Archive for the ‘cars’ Category
Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 |
The name Chevrolet certainly isn’t foreign to the American population. After all, who hasn’t heard the definition of a classic car being a “57 Chevy?” In looking at Chevrolet, though, classic cars and pick-ups come to mind, and not necessarily hybrid cars. Don’t write Chevrolet off yet, though, but actually go take a look at Chevrolet. The sedan and truck known from Chevy are getting a remix, in the form of the more technological and eco-friendly hybrid.
2005 brought changes to Chevrolet’s line-up, introducing the Equinox Hybrid vehicle, which, fascinatingly enough, was a SUV, one of the first in in the market, but not nearly as widely known. The Chevrolet Tahoe was right before the Equinox, and recent developments with Chevrolet have made the Equinox unavailable for pricing, so it seems that this new, unique take on one of the more gas-guzzling vehicles in the mass market has not seen the light of day in some time, and no information has been given on whether or not the vehicle will return. Even if there are major changes, the original Equinox was going to use a similar hybrid system that the Chevy Tahoe had, as well has having a major boost in fuel-efficiency from its typical gas-powered mate.
Putting the Equinox aside, Chevrolet offers both sides of the hybrid argument, the disappointingly less than fuel-efficient Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and the more affordable and much more fuel-efficient Chevy Malibu. In comparison to the Tahoe’s 20 miles to the gallon, the Malibu can boast over 30 miles per gallon, making the Malibu a vehicle to consider when window-shopping for hybrids.
Coming soon from Chevrolet will be the Silverado Hybrid, which is going to be the first pick-up truck hybrid.Originally slated for 2004, it has taken some time for this long-awaited innovation to arrive on the market, but considering the bad reception of the Tahoe and the competitive edge that Chevrolet wanted on the sedan front of the hybrid movement which prompted the Malibu, the Silverado is now finally going to be available with technology that should make things more accessible.
The Silverado should be available in limited supply in the fall of 2008, but will make its mass market debut in 2009 so they will be more available for every buyer. While still a good six months away from its premiere, this is definitely a vehicle to keep an eye on. A hybrid pick-up truck: Talk about completely changing around the stigma on trucks as gas guzzlers and turning them into more fuel-efficient vehicles that will be great for the whole environment.
As for other items on Chevrolet’s market, the Concept Camaro has been rumored to possibly be a hybrid. Granted, there’s nothing official yet, but, considering the major changes that would need to be made in order to make this classic staple a hybrid, there should definitely be more information on this particular item later.
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Monday, September 8th, 2008 |
Vintage and classic cars have always occupied a special place in everyone’s heart. Vintage cars are not only a show of class, but also a passion of some enthusiasts who like to collect and preserve them as treasures.
India saw its first car in the year 1898 and within 12 years several thousand models poured in, which were driven by our Maharajas, Princes, Industrialists, and Philanthropists in the country. India does have a large number of vintage cars, which use to belong to Rajas, Maharajas, and Nawabs. To maintain their charm and to popularize them, vintage car rallies are held in various cities in India from time to time drawing fairly large crowds.
Honorary secretary of the Vintage and Classic Cars Club of India, which is an association of 150 vintage car owners, “We get at least one request a week for cars.” There is so much demand for these cars that people do not mind spending ridiculous amounts of money for special occasions like films, wedding, hospitality, and so on. Vintage cars can be more expensive than modern-day styles. For instance, if a Mercedes E-Class rental cost Rs 10,000 a day, then a Rolls Royce would cost anywhere between Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 a day. A Cadillac or a Buick can cost up to Rs 15,000 a day, while an Austin can be hired for between Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000.
According to experts, the total number of vintage cars available in India is close to 3,000 and valued at Rs 350 Crore. India’s big-wig vintage car collectors include Pranlal Bhogilal of Ahmedabad, Sharad Shanghi of Indore, and UB group chairman Vijay Mallya. Together these three own more than 350 vintage and classic cars inclusive of some rare models like the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost and Mercedes 540 K, each with a current price estimation of Rs 1 Crore.
Vintage is definitely turning Modern!
