2008 Aston Martin DBS : A Classy Car

Aston Martin's latest flagship, the DBS, should satisfy the desires of anyone who mourns the departed Vanquish. Sporting a 510-horsepower V-12, massive wheels and a low-slung hood, the DBS competes with supercars like the Ferrari 599 GTB and Maserati Gran Turismo.

The rear-wheel-drive DBS crowns Aston Martin's three-car lineup. It shares its platform with the similarly styled DB9 and less-expensive V8 Vantage, both of which have convertible variants. The DBS comes only as a two-door hardtop.

Those who have seen a mid '90s DB7 or anything newer should recognize the DBS as an Aston. Its trapezoidal grille and low-slung hood mimic the V8 Vantage and DB9; the front air dam is larger, the bumper has a few more etchings and the rear sports an aggressive underbody air diffuser.

Aston Martin says the DBS' body is constructed from aluminum, magnesium and carbon fiber, all much lighter — and more expensive — than conventional steel. The car's frame is aluminum. Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights and LED taillamps complete the package.

An adaptive suspension adjusts the dampers to changing road conditions, and it has a Track Mode for those who just can't stand any body roll. Twenty-inch wheels wear Pirelli P Zero tires.

The two-seat interior looks much like that of the DB9. The center control stack starts with the A/C vents up top and flows down to the center armrest. The dashboard, armrest, steering wheel and seats are upholstered in leather, and the climate and radio controls have silver accents.

Buyers get their choice of ultra-thin racing seats or chunkier, but still heavily bolstered, buckets. There's a small cargo area behind the seats that can hold a custom luggage set. A navigation system is available.

The DBS' mid-mounted, 6.0-liter V-12 generates 510 hp and 420 pounds-feet of torque, enough to propel it to 60 mph in about 4 seconds. The engine sits in front of the driver and passenger, but is pushed back toward the center of the car. The standard six-speed manual connects to a carbon-fiber driveshaft. There is no automatic or automated-manual transmission option.

Standard antilock brakes use colossal 15.7-inch discs up front and 14.2 inches in back — that's more than an inch wider than the discs on the 599 GTB and 2 to 3 inches wider than the ones on most heavy-duty pickup trucks. The DBS also includes traction control and an electronic stability system.

2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited I4 4X4

Dreaming of Driving your Rav4, check out the specs before you buy. Read and be informed.

Transmission

* Adaptive Automatic Transmission
* 4-Speed Adaptive Automatic Transmission With Overdrive and Floor Mounted Shifter

Steering

* Power Rack and Pinion Steering
* Telescopic Steering Column
* Tilt Steering Column

Suspension

* Independent MacPherson Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Charged Shock Absorbers
* Independent Double Wishbone Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Charged Shock Absorbers
* Rear Stabilizer Bar

Electrical

* 2 Front Power Outlets
* Cargo Area Power Outlet
* 12-Volt Battery
* 100-Amp Alternator
* Audio and Security Pre-Wiring

Safety

* Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags
* Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor
* Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags
* Front and Rear Automatic Locking Retractors
* Front Seatbelt Height Adjusters
* Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt
* Emergency Fuel Shut-Off Device
* Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
* Front Passenger Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
* Star Safety System(TM)
* Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts
* Side Guard Door Beams
* Front Pretensioners With Force Limiters

Anti-Theft & Locks

* Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors
* Power Door Locks Operated Via Remote
* Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Alarm and Engine Immobilizer

Remote Controls & Remote Releases

* Keyless Entry Operated Via Key Fob
* Multi-Function Remote Operates Anti-Theft, Door Lock/Unlock and Illuminated Entry
* Remote Fuel Door Release

Entertainment, Communication & Navigation

* AM/FM Radio With 6 Speakers Total; 6-Disc CD Changer; MP3/WMA Player
* Auxiliary Audio Input Jack
* Radio Antenna

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

* Automatic Climate Control
* Interior Dust Pollen Air Filter
* Separate Driver/Front Passenger Climate Controls

Interior, Design, Decor & Floor Covering

* Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Cargo Area
* Leather Steering Wheel
* Leather Located On Shift Knob

If you are convinced now, head to your nearest Toyota dealer.

2008 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe LT1Features

Transmission

* Short-Throw 6-Speed Manual Transmission With Overdrive and Floor Mounted Shifter

Steering

* Power Speed Sensing Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering
* Tilt Steering Column

Suspension

* Independent Short/Long Arm Double Wishbone Front Suspension With Transverse Composite Leaf Springs and Shock Absorbers
* Independent Short/Long Arm Double Wishbone Rear Suspension With Transverse Composite Leaf Springs and Shock Absorbers

Electrical

* Cigarette Lighter With Ashtray
* 2 Front Power Outlets, 1 Integral To Cigarette Lighter
* 12-Volt Battery

Safety

* Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor
* Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
* Passenger Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
* Crash Sensor Sends GPS Signal
* Front 3-Point Seatbelts
* Side Guard Door Beams

Anti-Theft & Locks

* OnStar(R) Stolen Vehicle Tracking
* Theftlock(R) Radio Anti-Theft
* Selective Locking/Unlocking
* Vehicle Anti-Lockout
* Programmable Power Door Locks
* Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Alarm and Engine Immobilizer

Remote Controls & Remote Releases

* Card Key
* Keyless Entry Operated Via Key Fob With Audio and Visual Confirmation
* Multi-Function Remote Operates Anti-Theft and Door Lock/Unlock
* Remote Trunk Release Located Inside Vehicle
* Remote Fuel Door Release

Doors

* Power Trunk Lid

Wheels & Tires

* Front SBRP245/40ZR18 and Rear SBRP285/35ZR19 BSW, Goodyear(R) Eagle F1 Extended Mobility Performance Tires
* Alloy Wheels, Front 18-In X 8.5-In. and Rear 19-In. X 10-In.
* Run Flat Tires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers

* Dual Body Color Folding Power Adjustable Heated Exterior Rearview Mirrors With Driver Side Electrochromic and 2-Position Memory
* Electrochromic Interior Rearview Mirror
* Power Windows With Dual One-Touch Down
* Front Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
* Rear Window Defroster
* Solar-Ray(R) Tinted Glass
* Front Dual Sunvisors
* Intermittent Windshield Wipers

Exterior, Design, Paint & Finish

* Metallic Paint (If Selected)
* Front and Rear Body Color Bumpers
* Front Air Dam

Entertainment, Communication & Navigation

* Pre-Programmed Equalizer
* Radio Data System
* OnStar(R) Telematics System With 12 Months Safe and Sound Service Plan Includes Automatic Collision Notification, Concierge Services, Emergency Response, Personal Calling, Remote Unlocking, Roadside Assistance, Security System Notification, Stolen Vehicle Tracking, and Vehicle Diagnostics
* OnStar(R) Personal Calling Hands-Free Telephone
* Telephone Antenna
* In-Glass Radio Antenna
* AM/FM Radio With Seek, Scan, Speed Sensitive Volume, and 7 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player; XM(R) Satellite Radio
* Auxiliary Input Jack

Sunroof/Moonroof & Removable/Convertible Top

* Manual Hard Removable Top

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

* Separate Driver/Front Passenger Climate Controls
* Automatic Climate Control
* Interior Pollen Air Filter

Interior, Design, Decor & Floor Covering

* Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin
* Leather Steering Wheel
* Front Carpeted Floor Mats

SUZUKI GRAND VITARA

All Grand Vitara models come standard with a light, aluminum-alloy 2.7 liter V6 engine, with 24-valve, Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) that develops 185 horsepower and 184 lbs-ft of torque, providing up to 3000 lbs. of towing capacity. Other compact SUVs come standard with lesser 4-cylinder engines.

