Saturday, February 10, 2007

LUXURY CAR by Deepak Bansal

We all like Luxury car. A Luxury car is a luxurious and very elite looking cars. Luxury car is very expensive. Luxury car special taxes which really make them hard to afford. Luxury cars cannot be afforded by every body. However today it seems everybody is a millionare is having a Luxury car. A Luxury car looks as well as works much better than other cars. From the angle of comfort, appearance, amenities and performance Luxury car are really the best. Buying a luxury car is fun. If you're spending a lot of money on buying Luxury car then you should you should know what exactly you want. The Luxury car is offered by many companies. When we think of Luxury car we genreally think about cars like Lemozene, Ford cars and many more. Luxury car not only makes you feel good but also makes you look good. Owning a Luxury car is a dream of every person but very few of us are able to make the dream come true. However there are many car agencies which offer you with Luxury car at times of occsions like marriages and other celebrations. If you are planning to buy a Luxury car then you should always go for a test-drive. Each luxury car comes with different engine, suspension options etc. So it is always best to go for test-driving the luxury cars before you go ahead and buy it.

About the Author
Deepak Bansal is an internet marketing consultant having experience of 4.5 years in search engine optimization industry. We are specialist in search engine optimization, link building, internet marketing, copyrighting and content development. This article is written by content writing team of http://www.deepakbansal.com - Internet Marketing

Innovative Gadget Prevent Kids From Releasing Car Safety Belt by Anthony Fontanelle

Approaching the National Child Passenger Safety Week, one new device dubbed as the Angelguard was introduced in an effort to keep young children strapped safely to their car seats. The device is aimed to prevent young children from accidentally releasing the safety belt buckle to reduce the risk of major injury or even death of kids during collisions.
You may strap your little one in a child seatbelt such an act will be rendered useless when these little tots could accidentally release them from their safety locks. Kids not safely strapped on their car seats can be easily thrown around the rear of the car or even into the front seats of a car during violent crashes. This may lead to severe injury to a child or even death.
To address the problem of seat belt buckle being released accidentally by kids, Patricia Mandarino spent a year in developing a gadget that will prevent kids from doing so. Her effort to create such a device that will keep kids secure in their seat is due to her observations when her three-year old daughter finds it easy to unfasten her safety belt. She also discovered that almost every parent faces the same problem.
Mandarino looked for devices in stores that will address the problem but her search was in vain. The realization was that there are no available products in the market that will prevent small children from unfastening their safety belts, made her devote time to design a way to prevent such occurrences.
The result of her labor is a simple product that slips into place over the safety belt release button thus making it hard for children to unfasten their seatbelts even if they do so intentionally. The product is constructed out of a strong type of plastic and can be easily used by adults. The simplicity of the device belies the great help it provides to parents in keeping their precious cargoes safely secured on their seats.
The introduction of such a gadget will further improve car safety for children onboard and inside a car. This also gives parents that certain peace of mind knowing that their kids cannot accidentally or intentionally unfasten their safety belts.
The arrival of a gadget such as the Angelguard will surely be welcomed by parents. Especially with the fact recently discovered by a study that shows one-third of its respondents said that their child (or children) has unfastened their seatbelts. As a matter of fact, many of the respondents in the said study stated that their children managed to unfasten their safety belts not just once but they actually do so frequently. Add to that the fact that traffic crashes are the foremost cause of child death from ages three upward. This figure comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Arrival of the said safety device comes on the heels of other breakthroughs in child car safety like the ones employed on the Volvo V70.
In a time where awareness for child safety is emphasized, such a product as the Angelguard will indeed be welcomed. When great brake components like the EBC Greenstuff brake parts are not enough to protect a vehicle from crashes, additional safety devices are needed to improve the safety of a car's occupants. The call for increase safety features is already being answered not only by large companies but also by individuals and this can only be good for the cause of protecting motorists. If more innovation like this comes out in the near future, it will be a good step forward for car safety. Consumers can expect cars being safer and safer for their children thanks to individuals such as Mandarino and companies like Volvo that continually pushes the envelope in car safety issues.

About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

The Economics Of Truck Wrapping by Raheem

Truck wrap advertising is changing the way outdoor advertisers reach out to their target consumers. Because trucks are able to move from place to place and offer a wider working space for marketers to place their information, more companies are going for it, as opposed to simply placing their vinyl graphic ads on smaller cars.
In the past, car wrapping was all the craze. But since the realization that larger vehicles like trucks, trains, and buses cover a bigger clientele, primarily because they are able to drive around much bigger and more visible advertisements, wrapping vinyl ad graphics around such media has become the trend.
What Benefits Do We Get From Truck Wrapping?
The basic philosophy behind effective outdoor advertising is this: the more the people who see it, the better it is for sales. Think of it this way: If you are just standing at the pavement waiting for the bus, what would catch your attention more -- the truck fully dressed up with colorful vinyl graphic ads, or the poster on the window of the shop across the street? Notice how the impact of the truck graphic easily trumps that of the poster?
Truck wrapping multiplies the effects of simple car wrapping to significant levels. In fact, a study by Product Acceptance Research Inc showed that when compared to static or non-moving advertisements, motion displays or mobile ads have the ability to boost revenue by 100%. And if your message is as large as a truck, it could boom to unthinkable peaks!
Win-Win Deal
The best thing about truck wrapping is that it does not just benefit the advertiser. If you own a truck, you can profit by offering your vehicle as a mobile medium. And because vehicle wrapping industry prices are quoted based on the size of the surface to be worked on, you can expect to earn big. The marketer profits, you profit; nobody loses! Such is the beauty of the truck wrapping industry. And because it is a growing trend, it can only get better.

About the Author
Nir Landau is the publisher of next generation media news letter.You can subscribe by visiting his web site at: http://www.nextgellc.com and receive updates related information about vehicle wrapping.

The Car: Rock and Roll Inspiration by Rick Cadger

It could be said that there are two elements that place a person firmly in time: the music that provides the soundtrack to their life, and the cars they have driven.
Perhaps then, it should not surprise us to find that the car has provided the inspiration for a very significant proportion of 20th and 21st Century popular music lyrics.
The automobile and rock and roll go so cosily hand-in-hand that a kind of sub-market has evolved for "driving" CDs. While it isn't really clear what qualifies a song for inclusion in one of these compilation projects (under which the shelves of motorway service stations positively groan) as the lyrical subject matter does vary widely, it remains clear that a huge number of songs have been written in which the car plays a major role.
No popular music genre has a monopoly, and none is safe from the influence of cars, trucks, driving...
Here are a few examples of the way that the internal combustion engine has coloured the musical reflection of popular culture over the years.
¨ Chuck Berry - 'No Particular Place to Go'
¨ The Beatles - 'Drive My Car'
¨ The Beach Boys - 'Fun Fun Fun'
¨ The Beach Boys - 'Little Deuce Coupe'
¨ Rose Royce - 'Car Wash'
¨ Johnny Cash - 'One Piece At A Time'
¨ Roy Orbison - 'I Drove All Night'
¨ Gary Numan - 'Cars'
¨ Bruce Springsteen - 'Pink Cadillac'
¨ Queen - 'I'm In Love With My Car'
¨ Meatloaf - 'Paradise By The Dashboard Light'
¨ Prince - 'Little Red Corvette'
¨ Snow Patrol - 'Chasing Cars'
¨ Rolling Stones - 'Route 66'
¨ Tom Robinson - '2-4-6-8 Motorway'
¨ The Cars - 'Drive'
¨ Madness - 'Driving In My Car'
¨ Jimi Hendrix - 'Crosstown Traffic'
¨ Kraftwerk - 'Autobahn'
¨ Iggy Pop - 'The Passenger'
¨ Ministry - 'Jesus Built My Hotrod'
¨ Jonathan Richman - 'Roadrunner'
¨ Golden Earring - 'Radar Love'
¨ Deep Purple - 'Highway Star'
¨ Manic Street Preachers - 'Motorcycle Emptiness'
There are many, many more, and each reader will probably find one or two amongst his or her own list of favourites that we have missed.
In the songs of The Beach Boys and their contemporaries, the car is a vital part of teenage life. It is a means of transport, a status symbol, an environment for conducting courtship rituals... Whether the vehicle driven is owned or borrowed from parents, these songs reflect a time when driving was just becoming a part of the domain of youth, giving them a kind of freedom formerly enjoyed only by the older generation.
In other cases, songs about the car seem almost designed to be played as an accompaniment to car journeys. The driving force of the bass and drum rhythm section chugs along in time to the beat of a revving engine. Golden Earring's classic 'Radar Love' is the obvious example. Meanwhile, few self-respecting motorcyclists would listen to Steppenwolf's 'Born to be Wild' without feeling the urge to don leather and tear up the street.
Kraftwerk, in their electronic epic 'Autobahn' (over 20 minutes in length) endeavoured to paint a sonic picture of the automobile and its natural environment, the German autobahn highways. A little later, in America, Meatloaf's car provided an unusual ambience in 'Paradise by the Dashboard Light'. An amusing blend of romance and youthful, hormonal desperation. However, your correspondent's own personal favourite motor vehicle reference occurs in the incomparably crafted poetry of The Ramones. From the tragic-romance of '7-11' comes the heart-rending: "Oncoming car ran out of control". It crushed my baby and it crushed my soul".
What more is there to say?

About the Author
Rick Cadger writes for Regtransfers.co.uk: The World of Personalised Number Plates.
A free copy of the magazine is available on request from the Regtransfers.co.uk website.