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Saturday, September 6th, 2008 |
Classic cars are a part of American culture, especially when go with a domestic model that got its start in this country. These cars have withstood the test of time and continue to strut their stuff on the roadways today.can find classics from all makes and models, but some are considered cooler than others. To find a classic car that will get noticed on the road, check out these five favorites. We also have a few shopping tips to help find the best classic car.
1. The Ford Mustang This car is cool all over, whether opt for the convertible model or the fastback that is rapidly gaining popularity. The years to shop for in this classic car are generally 1965 and 1966, but can also find some desirable selections in the 1995 Cobra and the 1965 GT. Cherry red with a white interior is the ideal style, but sexy black is another popular color.
2. The Chevrolet Chevelle This muscle car is particularly popular in the 1968 Pro Street that was designed shorter and sportier. This car is all about power with a massive big-block engine and plenty of horsepower to boast about. Because this car is still in great demand, it can be easy to get a lemon if not careful. If in the market for a Chevelle, proceed with caution to ensure that get your money’s worth.
3. The Chevrolet Impala Chevy is the car manufacturer with some of the best classic car potential, and the Impala is another example of that. The SS from 1962 is a brilliant combination of class and muscle, with the convertibles adding a sporting flair. If go with this model, make sure you choose a car with hydraulic rams since this vehicle tends to run a little too low to the ground without them.
4. The VW Beetle No, this car is not domestic, but the huge number of them on American roads would suggest otherwise. Did anyone else play the road trip game where counted the number of beetles that find on the road? Today, this model is still just as popular, with used cars getting snatched up almost as fast as the originals. The late sixty and early seventy models are in the highest demand, with the convertibles weighing in as a popular choice.
5. The Chevrolet Camaro There are few things sexier than a Chevrolet Camaro, no matter what year model choose. However, the designs from the late sixties are some of the most popular, with speed, handling and looks all taken into consideration. The popularity of the model has made it a bit hit or miss in the resale arena, so proceed with caution if in the market for one of these.
Classic cars are a fun way to drive with vintage style, and many of these models are still hot on the market today. Check out the resales in your area to find the classic car of dreams.
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Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 |
If the Ford Motor Company is the big corporate umbrella which gives shelter to the Buick, Pontiac, and Cadillac among others, then it could be said that BMW AG works the same way for the BMW MINI, and for the Rolls-Royce brands. The Rover also used to be a part of this big mother ship. BMW AG is actually an abbreviation for “Baverische Motoren Werke AG”. This is German for “Bavarian Motor Works”. This company not only manufactures vehicles and cars but also motorcycles as well. The main competitors and competition for this vehicle brand include the Acura, the Alfa Romeo, the Audi, the Cadillac, the Infiniti, the Jaguar, the Lexus, and the Mercedes Benz.
When it comes to pronouncing the acronym of this company, in its motherland, it is pronounced as “bay emm vay”. However, travel to North American and other regions like Jamaica, the brand is referred to as “bimmers”. Try to refer to BMW motorcycles and the slang for that would be “beamer” or “beemer”. In Greece, the acronym is referred to as “Beba”, in Arab countries it is “BM”, and in Serbia they say “Bembara”. In the English language, BMW AG has a tagline that states, “The Ultimate Driving Machine” and “Sheer Driving Pleasure”. The original slogan, though, for this which is in German is “Freude am Fahren” which when translated to English literally means “Joy in Driving”.
One of these bimmers is the BMW Bavaria. People who have looked deeper into its lifetime has exclaimed that it is perhaps one of the most misunderstood cars of the whole line up of BMW. It is just known as just a relative of the E9 coupe, and has four doors and that would be it. What most people do not recognize is that this vehicle even has the very same drivetrain with the aforementioned BMW E9 coupe. Their drivetrains hold six cylinders and are actually one of the smoothest in the whole business. Aside from that, this vehicle is one of the most stylish vehicles ever created by the BMW line. If a person has the ability to catch one of these today, it would be considered a great bargain. It has a subtle style and a boundless beauty. This vehicle makes every other vehicle in the market at present look generic and ordinary.
The BMW Bavaria was a part of the BMW E3 line. This vehicle was the first among its line that held a 3 liter engine. In essence, it was a machine with 2800 cc which had somewhat become a trend during that time among BMW vehicles. However, the difference was that the BMW Bavaria came without the leather upholstery, without the power equipment and without the funky Nivomat self-leveling suspension. Of course, the price did not remain to be the very same as that of the E3s. The price of this vehicle was noticeably lower.
