Posts filed under 'Auto'
June 24th, 2008
Attention, General Motors! The concept Camaro now making the rounds of U.S. auto shows is a real winner. Keep showing the car, but start making plans to get it built…now! Make no changes to the concept; in other words: keep the boardroom geeks away from the project. Yes, GM is looking at bringing back a venerable nameplate - the Chevrolet Camaro. If all goes as planned, a 2009 model Camaro is a strong possibility. Read on for additional interesting tidbits.
Back in the late 1960s, General Motors responded - albeit a little late - to the wildly successful 1964 1/2 launch of the Ford Mustang. A whole new breed of cars were on the market - pony cars - thanks to the Mustang and GM’s release of the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird. Indeed, Chrysler and American Motors jumped in too with the Dodge Charger, Plymouth Road Runner, and AMC Javelin competing successfully in a popular automobile segment.
Consumer tastes have changed over the years and the Camaro did not keep up them. Better put, it was GM who did not keep up with the Camaro and it, along with the Firebird, were retired after the 2002 model year. 35 years of Camaro/Firebird history came to a bitter end.
Fortunately for Camaro lovers, it may once again be the hated Mustang that rescues the Camaro. As in the 1960s, GM is witnessing Ford’s big success with its retro looking Mustang and GM wants a piece of the action. Unlike GM, Ford never retired the Mustang name and, instead, gave it a complete makeover that has galvanized sales.
The Camaro making the rounds of the U.S. auto shows is a real beauty. Taking its styling cues from the ‘69 Camaro, the proposed ‘09 Camaro is expected to feature a 6.0L V8 engine paired with a 6 speed manual transmission. The wheels are 21″ at the front and 22″ at the back, but smaller wheels are likely to be the production standard. In addition, the Camaro’s interior will hearken back to the original model’s interior and include its famed twin instrument pod.
With a base V6 available, the standard Camaro may retail for just under $20,000, a highly competitive price for an awesome looking two door coupe. Now, if the powers that be within GM can be persuaded to build the car based on the concept, the Camaro will certainly give the Mustang a run for the money and keep the all new (retro) Dodge Challenger from swiping away Camaro loyalists.
Oh, to dream about big things…the Camaro is one car that enthusiasts want to go from concept to completion and soon! GM, are you hearing us?
Copyright 2006 - For additional information regarding Matt Keegan, The Article Writer, please visit his blog for wit, quips, and freelance writing tips.
June 3rd, 2008
While negotiating the auto route and back roads of France during the month of July for the past several years, no vehicle has appeared more confident on the road than the Volkswagen Passat.
The European version looked different than the U.S. models I’d seen, but the Passats scooting down the highway and being adeptly driven through city traffic never got close enough for me to get a better look.
The newly designed 2006 Passat available in the United States, however, looks more like the European version. And after a weekly test drive of the 3.6-liter, 280-horsepower, V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission, it was easy to understand why the vehicle is so popular in Europe.
From a design perspective, the new Passat offers more room nearly everywhere — it’s three inches longer and wider, and the cabin is substantially more spacious with 2.4 inches of rearseat legroom. The rear storage area is slightly smaller than previous editions at 14.2 cubic feet. But there’s more usable area, thanks to the newly designed and more compact rear suspension.
My test vehicle’s exterior color, a rich dark blue, was nicely matched with a two-tone black and tan interior. The combination of new design and superior color coordination prompted a fair share of complimentary looks and comments from passersby.
The interior redesign also features some clever innovations. The Passat no longer has an ignition switch; Instead, a key fob is inserted flush into a dashboard slot.
Further, the Passat has double front-window visors, an umbrella holder in the driver door and an automatic hatchback operating system. The hatchback opens via the key fob and it closes via a push button inside the hatchback hood.
These nice features aside, driving the Passat is even more impressive. My test vehicle included Volkswagen’s all-wheel drive feature called 4Motion, a new fully independent suspension and a sports package option featuring 18-inch wheels.
As such, the vehicle has an impressive grip on the road during as well as impressive acceleration and power. The manufacturer says the vehicle performs the standard 0-60 mph test in 6.2 seconds, which is slightly faster than the front-wheel drive version.
The Passat is more than adequately comfortable, with its leather seats firm and conforming. A leather shift knob and leather-covered steering wheel are also part of the $3,000 sports package option that also includes 12-way power front seats, steering wheel radio controls, automatic headlights, foglights, automatic climate controls, rain-sensing wipers, navigation system and satellite radio. The 3.6-liter Passat version also includes a power sunroof, AM/FM radio with in-dash, six-disc CD/MP3 changer.
The Passat’s one overt shortcoming is that it’s not particularly quiet. Road noise isn’t the issue, rather the engine growls heavily during acceleration.
As a midsize vehicle, the Passat is a more expensive choice than its primary competitors, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. But the Passat has been a reviewers’ favorite for several years, and it’s hard to argue the succinct summation of Edmunds.com:
“With its fun-to-drive character, premium interior furnishings and wide range of features, the Passat is one of our favorite midsize sedans and wagons. Don’t buy your next family car without driving one of these first.”
The Weekly Driver: 2006 Volkswagen Passat
Safety Features – Dual front, side and side curtain airbags.
Fuel Mileage (estimates) — 19 mpg (city), 28 mpg (highway).
Warranty – Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,00 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles, Corrosion, 12 years/unlimited miles; Roadside Assistance, 4 years/50,000 miles; Free scheduled maintenance, 2 years/24,000 miles.
Base price – $31,900.
May 18th, 2008
As one of the “major purchases” in life, car buying is one to be carefully considered. Your first task will be to determine exactly what market you’re going for.
New or Used?
There are a lot of choices to consider when buying a car. Your choices will depend on your situation. Even the climate you live in can pay an important role in this decision.