Cheaper alternative steel toe protection for auto shops. by Patrick Smyth aka 'Mister SafetyToes'

Modern materials and smart manufacturing techniques have at last been applied to steel toe overshoes, also known as "safety toes". Awareness is growing for these innovative articles of personal protective equipment and more uses are being found for them.
Rubber overshoes have their origins in the 19th century. Considered only as shoe protectors then, galoshes were items of dress. Thankfully however, in the 1900s Charles Goodyear first applied modern technology to the venerable galosh. It was Goodyear who invented vulcanized rubber and used it to make a significant improvement to lowly "gumshoes" and "dickersons". With his invention galoshes became waterproof and the rubber component offered some important safety features. Rubber, with its inherent tactile qualities, has long been considered the preferred material for safety products where slip resistance and grip are important.
Recently, a Canadian company has taken the rubber galosh to the next level with a "patent pending" design that not only gives industry standard toe protection, it offers some additional safety features.
It should come as no surprise that these safety toes are of interest to auto repair shops. The link with Goodyear is very telling since car tires and at least two brands of slip on toe protectors are made from the same vulcanized rubber. The unique material not only provides excellent grip, it is acid and oil resistant. For the same reasons as it would be hard to imagine a car tire not made of vulcanized rubber, it is easy to understand why so much trust is placed in it.
Some of the other features that make rubber steel toe galoshes worth considering for auto shops include;
Now costing much less than a safety boot, and certainly a lot less ugly than older models, they have become very affordable.
The rubber material will stretch to tightly cover more than one size of outer shoe.
Safety toes can be passed from user to user - perfect for visitors and customers.
The steel toe caps protect up to the minimum required for occasional toe protection.
Rear pull-on tabs and lie-flat design make them easy to slip on and pull off.
Unlike thinner materials vulcanized rubber can withstand rough treatment.
For auto shops where the work environment carries a risk of accidental toe damage for employees or visiting customers, safety toes are convenient, reusable and effective. For many people today, comfortable shoes are highly desirable and safety toe overshoes can turn most sizes and shapes, heels or no heels, into pieces of personal protective equipment.
In these safety conscious days, safety toes have not only re-invented themselves they have become, for business owners and safety officers, valuable tools in the fight to keep accidents at bay. And for those who spend long periods standing, either at work or in the home, foot safety and comfort are of supreme importance. Poorly fitting shoes is a leading cause of accidents and considered likely precursors to a slip.
So, spread the word. Where the "rubber meets the road", slips and falls are dangerous. Safety toe overshoes are good for you.
Protect your piggies!

About the Author
Patrick Smyth, aka 'Mister Safetytoes', is on a mission to take his unique 'Slipp-R' safety toes into homes around the world. You can see more at http://www.safetytoes.com and his blog at http://safetytoes.blogspot.com where comparisons are available.

3 Considerations When Looking For Used Car Auto Loans by Evert DuToit

If you have made the decision to purchase a used car, no doubt it is a decision that will save you a great deal of money. Once you decide on a used car that you want, you may then want to start looking at the used car auto loans that are available to you. If you want to get a good loan for your used car, you will need to consider your financing carefully and weight all of your options. Many times, excited buyers get so excited about purchasing their car that they forget to look over the used car auto loans carefully. The following are considerations to keep in mind you are going to purchase a used car with used car auto loans.
Get Financing First Whenever you are going to purchase a used car, you want to make sure that you qualify for used car auto loans before you go through the final details of purchasing a car. It is important that you make sure that you are approved for the financing you need before you show up at a dealership ready to buy. If you do not have the money up front when you go to a dealership, you may not be able to get a great deal. But if you have the money with you, many times you can get a better deal on your used car.
Check the Financing Contract Before you decide to sign on any used car auto loans, you should be sure that you have read the entire contract, including all of the fine print. Many times, there are qualifications that you are not aware of or penalties for paying the loan off early. Often, these lenders may include terms that allow them to raise the interest rate if you miss even one payment. If you take the time to read the used car auto loans contract before you sign it, you will not have any unwelcome surprises coming your way in the future.
Beware of Feeling Uncomfortable When you are dealing with used car auto loans, you should listen to any bad feelings that you may get. If you feel uncomfortable with the terms or the interest rate, you should probably forget that loan and go on looking for used car auto loans that you can feel comfortable with.
If you keep these considerations in mind when getting used car auto loans to purchase a used vehicle, you will be able to purchase your car with peace of mind. Just taking time to get your financing in the beginning and checking out the terms can save you many problems in the long run. Remember that you can never be too careful when you are dealing with used car auto loans.

About the Author
Evert Du Toit is a writer and website publisher from Pittsburgh, PA. You can learn more about auto loans and finding a California auto loan at www.autoloanhome.info.

Extang Tonneau Cover by Ken Bishop

Extang are a leader in their field of manufacturing soft tonneau covers. They seem to be the manufacturer of the most different model soft covers on the market today. In my opinion they are still in business because they provide quality products at a reasonable price.
Extang produce everything you could want from roll up covers such as the low profile of their RT to snap up, velcro sealing system to folding lids as well as a hinged tonneau cover.
To briefly describe some of the products they have to offer I will start with their lowest price truck bed cover to their most expensive.
The Black Max is one lower price covers on the market today. It comes with a aluminum powder coated black frame and a snap up tarp which is adjustable for all seasons.
The Tuff tonneau III is the next in line price wise. This truck bed cover is a snapless lid that seals together using Extang's J45 peel and seal system. They use a rotating tail rail that tightens up the tarp. This tarp also uses the spring loaded monster bows.
Next comes the Classic Platinum. This has an all aluminum frame which installs with clamps that are included. Extang boasts this cover to be made of an all-climate nylon and polymer tarp with stainless steel and brass snaps.
The Saber is next on the list which uses a peel-on design which attaches evenly to the entire frame to ensure the lowest possible fabric stress even during high speeds.
The tool box tonneau cover is a snap up lid with a leather grain black vinyl tarp. This tool box tonneau accepts a tool box between 18 and 21 inches deep. This is a no drill installation with and all aluminum frame and adjustable snaps to keep your tarp snug in different climates.
The RT and the RT Tool box models come at the same price. The RT low profile sits nearly flush to your truck bed. This cover rolls up quickly along with the bows to give you quick access to your truck bed. The RT has adjustable controls by the cab. It has a Velcro sealing system and secures your cargo with a locking rail. The tool box edition accepts a 20 inch tool box.
The next product they have to offer is a hinged tonneau called the Fulltilt. This one comes in both snap and snapless editions. The snapless is a few dollars more. This cover has hinges back by the cab and lifts up from behind on gas shocks. You can lift it up or roll it up or remove it without tools easily. This tonneau cover also comes in a tool box edition.
Another one Extang can be quite proud of is their Trifecta which is a folding tonneau cover. This truck bed cover folds up in sections from the back towards the cab giving you complete and easy access to your truck bed. This cover comes fully assembled and ready to mount on your truck.
The express model was designed to be just what the name implies, fast. Customers asked Extang in their reviews for fast and they gave them what they wanted. It rolls up or closed with integrated bows very quickly. The frame is a strong black anodized aluminum. The strong vinyl tarp seals with industrial strength Velcro.
If you are looking for a soft tonneau cover whether it is a roll-up, snap or snapless, hinged, folding or a tool box edition, Extang has you covered.

About the Author
All rights reserved. Ken Bishop is the author of this article. You may use this article but it must remain the same with this text resource and the links remaining usable. You can see all the extang model tonneau cover at Kens website. http://truckbedtonneau.com/Extang_tonneau_cover.html

Extang RT Tonneau Cover Review by Ken Bishop

Let me start with a brief description:
The RT Tonneau Cover by Extang is a low profile tonneau cover that sits nearly flush to your truck box. The tarp is made from an industrial vinyl. The bows are not so pronounced as other soft tonneaus. There is what they call a "perfect fit control" at the cab end to keep your cover adjusted to suit the different hot and cold climate conditions. This adjusting is done manually. The rear rail locks at the rear and you must open it with the tailgate down from underneath the tarp. The bows roll up with the tarp. The tarp seals with an industrial Velcro sealing system. There are buckles to secure the tarp when it is rolled up to the cab. This tonneau cover also comes in a tool box edition.
Benefits:
The Rt sits almost flush with your truck box.
The bows roll up with the tarp to give you quick easy access to your truck bed.
Lock on rear for added security.
Protects your cargo from weather, winds from higher speeds and keeps your cargo out of sight from thieves.
Great new look on your pickup truck.
As most tonneau covers it saves on fuel consumption.
Easy installation with no drilling required.
Customer Woes:
Many say this cover is nice and snug but some say the tarp does flap a little at higher speeds. Some do admit they may have to play around with the adjuster.
Some say they get a little water.
Although the stake holes are usable some did not like the fact the tarp did not cover these.
Make sure the rails are straight for the lock mechanism to work properly.
Although the tarp locks at back but even with a tailgate lock it would not be hard for thieves to get in.

About the Author
The author allows the use of this article but it must remain the same with this text resource and links remaining usable. You can see this tonneau and more at the author's website http://truckbedtonneau.com/RT_Truck_Lid_by_Extang.html

Pace Edwards Jackrabbit Tonneau Cover Review by Ken Bishop

The Jackrabbit tonneau cover by Pace Edwards is a retractable tonneau or as some may call a roll top. To briefly describe what a retractable cover is I will try to give you a rough idea. The tonneau itself is made from aluminum panels, which in this case are laminated with a water resistant padded polymer. It has sort of a leather look. The frame is powder coated aluminum. The cover slides in tracks which extend from front to back along your truck bed rails. It rolls up into a canister which is located at the front of your truck box, below the cab rear window. This particular model has the option of stopping every 12 inches along its route so you don't have to open or close the cover all the way. Water is directed from the cover to the side rails and through drain hoses to the canister and then through drain hose out through small holes in plugs in your truck box.
This cover has been purchase many times and most people loved what they received. Some say it was easy to install others say, actually most said the instructions sucked. Some give advice to read the instructions all the way through, then read them again, while others say make sure you have all the parts then throw the instructions away so you don't get confused. All in all, customers for this cover did the installation themselves and were rewarded with many compliments for a great looking tonneau cover.
If you have a bed liner you will probably have to do some modifications to install this cover. Usually where the canister sits is a likely place for changes to your bed liner. From what I read I would get some help installing the cover so you don't end up scratching your truck and just to make the installation a whole lot easier. I have read, a middle age woman installed it herself with little problem. I guess being mechanically incline will help.
A lot of people say their truck bed stays dry while other complained about water getting in between the tailgate and the cover. Just off the top of my head, maybe some extra stick-on weather stripping may help as it does on some other tonneau covers.
Even with lousy directions and water leakage this cover has been highly regarded for its operation and looks.
The Jackrabbit tonneau cover by Pace Edwards is a retractable tonneau or as some may call a roll top. To briefly describe what a retractable cover is I will try to give you a rough idea. The tonneau itself is made from aluminum panels, which in this case are laminated with a water resistant padded polymer. It has sort of a leather look. The frame is powder coated aluminum. The cover slides in tracks which extend from front to back along your truck bed rails. It rolls up into a canister which is located at the front of your truck box, below the cab rear window. This particular model has the option of stopping every 12 inches along its route so you don't have to open or close the cover all the way. Water is directed from the cover to the side rails and through drain hoses to the canister and then through drain hose out through small holes in plugs in your truck box.
This cover has been purchase many times and most people loved what they received. Some say it was easy to install others say, actually most said the instructions sucked. Some give advice to read the instructions all the way through, then read them again, while others say make sure you have all the parts then throw the instructions away so you don't get confused. All in all, customers for this cover did the installation themselves and were rewarded with many compliments for a great looking tonneau cover.
If you have a bed liner you will probably have to do some modifications to install this cover. Usually where the canister sits is a likely place for changes to your bed liner. From what I read I would get some help installing the cover so you don't end up scratching your truck and just to make the installation a whole lot easier. I have read, a middle age woman installed it herself with little problem. I guess being mechanically incline will help.
A lot of people say their truck bed stays dry while other complained about water getting in between the tailgate and the cover. Just off the top of my head, maybe some extra stick-on weather stripping may help as it does on some other tonneau covers.
Even with lousy directions and water leakage this cover has been highly regarded for its operation and looks.

About the Author
All rights reserved. The author allows the use of this article as long as it remains the same with this text resource and the links remain usable.You can see more of this cover and more author's web site http://truckbedtonneau.com/JackRabbit_Tonneau_Cover_by_Pace_Edwards.html

How I Sold My Teachers Used Car in Less Than Two Hours! by Kim Oxford

Class Project
Marketing teachers have always been dynamic, which is probably why I enjoy my marketing courses so much in school. One teacher in particular stands out to me, he made a big deal of utilizing real life examples to demonstrate his curriculum. Generally searing the concept into our ripe minds. His most recent brainstorm came last week when he told the class that whoever could sell his used car the fastest and for the most money would be excused from the midterm. This was not a 'sell a used car' lesson, this was a 'market value' lesson.
Everyone was game for the task and ready to get started, but there was just one question left to ask; what was the car and where was the car? The car was in the parking lot, and by the looks of it had been there a while, it was a ratty old Honda Accord that had seen better days. Everyone cringed as they saw it, but then the look of steely determination took over most faces, the idea of skipping a hefty midterm high in everyone's minds.
Method Options
This class met twice a week for two hours both times, he gave us this assignment at the beginning of the class period and told us to research our options and the market value of the vehicle, and to have something to show him by the end of the class period. Everyone went to work right away, some of the guys even borrowed a hose from maintenance and went to town washing the Accord in the hopes of raising its value.
I took another route, I jotted down all of the information about the vehicle, then I went directly to the computer lab. I had a secret weapon, the fastest way to sell a car is to go online. My sister had just sold her car to an online service, and had raved about how easy it had been.
Online Solution to a Real Life Problem
I went to their website and filled out their brief online form, which allowed the car to start accumulating bids right away. Then I called their 800 number to cover all my bases. The woman who answered the phone was very helpful and when I explained the project to her she was eager to help me win.
She said it was lucky I called when I did because they had an appraiser near the school who would be finished with his appointment shortly. She phoned him and asked him to come see my teachers Accord, sure enough he appeared in the parking lot 15 minutes later.
No Midterm For Me My fellow students didn't know what hit them. I called my teacher out to the parking lot and less than half an hour later he had cash in his hand for his ratty old Honda. Not only did I eliminate one midterm off my schedule, but I earned the respect of a teacher I respected.

About the Author
Authors Info
Kim Oxford Kim is a Creative writer for Cash4UsedCars and loves to write about cars.

Tonneau Cover Buyers Guide by Ken Bishop

I put together this tonneau cover buyer's guide to help some people find what they are looking for in a truck bed cover.
When buying a tonneau cover for your pickup truck, one of the first things you should do is ask yourself, what do I use my truck for? By this I mean do you use your truck bed often, do you carry high cargo loads or low loads below the truck bed rails or do you use your truck bed very seldom. Are your pockets deep or like many others shallow and you need an inexpensive cover. Do not just go out to buy a tonneau cover because you seen one on another truck and it looked great. That truck may have a cover that takes time to open and that would be no good if you use your truck bed often. Below I will throw some of my personal ideas at you just to get you thinking.
Inexpensive:
If you are looking to get a one that protects your cargo but is inexpensive or so called cheap, The Mile Maker by Tonneau Masters is about the cheapest you will find with runners up the Slant Side also by Tonneau Masters and the Seal N Peel and Snap Soft both by Lund Genesis.
Quick Roll Up:
You may want to get at your truck bed quick and easy but still want to keep the price down, I would suggest the Extang Express. This is a great cover if you use your truck bed but not continuously.
Inexpensive and fast:
If you are looking for one that is inexpensive but allows you very fast access to your truck bed I would suggest the Hinged Tonneau by Lund, the hinged Slant Side by Tonneau Masters or FullTilt by Extang. These are all great products, if you use your truck bed often and want quick, easy access to your truck bed and you are carrying low loads.
Inexpensive, Quick and High Loads:
You are trying to keep the price down but you need to be able to get at your truck bed fast, often and maybe with high cargo loads. If this is you then a soft folding bed cover would be a great way to go. The Extang Trifecta or the Trifold by Lund. These lids fold open allowing you to drive with them open for full access to your truck bed when hauling higher cargo loads.
For a more expensive product and more security for your cargo I will make the following suggestions.
Easy access:
If you use your truck bed often or just want a truck bed cover that can be matched to your trucks paint, the fiberglass hinged lids by Gaylords will do very nicely as long as you aren't carrying high cargo.
Easy Access and Higher Loads:
The Bakflip by Bak is an ABS plastic folding tonneau which is very popular. Reds Beds make a folding aluminum diamond tread plate cover which will give you great security and full access to your truck bed quickly and easily.
For a class all on their own, not cheap, allow you quick access to your truck bed and open up completely allowing you to carry higher cargo loads any time.
Retractable Tonneau Cover:
These covers retract into a canister behind the cab of your truck. Pace Edwards has the Roll Top, JackRabbit, Full Metal JackRabbit and even one that opens and closes electrically with a remote called the Bedlocker. Bak offers the RollBak and Truck Covers USA offer their American Roll.
If you are not concerned about access to your truck bed they are many more tonneau covers available in roll up, with snaps or with velcro to secure them.

About the Author
All rights reserved. You can use this article but do not change it. This resource text must remain and the links usable. You will find all the tonneau covers above and many more at prices you can't miss out at Ken's Website http://www.truckbedtonneau.com

Reds Beds Tonneau Cover by Ken Bishop

Well I thought I seen it all in tonneau covers but now you can get a tonneau cover made from aluminum diamond tread plate. One thing you can be certain of, it won't tear on you. These covers look pretty tough. They are made in polished aluminum, black or white painted finishes.
They are constructed with panels that fold up and lock in any open position. There is no need for a tailgate lock as when the panels are completely folded in the closed position, the last panel is made to come down over the tailgate. Once you lock the tonneau cover the tailgate cannot be opened. The hinges are made of aluminum and the hardware from stainless steel, keeping the tonneau cover rust proof.
For those of you who are looking for a tool box tonneau, Reds Beds have you covered. They seem to offer a tool box tonneau edition which accommodates a truck tool box. In addition to having a tonneau cover made from aluminum diamond tread plate this tonneau would look even tougher and give you a place to store tools and such.
Don't have an aluminum truck tool box don't fret here either as Reds Beds go all the way to offer you a tool box edition with a tool box combined. I guess this way you are assured the tool box will work with the tonneau cover.
You do have to wait a while longer for powder coat finishes but if that's the look your going for I am quite sure you will be very happy with the finished product and the great new look you will add to your pickup truck. Whether you want the polished aluminum or the powder coat black or white, either way you go your going to have a great new look and an added look of toughness as well security for your cargo with the aluminum diamond tread plate tonneau cover by Reds Beds.