The Direct Ignition System increases engine efficiency and performance while reducing maintenance costs by eliminating the need for the distributor cap and high-tension ignition wires.


The Variable Intake System (VIS) maximizes engine output throughout the RPM range by opening and closing a control valve in the air intake manifold according to the engine speed, or simply, more power.
Built-in ladder frame


By using an all-new unibody with built-in ladder frame chassis, weight reduction and better road handling is achieved while retaining high torsional rigidity and off-road performance. Unlike other compact SUVs, the introduction of built-in ladder frames makes it possible to balance traditional Suzuki's high off-road performance and high quality on-road performance.


A two-stage, high-performance timing chain is used on Grand Vitara's engine instead of a timing belt. The timing chain requires zero maintenance, saving owners hundreds of dollars in periodic maintenance.

Ventilated front disc brakes have superior cooling properties, important for better stopping power.

An Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) keeps the brakes from locking in panic-stop situations, allowing the driver to maintain control while steering around obstacles. The Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) uses electronic controls to distribute less pressure to the rear brakes during panic-braking to prevent rear wheel lock-up.


The speed-sensitive power steering provides good road feel during high-speed driving, and steering ease during low-speed maneuvering.


These specially tuned liquid-filled engine mounts help reduce vibration and noise inside the Grand Vitara's cabin. This high tech design helps isolate the passenger compartment to ensure an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride.


Grand Vitara Base and Premium models come standard with the sportier 5-speed manual transmission, along with an available 5-speed automatic transmission.

Aluminum alloy wheels are not only a stylish addition to the Grand Vitara's rugged persona, but the lighter weight conserves fuel over time and improves ride characteristics. 17-in alloy wheels are larger for more rugged looks and better handling.

5-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission
Standard on XSport and Luxury models, the 5-speed automatic transmission is optional for the Base and Premium models.

NINJA ZX 6R from KAWASAKI

KAWASAKI’S NINJA ZX-6R equals two wheeled excitement.The natural choice for your inner racer.

A true race winner, the Ninja ZX-6R sportbike captured a 1-2 finish in the 2007 Daytona 200 and placed 1-2 in the 2007 AMA Supersport championship, thanks to a merger of 600-class power and Grand Prix handling. The result is an exciting racetrack weapon capable of cornering speeds previously unknown to the middleweight class while retaining the wide spread of power that is pure Ninja.

To deliver the performance required in the demanding racetrack environ, the Ninja ZX-6R’s ultra-high-rpm 599cc four-cylinder engine cranks out a fat powerband with a linear torque curve and hard-hitting acceleration across the entire rev range. Its impressive healthy mid-range torque and over-rev capability are pure race bike, allowing riders to stay on the gas where lower-revving machines are forced back off and shift.

The Ninja ZX-6R’s engine was specially designed for minimal internal friction, so it is more responsive and allows the rider to easily modify cornering lines with minor throttle adjustments. Utilizing stronger, stiffer and more compact engine components than its predecessors resulted in a slim and compact engine and chassis. Its racing heritage also includes a close-ratio cassette transmission that makes it easy to keep the ZX-6R screaming at its horsepower peak and a slipper clutch for quick downshifts that don’t upset the rest of the chassis.

A compact, lightweight chassis design permits the Ninja ZX-6R to make a fast entry –enhanced by the slipper clutch and powerful radial-mounted front brake calipers –and maintain more cornering speed throughout the turn.

The frame and swingarm were developed with an ideal balance of rigidity, so the bike responds instantly and precisely to the rider’s every command. Mass centralization, engine mount locations and a variety of other factors were optimized to help its instant turn-in characteristics. Once in the turn, the Ninja ZX-6R holds a line with precision and tracks through the apex as if it were on rails. Completing this track-biased package are fully-adjustable front and rear suspension units.

All these features mean very accurate chassis feedback, with the ZX-6R communicating every move directly to the rider. The machine responds more precisely and predictably to control inputs and shifts in body weight. The result is a motorcycle that becomes one with the rider.

The entire package of frame, suspension, engine and bodywork enhances the ZX-6R’s fun-to-ride factor while supplying the high-performance power of a 600cc Supersport racer and the nimble handling of a small-displacement GP machine. The results are faster cornering speeds, quicker lap times and even more worried looks on the competition’s faces. So let the opposition compromise performance for rider-friendliness; the Ninja ZX-6R is a pure expression of Kawasaki’s racing philosophy and is designed to take home trophies.

BMW GINA Light Visionary Model

BMW just unveiled its latest design philosophy — via a radical concept car — that will sure to raise some eyebrows in the automotive industry. Touted as the "game changer" for the "development of tomorrow's mobility," the new concept centers around the GINA principle, for Geometry and Functions In "N" Adaptions. What this means is the ability for BMW to think outside the box and innovate maximum ideas with mininum amount of the usual constraints associated with car design.

The first translation of the GINA philosophy into physical being is demonstrated in the Light Visionary Model concept. The only specs that may be familiar are the car's realistic 8-cylinder powertrain package residing in a roadster built from an aluminum space-frame chassis with two double tailpies and 20-in. alloy wheels at the corners. Other than that, it is the Visionary's exterior body that will catch all of us by surprise. It is skinned by four large pieces of flexible material that can stretch and contract based on a number of substructures that can move about on the chassis with electro and electrohydraulic controls.

There are four main pieces of skin that make up the Visionary's body: The largest component starts at the front of the car and extends all the way to the base of the windscreen, then down and across the two doors, ending at the rear edge. The next two fabric-like skins begin at the front lower rocker panels, then run across the rear wheel arches to the back. The last piece of skin makes up the rear deck. The roadster's scissor-type doors open with its outer skin wrinkled in a very clearly defined pattern, but they are stretched back into a silky-smooth surface when the doors close.

The fabric that covers the Visionary's body is constructed from a waterproof and temperature-resistant mesh netting on the outer layer, supported by a flexible metal- wire structure underneath to maintain the skin's tension and smoothness. Around a few areas where curvatures of the skin are called for, carbon struts are added to allow for higher flexibility while keeping the rounded contours.

The Light Visionary Model is striking not only because of its fabric outer skin, but also its utility in form following function. Because of the flexible skin, the headlights can be hidden or exposed when necessary. The side markers to signal lane changes are not visible on the outside until they are turned on during use — their light shines though the translucent (but not transparent) cover. Airflow around the car can be managed actively as the skin can be closed, opened or stretched based on need; the rocker-panel shape can be adjusted for better aerodynamics. And because the rear deck is covered by one single piece of fabric, the spoiler can be completely hidden when it is not in use.