Important information about cars and fuel economy should always be considered. Guidelines for purchasing a car can be found at the Federal Information Center, as well as a wealth of other money related issues. Check it out, you’ll be surprised at the valuable information you’ll find there.
They even have a government site for kids at FirstGov For Kids . It’s kid friendly and contains everything from Arts to Transportation. Even has a careers page! Well, not to get off track but wanted to make sure check out all the great stuff there!
Back on track……. You know my philosophy……. Informed Consumer - More Savings! So. Of course your first order of business is to RESEARCH!
Always check several resources to get the best price and the best value.
Don’t fall into the Keep up with the Joneses trap - “You are what you drive?” I don’t think so. What about that next door millionaire riding around in the weathered family car. They’re not wasting their money trying keep up with the Joneses!
More than likely the $40,000 they wouldn’t spend on that nice fancy car is sitting in a profitable investment earning an income or interest. And I bet they’re not losing sleep over their huge outstanding debts!
This should give you an idea how they got to be millionaires. Not by spending their money, but rather managing it first.
A good financial plan that allows for proper upkeep and maintenance of your family car will payoff in the end. Cars that are maintained properly require less repair and last a lot longer. The next rule in purchasing an automobile is therefore….
Don’t buy a new automobile if you don’t really need it! -
Well that’s simple enough, but sooner or later you’re bound to need one. One thing we know for sure. No matter how well you take care of the treasured family car, eventually you’ll need to replace it.
Cars just don’t last forever! Or, you may want to pass a still usable car to a young newly licensed family member and invest in another for the main family car.
This is always a great way to recycle automobiles and save money at the same time. Plus, it’ll make your young driver happy to have their own wheels.
Or, maybe it won’t when they find out all the responsibilities that come with ownership. And I strongly encourage that you teach them and give them that responsibility right from the start.
Teens who are responsible for their own automobile expenses, such as maintenance, repair, insurance, and gasoline are almost always more responsible drivers.
They will develop pride in their ownership and responsibility and therefore a more caring attitude. Besides, it’s a good way to teach yet another financial lesson.
Buying a used car? Know the Truth… Before You Buy! - Truth is, buying a used car can be risky. How do you know what you’re getting? well, if you don’t have an expert friend or family member, you may be able to use an online source (some will charge a small fee, but it may be worth it in the long run) to find out if the car has…
- hidden accident damage?
- false odometer readings?
- been in a major car crash?
- had a car theft report filed?
- flood damage?
- been labeled a lemon?
Whatever you choose, be careful out there.
It seems shopping for the family car can be just as hazardous as driving it!
Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others become and remain debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free Living at http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com - A self-help plan, ideas, and resources for debt management, household budget planning, frugal and debt free living, and extra income opportunities. Including money saving tips for groceries, clothing, bills, home decorating, gifts, weddings, buying a car, and much more.
May 13th, 2008
“Freestyle blends the looks of an SUV, the versatility of a minivan and the confidence of an all-wheel-drive sedan,” says Ford. “Freestyle is the crossover done right,” adds Group Vice President, Product Creation, Phil Martens. “We didn’t try to adapt an existing minivan or sport-utility platform. Freestyle is built from the ground up as a crossover with class-leading spaciousness, seven-passenger comfort, and versatility and all-wheel-drive capability.”
The Freestyle is a midsize “crossover.” Replacing the front-wheel-drive Taurus wagon, the six- or seven-passenger Freestyle promises more SUV-like qualities. A 203-horsepower 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V6 engine with a continuously variable transmission to optimize performance, improves fuel economy, and reduce emissions powers it.
The Freestyle’s “P2″ platform has an elevated ride-height, optional Haldex all-wheel drive system, independent suspension front and rear, and safety cell technology for superior occupant protection in crashes distinctive to this chassis.
Under the hood is Ford’s 3.0-litre Duratec V-6 making 203 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque.
Standard features in the base, SE, model include 17″ wheels, three rows of seating, six-way power driver’s seat, anti-lock brakes with traction control, keypad on driver’s door, air conditioning, roof rack side rails. It also features an overhead console and privacy glass in the third row and liftgate, chrome grille surround, automatic headlamps, six-disc CD changer with MP3 capability, fog lamps, remote steering wheel controls, auto-dimming mirrors and special bright alloy 17″ wheels.
The available AWD uses an electronically controlled, electro-hydraulic Haldex limited-slip coupling ahead of the rear differential to transfer virtually all available torque to the rear wheels whenever the front wheels slip. Ford’s Personal Safety System improves impact protection. Using information from weight and impact sensors in the front passenger seat, it can choose from one of two deployment speeds or suppress the bag altogether.
Freestyle also has innovative adaptive steering column, which is designed to collapse horizontally at two different speeds depending on whether the driver is belted. In addition, the driver side airbag deployment is tailored the driver’s seat position on its track. An optional package includes side airbags and Ford’s Safety Canopy to provide side-impact and rollover protection for all three rows of passengers.
Ford Freestyle has the comfort and ride quality of a sedan, the people- and cargo-carrying capacity of a minivan, the rugged look of an SUV, and all-wheel-drive. To continue Ford’s tradition of offering environment friendly, outstanding value and class leading amenities, auto parts companies like Partstrain offers top of the line Ford Parts. The customer has a choice from a vast array of Performance Parts, Replacement Parts, Aftermarket Parts and accessories. It offers new and used Ford auto body and engine parts, headlights, transmission parts, taillights, radiators, wheels, rims, and more.
Parts train is easy and hassle-free. You can browse our accessible user-friendly online parts list at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD either by make or part type. Ordering is a breeze, simply select the premium car parts you want and fill in your particulars at its secure checkout page.
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD
