of a misnomer since the book is mainly a bunch of reprints of then-current, gushing, “no criticism allowed” car reviews), brings up a large number of missing pieces - as does The Standard Catalog of Imported Cars.
Sakichi Toyoda, a prolific inventor, created the Toyoda Automatic Loom company based on his groundbreaking designs, one of which was licensed to a British concern for 1 million yen; this money was used to help found Toyota Motor Company, which was supported by the Japanese government partly because of the military applications. The Japanese relied on foriegn trucks in the war in Manchuria, but with the Depression, money was scarce. Domestic production would reduce costs, provide jobs, and make the country more independent. By 1936, just after the first successful Toyoda vehicles were produced, Japan demanded that any automakers selling in the country needed to have a majority of stockholders from Japan, along with all officers, and stopped nearly all imports.
Toyoda's car operations were placed in the hands of Kiichiro Toyoda, Sakichi Toyoda’s son; they started experimenting with two cylinder engines at first, but ended up copying the Chevrolet 65-horsepower straight-six, using the same chassis and gearbox with styling copied from the Chrysler Airflow. The first engine was produced in 1934 (the Type A), the first car and truck in 1935 (the Model A1 and G1, respectively), and its second car design in 1936 (the model AA). In 1937, Toyota Motor Company was split off. From 1936 to 1943, only 1,7,57 cars were made – 1,404 sedans and 353 phaetons (model AB), but Toyoda found more success building trucks and busses. The Toyota KB, a 4x4 produced starting in 1941, was a two-ton truck similar to the prewar KC; it had a loading capacity of 1.5 tons and could run up to about 43 mph. The GB was based on the peacetime, 1.5 ton G1 truck, which in turn was based on the Model A1 cars.
The first Toyoda truck was roughly a one-ton to one and a half-ton design, conventional in nature, using (after 1936) an overhead valve six-cylinder engine that appears to have been a clone of the Chevrolet engine of the time: indeed, a large number of parts were interchangeable, and Toyoda trucks captured in the war were serviced by the Allies with Chevrolet components. There was also a forty-horsepower four cylinder model, very similar to the six cylinder in design but rather underpowered for a truck with a full ton of capacity.

Mazda2 makes 100,000 milestone

Highly acclaimed, Demio posts strong global sales results Mazda Motor Corporation announced that production of the all-new Mazda Demio (known overseas as the all-new Mazda2) in Japan reached 100,000 units at the end of January 2008. This milestone was achieved only eight months after domestic production commenced at the end of May 2007. The all-new Demio was developed to inject a breath of fresh air into the global compact car segment. The vehicle concept was “a personal smart commuter” and development emphasized emerging modern values such as increased concern for environmental and safety issues, and a greater focus on design. The all-new Demio has won eight awards in Japan, including the 2008 RJC Car of the Year. Overseas, the all-new Mazda2 has been selected for 23 awards, including the New Zealand Car of the Year and second place in the 2008 European Car of the Year (as the highest ranked Japanese car). As demonstrated by 31 global awards earned in the seven months since its launch in July 2007, Mazda’s latest compact car already enjoys an excellent reputation among media and customers around the world. The all-new Demio is around 100 kilograms lighter than the previous model and boasts superb body rigidity through the use of ultra-high tensile steel. These advances help it to achieve top class fuel economy, dynamic driving performance and superior safety protection—all at the same time. In December 2007, the all-new Mazda2 was awarded five stars for adult occupant protection in the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)* crash testing; validation that its collision safety performance is world class. Against this background, the all-new Demio/Mazda2 is posting strong sales in global markets. In Japan, sales reached 34,389 units in the first six months, which represents a substantial portion of Mazda’s expanding market share in the challenging Japanese market. Mazda’s 2007 calendar year sales in Europe recorded 311,247 units, its highest volume since 1991. Sales of the all-new Mazda2 in Europe made a significant contribution to this achievement, reaching 12,591 units in just four months. To commemorate the RJC Car of the Year win, Mazda launched the Demio ‘Chiara’ special edition model with a custom body color and exclusive seat covers that give the interior a stylish and individual appearance. As of the end of January 2008, Mazda had received 578 orders for the Demio ‘Chiara’ in its first month of sales.

Related links:

Will the Mazda2 goto the U.S?

Mada2 goes on sale in China

Mazda2 diesel UK pricing

Mazda2 crash test results

Mazda UK wants Mazda2 MPS

Mazda2 production starts

Mercedes CLK Coupé exposed in snow

Mercedes engineers are currently working hard on testing the upcoming 09' CLK Coupé. These are the first shots of the new premium coupe undergoing cold-weather testing in Northern Sweden.