Some Tips on Fuel Efficiency

Here are some tips on how to increase the fuel efficiency of your car and thereby save money :

Do not Drive.Before you get into your car,ask yourself " Is this trip really worth the gas ? " Maybe you ca walk a couple of blocks,ride a bike or take a bus to get your destination. If your destinations are near each other, park somewhere in between and instead of burning gas, bur some calories and walk.

Save fuel bu carpooling. Make arrangements with your neighbors,friends or colleagues in your work place or in school about the schedules. You can also lessen your reasons to drive by working closer to your home or taking public transportation to your work.

Filling up the tank early. Replenishing your car's fuel tank is best done early in the morning when it is cool. About 3 to 6 percent more fuel can be loaded compared to filling up at noon when the temperature is higher. After refilling, make sure that the fuel cap is tightened to lessen evaporation and prevent any spillage.

More tips on next post, so keep it up here in wheels in focus.

Gas Saving Tips

Oil prices have been going up every week at an escalating rate these past months- and to think that we are just halfway to the end of the year. Most industry analysts say that ol prices will continue to increase in the coming months and no one can tell when it will end.

Naturally, as amotorist, you must be looking for the best fuel-saving device available in town.

Guess what ? The best fuel-saving device is none other than you!

This is because your driving habit substantially affects the fuel efficiency of any motor vehicle. The more efficiently your vehicle makes use of fuel,the farther you can go.

More tips next time around.

Sniper 135 from YAMAHA

Yamaha Sniper 135, also known as Yamaha Spark 135 in Thailand, Yamaha Exciter in Vietnam and Yamaha Jupiter MX in Indonesia and Singapore, is a small underbone bodied motorcycle manufactured by Yamaha Motor Company which is also a kapchai model with the largest displacement ever. Powered by a water-cooled 135 cc 4-stroke engine, the Sniper135 is specially designed by the parent company in Japan for Southeast Asian market.

There are two versions available, the hand clutch version with mags/cast type rim and Automatic clutch version with spoke time rim.

These are its fabulosu features :

* DiASil (die-cast aluminum cylinder) which has better heat conductance to dissipate excessive heat easily.
* Lighter forged piston
* Roller bearing rocker arms with less friction than typical rocker arms.
* 4-valve water-cooled engine - The 4-valve engine configuration provides better volumetric efficiency compared with other 4-stroke kapchai models which uses 2-valve engine design, enabling the engine to produce higher torque at high rpm. However, the engine displacement of 135 cc limits the ability of air-cooling system while retaining the small kapchai design at the same time, therefore water-cooling system which has better cooling efficiency is used.
* Carburetor with throttle position sensor - The Y135LC uses Mikuni VM22 carburetor equipped with throttle position sensor for more precise ignition timing, increasing the engine's efficiency.
* Catalytic converter - Even though most 4-stroke kapchai models are capable to surpass strict emission standards without even using the catalytic converters, Yamaha has taken an initiative to install a catalytic converter to the Y135LC to surpass even stricter emission standards in the future.

SNIPER 135 embodies the challenger spirit and expertise that YAMAHA has accumulated over the years in races around the world. This is the first ASEAN moped to feature a liquid-cooled 4-valve engine. Its sleek form was designed to ensure excellent riding dynamics and deliver unprecedented performance. If you are a real rider .... SNIPER 135 is your best choice.

MAZDA MX-5 is so Fabulous

IF you're looking for a sports car that is not too expensive but still possess that spunk and sporty image, Mazda MX-5 is for you.

This iconic Roadster boast of a retractable hard-top which powers from closed to open in a record 12 seconds without sacrificing any trunk space.Just one of the countless reason why Mazda MX-5 is fast becoming the world's best selling sports car.

Check out this video for more.

Fusion Features are Fantastic

Ever dream of driving that Ford Fusion you saw on the ads? Well it's quite easy because the Fusion 08 of Ford features are fantastic for a dream car you can own.

The Fusion I4 SE has a 5-Speed Manual Transmission With Overdrive. Steering is not a problem with its Tilt Steering Column,Telescopic Steering Column and Power Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering.

Its Suspension is powerful with its Rear Stabilizer Bar,Independent Wishbone Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Shock Absorbers and Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Shock Absorbers.

The Brakes are not a problem with the Fusion with its 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes and Front Power 299-mm X 25-mm Vented Disc and Rear Power 279-mm X 10-mm Solid Disc Brakes.

I am always more stringent with the safety features of the car, but Fusion has it. Front Side Airbags, Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags,Emergency Fuel Shut-Off Device, Front and Rear Outboard 3-Point Seatbelts, Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment, Passenger Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment, Front and Rear Crumple Zones, Side Guard Door Beams, Trunk Anti-Trap Device, Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor, Automatic Locking Retractors, Seatbelt Height Adjusters, Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt and Front and Rear Pretensioners With Force Limiters . Plus it has Power Door Locks, Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors
and Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Alarm, Exterior Monitoring and SecuriLock(TM) Engine Immobilizer.

For your entertainment, Fusion cannot be outdone with itsIPod(R) Auxiliary Audio Input Jack Includes Portable Audio Connectivity for easy connection for your IPod. AM/FM Radio With 4 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player and Radio Antenna.

After reading you might wanna check it out at your favorite Car Dealer.

The New Beetle S from Volkswagen is a must have..

The new Beetle S of Volkswagen is a must have for the Beetle collector or people who simply love the elegance of a Volkswagen car.

Almost all of its features are way too good to handle, and you can easily fall in love with this Beetle S.

Just look at the photo, isnt she nice ? I am sure if you drive one of these in the roads, people will envy you.

About the Suspension : It has an Independent MacPherson Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Charged Shock Absorbers. It also has a Semi-Independent Torsion Beam Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Charged Shock Absorbers and an 18-mm Rear Stabilizer Bar.

For its Braking & Traction : Its fully loaded with some electronic features like Electronic Stabilization Program Vehicle Stability Control System and Electronic Brake Assistance. Also has Locking Differential, 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes, Front Power 280-mm X 22-mm Vented Disc and Rear Power 232-mm X 9-mm Solid Disc Brakes, Traction Control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.

Talking about its Safety Features : This Beetle S is packed with everything you can imagine.Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor Activated By Seatbelt Engagement. Automatic Locking Retractors. Front Seatbelt Height Adjusters. Front Pretensioners With Force Limiters. Front Side Airbags With Head Protection. Emergency Fuel Shutoff Device. Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment. Passenger Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment. Front Crumple Zone. Side Guard Door Beams and Front and Rear Outboard 3-Point Seatbelts.

Finally one thing I loved the most about the Beetle S was its Remote Control Features such as Keyless Entry Operated Via Key Fob, Multi-Function Remote Operates Door Lock/Unlock, Trunk and Panic Alarm, Panic Alarm, Remote Fuel Door Release Located Inside Vehicle and Remote Trunk Release Located Inside Vehicle.

Go check it out for yourself.

2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING SEDAN LX.....

This Sebring Sedan from Chrysler has an adaptive automatic transmission and also 4 eletronically controlled Adaptive Automatic Transmission.

Lets' talk about steering now,it has a Power Speed Sensing Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering.

