Ford F-150 FX2: A Hot Pick-Up Truck! 13
Mar
Posted by admin in Cars on 03 13th, 2010

Sometimes automakers really do listen to consumers. In the case of Ford, particularly with its crowd pleasing F-150 pick-up truck, Ford not only is listening, but delivering. What am I talking about? A hot-rod pick-up truck, thats what. Thats right, Ford is going ahead with plans to market a truly boss version of its perennially best selling truck, the F-150, to give many fans just what they have wanted. Read on for a sneak preview of Fords soon to be released FX2, a dream-come-true for avid Ford lovers.

With gas prices approaching record levels, some are questioning Fords decision to release yet another version of its highly popular full sized pick-up truck, the F-150. Yet, demand for big trucks and SUVs continues to remain strong suggesting that size really does matter for many consumers. True, a smaller truck can be adequate for some motorists however most contractors require the large carrying capacity of the F-150 thus the continued high demand of these types of trucks. Plus, serious pick-up truck drivers will tell you that there is nothing that matches the abundant capacity of an eight foot bed in carrying everything from lumber to yard debris to sport gear and more.

As it is with many truck owners, function is one thing while styling is but another. Base versions of the F-150 are attractive and capable enough, but sport concepts have continued to create so much buzz that Ford is responding to consumer demand by building the FX2. Specifically, the new model is in response to the overwhelmingly positive buzz a concept version has been receiving at auto shows everywhere.

So, what separates the FX2 from the average F-150? Plenty, including the following features as shared by Ford in a recent press release announcing the new model:

–a dark billet grille

–a sporty, deep front valance

–clear headlights paired with platinum bezels

–monochromatic paint scheme that blends in the bumper, side mirrors, and door handles with the rest of the truck

–chrome exhaust tip

–18 inch wheels

–black captain chairs with red stitching, available in clothe or in leather

–flow-through center console with floor shifter

Engine choices havent been announced, but Ford has said that its popular 5.4L V8 will be offered. The FX2, a two wheel drive vehicle, will complement an existing off road model, the FX4. Ford builds more versions of its full sized pick up truck than any other manufacturer in the world.

Yes, the FX2 is another part of Fords Bold Moves promotional campaign. While the new model is based on an existing truck, it does something that Ford is finally learning to do right: listen to its consumers. With the 2007 F-150 FX2, it appears that Ford has responded with certainty.

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Diesel Powered Cars: Coming At You! 16
Feb
Posted by admin in Cars on 02 16th, 2010

The number of diesel powered cars on North American highways has been dropping steadily ever since their peak in the mid 1980s. For many motorists, diesel engines conjure up images of pollution, poor power, and unreliability. However, one generation later and all that is about to change. New diesel powered vehicles will soon be arriving, in fact one is already here and receiving critical acclaim from auto enthusiasts.

Who can forget those diesel powered Chevrolet Caprices and Oldsmobile 98s that suddenly became very popular 25 years ago? If you are like many car owners, you want to forget those cars. What GM did back then was to take existing gasoline engines and convert them to diesel engines. These converted engines were loud, smoky, and very unreliable. They were unreliable to the point where GM had to pay tens of millions of dollars to replace failed engines with gasoline engines.

The memory of GMs diesel fiasco was never lost on drivers who have spurned diesels to the point where many automakers are no longer producing diesel engines. Mercedes, a strong seller of diesel powered cars in Europe, no longer sells a diesel powered car in North America. VW is the lone importer of diesel engines while the U.S. manufacturers only place high performance diesel engines in their larger vehicles such as pick up trucks.

Another area that has stopped diesel engines cold is air pollution. Very stringent emission regulations have all but wiped out the possibility that many of the smaller diesel engines could be sold in the U.S. However, a change is in the wind as new technology is now in place that will make diesel powered cars cleaner. In addition, with the high cost of gasoline now prevailing, a diesel powered car has much more of an appeal to it especially since fuel savings of 20-30% are possible.

DaimlerChrysler recently introduced a Jeep Liberty with an optionally equipped diesel engine and this compact SUV is selling well with the optional engine. Its new 2.8L diesel delivers fuel improvements as high as 32% over a comparable gas 4×4 model and pollution is kept to a minimum. In addition, the added torque is a favorite with some, especially those who need to pull a boat or a camper with the Jeep.

Volkswagen will be bringing additional diesel powered cars to the North American market over the next few years. Diesel powered Golfs, Jettas, and possibly several larger model VWs will soon be traversing the highways and byways of Canada and the U.S.

BMW and Mercedes are both likely to be importing diesel cars over the next few years. Both automakers are studying the market to see if compact models could sell in North America. Each proposed model line is currently sold in Europe and diesel engines are a popular option with these cars.

GM is also considering tapping its relationship with Isuzu to import engines to be placed in several compact models. Long a producer of diesel powered vehicles, Isuzu has pretty much exited the North American market, but could return in the form of Isuzu powered cars sold by GM.

Chrysler will likely take its favorable experience with its Jeep division and begin to offer diesel engines on other trucks and SUVs. At the same time the all new Dodge Caliber, a replacement for the Neon, may eventually offer a diesel engine too.

Ford seems to be content with expanding its hybrid offerings and no other Japanese or Korean manufacturers appear ready to jump into the diesel movementyet. Regardless, within five years the number of diesel cars on American and Canadian roads will likely triple. This can be a good thing for people wanting better fuel mileage, more torque, and a highly reliable engine.

For older diesel powered cars, they will continue to serve their purpose as owners discover how to extend their lives through useful aftermarket parts such as Bully Dog and competing products. With their rugged durability and well known reliability, a diesel powered car can easily reach a half of million miles or more before quitting.