Although it’s hard to see underneath the camouflage, the front light clusters are expected to be spilt into two and with the rear light clusters, they maybe located on the boot-lid.

Based of the new C-Class sedan, the next generation CLK will show signs of a similar design. Engines aren't expected to change much but the current 3.5-litre V6 will most likely remain as the base powerplant, with the 5.5-litre V8 continuing as an option. Diesel engines will also be available for the European market. Rear-wheel drive will continue as well, although there is speculation that 4Matic will be added as an option.

The CLK coupe is due late 2008 with the convertible expected to follow in 2009.

Related link:

Mercedes CLK Coupé spied in Stuttgart

How To Get Your Vehicle Ready For A Trip On The Road

If you're going on a trip and driving your vehicle, keep in mind there are some preliminary things that should be done, especially if you're driving several hundreds of miles. This will help you to escape the problems that arise if you don't get your vehicle checked out beforehand.

Take your vehicle to your mechanic to find out what may need to be done. You should start this at least a month to two months prior to your trip. This is when any major repairs should be taken care of. Having this done a month or two before time gives you a chance to correct any additional issues related to the repair(s).

Make sure your tires are inflated properly and that they have enough pressure. Your tires can blow out while you're driving if they don't have enough pressure in them. Checking the tire treads is important. This is another way your tires can experience a blowout.

The way to check this is to put a penny between the tire's grooves. On the penny, the head of Abraham Lincoln should be pointing downward. If the space above Lincoln's head is visible or you can see the words "In God We Trust", new tires are needed. Your spare tire should be inflated and the tools should be available in the event you'll need to use it.

The vehicle's manual should be in the glove compartment. You will need that in the event the vehicle experiences trouble on the road. If you don't have one, check the manufacturer's website to see if they have one in PDF format. With technology as it is, it wouldn't be surprising if they did. At least you wouldn't have to wait weeks to get a replacement.

Any minor maintenance such as oil changes can be done a week prior to your trip. You should also check your tires again for pressure and tread efficiency. If there are any abnormalities that weren't there before, take it to your mechanic for a look.

You should have a clean air filter in your vehicles. If it's not clean, it will affect your vehicle's mileage and suck up gas. This means you will have to stop for gas more often for your vehicle. You will definitely need to change the filter if it's been in the vehicle over 12,000 miles.

Remove any items from your vehicle that you won't need for the trip. This will give more room to the items that you will need or are planning to take. You should have a clean vehicle before you leave. Take an hour or two to clean and vacuum the inside.

Have a map or if you have a newer vehicle, consider getting a GPS (Global Positioning System). This will help you get to your destination without getting lost. It would be advantageous for you to fill up the tank before you leave. When you get on the road, nine times out of ten, you will pay more for gas outside of your area.

Make sure that you have packed everything you need for your trip. More importantly, make sure you have your toiletries and prescribed medicines. Check through your suitcases and garment bags. It's not good to overload your vehicle with a lot of stuff.

Doing all these things will help you have an enjoyable trip.

Say bonjour to the new Sandero

Updated on: 06/06/08

New pictures: 2009 Dacia Sandero SUV via Auto.cz

The Sandero has been launched in Brazil as a Renault but when the European counterpart arrives, don't expect the same name treatment.

Although, the Sandero is set for launch in 2009, Dacia is hot on its heels, testing it thoroughly in Southern Italy and Romania. Compared to the Brazilian Sandero, the European model will have a revised radiator grille.

Better specc'ed grades could have colour coded bumpers and door mirrors, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, front electric windows, height adjustable drivers seat, remote central door locking etc although, lower grades will be available for the UK market.

The Sandero will measure at four-metres and should be available at £6,500, which is the same price tag as an entry-level KIA Picanto.

The Sandero is based on the same BO platform and mechanicals that are found in the Logan saloon, estate and van. Its official launch will be at next month’s Geneva motor show but it won’t go on sale in the UK until early 2009.

There will also be a seven-seat version of the estate car which will be available to Europeans but isn't likely to come to the UK, however, the Logan estate could join our range later on in 2009.

When the new variants appear, they will be sold through Renault’s strong 200 dealer network with most showrooms having their own “Dacia” section.

A hatchback and estate aren't the only variants in the pipeline, expect to see a pseudo "SUV" looking Sandero hatchback and a sedan, which are all due to launch in 2009.

Related links:

Renault Sandero video
Renault Sandero launches in Brazil
New Car: 2008 Renault Sandero

SsangYong cuts prices across the range (UK)

The Korean car maker, SsangYong announced that it will chop prices across its range in the UK.

SsangYong was thinking about pulling out of the UK market due to poor sales. Only 1,500 cars were sold last year with the Rexton II be the most popular but even this even suffered poor sales itself due to high tax band and emissions.