For the suspension,it has an Independent MacPherson Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Charged Shock Absorbers, Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Charged Shock Absorbers, also has Front Stabilizer Bar.

For Breaking and Traction,it has a 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes. Front Power 294-mm X 26-mm Vented Disc and Rear Power 229-mm X 35-mm Drum Brakes.

Safety features includes Automatic Locking Retractors, Front Seatbelt Height Adjusters, Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt, Front Pretensioners With Load Limiters, Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags, Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags, Emergency Fuel Cutoff Device, Driver Airbag With Multi-Stage Deployment, Passenger Airbag With Multi-Stage Deployment, Crash Sensor Unlocks Doors and Turns On Interior Lights, Side Guard Door Beams, Trunk Anti-Trap Device, and Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts.

Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors, Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Sentry Key(R) Engine Immobilizer and Power Door Locks are also its features.

As for the Entertainment, it has an AM/FM Radio With 4 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player; Sirius(R) Satellite Radio (Includes 1-Year Of Service), Radio Antenna and Auxiliary Audio Input Jack.

Go check this car and see for yourself.

FORD MUSTANG 2008 SPECS

You might wanna read this, before you head to the auto shop. Ford Mustang 2008 specifications

# 300-hp 4.6L OHC 3V V8 and Tremec 5-speed manual transmission (5-speed automatic optional)

# Anti-Lock Braking System with Traction Control

# Side-impact airbags

# Auxiliary audio input jack

# Fog lamps

# 17" premium painted cast aluminum wheels

# 18" Polished Aluminum optional

# DVD Navigation optional

# HID Headlamps optional

+Fuel Economy:

15 city/23 highway with manual**

15 city/22 highway with automatic

* Side door intrusion beams

* 3-point lap shoulder safety belts

* Belt-Minder®

* LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)

* Personal Safety System® for driver and front passenger

* Front seat side air bags

* Power 4-wheel disc brakes (Brembo front rotors and calipers on GT500)

* Remote keyless entry system

* SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)

* Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection

* Engine Electronics — powertrain control module

* Rear wheel drive

* Front suspension type — MacPherson struts with reverse “L” lower control arms, stabilizer bar

* Power rack-and-pinion steering

* Forward-leaning egg-crate grille

* Complex reflector halogen headlamps with integral parking/turn signal lamps

* Solar tinted glass

* 50/50 split-fold rear seat backs (coupe only)

* Air Conditioning (manual)

* Auxiliary audio input jack

* Speed control

* Tilt steering wheel

* Interval windshield wipers

* Center console with full armrest and storage

* Battery saver feature

* Driver's footrest

* Rear window defroster

* Day/night mirror

* Power side mirrors

* Cupholders (2)

* Front door map pockets

* Power door locks

* Power windows

* 12-volt powerpoints (2)

* Front floor mats with driver retention hook

Check out Honda's S-2000 CR

Introducing the next roadster to epitomize the pure thoroughbred racer lineage of Honda motorsports: The 2008 S2000 CR “Club Racer”.

The S2000 CR was designed to drive to the track, and around it. The CR is a competitor, and its driver should possess the desire to maximize its potential for improved track times at club racing events.

The factory-tuned CR is an extreme performer. Its aerodynamic design and stiffer suspension settings provide increased rigidity and increased downforce. It’s a purist’s sports machine that builds on the race-inspired attributes of the original S2000—then cranks out even more of everything sports car drivers crave.

The CR takes “track-inspired” to an entirely new level. With racecar-like suspension and lower weight, its cornering, braking and acceleration make it one of the best rides around. To accomplish this, the audio system and air conditioning are now offered as options and the spare tire has been replaced with a tire repair kit. This, along with other modifications, lightens the racy roadster by nearly 100 pounds from the original S2000. Add in a taut new chassis, quicker steering ratio, “stickier” tires, and track-inspired has never felt so meaningful.

EXCLUSIVE STANDARD FEATURES:

* Firmer springs, dampers and suspension bushings
* Stiffer front and rear stabilization bars
* Quicker steering ratio
* Larger rear P255/40 R17 tires
* Bridgestone® Potenza RE070 tires
* All-new 17" dark gray 5-spoke alloy wheels
* Fully functional aerodynamic front and rear spoilers
* Yellow and black fabric
* Yellow-stitched seats, shift boot and steering wheel
* Spherical aluminum shift knob
* Removable aluminum hardtop
* Body-colored roll bar cowlings
* Sport-tuned exhaust silence

Volkwagen's Jetta Sportswagen

Much about the Jetta Sportwagen didn't surprise us: the fold-flat back seat, the nicely finished interior, the slightly sporty demeanor. But we did raise an eyebrow at the five-cylinder engine's newfound liveliness--now with 170 hp and 177 lb-ft, it's not the sulky lump we remembered. Still, the 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbo (with VW's DSG automatic) or the new 2.0-liter, fifty-state TDI (140 hp, 235 lb-ft) with DSG or a six-speed manual strike us as more tempting options. We were also surprised at the massive glass sunroof (it's an option on all trim levels); too bad the mesh shade doesn't actually create much shade. But we were most surprised by the Sportwagen's starting price--it's expected to be just under $20,000, which strikes us as good value in the small world of small station wagons.

Audi A6

The Audi A6 is a study in excellent design. It has the look of a four-door coupe, with clean, flowing lines. The overall look is upscale, masculine. A giant trapezoidal grille dominates the front of the car. Some like it, some don't. The car's completely modern shape has a slippery drag coefficient of 0.28. Aluminum was used for key body panels to save weight, though not to the extent of the expensive all-aluminum A8. The 2006 Avant is an especially sleek looking wagon, distinguished by a coupe-like roofline.

The arching shoulder line and relatively narrow glass create a dynamic profile that terminates in a gently sloped tail marked by distinctive two-piece LED taillights. Overall the design language says European elegance. Much of the beauty of the A6 is in the details: Body panels fit closely together around the doors, hood and trunk lid, as well as along places such as the bottom edge of the tail lamp. It's a result of close tolerances.

You won't even find a rubber strip at the top of windshield, nor strips on the sides of the roof. Door jams, the trunk flange and other areas normally hidden are Class A surfaces, smooth and painted as on the exterior body panels. Not everyone will notice this level of detail, but most will sense a general look of quality.

The new S6 is distinguished from its less-powerful stablemates by special exterior and interior elements. Audi's striking trapezoidal grille gets double vertical aluminum-look strips and an S6 badge, an air inlet beneath the grille to feed the big V10, and a spoiler lip to provide additional downforce. The front bumper's unique look comes from the strip of separate LED daytime running lights, and the front foglamps are incorporated into the main headlights, which feature gray-tinted covers. The rear tailights also feature distinctive LED brake lights.

An integrated spoiler juts from the trunk lid, bright aluminum trim around the side windows and top of door handles, body-color door handles, brushed aluminum rearview mirror housings, body-color outside lower door flares, black brake calipers, dual exhaust oval polished quad tailpipes and a chrome strip on the trunk lid are additional ways to identify the S6. The lever-style outside door handles are stylish, but aren't as easy to operate as the grab handles that don't require flipping your hand over. Overall, the A6 sets a benchmark in quality of materials and build quality.