About the Author
All rights reserved. The author allows the use of this article as long as it remains the same with this text resource and the links remaining usable. You can read more about this tonneau cover and seeing images by visiting the authors web site at http://www.truckbedtonneau.com

Hyundai Grabs Award At 2007 Chicago Auto Show by Glady Reign

With the Chicago Auto Show going on, awards keep coming in for the best vehicles being unveiled at the said motor show. Another vehicle to receive yet another award is the Hyundai Entourage.
The minivan was selected as the best in its class by MotorWeek. The Hyundai Entourage won the prestigious Editor's Choice Award in the minivan category along with another Korean vehicle - sharing the distinction of being the best minivan at the Chicago Auto Show with the Entourage is the Kia Sedona. The Hyundai Entourage will be featured on a special episode of MotorWeek along with other winners of different categories. MotorWeek chose winners for their thirteen categories.
John Davis, the producer and host of the automotive show, praised both the Hyundai Entourage and the Kia Sedona in his statement: "This second-generation Korean-branded design matches all the best features of its rivals, and then beats them in the price and powertrain warranty. The leaps that Hyundai and Kia make in perceived quality with each new vehicle are well documented, and the Entourage and Sedona are just the latest examples."
The segment won by the two Korean cars is also acknowledged by Davis. "From school bus to apartment moving, minivans are the most versatile vehicles on the planet," he added further. Indeed, the minivan has always been a favorite among car buyers for their sedan-like handling while having adequate room for cargo and passengers.
The result of the MotorWeek Driver's Choice Award in its 25th year was based on the assessment of fifteen judges. The panel is composed of writers, producers and crews of the PBS automotive series. To come up with the winners, the panel went through 150 vehicles in all of the thirteen categories. These vehicles went through a battery of road and track tests as the board of judges evaluated each car's capabilities. Among the aspects that were checked by the judges are performance, technology, practicality, and overall value from the consumer's perspective. Both the Hyundai Entourage and the Kia Sedona received high marks for all of those criteria.
Hyundai is very proud of the Entourage's achievements, which was quite apparent on John Krafcik's statement. Krafcik is the vice president of Strategic Planning and Product Development for Hyundai Motor America. "Since its introduction last year, Entourage has earned a number of honors and awards including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's top five-star crash test rating and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest honor -the gold 'Top Safety Pick' award," Krafcik stated. "We proudly accept the MotorWeek award, which recognizes the Entourage's spacious interior, powerful performance, and unsurpassed standard safety technologies," he added further.
The award will surely be a big help in the marketing of the Hyundai Entourage. It already boasts of strong achievements that will serve as its anchor in its bid to take over the top spot in its segment. All those recognitions and awards will support the Entourage just how a Volvo motor mount supports an engine.
Aside from the award ad recognitions given to the Entourage, another strong selling point for the car is its safety features. The Hyundai Entourage is equipped with six standard airbags which includes side curtain airbags which covers all three rows of seats. The vehicle also employs an anti-locking brake system for better stopping power. The stability of the minivan is secured, thanks to its Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control System.
Space is also another selling point for the vehicle; it can seat seven comfortably in its three rows of seats. The third seat can be folded down to increase the amount of space for luggage. Its third row seat split configuration of 60/40 adds to its versatility.

About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the Motor City and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

Scion Launches Bigger xB at Chicago Auto Show by Glady Reign

This year's installment of the Chicago Auto Show has seen the launch of great vehicles for the 2008 model year. One of such vehicles introduced to the public at the said event is the all-new 2008 xB from Toyota's marque, Scion.
The so-called urban utility vehicle was first introduced to the public in 2003 and from then on, it has received quite a warm welcome from car buyers. The Scion xB is characterized by its boxy design and this has already become a distinction for Scion cars. It would seem that Scion car buyers loved the boxy design of the xB because the latest model of the vehicle is made even bigger and still has a boxy design. The latest installment of the Scion xB is the result of the feedbacks of xB owners that they wanted a bigger car.
The all new Scion xB is the result of a designing process that aims for distinction. Some of its exterior design elements are from the Scion t2B concept car that the brand showcased during the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Style characteristics like the angles between the cars panels, the high beltline, inset taillights, rectangular grille, and the distinct fenders are all taken from the concept vehicle.
The result of the integration of such design elements to the new Scion xB resulted to a more aggressive looking design. The vehicle now comes with the radical design elements and is now popular among the younger car buyers. Sure enough, the all-new version of the vehicle will surely not disappoint.
The exterior design is not the only improvement that the Scion xB has over the previous model. The redeveloped xB is much roomier than the old models. The wheelbase was increased by four inches and the overall length by twelve inches. The width of the vehicle is also increased by three inches while the height was decreased by more than an inch to ensure a comfortable ride. The wheels are also bigger than the ones used by the current xB model - the newest xB sports 16-inch wheels.
Car buyers can also choose between three wheel covers. The brakes that the new Scion xB will use will also be bigger than what is being used on the current model. Brake discs for the front wheels will be a 10.83-inch ventilated disc, while a 10.98-inch disc will be installed at the rear. These are about a couple of inches larger than what the first generation of Scion xBs used. The vehicle can also perform better if OEM parts of high quality are used. Just like Volvo OEM parts which makes parts replacement easy and gives reliable performance.
The interior of the 2008 Scion xB is also given much attention. This is evident in the lounge-like interior of the urban utility vehicle. And since the vehicle is made bigger, the cargo space is significantly increased. The cargo hold behind the rear seats offer 29.1 cubic feet of space. If that is not enough, the rear seat can be folded down flat which would dramatically increase the cargo space. The rear seat's 60/40 split configuration makes this car one of the more versatile load carrying cars there is. In addition to the fold down rear seats, the front seats can also be fully reclined which would even add more to cargo capacity.
Power is also upgraded for the new generation xB. Its powerplant is a 2.4-liter double overhead cam four cylinder engine. The engine is equipped with a variable valve timing technology which increases its fuel efficiency. The new xB's engine can provide 158 horsepower which is a huge increase from the 103 horsepower that the previous models' engine can produce.

About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the Motor City and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

Kia's Rondo SX Concept Revealed at 2007 Chicago Auto Show by Glady Reign

The ongoing Chicago Auto Show has seen great cars being unveiled one after the other. Most of the cars being shown at the said event are concept vehicles that will in the near future be available for the public. One such concept car that will have a long line of people waiting for its release is the Kia Rondo SX concept vehicle.
The concept car is based on the Kia Rondo unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November last year. The new concept vehicle is the realization of Kia of their "Exciting and Enabling" brand direction. "We have positioned the all-new 2007 Rondo as a vehicle of function and versatility," Len Hunt said. Hunt is the executive vice president and COO of Kia Motors America. "The Rondo SX Concept is proof that smart, spacious vehicles don't need to be boring, and that consumers can still be passionate about a daily driver," Hunt added further.
The concept car uses design elements that are employed by the current Kia SX models. The aggressive looking front and rear fascias are just some of the design characteristics that are being used by Kia models like the Rio and the Spectra. Aside from that, the concept crossover vehicle also employs sportier grill inserts. The addition of such design increases the aesthetic value of the vehicle.
To make the SX concept of the Rondo more aerodynamic, the roof rails present on other trim package of the Rondo were nowhere to be seen on the concept vehicle. The absence of the roof rails decreased dramatically the coefficient of drag of the vehicle. The door handles and side moldings are finished in contrasting colors which gives the car a soft and fashionable overall finish. The Kia Rondo SX Concept also comes with an accessory body kit which is also available on the other trim packages of the Rondo. The interior of the concept vehicle exudes a sports car luxurious feel, thanks to the materials used and the finishes utilized. The black leather that wraps the steering wheel which is common on SX trim packages of other Kia models is also present in the Kia Rondo SX Concept. The seats, meanwhile, are upholstered in grey leather with red leather trimmings around the grey Alcantara inserts. Stainless steel sports pedals are employed by the SX concept and this departs from the black theme that the current Rondo models use on their brake pedals. The center stack, shifter surround, and the door switch trims are characterized by an accented platinum look.
The concept car is equipped with a 2.7 liter double overhead cam V6 engine. The powerplant is optimized via a cold-air intake and a cat-back exhaust system which reduces back pressure from the exiting exhaust gas. The use of the cat-back system allows a boost of 10 horsepower to the 192 horsepower output of the engine. The exhaust system allows the powerplant to perform at its optimum level, akin to what a Volvo muffler does for the exhaust system that employs it. The height of the Kia Rondo SX Concept is lower than that of the current models by three inches. The lowered ride height of the car increases the cornering capability of the car. The power from the engine is transferred to the vehicle's five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels. And to effectively stop the vehicle, cross-drilled and slotted brake rotors are employed at the front and the rear brake system.
Aside from being a platform for the unveiling of the Kia Rondo SX Concept, the Chicago Auto Show also saw the Sedona, another Kia vehicle, receiving the distinction of being the best minivan according to MotorWeek.

About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the Motor City and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

Honda Fit Chosen "Best of the Year" by Glady Reign

MotorWeek recently presented its awards for 2007 Driver's Choice Award at the currently ongoing Chicago Auto Show. There are thirteen overall categories which covered all segments. Of all the thirteen categories, the Honda Fit came out as the overall top car of the year. The Honda Fit also bagged the Best Small Car Award.
This year marks the second consecutive year that Honda has won in the small car segment and topped the Driver's Choice Awards. In the past year, they have accomplished the feat with the Honda Civic. The Honda Fit and the rest of the winners on all the thirteen categories will be featured at a special episode of MotorWeek on PBS.
John Davis, the host and executive producer of MotorWeek, sings his praises for Honda in his statement. "At a time when fuel efficiency and versatility are top-of-mind for drivers, Honda has once again, proven to be a trendsetter in people-driven technology," Davis said. "Last year, with the sterling Civic lineup, and this year, with the clever Fit, Honda advances the standards for intelligent, driver-friendly, design that deserves our 'Best of the Year' title. The Honda Fit is a standout vehicle for its forward-thinking flexibility, frugality at the pump, interior creature comforts, stylish design, and, high on MotorWeek's list, its entertaining drive," the MotorWeek host added.
The Honda Fit is the successor of the Civic in North America as the company's chief entry-level subcompact and is aimed to compete with Toyota's Scion division. The car was introduced in the North American market last year as a 2007 year model. The model comes in only two variants, the base model and the Sport trim package. No matter what the trim package consumers opt for, the car will be equipped with a 1.5-liter engine that produces 109 horsepower. The relatively small combustion chamber makes the Fit fuel efficient. Add to that the design of the engine that gives power without burning too much fuel. The engine is so efficient that it performs like a Volvo equipped with a Volvo oxygen sensor.
The Honda Fit takes the Best of the Year award over tough competition. Among the other winners are seven GM cars which are the Saturn Aura, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, GMC Acadia, GMC Sierra, Saturn Outlook and the Chevrolet Silverado. The Saturn Aura won as the Best Family Sedan while the Chevrolet Tahoe and the GMC Yukon bagged the Best Large Utility award. The GMC Acadia and the Saturn Outlook won in the Best Crossover Utility category. The Best Pickup Truck was awarded to the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra. With those victories, General Motors swept the awards for large vehicles.
Other winners include the Hyundai Entourage and the Kia Sedona which shared the honor of being the Best Minivan. The Volkswagen Eos also walked away with the Best Convertible award. The Lexus LS, meanwhile, was chosen as the Best Luxury Sedan and the Infiniti G35 as the Best Sports Sedan. Ford's sole success is the Ford Shelby GT500 which was named the Best Performance Car.
Honda, aside from the Fit, also won another award - this time for the CR-V which topped the Best Small Utility category. For the first time in the 25 year history of the Driver's Choice Awards, the Best Eco-Friendly award was not given to a single vehicle model. This year's winner of the Best Eco-Friendly award is the Toyota Motor Corporation for their dedication to make their cars more fuel efficient. The Best Dream Machine category winners are the Jaguar XKR, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, and the Porsche 911 Turbo.

About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

Upgraded Scion tC Presented at 2007 Chicago Auto Show by Glady Reign

Scion is steadily making a name for itself with the production of great cars. This Toyota division was created to catch the attention of the younger buyers and currently, it is showing off their wares at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.
One of the cars in their lineup that is present at the said motor show is the upgraded Scion tC. The tC coupe is the brand's best selling car and with the refinements and upgrades that it was given, it has raised the bar for its competitors in the sports coupe segment. Among the refined aspects of the car is its safety, which has become a crucial factor that is being considered by car buyers.
The exterior of the Scion tC coupe is characterized by its Scion family front fascia which is the combination of the grille and the headlight which gives the car an aggressive look. The latest version of the tC now has an upper mesh grille, a lattice lower grille, and projector-type low-beam headlights trimmed in black. The rear taillight mirrors the headlight with round combination lamps. The interior of the coupe is also enhanced over the previous model.
The latest version of the tC sports a deep orange combination meter on the dashboard, door assist grips accented in silver. The entertainment package is also improved - the tC now employs a Pioneer subwoofer.
Aside from the subwoofer, the coupe is now compatible with Apple iPods. The feature is present on all Scion cars for the 2008 year model. The car's 160-watt Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system comes with a head unit with iPod controls. The head unit displays the track, artist and album information from the iPod into its screen. Connecting an iPod to the audio system of the car is as simple as plugging it into a port wit the use of a connector cable. With the iPod connected to the car's audio system, controlling the play options can be done through the head unit and the audio control integrated in the car's steering wheel. To further enhance the audio system of the car, it comes with rear head unit output jacks that allow users to add external amplifiers to increase the output of the speakers and the subwoofer.
The entertainment refinement does not end there though. The entertainment system allows users to download "skins" that will be played on the LCD faceplate that will come with the head unit. "Skins" can be downloaded from Pioneer's website, these can either be images or four-second video clips or eight-second movies. Consumers can also burn their images or videos onto a CD and upload them onto the head unit.
The entertainment and comfort that the new tC offers also comes with reliable safety features like a complete lineup of airbags that covers all the part of the car's interior including a driver's knee airbag. The coupe also employs a tire pressure monitoring system and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions. It also comes with a first aid kit.
The refinement that the Scion tC coupe has undergone will not be complete without a powerplant that will complement the vehicle itself. The tC will be powered by a 2.4-liter double overhead cam four-cylinder engine that is equipped with variable valve timing technology. The coupe is certified by the California Air Resources Board as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, thanks to the design of its exhaust system and the engine as well. The exhaust system eliminates much of the harmful gasses in the exhaust of the engine, just like a Volvo oil filter strain the engine oil circulating on a car's cooling system.

About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

What Are The Benefits Of Owning A Hybrid Car ? by Salihu Ibrahim

One thing the hybrid cars promise users is the most, is their ability to save gas by consuming less, as well as reduction in atmospheric pollution. For that reason more people prefer to own hybrid vehicles these days. Hybrid cars run on both fuel and engines that are powered by battery. This means that, they consume less oil and emit less gas when compared to gasoline powered vehicles. Hybrid car, no doubt is a possible solution to the sporadic hike in fuel price in the oil market.
Because of the benefits or advantages accrued from using or owning hybrid cars, the US government had welcomed and supported the manufacturing of this model of car. It has also allowed importation as well as encouraging automobile company in the country like Ford and General Motors to manufacture hybrid cars.
Some of the advantages derived from hybrid cars include the following:
(a) Savings on low gas usage:
Hybrid car combines both electric power and gasoline powered engine. Hence each function all by itself, and combines together depending on which is weaker or stronger when running. The regenerative braking feature enables the engine to compliment each other
(b) Consistent performance:
Unlike the traditional gas powered engine, hybrid cars do not require transmissions to make their engines work at full capacity even at reduced speeds. Hybrid cars function normal and on a consistent basis at any motor speed.
(c) Environmentally friendly:
Hybrid cars, because of their combination of electric powered and gasoline - powered engines, emit significantly less gas into the environment. The effect of this in the long-run will be a clean population free environment around the globe.
(d) Convenience:
Less amount is expended on gasoline for hybrid cars. This is because of the battery powered engine used by hybrid cars. This is in perfect contrast to owners of the convention gas powered cars who cannot help but feel the scourge of the soaring fuel pump price. Also, most hybrid cars are easy to maneuver on the road because of its light weight. The designs are also something to behold and they come in style.
Some are of the opinion that buying or owning a hybrid car is not ideal for now because of its expensive nature. Notwithstanding its cost, the advantages to be derived from owning this type of vehicle in the long run is worth it. It will be better if more people demand for hybrid cars because this will induce the manufacturers to manufacture more and the price will eventually fall in no time at all.

About the Author
For an honest review and guide to hybrid car information, you have got to visit http://www.hybrid-car-site.com

Europe's Largest Automaker Joins Designing Sustainable Mobility Summit by Natalie Anderson

In the news: US subsidiary of Volkswagen is giving a high profile to vehicles with lower environmental impact at the Designing Sustainable Mobility Summit held at the Art Center College of Design in Southern California. At the summit designers and other transportation experts from various countries will share their ideas on how to make future mobility more environmentally attuned.
In connection with this objective, Volkswagen has offered attendees and Art Center students the chance to experience driving VW models that are equipped with only the top-of-the-line Volkswagen parts like the popular Volkswagen ignition coil and have engines specially designed to run on biodiesel, ultra low sulfur diesel and hydrogen. These VW models have highly efficient gasoline engines that are perfect for cruising on public roads.
By allowing participants of the Summit to drive some of the very technologies that they are pursuing makes it more meaningful and at the same time boosts awareness on the importance of environmentally friendly vehicles.
According to Ron Cogan editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal which is hosting the Summit's ride and drive, "It's important to demonstrate that raising the bar in such important areas as fuel efficiency and emissions reduction isn't just accomplished with exotic or future-oriented technologies. Volkswagen's demonstrating of its clean diesel and twin charger engines provide real-world examples of environmentally positive technologies that are operating on highways today."
For the Summit's ride and drive, Europe largest automaker is fielding a Touareg V10 TDI running on B5 biodiesel which is a mixture of conventional ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel and renewable biodiesel. Diesel fuel that includes a mix of biodiesel burns cleaner and help displace fossil fuel use which contributes to energy diversity. Volkswagen has also extended its warranty protection to its models operating on B5 biodiesel to encourage more customers to use a cleaner fuel.
In addition an advance preview of the twin charger gasoline engine Jetta which is still in development is also being offered. The Jetta's TSI engine would provide higher power output derived from a smaller displacement engine and at the same time achieve greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The TSI is famous in Europe and now being considered for distribution in the US. The TSI also makes use of a supercharger to give its engine that extra boost at lower rpms while its exhaust driven turbocharger provides mid-range rpms or higher.
Also presented at the Summit was Volkswagen's Touran HyMotion hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that does not only embodies the automaker's interest in zero-emission fuel but also showcases the company's breakthrough high temperature fuel cell. The zero-emission fuel is the result of a decade long hydrogen vehicle development that produces a more compact, lighter, and more durable fuel cell system. This technology is expected to make fuel cell powertrains more economical making mass production in the future possible.
The environmentally adept vehicles and activities that Volkswagen is sponsoring simply show the company's commitment in protecting and preserving nature. And because of the company's dedication in pursuing a "greener and safer" world, Volkswagen of America was named the "Industry's most environmentally friendly automaker" by the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Alternative Powertrain Study.
Volkswagen has also received the EU Commission's European Business Award for the Environment for its innovative SiCon recycling process.

About the Author
Growing up with three brothers, Natalie Anderson became exposed early to the world of automobiles. This 29-year-old account manager now dreams of having her very own top-of-the-line vintage car.

Volkswagen's Award-Winning New Touran by Natalie Anderson

The new Volkswagen Touran with its top-of-the-line auto parts like Volkswagen master cylinder is now offered with 125kW/170hp TSI engine. This direct injection engine is equipped with a supercharger and turbocharger that comes with a unique DSG direct-shift gearbox and Highline equipment as standard. Such impressive combination is exclusive in the MPV field.
The team of Volkswagen engineers has turned an innovative concept into reality with its TSI technology. A supercharger operates in the lower rev ranges while a turbocharger at higher revs. The combination of these two creates a generous amount of power of 125kW/170hp, constant torque band of 240Nm from 1,500 rpm to 4,750 rpm and low fuel consumption of 7.6 liters/100km.
The technical basis for the Twincharger technology is provided by a 1,390 ccm four-cylinder engine that produces the dynamism of a 2.5-litre normally aspirated engine. The TSI delivers a maximum torque from as low as 1,500rpm. It can reach 100km/h in a matter of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 212km/h.
The TSI technology lives up to Volkswagen's motto which is "maximum power-minimum consumption". This technology is available in the Touran with the 103kW engine, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Golf Plus and Volkswagen Jetta. The 125kW Twincharger was also added to the top of the Volkswagen Touran range.
Volkswagen has already received three awards for its TSI engine in the international level. The first award received by the automaker was in the autumn of 2005, the What's New prize from the American "Popular Science" magazine. The second came in the spring of 2006 when VW received the Paul Pietsch Prize in Germany. And the third award was received by VW in the UK, where the Twincharger was honored by the jury from the "International Engine of the Year" committee in 2006 winning the "1.0-1.4 Litre" category. The TSI was also voted as the "Best New Engine of 2006".
The Volkswagen Touran Highline TSI delivering 170 hp with Direct Shift Gearbox is priced at €31,006.67. Volkswagen Touran TSI is perfect for those who are looking for an affordable financing package. The current jubilee package is offered with free car insurance in the first year. Plus, inspections and servicing are also offered for free for four years. The integrated three-way financing is offered at an annual percentage rate of 2.9% with a rounded off guarantee extension. The monthly installment is adapted to the individually calculated car insurance premium from the second year.
Since the launch of the Touran in Europe in March 2003, it was able to sell over 650,000 units. The second generation Touran has been on the market since November 2006 and features a range of three petrol engines, four diesels and a natural gas engine plus three gearboxes.

About the Author
Growing up with three brothers, Natalie Anderson became exposed early to the world of automobiles. This 29-year-old account manager now dreams of having her very own top-of-the-line vintage car.

Volkswagen to launch Wolfsburg's New Special Edition Vehicles by Natalie Anderson

Volkswagen has always been successful with special edition vehicles in the past. Take for instance the Wolfsburg limited edition Cabriolets and Trek mountain bike Jettas that have both been strong products of Volkswagen. Right now, the automaker is looking into the possibility of further boosting some of that limited edition glory with four new offerings.
The Wolfsburg Limited Edition Jetta is basically a 2.5 L Jetta with an assortment of popular options like 16-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof and a cold-weather package and priced at almost $2,000 lower than a similarly equipped Jetta. And in keeping with the tradition of the automaker in creating quality vehicles, the Jetta is equipped with only the best Volkswagen Jetta parts.
The prices for the Wolfsburg limited edition are $19,360 for the manual and $20,435 for the automatic. The limited edition part is also offered in a one-of-a-kind badging and five color choices.
Europe's largest automaker will also introduce limited nameplate, Fahrenheit -- which will be used for both the GTI hatchback and the GLI sedan. Only 1,200 of each are going to be created and they will come in unique, one-off colors. Fahrenheit orange for the GTI and Fahrenheit yellow for the GLI---both will feature 18 inch wheels, heated leather seats and a sunroof. The pricing for the DSG transmission GTI is $27,665 while the GTI is priced at $27,880 for the manual and $28,955 for the automatic.
Completing the foursome is a Triple White New Beetle. Why Triple White? Because of its white paint job, white convertible roof and white interior. According to Volkswagen only 3,000 of these white Beetles are to be produced. They will come with 17 inch alloy wheels and leatherette seats. Plus, it's going to be offered only with an automatic transmission and priced at $25,990.
Volkswagen's Weird Offerings In marketing, business various promotional schemes are employed using concepts that will effectively represent the products. But not Volkswagen, in one of its most bizarre marketing stratagems ever, it has announced recently that any customer that purchases or leases a 2007 Jetta, Jetta GLI, GTI, Rabbit, New Beetle and New Beetle Convertible will receive a custom guitar that can play through the car's audio system.
The Volkswagen's guitars that are to be given away are custom made to match the car itself. The guitars come in the same color and has the car's Vehicle Identification Number displayed on it. That is in addition to the various Volkswagen emblems.
The automaker's marketing campaign featured rocker Slash and sort-of rocker John Mayer.

About the Author
Growing up with three brothers, Natalie Anderson became exposed early to the world of automobiles. This 29-year-old account manager now dreams of having her very own top-of-the-line vintage car.

Volvo V70: History In The Making by Glady Reign

Volvo, in its 54 years of unbroken commitment to refinement, improvement and safety, is set to release the all-new V70. The wagon, which is scheduled to be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is said to be Volvo's history in the making. The Volvo V70 epitomizes the balance between safety, luxury and versatility that could serve as standard for wagons.
"This segment has been our specialty ever since we invented it back in the 1950s," said Fredrik Arp, Volvo Cars President and CEO. "Our competitors can count on us remaining number one in the future, too. In the all-new V70, rear passengers and luggage both ride in first class."
The wagon segment is noticeably growing in Europe. The demands are increasing and the shift to wagons is apparent. Today's wagons are evolving but it is made without compromising comfort, driving dynamics and style. According to analysts, this is because sedan owners could now appreciate the added versatility of wagons. Basically, the concept of the wagon has not changed. But buyer certainly has.
"The attitude towards the modern wagon has undergone a significant change. With greater focus on design and comfort, the all-new V70 is both luxurious and practical. It's not just for families with growing children but also for active people that demand everything of their cars. In fact, we expect that half of all V70 buyers won't actually be families with children," Arp said.
The Volvo V70 is built in a completely new architecture. The latter gave the new version greater edge over the current version of the wagon. The upcoming Volvo V70 is equipped with six-cylinder engine beneath the sculpted hood. The engine is complemented by an equally-efficient Volvo fuel pump to pave way for a smooth and hassle-free ride. The efficient new 3.2-liter inline-6 engine produces 235 horsepower. Compared to the current Volvo V70, the upcoming version is made spacious. The latter also offers dual built-in child booster cushions that can be adjusted in two stages. The feature is suited to those families with young children.
To boost protection, the Volvo V70 is given extended inflatable curtains mated to booster cushions and the strong body side structure. These features provide superb protection in side impact. The comfy features of the wagon have also been enhanced using wonderful seats blended to ergonomically designed instruments. The package also includes the stylish, super-slim center console, world-class audio system and the distinct Scandinavian style of the automaker.
Enthusiasts say that the Volvo V70 is stunning inside and out. This is because of the automaker's brand development plan. Volvo wagons have significantly evolved with time. They have been continuously modified since 1953 when the automaker introduced the PV 445 to the industry. With regards all-new Volvo V70, each design detail is focused on intelligent functionality and clean form.
Smart and functional details allow the owners of the car to entertain his eccentricities to suit his specific needs. The most flexible in the segment is the rear seat's 40/20/40 split. Other breath-taking features include lightweight backrest, simple folding mechanism, optional power tailgate, sliding load floor and a storage compartment under the luggage area floor. The compartment locks when the tailgate is shut.
To add a distinctive sporty stance, the all-new V70 features a unique soft nose with a black egg-crate grille having chrome in the vertical bars, LED brake lights and a C30-like tailgate. The tailgate glass window goes further down for extra rearward visibility. The climbing waistline also adds to the forward-leaning, vibrant posture which is further reinforced with the aid of the black pillars between the side windows.

