Archive for April, 2010

April-30-10

Ins and Outs when Buying a Sports Car

Posted by admin under Sports Cars

Many financially gifted individuals are thinking wondering what to do with their fat wallets should they put it in the bank for future investment use it for something that is tangible. They might just say hey, this is exciting! and what better thing to buy that can cause a phrase like this – a brand new sports car!

But here’s how to look at both the positive and negative sides of spending cash for a sports car.

Fanatics can find the most interesting and beautiful reason to own a sports car and the good news are is:
- Sports cars fit the lifestyle of the rich, the famous and the elegant.
- These sports cars have more powerful engines with up to 750 horsepower.
- Sleek, convertible types depreciate more slowly than hardtop rivals.
- The newer the sports car model, the more impressive the driver is.
- Fans of pricey sports car can choose between the coupe type and convertible type.
- Automatic transmission sports cars have better resale values.
- High-end exotics have been largely immune to the recession
- Less striking cars do best, often losing as little as 6 to 10% of their worth over five years.
- Sports cars are used in many cases for car racing. Both men and women are starting to become addicted with the sport.

Although fitting, as it can be, for their lifestyle, its not all that easy when it comes to buying a sports cars, the not so good news is:

- Sports cars are prone to being affected by recurring and financially viable trends.
- Some sports cars have very expensive and hard to find repair parts.
- Sports car buyers should not expect to ever get back their full investment when reselling the car.
- Expensive sport cars infrequently serve their purpose as just a means of transportation. They just become the collectors item that is rarely used.
- Driving an expensive sports car means spending extra money for gas.
- Models that were sold at special discounts decrease in value faster than other models.
- Various exotic sports cars that only a minority can find the money for are often resold because of costly maintenance.

On the other hand, sports cars have become a passion for some. It could indicate that the buyer would spend more than he should, since it brings enjoyment to the owner, and he is willing to sacrifice the costly price of owning one for the joy and prestige it gives.

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Lincoln MKX, Ford Edge: To Be Offered At Low Prices

The Ford Motor Company has now come up with a new plan so as to bring up their declining sales. With the 2007 crossovers hot and very attractive in the auto market, the company is making sure that when they do send out these new crossovers to dealers and showrooms, they would be coming with tag prices that would surely have retail customers coming in to purchase one for themselves.

Now, according to Cisco Codina, who is the group vice president of the company for marketing, sales, and service in the North America area, Our intent is to have good leases and good pricing. We do not plan to have any visible cash on those vehicles.

And what vehicles are these, you may ask? The new crossovers to be offered with low prices are the 2007 Ford Edge and the 2007 Lincoln MKX. And both of these vehicles would be surely available come November this year. However, the company still yet has to give out what the prices on these new and blazing vehicles would be. Rumors have it, though, that they would be very flexible and owners would surely have a grand time changing its parts with other Ford parts like Ford Festiva car parts to personalize the vehicles. As for the prices, seniors in the automobile world have computed that the Ford Edge would be carrying a price that would fall around the $20,000 range. As per the Lincoln MKX, it would be having a tag some $10,000 higher than the Edge.

The Ford Edge is a midsize crossover sport utility vehicle and is offered as a wagon with four doors. The FF/AWD CD3 platform has been used as the base for this vehicle and its power comes from a 3.5 liter Duratec 35 V6 engine.

A midsize luxury crossover sport utility vehicle would be the best description for the Lincoln MKX. It is a crossover vehicle with four doors and is midsized. Its engine is also the same as the Ford Edge.

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April-27-10

The Benefits of New Ford Truck Seat Covers

Posted by admin under New Ford News

Buying your first or tenth Ford truck will always create feelings of pride and satisfaction. And of course, you will want to protect your investment the best way you know how, but somehow many people never realize that the simple act of buying Ford truck seat covers can protect and extend the life of your truck. Consider the following benefits of buying Ford truck seat covers.

Protect your Seats

If you drive a truck then you are probably around dirt and mud and other stain causing agents on a regular basis. The easiest way to keep stains from ruining your seats is to cover them with Ford truck seat covers that are waterproof. This way, not only will you protect your seats from regular stains, but also from spills of colas, water, chemicals, and the like.