Upgrading Car Sound System

When you’re looking to upgrade your factory sound, the best place to start is with the speakers. Unfortunately, one of the challenges is that better sounding speakers are typically less efficient. Fortunately, Focal has a solution. The Focal 165 A1 is one of the Access series of products that comprise Focal’s entry level into car audio. Unlike other company’s entry-level products, the Focal 165 A1 does offer high quality performance and high efficiency. Let’s see how it stacks up.

The Focal 165 A1 is a two-way component speaker system. The midrange 6.5-inch speaker uses a special braided woven glass fiber cone. Instead of a dust cap, the midrange relies on a specially profiled phase plug for optimal off-axis midrange response. A Butyl surround connects the cone to the basket. The tweeter uses a one-inch dome made from aluminum.Dividing the signal between the tweeter and midrange is a 12 dB-per-octave crossover set at 4.8 kHz. Included is a three-position tweeter level control to match the output level of the tweeter to the midrange in different installation situations.Both the tweeter and the woofer boast a high-grade black finish. The passive crossover has a clear plastic cover to showcase its internals. The Focal 165 A1 is designed to reproduce frequencies from 60 Hz to 20 kHz with RMS and Max power handling at 60 watts and 120 watts, respectively.

The first thing that struck me about the Focal 165 A1 was its efficiency. Using the same power, the 165 A1 played noticeably louder than my reference speakers. The sound quality is extremely good. From 50 Hz, the Focal 165 A1 almost fits with a plus or minus 5 dB window. Quite good. From 250 Hz to 12 kHz, the window tightens to plus or minus 3 dB. Midbass performance is outstanding, and the lower bass extension was good. Vocals sounded very good, although a bit forward and at times slightly edgy. The performance was very impressive given the price point.

The performance of the Focal 165 A1 is excellent. With the ability to fit into a wide array of factory locations and the high efficiency of the speakers, the Focal 165 A1 is a perfect choice for high-end sound into a factory system of a decent powered aftermarket radio. Either way, you will be treated to great sound.

Vios from Toyota

It was pretty easy to drive and maneuver in small roads and parking lots. Gas consumption is reasonable, 12-14 kms to a gallon. Plus the new Vios does really look like its bigger brother, the Altis but much economical to maintain. I've got the newer version right after it was launch that is why I'm really proud of having it. I'm pretty sure that this car would be with me for a long time.

Though this car is generally ok as what it was intended to be, an economy sedan, people who are used to high-end shouldn't expect BMW or Mercedes quality in such a car. The Vios serves its purpose well. There maybe a few bugs such as grating transmission, the big blind spots in the A pillars, the bumpy ride and the overeacting rev limiter but it is economical getting me a max of 18 km/liter of gas and is fast and nimble on the road. I would consider buying another one or maybe its mechanical twin, the 2007 Yaris sedan

Most of the problems of the Vios seem to be the electrical components which were supplied locally in Thailand.... Go figure....

2008 VOLVO XC70

The Volvo XC70 is all-new for 2008. One of the first of that new breed of vehicles called crossovers, the new model is easily the best XC70 yet. It's a great alternative to conventional sport-utility vehicles, and a more practical, rational choice than a truck-based SUV for most buyers.
Volvo has been almost synonymous with wagon since the company began selling cars in the United States in the 1950s. In many respects the XC70 is a conventional station wagon, and closely related to the Volvo V70 (also all-new for the 2008 model year). Yet the XC70 is different. It comes standard with fulltime all-wheel-drive, and its suspension is raised to increase both movement range and ground clearance. The XC70 also features dent-resistant lower body cladding and protective skid plates underneath, as well as an electronic system called Hill Descent Control, which makes driving down steep trails easier and safer.
We found the XC70 offers as much off-road capability as most sport-utility buyers will ever need. It can handle some fairly rugged backcountry trails, and it's rated to tow up to 3300 pounds, which is enough for a small boat. Its maximum cargo capacity of 72.1 cubic feet is on par with some mid-size, truck-based sport-utilities.
Yet the XC70 doesn't extract a significant toll for its off-road or cargo-hauling potential. It's maneuverable and quite comfortable on paved roads, where most of us drive most of the time. It isn't the most exciting vehicle to drive, and probably not as sporty as Volvo's V70 wagon, but it makes a good grand tourer and great daily transportation. It rides smoothly and doesn't float or lean excessively through the curves, and it should deliver better real-world gas mileage than most mid- and full-size truck-based SUVs. On gravel roads and rough, unpaved roads, it handles well and is fun to drive, making it an enjoyable companion in the backcountry.
Those familiar with previous XC70s will have a good handle on the new one's basic potential. Still, the 2008 model is new from the wheels up, and better than its predecessors in just about every way. It's the first XC70 with a six-cylinder engine, rather than a five-cylinder. Volvo's new 3.2-liter inline-6 generates 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, which is on par with most engines of similar displacement.
We prefer its styling. The new design is tighter and probably not as odd, though it still has the rugged, outdoorsy look many buyers embrace.
Inside, the XC70 has one of Volvo's best interiors ever: very Scandinavian, and elegantly understated. More important, it's easy to master its multitude of controls, and it's simpler and more efficient than many of its European luxury competitors. The 2008 XC70 has more room inside than the 2007 model, and it comes well-equipped compared to some other vehicles in its price range. The seating arrangement is flexible and the cargo compartment has tie-downs and other useful accessories. With the rear seats folded, the XC70's flat floor and low lift-over height make loading bulky cargo easier than with many SUVs.
Finally, the 2008 Volvo XC70 continues the brand's longstanding emphasis on safety. And it has more standard safety features than the previous-generation model. The essentials come standard, including advanced multi-stage, multi-compartment airbags, seats designed to limit whiplash injuries, electronic stability control and the latest anti-lock brake (ABS) technology. New safety options include a blind spot warning system, and radar-managed accident avoidance package and built-in child safety seats that adjust as children grow to optimize crash protection.

Nice NISSAN GT-R 08

As more and more info/testing pop up, this car keeps looking better and better. Not only is it the most powerful GT-R by about 200hp, it's the fastest car to ever come out of Japan (473 hp, 434 lb-ft). It will do the quarter in 11 and change, 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, and we all know the infamous 7:38 at the Ring.

Not only does it go like hell, every review so far claims that the GT-R sports THE best brakes of any production car ever. With 15in two piece rotors, forged monoblock six-piston in front, four-piston rear, this thing should stop as fast as it goes.

A true manual will always be my first choice, but I can safely say, this is the only car in existence that I will settle for a dual-clutch paddle shifting unit (probably because there is no other choice). Carbon fiber driveshaft, rear mounted transmission, 0.2 second upshifts, rev-matched downshifts, this thing is just packed with cool stuff.

All of this should be old news by now, but the car is just so badass, I feel the need to reiterate simply because I want one... badly. For the money, it just does not get any better, even though there is no way I can afford one. Sure the C6 Z06 might be better bang for the buck (just ran 10s on stock tires) and houses arguably the best V-8 ever produced, but its still a GM and its best time at the Ring is 7:42. In the end, can you live with the cheap-ass interior, flimsy body panels, and poor build quality? I'll take the GT-R over a Chevy any day. There is just so much more technology packed into the new GT-R.