About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

Ford Taurus Reborn In Five Hundred by Glady Reign

The Ford Motor Co. plans to announce that its slow-selling Five Hundred sedan will be using the Taurus name. According to company sources who asked not to be named, the announcement is not final yet.
Upon its introduction in 1985, the Ford Taurus redefined the American car. The sedan was a milestone design not only for Ford but for the American automotive industry as well. Ford sold about 7.5 million Tauruses during its 20 years of production. The sedan was also the best-selling car in the United States between the years 1992 and 1996. However, it lost its best-selling standing when Toyota Camry entered the scene in 1997.
Throughout its lifetime, the Ford Taurus has established a distinct fanbase of its own. It may not have that distinct Volvo grille but Taurus got what it takes to be loved by aficionados. However, its colorful existence in the industry was slashed when Ford scrapped it last year. The sad end occurred after a 21-year run that included a 5-year stretch as the best selling car in America.
Some enthusiasts are wondering if the revival of the name would rekindle that same old magic. Analysts say that resurrecting the Taurus is a smart move by Ford to leverage its remaining brand equity, but the name alone likely would not spur a sales revival. "The bottom line is the product," said Michelle Krebs, an editor for Edmunds AutoObserver, an online auto industry magazine.
The naming strategy of Ford has been criticized in the previous years. It has renamed Windstar minivan the Freestar however the renaming did not work for the vehicle. With its Lincoln brand, Ford entertained the use of alpha-numeric system. In addition, the Escort was also renamed the Focus. Now, the automaker intends to revive the Taurus name in the Ford Five Hundred.
Alan Mulally, the Ford CEO, said that the company's scheme to make all its cars names start with the letter F was a bad move, as it made Ford's new cars easily forgettable. Moreover, he intends to revive some known and respected Ford nameplates for its new model line, the Taurus being one of them. When the face lifted Ford Five Hundred is launched in late 2007, it will be renamed the Taurus.
Many enthusiasts say that Mulally had a strong interest in the Taurus name so it is no surprise that he is bringing the name back. "Five Hundred clearly didn't work," said Sean McAlinden, chief economist at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor. "There's not a lot Mulally can do in a short time. This is something he can do."
Officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity also said the Taurus' twin, the Mercury Montego, likely will be renamed Sable, after the erstwhile Taurus counterpart. Ford spokesman Jim Cain declined to confirm or deny the name change. "There's been a tremendous amount of interest in the Taurus ever since Alan Mulally expressed interest in the brand," Cain said.
It can be recalled that Mulally has publicly questioned the decision to stop the production of Taurus instead of reviving its appeal with design changes. The Taurus came along when Ford was losing billions of dollars in the 1980s. Then-CEO Philip Caldwell ordered Ford designers to come up with a model that would save the company. That is when the revolutionized Taurus came into existence.
According to some analysts brand name has a great value. Some are also saying that the impact of the name on the sales of the vehicles is dependent on how people remember the brand. "Taurus once stood for trend-setting design," Krebs added. "But that name is tainted. It really depends on do you have a good memory of the first Taurus or do you remember the later versions?"
Some dealers have rejoiced when they heard of the possible return of Taurus. "The Taurus is great branding," Pete DeLongchamps, vice president of manufacturer relations for Houston-based dealer chain Group 1 Automotive Inc., said last Tuesday. "It had such a great history. We were surprised at the decision to stop making them."

About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

High-Tech Gadgets Hit The Road by Glady Reign

It used to be Agent 007 enjoying the sweetest ride on the road. But that was before. Nowadays, each driver is given the opportunity to ride high-tech autos. That fact makes James Bond jealous for sure.
Spectacular auto features are now made available by automakers but they also come with awesome price tags. Nonetheless, these gadgets are worth it. From push-button parking to night vision systems, today's auto and car features are simply fascinating.
A few years ago, a vehicle could show the driver the location via digital map. The car could take control when it begins to skid. It could also automatically maintain a set of distance from the car in front. However, these auto features are becoming increasingly common. Hence, there has to be something more interesting and useful.
What's next? How about a car that parks itself? Drivers who are oftentimes faced with parking problems will find the Lexus Intelligent Park Assist system pretty much beneficial. The said feature is available on the Toyota Prius and offered as an option on the redesigned LS models. Essentially, the system enables the driver to pull up to an available parking space by just pressing a button. According to Lexus, the driver only has to apply a little braking pressure.
If you find the Intelligent Park Assist system not that beneficial, you may find a system that keeps an eye on blind spots interesting. According to statistics, many road accidents occur when the driver tries to change lanes without being aware of a vehicle in his "blind spot." This is the reason why Audi and Volvo formulated their versions of systems that answers this quandary.
Audi's Side Assist system, launched in the new 2007 Q7 SUV, uses radar to detect other vehicles. Volvo's Blind Spot Information System, available on the new S80 sedan, uses cameras. The systems are not complicated. It does not need the assistance of Audi rotors or of a Volvo head gasket to function well. It could function just with the rearview mirror. Both systems utilize LED displays near each outside rearview mirror to warn a driver that he should not try to change lanes because a car is in or is rapidly approaching a vehicle's blind spot.
Another high-tech auto feature is called the sophisticated night vision. BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz introduced updated versions of the Night Vision system, which was initially offered by Cadillac. The systems allow a driver to detect objects and passersby beyond the reach of a vehicle's headlights. The system uses infrared technology to sense heat from people, animals, stopped vehicles, and other objects up to several hundred feet in front of the car.
The precollision system is also awesome. The system is engineered to detect an impending collision and automatically adopt measures to avoid it. Some automakers use radar to detect and alarm and warning lights to alerts drivers of a possible crash. If the driver did not respond immediately, the system take the necessary steps like applying brakes, shutting windows, adjusting seat positions for maximum air-bag effectiveness, and activating safety-belt pretensioners. Lexus has formulated the Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) to avoid "preventable" collisions.
On-the-road entertainment is also booming. Portable audio systems like iPods and MP3 players are now auto compatible. Mercedes-Benz, for one, offers a glove-box-mounted iPod-docking station. It gives power for the iPod and enables the driver to use the car's steering-wheel to operate it. High Definition (HD) Radio systems and Bluetooth technology are also offered as part of the auto package.

About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

Headlights Are Heading Towards Brighter Illumination by Glady Reign

The latest headlights technology shapes the future of tomorrow's cars. And based on the recently launched vehicles, headlights will be brighter, fancier and even more reliable.
Fancy headlights have also invaded concept cars. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Concept, for instance, featured headlights with neon crackle-tube indicators that produces a lightning-bolt effect. The newest headlights come in different sizes and shapes. They are those that appear like "fire" lightning bolts inside the headlight housing.
Headlights play a significant role in the styling and appearance of vehicles. However, its major contribution is lodged on the safety aspect. Safety officials estimate more than 80 percent of the information a driver needs comes to him visually. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in Washington D.C., about 42 percent of all crashes and 58 percent of fatal crashes in the United States occur at night or during other degraded visibility conditions. The 2.8 million annual reported crashes, including 23,000 fatal crashes, represent incidents in which reduced visibility may be a contributing factor.
Lately, the NHTSA has been reviewing federal headlamp standards that date back decades. The agency intended to update lighting rules over the next few years. A number of issues are calling some attention like the glare, bluish light from HIDs that bother some non-HID drivers, and how high headlights should be mounted on tall-riding vehicles such as trucks and SUVs.
The most significant changes in the automotive headlights history will pave way for a brighter auto illumination future. Tracking the history of headlights, it can be ascertained that they were not part of the very first cars - the horseless carriages in late 1800s. The latter also have no roofs, windshields and steering wheels. They came into automotive scene in early part of 1885.
Headlights, powered by acetylene gas, were added to extend a travel to late hours of the day. It was only in 1905 when the first electric headlamp became the norm. Sealed beam lights in the 70's were replaced by halogen headlamps in the 80's. However, the introduction of such technology was confronted by a number of objections. Consumers said they were expensive and that the illumination was distracting. When high-intensity discharge (HID) lights were featured in some cars, same complaints were yielded.
HID lights include mercury vapor, metal halide, high-pressure sodium, low-pressure sodium and, the less common, xenon short-arc lamps. The light producing element of HID is an arc discharge in an arc tube. Compared to incandescent and fluorescent lights, HID lights produce a much higher quantity of light per unit area.
Visteon, a headlight manufacturer, said the HID projector headlamps on the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette deliver about double the light output of the average halogen headlamp. HID lights, also called xenon headlamps, draw less power from the car's electrical system. Thus, the 2005 Corvette saves 42 watts for the low beam. At present, luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Infiniti offer HIDs. Said lights are also found on many luxury sport utility vehicles these days.
The most recent headlight trend is the light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs use semiconductors to discharge electrical energy in the form of light. They do not use filament or gas like the conventional headlamps. LEDs are now used on the Volvo headlight as well as other headlights used by other luxury models. Part of recent auto lighting technology is digital lighting, which allows cycling and alternating colors and intensities in patterns. They could also be made responsive to music being played in the car.
Another new headlight technology is headlight beams in digital format that are controlled by a computer. "Instead of talking about a lot of light all over [the road], we want to put smart light out where you need the light," said Mahendra Dassanayake, staff technical specialist at Ford Motor Co. "It would work like a laptop computer, projecting images."