Increase value, or Resale value

Everyone wants to protect their investment, and amazingly a small investment in Ford truck seat covers will pay off in the long run by protecting your main investment, your truck. This is the case because your actual seats and fabrics will be protected by the seat cover and when the day comes that you want to sale your truck or trade it in, you will be able to get a better price or trade in value because your seats and fabrics will be in impeccable condition, like when you first bought the truck. This benefit alone is worth getting Ford truck seat covers, but there are several more reasons why as well.

Give your truck a custom look

When you have seat covers made for your truck or either buy them pre-made you get the same resulta custom look for your truck. When you put seat covers in your Ford Truck you will be setting yourself apart from all the other Ford truck owners, be protecting your investment, and look a lot better as well.

Keep Your Truck Clean

When buying Ford truck seat covers you should definitely consider getting the custom made with some great fashionable fabrics that are waterproof yet feel like normal soft fabric. You can buy these custom made or even pre-made as well. They are perfect because they generally resist stains, protect your actual seats, and can easily be machine washed as often as you like. This way, your truck will always be clean and you wont have to worry about staining your clothes either.

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April-25-10

Porsche Or Ferrari?

Posted by admin under New Porsche News

Porsche and Ferrari are German and Italian sides of the same coin, respectively. Each represents an unique interpretation of the concept of a sports car. Both were founded by a dominant patriarch, both designs are more than 50 years old, both honed their craft in racing, and both possess engineering and styling integrity. Whether they are on the track of Le Mans or on urban streets, the two brands have constantly been put head-to-head to be compared and contrasted. Even those motorists unmoved by sports cars associate these two names with both performance and style.

Take for example the methodical Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and the passionate Ferrari F430. Both cars astonish the driver with their performance while successfully maintaining a respectable amount of practicality, but neither pretends to be anything aside from a sports car.

There are certain characteristics every modern sports car should possess. It must be started easily. It must maneuver around town competently and politely. It must be able to, when demanded, blast along country roads. It must, both in looks and performance, echo it’s roots on the racetrack while at the same time being perfectly safe on any road.

Since both cars meet and exceed these expectations with aplomb, and all the various intangible qualities are largely decided by personal taste, perhaps the easiest way to compare the two cars is by measuring the facts and figures.

One number that immediately impresses is the Ferrari’s lightning fast 4-second 0-100km/h acceleration. The new generation 4.3-litre V8 pushes out 368 snarling kilowatts, pinning the occupants to their seats. While the Porsche’s acceleration also offers that amusement park ride thrill a super car should deliver, it is 0.8 seconds slower at the 100 km/k mark.

Of course such acceleration performance isn’t worth much unless the cars also excel in the braking department, which both do. Each car comes with optional ceramic discs brakes, allowing for impressive stopping.

In the engine department Porsche gains the upper hand. With its more refined motor, Porsche scores points for economy, earning 18.3 liters per 100km while the Ferrari brings up a distant second with a mere 11.8 liters per 100km. Both cars deliver the power through impressive 6-speed gearboxes and stay glued to the road with top rate handling performance.

Even if the space is somewhat limited, both the F430 and Carrera 4S offer great interior comfort. Occupants won’t feel cramped or claustrophobic. Although Ferrarri sports an impressive mix of suede, carbon fiber and aluminum, the Italians simply can’t answer the precision fit and finish attained by the Germans.

Key elements for any super car are speed and silence. The car’s styling and stance draw buyers more than raw numbers. True to its Porsche roots the Carrera 4S, despite the new proportions, is visually recognizable as a member of the 911 family. While it is certainly a great looking car, somehow the styling no longer creates the jaw dropping reaction that it once did. Even though traditionalists may insist that Porsche pay homage to its roots, the truth of the matter is that Ferrari F430 draws the attention and turns heads.

Regardless of whether the Ferrari F430’s stops you dead in your tracks with its appearance, the super car title must go to the Porsche Carrera 4S, which represents a more complete package.

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April-22-10

BMW “No Reverse” Transmission Problem

Posted by admin under New BMW News

An automatic transmission is just that- automatic, consequently most people tend to pay very little attention to it until a major problem rears its ugly head.

Picture the scenario- you are driving along in the lap of luxury, the satellite radio blaring and the heated seats on. Youve become accustomed to the comfort level and great driving experience brought to you by BMW.