The new Kyron will start from £14,995, this being front wheel drive which is saving you £3000 from the previous price tag of £17,995. This undercuts the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V and KIA Sportage. The Rexton II SUV sheds £2,600, with a sticker price of £19,995. Powering it is a 2.7 litre diesel engine and lets not forget, it is almost as big as the Land Rover Discovery/LR3, but the Rodius doesn't get a price cut.

These price reductions are due to the brand being bought and distributed by Koelliker UK and re-launching.

Audi TT-S pricing announced (UK)

Audi UK has announced prices for the TT-S roadster and coupé.

The coupé will sell for £33,380 while the roadster will start at at £35,380 both OTR.

TT-S is a new name on the market, coming in, without a clear direct rival as far as its two German counterparts are concerned. At introduction, it will sport the same overworked 2.0-litre VW company mill, which for this application will produce 200kW and torque of 350Nm. The 0 – 100km/h time should be just 5.4 seconds for the 6-speed manual coupé and 5.6 seconds for the roadster.

Buyers who choose the dual-clutch S-tronic will go 0.2 seconds quicker off the line. A new damping system called Audi magnetic ride will help to change the driving character of the car by varying suspension for different road surfaces and situations.

LED daytime running lights also feature and standard 18-inches alloys, though an upgrade to 19-inch 5-spokers is available at £750.

Car Parts: Backbone of Any Car

One of the vehicles that are hugely liked world over is cars. Perfect utility machines, they contribute handsomely and eradicate quite a few troubles from one's life. Indeed, there cannot be two thoughts about the fact that cars indeed are a multi-utility phenomenon. Not only does it eradicates one's commuting troubles but also adds handsomely to one's status symbol as well. It is extremely surprising and ironical, therefore, that people don't give as much attention to car parts or car accessory that they should be giving. No wonder then that most of the people start complaining about the bad performance of their cars almost as soon as they purchase them.

A few examples would explain the whole point pretty easily. Take the case of car mats. In spite of the fact that they provide extremely important service to the cars yet they are not taken that seriously by people. Imagine a part of the car that saves it from dust and rain and provides cushion to feet thereby making the journey comfortable is not given its rightful due. Nothing can be as baffling!

Similar is the case with spare parts. Such integral car parts but again not given as much attention as is their right. There are times on several occasions when you cannot get the proper silencer or combustion pipes etc. and have to wait for days for them to arrive to get the short coming fixed. Had a careful attention been given to these essential components then situation would not have deteriorated that much.

These points should communicate the point pretty nicely that a careful observation to car accessories or car parts while purchasing cars would go a long way in helping people combat such critical times. All that you need to do is to pay slight attention to these essential components to give that edge to your car.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/car-parts-backbone-of-any-car-326130.html

Top Advantages to Buying Car Insurance Online

It is very important to research all of the many car insurance companies available to make sure that you get the best rates and best coverage. Car insurance is critical to keeping you and your family protected against injuries and accidents. In fact, now you can buy car insurance online.

There are many independent websites that can assist you in choosing the right coverage at an affordable rate. By using one of these companies, you know that you will get unbiased results because they do not partner with specific companies.
There are quite of few great websites on the web that give the user a friendly visit. They offer features such as compared rates to other insurance companies that can help you make your decision based on the lowest rates. They also will allow you the feature to purchasing them online
Others, you can submit a claim online, and they have a program that can help you quickly repair the damaged vehicle. With this program, you will be driving your car again in no time. By choosing one of their mechanic shops, they can speed up the repair time.
There are so many different companies that you can use to buy car insurance online. By receiving free quotes from several of these companies, you can do some easy comparison shopping to choose the company that is right for you. Comparison shopping is critical to finding a good reliable company.

The most important thing for a driver is to be insured. By insuring yourself, you protect you, your financial health, and those family and friends that are riding with you.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/top-advantages-to-buying-car-insurance-online-321650.html

AFA's Ford Boycott Is Anti-Christian

A recent article I saw on Pajamas Media estimates that the ongoing American Family Association boycott of Ford is doing serious damage to Ford's sales. This is debatable. I propose that the boycott is actually anti-family.

The American Family Association is continuing to press its boycott against Ford, in an attempt to convince Ford to stop supporting homosexual community groups through its philanthropy, and to stop advertising to gay customers. The AFA chose Ford out of all of the automakers because at the beginning of the boycott, Ford was in financially the worst position. (I suspect that title may now actually belong to Chrysler, behind its private equity wall. )

The AFA's boycott is wrong, in my opinion. * First, on biblical grounds:

18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is
great, and because their sin is very grievous;

...