About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

Common Mistakes Of Auto Purchasers by Glady Reign

Purchasing a car is not that easy as other enthusiasts think. It entails putting into consideration of a lot of factors. Putting aside these factors could lead to discontentment or regret at some future time. Mistakes are ordinary but they should be avoided at all costs. To help car purchasers make the right choice, these mistakes should be realized before perfecting a purchase transaction.
According to Consumer Reports, one of the common mistakes in purchasing cars is falling in love with a model. Emotion should not rule when spending tens of thousands of dollars on a vehicle. A well-rounded approach is necessary and infatuation with a car model should not be entertained because it can make customers blind. To know the right car, one should concentrate on comparing different models and assessing their worth.
Another common mistake is skipping the test drive. The test drive is essential because lots of cars appear stunning on brochures but they could be awful when you do the test drive. The best chance to measure if your expectations are met is through a test drive so it is important that you do not skip it. Take your time and perform a complete test drive to ascertain your aim.
Never negotiate down from the sticker price. You may perceive it as a smart deal or you may not find it tricky. However, when you know the dealer's true cost, you can determine how much profit he could be earning. Based on the true cost, you can establish your negotiations. Nonetheless, do not concentrate on the monthly payments when you negotiate. That could lead you to overpayment. The best thing to do is settle on the car's price and discuss other options like trade-in, leasing and financing, if called for.
Buying automaker's "deal" instead of the car is also a common mistake among buyers. Just because an automaker is offering discounts does not mean you should purchase the car. You have to be certain first that the car fits your taste and needs.
Before going to dealership decide about financing. Choose your financing carefully. If you did not do your homework, chances are, you could be manipulated by dealership. "Interest-rate bumping" tactic could cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Check on financial sites, credit unions and interest rates at banks to determine which rate is the best.
Another big no-no is underestimating the cost of latest safety features. Some of the efficient safety features available include antilock brake systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and head-protecting side air bags. These features reduce road accidents and fatalities. You may forget about superfluous extras that are deemed waste of money. Focus on your needs as well as those of the car occupants.
If you have no idea of the value of your current car, you are committing another common mistake. You could have a good deal on your new car but lose all of the savings. It is better to know both the used-car retail and wholesale prices to save more.
When you are purchasing a used car, have it checked by an independent mechanic. The car's condition means everything. Even the most efficient vehicle could turn into a lemon if the owner neglects to do regular maintenance. The Volvo heater core could be damaged and it needs an expert mechanic to troubleshoot it. But then again, routine diagnostic work is crucial to prevent hidden costly repairs.

About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. She is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

Volkswagen's New R32 to Debut at the Chicago Auto Show by Natalie Anderson

In Chicago: Volkswagen of America, Inc. has recently announced the return of its motorsports-inspired R32 that will be presented at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. It should be noted that the R32 was first introduced in the year 2004 to an enthusiastic crowd of car aficionados. This vehicle was said to deliver the ultimate in Volkswagen sports performance with its dynamic handling, and refined road manners.
The R32 is powered by a 3.2 L naturally aspirated 15-degree narrow angle V6 engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 236 ft-lbs of potent torque. And with such power the R32 is undeniably a muscle car. The standard 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system of the R32 transfers at least seventy-five percent of available torque to the rear wheels. Volkswagen's popular DSG® transmission equipped in the R32 allows for seamless gear changes and sudden acceleration from 0 to 60mph in a matter of 6.4 seconds.
Moreover, the R32's fully independent, multi-link rear suspension that sits wider and lower than its GTI sibling gives this vehicle a meaner and authoritative look inside and out. Its twin chrome exhausts, 18 inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights, uniquely shaped front grille and badging distinguished it from the anything else that moves on the road. Its rear roof spoiler and deep front spoiler, coupled with body-colored bumpers, side bump strips, door handles, especially design Volkswagen muffler and door mirrors, add to the streamlined, sporty look of the vehicle.
Aside from its remarkable exterior, the R32 also boasts a long list of safety features which include Electronic Stabilization Program that reacts to critical driving situations in a matter of milliseconds by controlling the speed of individual wheels and a confidence inspiring Anti-Lock Braking System that helps to prevent wheels from locking under heavy braking. Its Brake Assist also helps in boosting brake pressure especially during emergency braking situations. And that's not all! The state-of-the-art Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution of the R32 automatically varies the amount of force applied to its brakes depending on the road and driving conditions.
The inside of the R32 takes its inspiration from racing with its aluminum-look foot pedals and deep front sports seats. It also showcased other features such as the automatic climate control or Climatronic™, ten speaker premium CD stereo system, rain sensing wipers, automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror, heatable front seats and heated washer nozzles, anti-theft alarm, cruise control and trip computer are standard luxuries that complement this performance-driven victor.

About the Author
Growing up with three brothers, Natalie Anderson became exposed early to the world of automobiles. This 29-year-old account manager now dreams of having her very own top-of-the-line vintage car.

Before You Make A Purchase, Do Some Safety Checks by Glady Reign

The most essential thing in this world is life and to protect it, one should put it in his topmost priority. This is also true in choosing cars. A potential car buyer should not be confined in a box that only offers elegance and comfort; he must go beyond that demarcation.
To help purchasers make the right purchasing decision on his next car, safety features should not be overlooked. Crash test results, airbags, child seats, auto systems and more are to be carefully measured. There are several factors in evaluating the overall safety of the car. These factors include its performance in an emergency-handling situation to protect car occupants.
In comparing safety potentials of vehicles, one should also consider appropriate variables. Do some safety checks on these variables to ensure optimum safety capabilities. One significant variable is the Insurance-industry crash-test rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a research group, is aimed at conducting its own series of crash tests to assess the car's safety features. In conducting its frontal-offset crash, a vehicle is run at 40 mph into a deformable barrier. Instead of engaging the whole width of the car's front end, the barrier covers just the 40 percent of the car directly in front of the driver.
The IIHS uses a deformable barrier in doing the frontal-offset crash test. It more closely simulates a typical form of fatal crash - the car-to-car, driver's-side-to-driver's-side collision. Such crash test emphasizes the structural durability and ability of the car to protect the area around the driver without collapsing. IIHS rates cars as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. Earlier the group has formulated its own side-impact tests that simulate a vehicle being struck in the side at 31 mph by a vehicle with the height and weight of a conventional pickup or sport utility vehicle. The test is said to be more severe than the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) side-crash test.
Another safety variable is the NHTSA's crash rating. The government agency conducts two types of crash tests - the side impact and the full frontal. The highest vehicle rating is five-star with fewer stars indicating greater probability of serious injury.
Both IIHS and NHTSA crash results are only comparable to vehicles within similar weight class. If the car's weight is different, the results could vary.
Other safety variables include antilock brake system (ABS), airbags, seat-belts and head restraints. ABS prevents wheels from locking up during a hard stop, provides shorter stops, helps keep the vehicle straight, and allows the driver to maneuver during a panic stop. Air bags, on the other hand, are mandatory in most states. But it is worth checking what kind of airbags a car has. Seatbelts are essential. The most efficient so far is the three-point lap-and-shoulder belts. In addition, some automakers equip their vehicles with safety-belt pretensioners and force limiters. Head restraints, conversely, are essential for protecting neck against possible injuries.
Child safety is another important variable. The compatibility of the car's seat and the child seat should be determined to secure a snug fit. Accident avoidance features should also be noted. Consider braking, acceleration, visibility, seat comfort, driving position to ensure a safe ride. Features like the electronic stability control (ESC) and rollover resistance are also significant aspects to ponder on. But the common denominator is to be secure about the quality of auto parts. The Volvo ignition coil along with other parts accessories should be maintained and
repaired when called for.

About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. She is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

VW's US Surprises: GTI Cup Spec Racing Series and the New R32 by Natalie Anderson

Volkswagen of America has recently announced that it will operate a production-based GTI Cup spec racing series beginning in 2008 to give chance to aspiring young racers who wants dreams of entering the professional motorsports someday. The new series is going to be sanctioned by the Sports Club of America.
According to Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris NIssen, "Volkswagen as an automotive manufacturer is represented around the globe, and we have a strong history in motorsports, including successful spec racing Cup programs in more than 10 countries. The GTI Cup in America will underscore Volkswagen's competitive spirit and the inspiration we take from racing into the building of our vehicles."
Although the GTI Cup racer was optimized for track performance and safety, the core or the life of the GTI remains to be the street version's high-tech, 200 horsepower 2.0T four-cylinder engine that delivers 207 ft-lbs of torque. It is also fitted with an automated manual DSG® transmission, electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system, and advanced multi-link fully independent sports-tuned rear suspension. In short the production GTI is an extremely capable machine to take on any racing challenge.
Meanwhile the German automaker has also confirmed that its motorsports-inspired 250-horsepower R32 is returning to the US this year but also added that quantity will be limited to only 5,000 units. The new R32 is scheduled to hit dealerships in August.
The R32 was first introduced in the US market in the year 2004 and shortly after its debut a great number of units were sold out. For this year since the R32 is offered in limited number only, Volkswagen will set up a reservation system in which through its R32 micro site on the automaker's official web site. Interested R32 customers are to complete a "purchase interest" form, generating what Volkswagen describes as an R32 certificate. The first 850 people who would present an R32 certificate plus deposit to a Volkswagen's dealer will be able to get one of the first R32 vehicles.
The R32 just like other Volkswagen's masterpieces is built using only the best auto parts and that includes Volkswagen motor mount which is popular for quality and durability. The R32 is powered by a 3.2 liter V6 that produces 250 hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque. It is also outfitted with a standard 4Motion all-wheel-drive. The automaker said it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds.
Other features of the R32 include: twin chrome exhausts, 18 inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, a unique front grille and R32 badging. Its standard features are consist of a rear roof spoiler, deep front spoiler and body-color bumpers, side bump strips, door handles and door mirrors. It also boasts of safety features like electronic stability control and antilock brakes. The interior features include aluminum-look pedals and sports seats, a 10-speaker premium CD stereo system and a trip computer.

About the Author
Growing up with three brothers, Natalie Anderson became exposed early to the world of automobiles. This 29-year-old account manager now dreams of having her very own top-of-the-line vintage car.