You decide to stop at the local convenience store on your way home to grab some ice cream for the kids and a bottle of water for yourself. Upon returning to your car, you start it up, check your rear view mirror, put the shifter in reverse and then the unthinkable happens- the engine just revs as if it is in neutral and the car goes nowhere!

This article deals with the reasons behind an unexpected loss of reverse in certain BMW automatic transmission equipped vehicles, specifically the 3 series and 5 series vehicles that use the ZF5HP19 or steptronic transmission. This includes the popular 323i, 323ci, 325i, 328i, 330i, 525i, 528i, 530i, X3 and X5 models well as some others built in the 1999 to present model years.

To eliminate confusion, this doesnt apply to vehicles equipped with the GM 5L40 E transmission, just the ones with the sometimes problematic ZF5HP19. The 5L40 E has some issues of its own that are beyond the scope of this article but are certainly going to be the subject of another.

The failure rate for these transmissions seems to be very high and is expected to become much more of a problem as time goes by.

Typically, the vehicle is working perfectly while driving forward but when it is put in reverse there is a complete and permanent loss of movement to back up.

Reverse is typically a major feat for any transmission to accomplish- imagine the demands that are placed on a gearbox as it is asked to reverse the torque of your engine so that you can back up your nearly 4000 pound vehicle.

By far, the most common cause of the reverse problem in BMWs is the failure of the D-G clutch drum. Specifically, the snap ring that retains the D or reverse clutch breaks out of the clutch drum resulting in an inability for the clutch pack to apply.

The good news is that there is hope in regards to a proper repair. The factory has released an updated part that so far appears to be a permanent fix for this problem.

In our testing and in conjunction with several hundred successful repairs at our facilities, the new part seems to be metallurgically superior in several ways.

We have found that there is an improved radius area as well as slightly thicker casting. In addition to this, the grove that retains the snap ring is also relocated further away from the edge of the drum.

With this issue addressed and attention to detail in several other areas of the ZF5HP19 unit, the transmission can be repaired to better than new condition by a competent transmission rebuilder / remanufacturer. In fact, when properly repaired, the ZF gearbox becomes quite robust and can provide an almost indefinite service life.

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April-20-10

2006 Sports Cars Parade

Posted by admin under Sports Cars

The year 2006 offers several new sports car designs – from exterior body parts to more defined interiors. One of the most sought after sports car to date is the efficient 2006 Saturn Ion – its enviable rust and dent proof body and added horsepower. With its extra size, it has the combination of the Quad Coupe and 2003 Sedan, restyled with smart modernism and small back entrance doors. The four-speed transmission was replaced by a five-speed automatic transmission. The price could vary from $12,000 to less than $20,000 per car.

Next in line is the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which was introduced at $28,000 as the manufacturers suggested retail price. It is reasonably priced, with a system built for key free entry, air conditioning, two seats, and a steering wheel wrapped in leather. It has a six speed manual transmission, leather seats and optional sport suspension with 2.0-liter dual overhead cam and four-cylinder engine. The space provided in the trunk is 5.3 cubic feet. However, the lowered body and back tires are not devised for use during muddy or snowy seasons.

Here comes another American accomplishment legend – the Ford Mustang with its multi-valve overhead cam, which generates 300 horsepower. This retro inspired modern car is more rapid and more responsive than it has ever been. Available for about $21,000, it is well furnished in both convertible and coupe designs. Fanatics can choose between automatic and manual transmission engines. Tires are trendier at 18 inches… Since it has been introduced in 1964, the name Ford Mustang has competed with Firebird, Camaro, Barracuda, etc for more than 40 years, and is standing by its name.

For those who are looking for striking and lavish sky-scraping performance sports car, the Cadillac XLR is a better choice. The approach is over-sensitive, sophisticated, dominant and unique with attractive interiors and a hardtop convertible that can go in and out in just thirty seconds. It offers a resolute hold and superior handling in a fiery 320 horsepower engine. It is even faster than Jaguar XK8, Mercedes SL500, and Lexus SC430 is a silent machine whether the convertibles up or down.