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Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008 |
Car design is always different, in different parts of the globe. Some embrace the classics and build upon that, while some just totally move on to a different, futuristic direction.
Italy: Pagani Zonda Cinque – Pagani Zonda, a mid-engine sports car built by Pagani has come out with the designs for the 2008-2009 manufacturing dates — the Cinque. (pronounced cheen-kway) Being built upon the special request of a Hong Kong-based Pagani dealer, only 5 (five) of these beauties will be made at the cost of £1million each, with the delivery date of June 2009.
Japan: Lexus LF-A – Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota (as any car-enthusiast will know) was first introduced in the United States.They’ve come up with a line of concept cars, named the LF series, whose earlier models have never seen the light of day. Though recently, by bits and pieces, ideas found in the concept cars have made their way to reality, and hopefully, the LF-A reaches that. Bordering on the exotic, it features the new Lexus design combined with a racing-feel, this word for this car is “dynamic.” Add a couple of fins and paint it in black and you’ve got a Batmobile!
France: Peugeot e-motion – Being the second-biggest carmaker in France, Peugeot showcased its brand of an electric-powered sports car in the form of the e-motion. The combination of concave and convex surfaces really highlight the cars … futurism. This is enhanced by a subtle line that follows the headlights, into the doors, leading up to the rear lights.
Hungary: Audi TTRS – This is more of a collab than anything. Designed in the states and produced in Hungary, the TT is Audi’s two-seat roadster line. This new concept design features a fully-cowled body, unlike any that has come before it.
USA: Custom Cadillacs – In the US, generations have grown to know that the Cadillac is synonymous with “high quality.” Originally the luxury-car division of General Motors, Cadillacs are a statement that says, “things just get better with age.” With thousands of Americans still enamoured with the classical style and shape; forget sleekness: we own the best monster cars ever. In California, car customization is a big business, with new life being brought upon the oldest of vehicles. Customized Cadillacs are a staple for this, and the generations that have gone before. With kids proudly driving around in them, lowered suspension, hydraulics and all.
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Friday, August 29th, 2008 |
Used cars have always been a big part of the car market as most are a first choice for many people across the United Kingdom. This is because most are reliable and stylish and well kept even though they are older and cheaper than their newer models.
Due to the size of the used car market many of the big name brands are being advertised straight into the used car dealers and magazines after just one year from new purchase. One of these new major car brands includes Lexus that have placed their used cars on the market. But it is not only the manufacturers themselves that place their used cars on the market but it is also private owners that have had a used Lexus, or any other used luxury car, for a period of time and then want to sell it on. This, in fact, is mostly what makes up the used car market, the private owners, and you will see this advertised in any used car magazines bought today.
For many years, the BMW was a popular used car on the garage forecourts. BMW have always had something of a status symbol attached to them due to their reputation and performance. They also never lose their style and new or used, are always admired by passers by.
those who would like to own a Jaguar have been lucky in finding them on a used car forecourt. The Jaguar is one car that is instantly recognisable and that never goes out of fashion. It also comes with a high position in the status stakes. Once you have purchased your used car, nobody else knows that you haven’t had it from new and this is something that makes them more appealing to the people who cannot afford a brand new car.
Lexus is a popular brand in the used car market because they are known for their comfort and reliability. This means that many families across the United Kingdom choose the used Lexus saloons as they know that there is a low risk of the car failing and it will be comfortable for everyone who uses it. This means that the used Lexus sector of the market is slowly increasing due to the fact that nearly all vehicles sell in quick time within the car being placed on the market. For those who prefer a different type of status symbol there are other used cars on teh market, such as used Porsche or used Ford Fiesta.
The Lexus sector is becoming as popular as other major car brands such as BMW, Mercedes and others such as Toyota, cadillac and Peugeot. There are many different used models on sale on the used car market from Lexus and due to the age of some of the vehicles some are from the new model range. This is due to the fact that any person can sell their car after they have owned it for a period of time whether short or long.
An example would be someone buying a new Lexus IS series owning, it for a week and then placing it on the used car market. This is not very common as most people own their cars for at least 6 months to a year but there could be some cases if that particular person does not like the car, or needs a different car for a different purpose. Some of the used Lexus models on the market include the different saloon models such as the IS series and GS series.
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Thursday, August 28th, 2008 |
Antique cars may look very old and seem to be of no value. But there is a way to make money from them. All they may need are some restoration, and then can easily sell them to people who like collecting antique autos.
The price of any antique item can be higher depending on how were able to give a new look and life to the classic item. Let me give you some advice on how make antique autos profitable by restoring and selling them.
Restoration
1. Look for enough space. The first step for restoring your old car is looking for enough space to do the job. This will depend on how many antique autos are going to repair. Furthermore, take into consideration the room needed when dismantling the parts of each auto and building up the auto again.
2. Use original parts as much as possible. It is also recommended that original parts should be used so that appreciate the value of your car. And then can easily convince your prospect buyer that your asking price is justified.
3. Give auto a new look through research. If do not have enough knowledge on the specific auto you restoring,read auto magazines or search the internet to educate yourself on how to enhance the look and performance of auto.also be creative but make sure that antique autos will have its original look when it first came out in the market.
4. Seek the help of a professional. This is recommended if have exhausted all your knowledge, time, expertise and money when restoring antique autos. There may be situations that seeking a professional help would be better than doing the job yourself.
Selling
1. Maintain the autos. Once done with the restoration process,autos are now ready to be sold. Since the process may take some time, ensure that autos are clean and working properly at all times.
2. Advertise when possible. There are a lot of free classified car ads where advertise antique cars. Additional, also post a message about antique autos on boards regarding automobiles (if you are allowed). Look for free or cheap venues to market your product.
Antique autos can be profitable if you properly invest money, time, knowledge, creativity and patience. Moreover, it will serve as an achievement once gave life to the old and rusted metals.
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Tuesday, August 26th, 2008 |
Automakers are making used vehicles to appear fancier to car buyers. Don’t be surprised if you end up purchasing a new one instead of a used one? Chances are you’ll be staring at one of the new kinds of used car, which has an automaker warranty, and vehicle inspection.
These vehicles are labeled as “certified” used car. About a decade ago, car manufacturers were introducing programs to sell certified used vehicles. These programs were not as appealing until recently, buyers decided to give it a try. They prefer to save the money on other things, and give the option a chance. In fact, it is very similar to purchasing a new car.
These certified used vehicles are used, lower-mileage, late model vehicles that have been inspected by the dealership’s service department. These vehicles do have some type of auto manufacturer warrant for a length of time. Moreover, some of these vehicles do have a roadside assistance programs. Manufacturers such as Jaguar, Honda, and Acura provide a vehicle history report, as well. With these services, consumers are increasing in the market. Certified used vehicles are a way of saving the time to purchase a brand new vehicle.
GM’s certified program offers a bumper to bumper warranty of three months/3000 miles coverage. Their certification guarantee allows you to return it with three days/150 miles for exchange of their money back. Jaguar has the best program for certified luxury cars for 4 years. According to IntelliChoice Inc, which analyzes the certified used programs, state that Jaguar provides coverage for up to six years/100,000 miles from the car’s original in service date. Jaguar also provides a 24 hour roadside assistance during the period.
Other top luxury certified used car programs are Cadillac,Lexus,and Audi, Muscle.Volkswagen’s certified used car program is ranked top in the non-luxury for the first time.Volkswagen’s experience a 112-point mechanical and appearance inspection, a title check, and are recondition to new status.The program also provides 24-hour roadside assistance.
Other manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz are beginning to show interest in their certified used car program. Other car makers joined in too, and have updated their programs to suit consumers. Before entering the certified used car program, all cars must be inspected before receiving the “certified” car label. Dealers decide which cars on their parking lot need to be certified.
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Monday, August 25th, 2008 |
Ford was the first of the Big Three American car makers to introduce a car that would bring them back to a time when they were one of the leaders in the automotive world. Chrysler has announced that they plan to be the next and GM has unveiled plans for a retro vehicle as well. Ford had initially done this retro thing via the Ford Thunderbird but that was not considered a “muscle car” back in the muscle car era. Chrysler has brought back the Charger name but it looks nothing like the Dodge Charger of the late 60’s and early 70’s. GM brought back the GTO name but once again, it looked nothing like the previous GTO’s.
Ford was the first to bring a car back that actually looks like a past model in the Mustang. The new Mustangs resemble a pervious Mustang from the muscle car era. Chrysler followed suit with their announcement of bringing back the Challenger, which in my opinion looks more like the Challenger than the Mustang does. Not wanting to be left out, GM has announced they plan to bring back the Camaro. Their Camaro very much resembles the 69 Camaro which was and still is a very popular body style amongst Camaro enthusiasts. I still think the Challenger most resembles its intended target.
Ford has done a decent job pricing their Mustang. we can get a nicely equipped Mustang GT hardtop for right around $30,000. This is reasonably priced in today’s market. The other two have not gotten theirs to the showroom yet so there is no way to know about pricing but they face a challenge that Ford does not have. Chrysler has the Viper and the Ram SRT-10 that also qualify in the performance market. They cannot price the Challenger too closely to those models because people would probably spend the extra money for the higher performance of the ten cylinder vehicles. GM is faced with a similar dilemma because of the Corvette. The Corvette was just restyled and is even higher performing compared to the previous model. Their Z06 model now boasts an impressive 505 HP. All the reviews I have read on the new model rave about this car. Clearly GM needs to price the new Camaro properly when and if they actually do produce it. The name will not be enough to sell it for a long period of time. Once the initial excitement dies down it will be a flop if not priced directly.
What is interesting is now that the Big Three are losing market share and business is clearly not what it once was they are not only changing many of their vehicles but they are attempting to get back into their glory days. For example, Ford did away with their very popular Taurus model and replaced it with the Ford 500. Chrysler introduced a whole new styling within the last couple of years. GM is now coming out with cars that more resemble the Toyota models. I have some friends that are big into muscle cars and the new Mustang, Challenger, and Camaros have come up in some conversations. None of them have said they would even consider the $30,000 or more price tag that these cars will have once they hit the showroom floors. For $30,000 someone could buy a Camry, or the Maxima. The Maxima is a very high performing vehicle that also comes with the added reliability.
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Tuesday, August 12th, 2008 |
There have been lots of new car launches this year and the trend is bound to continue for the rest of the year. The new 2009 Nissan Murano is a second generation midsize crossover, the newly launched model in U.S. market. The Nissan dealers said that it has a great design features with amazing technology used, the exterior design is simply great with good looking textures used. Murano has one of the best designs ever given to a vehicle in a crossover segment. The model gives uttermost comfort to the driver so he can balance it well. The model has 3.5 liter V6 engine in VQ Series and has the capacity of producing 265 horsepower.
The model has elevated seating arrangement which gives the customer great ease for relaxation and comfort for long distance traveling. The new model boosts of lovely amazing features including the features of a sports car giving the user versatile uses of a car. the feeling when you drive this car is spell bounding because it gives amazing one time experience which is unique and wonderful compared to any other new or used car. The interiors of this car are simply amazing with interiors being very spacious and stylish.
The model truly stands by the brand Nissan with amazing new technology and designs used. The power, utility, size, etc are designed as per its earlier models giving it a comfortable look and feel for the people who have already used such new or used SUV earlier. The first ever such model was manufactured in the year 2003, since then there have been lots of improvements in its design and technique of production. The new Murano has wonderful new unique look with its unique design and rich material used with combination of hardware. The model comes equipped with Bose audio system, navigation system with DVD pre installed boosting around 9.3 GB music Hard Drive. Other standard facilities in this model include curtain airbags, anti lock brakes, stability control, etc.
2009 Nissan Murano SUV is one of the most searched after topic over Internet this year with people of all ages taking interest in this vehicle for buying as well as knowledge purposes. The model is truly a boon for the people who just love luxury cars with luxury features. The 2009 Nissan Murano truly is a style specific car giving you a new high while driving and possessing it. Some of the different configurations available in this model are SL AWD, SL 2WD, S AWD, LE AWD, S 2WD. The mid of the year 2008 will see this amazing model on the streets so get set to see this wonderful car from early 2008 itself. The car gives you a feeling of modernity and competitiveness with that added confidence.
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