Detroit Car Show Two Month's Ago

Viper's Edge

The Dodge Viper ranks among the fiercest, most raw, visceral machines sold in showrooms anywhere. Only a few cars come as close as the Viper to a street-legal race car: Ferrari F430 Scuderia, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Porsche 911 GT3RS, Chevrolet Corvette ZO6, Honda S2000CR. Only two of these cost less, and none come within 95 hp of the Viper.

For most automotive tasks the Viper is overkill, like using a six-pound sledgehammer to swat a fly. Ridiculously fast and able to slosh your eyeballs about in their orbit rounding a bend or under heavy braking, it didn't really need any more power. But with archrival Corvette Z06 at 505 hp, that's just what Dodge did for 2008. They made the engine just 0.1 liter bigger but added 95 horses to make a nice round 600. The fly would still be dead, but now you have a bigger hammer.

Along with the increased power, the gearbox has been strengthened, the shifter revised, the clutch tweaked for more grip on less effort, and the hood has been reshaped. Almost irrelevant are addenda like a navigation radio.

Options include a navigation system with radio ($1790); instrument bezel trim upgrade ($695); two-tone upholstery ($495); special wheels ($700); cover and mats ($450); and some metallic paint hues ($600).

Safety features include frontal airbags and antilock brakes.

The LandRover Features

If the Land Rover LR2 doesn't knock the socks off of shoppers for an SUV of this size and price, nothing will. It offers more content than they have reason to expect, compared to what's out there. Think of it as a baby Range Rover Sport, for at least 20 grand less. It costs about $8,000 less than the next Land Rover up the scale, the LR3, and has a more powerful and smoother engine: an all-new, high-tech, inline six-cylinder built by Volvo, mated to a sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission.

The styling is clean and handsome, and the interior roomy, with leather seating surfaces, wood trim, a panoramic sunroof, fold-flat rear seats, quality sound system and all the power stuff as standard equipment. The body structure is second to none in its rigidity and safety, with liberal use of ultra-high-strength steel in the door beams and other places. The list of electronic safeguards goes on and on. ABS, EBD, EBA, DSC, ARM, CBC, HDC, GRC (they're all explained below; each could save your life, or at the least keep the vehicle under control far better than any human). Also Terrain Response, with four settings for different driving conditions: pavement; gravel, grass and snow; mud and ruts; or sand.

The long-travel suspension uses all the acquired knowledge of Land Rover engineers, and delivers a firm and stable ride in all conditions, while providing superlative cornering for an SUV that's 68.5 inches high. The vented disc brakes are big and bomb-proof. The traction system is made by Haldex, the leader in all-wheel-drive design, and it's state of the art: electronic rather than hydraulic, making it faster and more sensitive than anything that's ever found its way into an SUV.

The Land Rover LR2 has it all, for a five-seat SUV. Safety equipment includes electronic stability control with anti-roll technology, and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. There are seven airbags: two-stage frontal bags, side-impact bags for the front seats, airbag curtains for both rows, and a final small airbag for the driver's knees. There's also Hill Descent Control, which keeps the vehicle at six mph going down steep hills (even, or especially, on ice), and Gradient Release Control, which holds the vehicle on a steep hill for a moment before letting it creep up to that speed. All that's lacking in the safety equipment is a tire pressure monitor

Jazz up with the Honda Jazz

I love looking at a Honda Jazz car, and I got to test drive it when one of my friends recently bought this cool looking car. It might seem small, but in actual fact, it is very spacious. This car has 4 seats and has a few colors to it.It is a very nice and beautiful supermini car, very convenient for you and your family members. Although it can’t store up to more than 4 people, its seats are compact though.

Honda Jazz is slightly taller but not much different from Honda Getz. As long as it is from the Honda collection, comfort is the word.Though the car is small, its engine is powerful and the brakes are very progressive. It has the normal car functions like CD player, two front airbag ad central locking.This car design comes in 1.3 litres and 1.5 litres engines. It definitely is a powerful car and it does not take up too much fuel. If you are looking for a car that is small, cute but powerful, this could be the one.

HONDA XRM-an answer to traffic

With gasoline pump prices steadily going up, driving the car around the town for a few quick errands is simply not practical. Cars guzzle up gasoline and hold you up in traffic.
When I decided to limit the use of the car but could not find any convenient carpool arrangements, I settled, albeit reluctantly at first, to buy a motorcycle. I shopped and asked around and most of my friends recommend the Honda line for its fuel efficiency.

I got the Honda XRM because I like its simple yet confident look. No elaborate designs and unnecessary accessories like the other models. I drive my XRM to the convenience shop, the drugstore, the post office, around the neighborhood, and practically anywhere that I don’ feel the danger of being side swiped by the big four-wheel runners.

The XRM is indeed very efficient in fuel consumption. One liter of gasoline could run up to 90 kilometers or one week of errands around the town. I go to the station only every Saturday and always fill it full tank. At most, I paid for 1.78 liters but that was when my sister was cooking for the weekend and I had to make 5 trips to the grocery for the ingredients.

After only more than six months, my savings on gas has covered the tag price for my Honda XRM motorcycle. To all Honda XRM owners, congratulations for the wise buy. To those thinking of buying motorcyles, I highly recommend the Honda XRM motorcycle. You will definitely love it!

MITSUBISHI GALANT '08.....

The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs about the same to get the Mitsubishi Galant to the dealership as the average midsize sedan. The average midsize sedan won't save you much money at the pump compared to the Mitsubishi Galant. The Mitsubishi Galant isn't much more expensive than the typical midsize sedan as far as MSRP.

The average midsize sedan is a better choice than the Galant when it comes to hauling capacity, especially if you often need to carry a lot of equipment or big pets. The Mitsubishi Galant and the average midsize sedan can accommodate the same number of passengers.

While the front cabin in the Galant offers a bit more head room than the average midsize sedan, there frankly isn't much of a difference. The average midsize sedan is not particularly more spacious for your passengers than the Mitsubishi Galant.

The Mitsubishi Galant and the typical midsize sedan have similar-sized engines, with a slight advantage to the typical midsize sedan. Torque equals pickup, and the typical midsize sedan will have picked up and gone by the time the Mitsubishi Galant finally gets moving. Torque is the force that lets you accelerate quickly, and in this respect, the typical midsize sedan is quite a bit more powerful than the Mitsubishi Galant.

The basic after-sale protection that comes with the average midsize sedan isn't quite as generous as the Mitsubishi Galant's. When it comes to after-sale protection against rust, the Mitsubishi Galant has markedly better coverage than the average midsize sedan.

MAZDA 3 - a premium automobile

The Mazda3 changed the way people thought about compact cars when it was launched as a 2004 model. This is a premium automobile, exciting to drive, styled adventurously, and fully equipped with luxury features. There's nothing austere, basic or cheap about it.

Last year, Mazda has upgraded the appearance of its s-model sedan and s-model five-door hatchback with a body-color grille, a redesigned front bumper with square foglights, and a new look for both the 16- and 17-inch, cast-aluminum wheels. Detail changes also improve interior appearance, and leather is now optional for all s-models, both sedan and five-door hatchback. An auxiliary audio input with 12-volt power outlet is now standard for all models, making them iPod-friendly.