These are just a few of the most infamous sports car this year. Passionate drivers and collectors are just starting to do their own research and before long, these cars will either be sought for collectibles or for private use… It is true that these sports cars are toys for the big boys.

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April-19-10

Ford to Exit the Minivan Market?

Posted by admin under New Ford News

All the car blogs lately have been speculating on the direction that the Ford Motor Company is going to take in the wake of declining sales and stiff competition. We know that Ford has too much capacity and we know that the company will be closing some key plants and laying off an as yet to be determined number of employees. What hadnt been clear is which models would be cut from the line up. Now, it appears that Ford will exit the lucrative minivan market. Thats right, Ford apparently will stick with building cars, trucks, and SUVs, and leave the minivan market to the other players.

Ever since the Chrysler Corporation invented the minivan market back in the early 1980s with its line of K-car derived minivans the Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager, and the Chrysler Town & Country Ford has been playing catch up. Indeed, a series of forgettable star named minivans were served up by Ford and summarily rejected by consumers: the Aerostar, Windstar, and the Freestar. Later, both Honda and Toyota brought out their own entries and Ford, along with Chevrolet found themselves trailing badly in an overcrowded segment. Indeed, several GM divisions sell minivans, as does Kia and Nissan, making the market especially tight.

Should Ford decide to go ahead with plans to ditch the minivan market, it wouldnt be a complete retreat. For one, many consumers prefer the automakers popular Ford Explorer SUV while its all wheel drive Freestyle wagon/crossover competes well too. Finally, another vehicle the Edge will soon make its debut and likely pull many minivan customers over. The Edge will be yet another crossover vehicle somewhat of a SUV/wagon hybrid and fill the need for consumers.

Yes, Ford appears ready to ditch the minivan market. No loss to consumers and probably a smart move for the beleaguered automaker.

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April-15-10

Porsche Car Covers For Top Protection

Posted by admin under New Porsche News

In owning a high quality roadster such as a Porsche Boxster you are making a statement that you value quality, engineering, speed, luxury, and reliability. Few cars can match all that a Boxster does in effectively combining an exhilarating sports car ride with a sensible price. Still, owning any Porsche is an investment and you must take care to protect that investment. A custom fitted car cover is something to consider to properly shield your Porsche.

After spending over sixty thousand dollars for your new Porsche, why is it that the one investment that can save you thousands of dollars is often overlooked? What I am talking about is a Porsche car cover. A car cover is a reasonably priced accessory that should be standard equipment for any vehicle. For only a few hundred dollars a custom fitted car cover will protect your car from:

  • Damaging rays of the sun. If you leave your car outside for any length of time, the suns rays will damage your cars finish.
  • Harmful moisture. A high quality car cover will protect your cars finish from moisture. Acid rain, sleet, snow, and hail can permanently damage your car.
  • Bird poop. You may not park your car under a tree, but the birds sure are attracted to its shine. Not getting to the poop soon enough can be costly to your paint.
  • Minor impacts. No, a car cover wont protect your car in all circumstances, but a high quality cover is designed to absorb small impacts.
  • Nosey neighbors. You own a Boxster and everyone want to peer in and look at itrubbing up against your car, scratching the finish, damaging the paint!
  • Insects. Who wants to see their car become home to every insect imaginable? With a custom fitted cover on your Porsche, bugs wont zone in on something that isnt hospitable to them.
  • Hello, Kitty. Dont you just love it when Puss N Boots walks all over your car leaving his tiny little footprints behind?
  • Dust, dirt, air pollution. Even garaged cars can be damaged by dust.

    When selecting a car cover there are some things to consider:

  • Is it guaranteed? You should be able to return it if it doesnt live up to its promises.
  • How many layers is it? Premium car covers offer the most protection; four layers are the norm.
  • Is it custom fitted for your Porsche? No one sized-fits all cars covers, please!
  • Are side mirror pockets included? For maximum fit, insist on this feature.

    You spent a nice amount of money on your Porsche. Do not neglect it and forego a car cover. Protect your investment with a high quality car cover from a leading manufacturer such as Covercraft.