18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the
righteous with the wicked? 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty
righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the
place for the fifty righteous that are therein? 18:25 That be far
from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the
wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far
from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? 18:26 And
the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city,
then I will spare all the place for their sakes.

18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me
to speak unto the LORD, which am but dust and ashes: 18:28
Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou
destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there
forty and five, I will not destroy it.

18:29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there
shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's
sake.

18:30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the LORD be angry, and I will
speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I
will not do it, if I find thirty there.

18:31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the
LORD: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I
will not destroy it for twenty's sake.

18:32 And he said, Oh let not the LORD be angry, and I will speak yet
but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I
will not destroy it for ten's sake.

--Genesis 18, Project Gutenberg King James Bible

Granted, the bible says that homosexuality is an "abomination". But God was willing to spare Sodom from destruction if there were even only 10 righteous men in the city, which had a population of thousands. This is an illustration of God's attribute of mercy--even though the Sodomites were sinners, he was convinced by Abraham not to mete out collective punishment.

Ford has about 283,000 employees. Quite a few of these (probably the majority of U.S. employees) are Christians. Is it right to potentially hurt so many, not to mention the dealers, suppliers, and others who benefit from Ford's business because Ford sends some money to homosexual causes?

I have no idea how much Ford has spent on gay marketing and donations. The largest gift AFA mentions was $250,000 that the Ford Fund donated to build a community center. But compare this to the $87,000,000 total that Ford spent on philanthropy in 2006. Of that, $13,000,000 alone was given to United Way of Michigan in 2006 (Source).

Ford's gay support is a drop in the bucket.

The AFA, in its zeal to fight its culture war against the gay movement, is willing to destroy the livelihood of tens of thousands of Christian employees, and eliminate millions of dollars of charitable giving to pro-family causes.

Even if the AFA is successful, it isn't clear what they will accomplish, other than expanding their own influence.

Here is a list of other companies that are listed as being very gay friendly (100% score), according to the Human Rights Campaign report of 2004:

Fortune Rank, Company
108 Aetna Inc.**
305 Agilent Technologies Inc.*
110 American Airlines (AMR Corp.)**
69 American Express Co.*
301 Apple Computer Inc.**
40 AT&T Corp.*
401 Avaya Inc.**
n/a Bausch & Lomb Inc.
78 Best Buy Co. Inc.*
452 Borders Group Inc.*
200 Capital One Financial Corp.
n/a Cargill Inc.
402 The Charles Schwab Corp.*
n/a ChoicePoint Inc.
174 Chubb Corp.*
100 Cisco Systems Inc.*
8 Citigroup Inc.*
430 Coors Brewing Co.*
31 Dell Inc.*
n/a Deutsche Bank
149 Eastman Kodak Co.**
n/a Faegre & Benson*
4 Ford Motor Co.*
74 The Goldman Sachs Group Inc.*
11 Hewlett-Packard Co.
9 IBM Corp.
53 Intel Corp.**
26 J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.**
274 Keyspan*
n/a Kimpton Hotels & Restaurant Group Inc.*
n/a Kraft Foods Inc.*
113 Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.
422 Levi Strauss & Co.
243 Lucent Technologies Inc.**
36 MetLife Inc.
n/a Miller Brewing Co.*
n/a Mitchell Gold Co.
n/a Morrison & Foerster LLP
61 Motorola Inc.*
118 Nationwide*
322 NCR Corp.**
499 New York Times Co.*
184 Nike Inc.**
350 Owens Corning*
62 PepsiCo Inc.*
25 Pfizer Inc.*
179 PG&E Corp.
57 Prudential Financial Inc.
n/a Replacements Ltd.**
n/a SC Johnson & Son Inc.
n/a Southern California Edison Co.*
n/a UBS Financial Services Inc.*
49 Wells Fargo & Co.*
161 Whirlpool Corp.*
n/a Worldspan Technologies Inc.**
130 Xerox Corp.**

It's clear why Ford was chosen from this list--it's high profile, American, and in bad financial shape. If the AFA had chosen Dell, for example, their leverage would have been dramatically less.

Here is a list of other automakers from the 2008 HRC report:

Company, Score
Chrysler 100
General Motors 100
Subaru USA 85
Toyota USA 90
VW USA 100

In addition, gaywheels.com lists BMW, Mitzubishi, Nissan, and Mercedes as being "gay friendly".
Which means that the only major companies left that are not are Honda, and Hyundai/Kia. The AFA web site does not endorse Honda, Hyundai, or Kia, surprisingly.

Whether we agree or not, all major automakers have some level of support for the gay community

*I'm ambivalent on this issue personally. I think gays should be treated with dignity, but I don't support the official redefinition of marriage to include gay unions.