Upgrades for last year also include some changes to improve the driving personality of the Mazda3. Reinforcements to the body shell improve overall chassis rigidity. The front dampers of the MacPherson strut suspension have been retuned to quicken steering response and reduce understeer, while the dampers of the multi-link rear suspension also have been retuned to match. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist are standard equipment for all s-models and optional for the i-model sedan. Traction control and stability control are now available for both the s-model sedan and five-door. All models are front-wheel drive.

The Mazdaspeed3 is a true high-performance car featuring a 263-hp, turbocharged, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, the Mazdaspeed3 joins a group of extreme sports sedans that includes the Honda Civic Type S, Mitsubishi Evo MK IX, and Subaru Impreza WRX.
The Mazda3 is built in Japan, yet beneath the skin you'll find evidence of engineering from around the world. Volvo developed the body. Ford contributed the suspension design and sophisticated electronics. And Mazda engineered the four-cylinder engines and then tuned the complete car at its test track in Japan.

As a result, the Mazda3 has the personality of a true world car. It's space-efficient and exciting to drive like a European car. It's practical and economical like a Japanese car. And it's available with a surprising list of comfort and luxury features just like an American car.

The sedan and hatchback versions look quite different. The sedan has the traditional appearance of a four-door, five-passenger car. The five-door hatchback is like the high-fashion station wagons from European manufacturers, offering the practicality of the five-door configuration with an emphasis on a premium driving experience, which means plenty of luxury features plus plenty of driving enjoyment

YAMAHA V STAR-1300... Yamaha's Power Big Bike

The first obvious assumption about the V Star 1300 would be that it will replace the V Star 1100. Instead, the 1300 slots into the gap between the 1100 and the Road Star, filling out the deepest model line in metric cruising. A quick comparison of the V Star 1300 and the 1100 provides a nice overview of what cruising has become since the little brother's introduction as a 1999 model.

The second obvious-and also incorrect-assumption about the V Star 1300 would be that the engine is merely a bored and/or stroked version of the 1100 mill. However, the V Star 1300 sports an all-new liquid-cooled, 60-degree, V-twin engine. The oversquare 100mm x 83mm bore and stroke yields a 1304cc displacement. This engine configuration is somewhat surprising since, as an engine becomes more oversquare, it tends to lose bottom-end torque-something most V-twin cruiser manufacturers strive for. The payoff for having a shorter stroke tends to come in the midrange and top end. Four valve heads control the fuel mixture's path through the combustion chamber. The 1300 weighs in with a 9.5:1 compression ratio compared with the 1100's 8.3:1-a hint that Star was looking for more power from the 1300. The single overhead cam controls the valves via friction-reducing roller rocker arms. The more efficient rockers also allow for higher valve lift ratios to increase power output.

Power is transferred from the engine to the transmission via a 10mm-larger-diameter clutch. To assist in managing the increased horsepower, nine fiber plates (an increase of one) are called to duty. The transmission features taller gear ratios, with fourth gear on the 1300 providing the same ratio as top gear on the 1100. A true overdrive fifth gear on the 1300 also helps to keep the vibrations at bay by helping minimize the engine speed to the tune of 450 rpm during highway riding. The Star engineers claim the tachometer (if there were one) would read only 3400 rpm at 70 mph.The gear dogs are square cut for more precise shifting. Finally, the stylish but old shaft has been replaced by a slinky carbon-fiber-reinforced, 28.6mm belt.

The V Star's ground clearance is better than you'd expect from a cruiser with floorboards. (In fact, the Star leans farther than a VTX 1300 without touching parts.) The only real performance issue with the V Star 1300 is the brakes. The two-piston, single-action calipers are decidedly old tech. They do a decent job of hauling the bike down from speed-but only if you put enough muscle into the lever. Four-piston calipers would probably remedy this quibble. Still, in a panic stop situation, the brakes do get the job done.

The New Hummer HX

Over at the Detroit Car Show held last January, Hummer has unleashed its new baby.

Looking to challenge Jeep Wrangler head-on, Hummer has come up with an entry-level offering called the HX. Riding on a 103.0-in. wheelbase, the open-top HX measures 171.0 in. overall and is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 producing 304 bhp and 272 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The suspension features an independent front with coil-over shocks and a semi-trailing link rear. Brembo 6-piston caliper front and 4-piston rear disc brakes are found beneath 20-in. alloy wheels.

This rugged, go-anywhere, do-anything SUV has the angular, bare bones look of the original H1, but on a much smaller scale. The face of the vehicle has round headlamps in square housing, the seven-slot grille opening and an upright front windshield, all classic Hummer cues. In addition, the slant-back design of the HX and the matte olive paint scheme are intended to echo the military origins of the Hummer brand.

The top can be reconfigured from a closed cabin for all four passengers, an open rear cargo area like an SUT, or a completely open roadster. The exposed hinges allow the two doors to be removed, and the composite fender flares can also be detached for additional clearance on tight off-road trails. -->

Motorcycle safety

There are many people who feel it is a badge of honor to log a thousand miles in 24 hours on a motorcycle. However, close examination shows this to be a rather dubious claim to fame.

To make the required mileage, the rider has to ride at excessive speeds for sustained lengths of time. High-speed highway riding is always high-risk riding, especially at night. Riding at high speed cuts time and distance to react, even in daylight. At night, by the time something breaks the headlight beam, there is no time to avoid it. This is called overriding the headlight. When the object is a deer, a vehicle, or the side of a boxcar, the results are never in the rider’s favor.

A rider who pauses only long enough to refill the tank does not take time to mentally refresh himself or to check his bike. His only focus is to get back on the road. He fails to notice a bubble in a tire or a drop in tire inflation. His taillight might have burnt out, or the chain may be loose. A sudden failure, especially at high speed, may result in a potentially fatal fall.

Add to that rider fatigue and you have a formula for a fatality. A fatigued rider’s senses begin to dull, impeding judgement and slowing reaction time. Droopy eyes don’t search the road effectively. Depth perception diminishes. White line fever develops and the rider’s attention strays. Coffee and caffeine pills wear off suddenly, leaving the rider suddenly overcome with the need for sleep.These factors combine to make a deadly and often fatal mix. Is it worth the risk for a little pin? I think not

Looking for a BMW Car ?

If you're looking for a BMW, you might take this notes for consideration.

For only the second time in four generations of the performance-oriented M3 - and for the first time in 13 years - BMW is to offer a four-door version. With the added practicality of this body style, BMW hopes the car will appeal to a new range of buyers.

Under the hood will be the same 4.0-liter V-8 engine as in the coupe, developing 420 hp at 8300 rpm. It's a light-alloy block manufactured alongside BMW's Formula One engines and weighs 445 pounds, 33 pounds less than the six-cylinder engine in the previous-generation M3.

The engine redlines at 8400 rpm, but to highlight the real-world driving flexibility of the engine, 85 percent of the torque is available over an engine range of 6500 rpm. Power is transferred to the road by BMW M's six-speed manual gearbox and variable differential. This conveys up to 100 percent of available power to the wheel with most grip.