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  • April-13-10

    Review of Ford Trucks

    Posted by admin under New Ford News

    The best-selling car in America returns with an original engine design and a blue-collar transmission from the motor city. Ford’s F-150 pickup comes in regular, extended, and crew-cab styles. All cabs have four doors. The standard minicab mimics the SuperCab extended minicab with average rear-hinged “partly doors.” The SuperCrew crew minicab has four straight doors. Extended’s and crews have a bring up work surface seat for 6-passenger capacity. Crews have a 5.5-ft-long consignment single bed. Other F-150s use beds of 5.5, 6.5, and 8 ft, depending on options. All come in flat-side Styleside outward appearance; the 6.5-ft single bed in addition comes as a flare-fender Flareside.

    The 4.2-liter V6 engine has 202 horse power. Two V8 engines are available: a 4.6-liter with 231 hp and a 5.4 with 300. A 5-speed transmission now comes as a standard option.

    Taking turns on redesigning its bread-and-butter pickups, Ford rolled out a brand-new version of the F-150 pickup in 2004 and then focused its thought on a makeover of its big-bubba Super Duty in 2005. This year, Ford is sleeping from its labors, with little changes of memorandum: The F-150 procession is toughened up with a Harley-Davidson trim pack up highlighted by a monotone black outdoor; 22-inch polished, sham aluminum wheels; and bags of eagle logos. Later in the representation year. And there are some chrome selection packages and other negligible doodads to expend change on.

    We were disenchanted that Ford chose not to fetch out a original version of its defunct Lightning, which was rumored to revisit in 2006 with a supercharged V-8 cranking out 500 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. The Ford Lightning has been a huge draw for the company. Even appearing in popular movies like the fast and furious to boost it’s popularity.

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    April-13-10

    The Chevrolet Tahoe

    Posted by admin under New Chevrolet News

    The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full size utility vehicle from General Motors. Chevrolet Tahoe in 1994 introduced Blazer brand a mid sized four door version and renamed full size Blazer as Tahoe. Tahoe serves as a full size SUVs of General Motors. It has a wide wheelbase that gives it a sturdy look. It is popular in rural areas and has been considered as police car, a logical option to Ford Crown Victoria in North America. The Chevrolet Tahoe has been considered a long distance vehicle and hence has been successful in the US market.

    Following the general trend amongst car manufacturers, there is range of accessories relating to the Chevrolet Tahoe. One of the prominent ones is the range of key chains this brand has to offer to customers. The key chain has been a logical promotional item for Chevrolet Tahoe. The care is taken to meet all the features of the brand to avoid any dilution. They are trendy and have a classic look. The key chain is normally a gift item given to proud owners of Chevrolet Tahoe. Chevy Tahoe keychains are mostly seen with the police in US.

    Chevrolet key chains are associated with a catchy name i.e. Chevy. Chevry Tahoe key chains come in various shapes and sizes manufactured using metal and leather. The key chains have very elegant looks which anyone would love to possess. Care has been taken to manufacture it with high quality material that symbolizes the Chevrolet brand. Due to such care company can boast of life time warranty against any material or workmanship damage. With such confidence its better to have the original product. Sometimes it becomes difficult to make out the original stuff. However, you can only realize that when the key chain begins deteriorating. Normally direct & authorized dealers are the most logical and safest place to get your key chains from.

    Some prominent varieties in Chevrolet Tahoe key chains are:

    1) Chevy Tahoe Teardrop keychain: Shape is very unique like a tear drop. The shape provides the elegant and classic look

    2) Chevy Tahoe Chrome circle keychain: It has a chrome plating with Tahoe name mentioned in centre.

    3) Chevy Tahoe steering wheel keychain: It is shaped like a steering wheel. It is also chrome plated with the logo of Chevrolet along with brand name of Tahoe in centre.

    4) Chevy Tahoe valet keychain: It has two rings to it with body in between. The body carries the logo of Chevrolet and brand name Tahoe

    5) Chevy Tahoe leather silver key chain: This key chain has high quality leather with a pendant type round hanging to leather. The key chain provides a good contrast.

    6) Chevy Tahoe metal oval keychain: It has a very classy oval shape which provides a different look to key chain.

    7) Chevy leather gold keychain: It is same as leather silver key chain except that the chain is of golden color.

    The keychains are not only beautiful but they also let you add that personal touch to it. You could have your name or anything else engraved on these beautiful key chains.

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