The newcomer will hit 62 mph in 4.9 seconds - only 0.1 seconds slower than the coupe - before going onto a limited top speed of 155 mph. It's also equipped with BMW's latest 'EfficientDynamics' technology, including Brake Energy Regeneration. However, the carbon-fiber roof panel from the coupe is being ditched. BMW's official fuel consumption figure for the sedan is 22.8 mpg on the combined European cycle.

Like the coupe, the sedan features 18-inch Dark Graphite double-spoke alloy wheels as standard, with a forged-and-polished 19-inch wheel available as an option. Another BMW M trait, the side gill in the front wing, has been elongated for the saloon, mirroring the design from the M5. And at the rear twin double exhaust pipes protrude from beneath the valance.

It's price may be high enough, but I'm betting that for every penny you spent on this baby is worth it.

Are you Sporty enough for a KIA Sportage

Close your eyes and try for a moment to picture the Kia Sportage. Tough isnt it? I write about cars for a living and my recall is patchy. Its like trying to remember how an old song goes with a different track playing in the background. Try as I might, I keep coming up with either a previous generation Toyota RAV-4 or a Suzuki Grand Vitara.

The Sportage itself slips from the memory as if it were coated with so much Teflon. In a bid to make the Sportage more memorable, Kia went back to the drawing board and returned with the current facelifted version.The underpinnings of the Sportage are the same as those of Hyundais Tucson 4x4 which is no great handicap. In fact, the Kia inherited a decent tarmac biased chassis with either two-wheel-drive or part time four-wheel-drive and some modest off road ability - a perfect set-up, in other words, for the target market. Kias credibility when it comes to building 4x4s has been boosted enormously by the excellent Sorento family 4x4 and the smaller Sportage augments this reputation. Its a vehicle with a very different focus to its predecessor. That car was surprisingly capable off-road but felt unsophisticated on it. The current car is at its best on the tarmac with a modicum of ruggedness thrown in for light off-road jaunts, which is just how like their compact 4x4s. With tweaks to the styling introduced on the latest car, it looks well capable of making an impact. Power is supplied by one of three engines. The overwhelming majority of buyers will pick either the 2.0-litre petrol engine or the 2.0-litre CRDi diesel but there is also a 2.7-litre V6 petrol alternative for those with deeper pockets and a hunger for extra power. Of the two 2.0-litre units, the petrol has fractionally more horsepower with 140bhp to the CRDis 138bhp but its the oil-burner that feels more forceful with 305Nm of torque between 1,800rpm and 2,500rpm. This slug of pulling power arrives all at once so smoothness and flexibility arent particular strong points of the CRDi engine but it feels significantly more muscular than the petrol which delivers 184Nm at 4,500rpm. The V6 has 173bhp and is the only engine that makes the Sportage anything approaching quick.

Show the Sportage a straight, well-surfaced road and it serves up a good standard of ride comfort and refinement. In the past, the problems tended to start when the going got twisty or the surface deteriorated. The recent facelift aimed to address this however and the current models feature revised dampers as well as a tweaked power steering system. The ride has grown firmer and that helps the Sportage resist body roll when cornered vigorously its also less liable to become unsettled over bumps in the road.

The Sportage adopts a few MPV-style practicality features. The rear seat cushion and the backrest are a case in point, adopting Kia’s Fold and Dive system. Whilst it may sound like a tactic taught by Argentinean football coaches, it is in fact a method of creating a spacious, square-sided and completely flat cargo area. The front passenger seat backrest can also be folded flat to house extra long loads and at the back there’s even a flip-up rear window which means that items can be dropped into the luggage area without having to open the tailgate.

The compact 4x4 sector has exploded of late with virtually every mainstream manufacturer having cobbled together an entrant of some description. Despite the improvements made, the Sportage still campaigns at the lower end of this market offering value for money and lots of equipment in a competently engineered package. With most of the entrants into this sector aiming quite a bit higher than the Sportage, it could easily carve out a profitable niche for itself by undercutting the major players and appealing to family buyers on a budget. Sportage diesel buyers expecting to recoup the extra outlay they’ve made to upgrade from the 2.

With other mainstream compact 4x4s growing progressively bigger and more expensive, the Kia Sportage has remained close to its roots at the lower end of the market sector. Even the latest facelift has done little to enliven its appearance but the Kia appeals on a different level to the fashionable offerings at the opposite end of the compact 4x4 spectrum and there’s something to be said for keeping things low key in the current anti-4x4 climate. With its industry-leading warranty and strong value proposition, the Sportage is an uncomplicated sort. It should prove that there’s a ready market out there for an average compact 4x4 at an eye-catching price.

Secrets for a New Looking Car

Your Car Looks Like New. What's Your Secret?

"It looks like new! I would have never guessed that car was Ten years old."

That is what we owners want to hear, but keeping our cars looking like the late models is tough, even with today's long-lasting finishes. Dents, dings and cracked glass are several items that age the appearance of a vehicle. Fortunately, technology has helped advance the solutions to these problems, making the fixes quicker and less expensive. With mobile repair units, these items often can be repaired on site at your home or work, adding to the convenience.

Many types of door dents or small dings are fixed without sanding, filler or painting, preserving the integrity of the vehicle's original factory finish. Technicians use specially designed tools that allow them to access the problem and actually massage it out. If paint touch-ups are required, the technology is available to match your vehicle and repair scratches, minor chips and blemishes on most surfaces. There are a couple of factors that have an effect on the success of this process:
The location of the dent on the car is important. For example, a dent on the edge of a door, trunk or hood probably can't be fixed using this process.

If there is paint damage or scrapes across multiple panels, this may indicate that the damage is too severe, as the paint may crack as the dent is removed.

Like dents and dings, chipped cracked glass can also diminish the value of a car. However, the fix is not necessarily a new windshield. Seventy percent of all glass damage is repairable. Using resins that are constantly being improved, technicians not only can fix your glass, but also make it stronger. In addition, the resin can create a repair that is difficult to detect. This technology can be used to repair the following types of glass damage in automobiles: star breaks, combination breaks, bulls-eyes and cracks of any length.

Be sure to take your car to a Prestigious Repair Shop to avoid hassle.

Got a flat tire ?

A flat tire can create an immediate emergency situation, But there's another failure that must be addressed right away, a more insidious and subtle tire epidemic that's compromising both our tires and other areas of driving: underinflation.

It's true, a large percentage of the vehicles on the road are operated with underinflated tires, and this can cause all kinds of problems. For one thing, it takes more energy to roll a tire with less air pressure, so the engine needs to consume more fuel.

According to the American Automobile Association, underinflated tires can cut fuel economy by as much as 2 percent per pound of pressure below the recommended level. Underinflated tires also cause more heat to build up in the sidewalls. Heat is one of the primary enemies of tires, and excessive heat can cause the tire to fail prematurely or substantially shorten its service life, meaning you could be shelling out for new tires sooner than otherwise.

Additionally, tires with low air pressure are more sluggish in their response to steering input and suspension dynamics, compromising your vehicle's handling, which could become a safety issue.

So before you head out to the road, check your tire first.