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Cadillac v. Lincoln: Does It Matter? 13
Jan
Posted by admin in Cars on 01 13th, 2010

Back during the 1950s and all the way through the 1980s, two American luxury car brands battled for supremacy. For General Motors, builder of Cadillacs and for the Ford Motor Company, builder of Lincolns, corporate prestige rested upon which automaker sold the most models each year. For many years, a pitched battle was raised until the clock struck midnight on New Years Eve. During those years, no one knew for sure who the sales winner was until well into January; that is when the final sales tallies were released. Today, the luxury car market has changed dramatically, so much so, that the storied battle between the two automakers no longer matters. So, what brought about this change? Several things, please read on for the details.

More Competition — Before the 1980s, Mercedes and BMW were minor players in the luxury car market. Infiniti, Lexus, and Acura were previously nonexistent brands created during the 1980s by parent Japanese auto giants, Nissan, Toyota, and Honda respectively. Add in Audi, Jaguar, Volvo, and Saab and the competition really heats up.

Higher Incomes — The average American familys income level has surged over the past two decades, meaning more buyers are choosing luxury brands. Why settle for a Chevy when you can afford a Cadillac? Why buy a Cadillac when there are so many other choices for consumers?

American Quality Problems — Both Cadillac and Lincoln have had their share of quality issues over the years. Brand confusion has reigned too as Cadillac once sold rebadged Chevy Cavaliers as Cimarrons and as so many of Lincolns models have failed to capture the imagination of potential buyers. European brands gained in prominence as many of their models were considered to be better engineered, better built, more fuel efficient, and just as luxurious as the American brands.

Cadillac Transforms, Lincoln Wallows — Although Mercedes and Lexus both outsell Cadillac today, Cadillac has made dramatic improvements over the past ten years while Lincoln has not. Most Lincoln vehicles sold today are simply reskinned Fords while Cadillac has been developing and successfully marketing new models that are unique to the brand. Most Cadillac products today compare favorably with BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, and Mercedes vehicles. Most Lincolns do not compare favorably with any other luxury models. All of this has been proven out in the marketplace as Cadillac regularly outsells Lincoln by more than 2 to 1.

Yes, the luxury brand battle has changed well beyond Cadillac versus Lincoln giving consumers better vehicles and more choice. While Cadillac has successfully redone its dowdy image, Lincoln has not. That, with the increased competition from foreign makes, spells all the difference in what was once a heated battle for American luxury car supremacy.

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Buying a Car Can Turn You Upside Down 4
Jan
Posted by admin in Cars on 01 4th, 2010

It’s expensive buying a car and it only gets more so as time goes on. Over time, the price of new cars has increased faster than the rate of inflation. This isn’t entirely due to greed on the part of automakers; cars are also more complicated and useful than they used to be. Sure, they were cheaper in the 1960’s, but they didn’t include air conditioning, air bags and video systems. Convenience and safety comes at a price.

With the increase in price comes an increase in the length of time people are taking to pay off their cars. Few people pay cash; most people take out loans and pay over time. The average car loan, which used to be repaid over a period of three years, now averages about six years in duration. That’s a long time to pay for a car, especially if you have no plans to own it for that long.

Taking six years to pay for a car has its advantages, as the payments are lower than they would be over a shorter loan term. Such a long loan does have a significant disadvantage, though – you can find yourself in a negative equity, or “upside down”, situation. This can be a serious problem – if you should total the car in an accident, your insurance company will only pay you the value of the car, and not the amount you still owe.

A buyer is described as being upside down when he or she owes more on a car loan than the car is worth. It’s easy to find yourself in an upside situation, and it can occur under any of the following circumstances:

Insufficient down payment – Cars depreciate as much as 25% the minute you drive them off of the lot. If you haven’t provided enough of a down payment to cover that depreciation, you may find yourself upside down immediately.

Trading in too often – Buyers like to trade cars in and roll their outstanding balance into a new loan. These unpaid debts can contribute to negative equity.

Too long a loan – Five and six year loans often lead to negative equity. You can often avoid it by keeping the length of loans to three years or less.

In order to avoid a potential problem in the event of an accident, you should contact your insurance provider to make sure that you have “gap insurance.” Gap insurance will make sure that you are protected should you have an accident while in an upside down situation. Without gap insurance, you may find yourself still making car payments even though you no longer have a car. That is the last thing any car owner wants.

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Auto Parts Trains the Auto Blog: Offering the latest Auto 22
Dec
Posted by admin in Cars on 12 22nd, 2009

Auto Parts Trains the Auto Blog: Offering the latest Auto News and most relevant Auto Info

Auto Parts Train is recognized in the industry as one of the leading suppliers of high quality aftermarket, replacement, collision parts. For more than a quarter-century, the company has provided car owners access to the best-quality automotive parts and accessories. Powered by U.S. Auto Parts, one of the most successful online parts suppliers in the country, Parts Train is not a company that will simply rest in its laurels. Thus, Auto Parts Train continues to upgrade its services and improve on its already high-quality products to be able to serve people all over the country better.

One of Auto Parts Trains newest ventures is to provide the latest and most relevant automotive information not only to its loyal consumers who sign up for the monthly newsletters but also for every visitor to Parts Trains high-ranking website. The Auto Blog is the newest project by Parts Train, which aims to provide informative articles, news, reviews, and commentaries on everything auto-related. The Auto Blog has been online for a few months now and it has successfully provided relevant and significant auto information in a selection of topics organized into categories.

These categories include Automotive News, Car Reviews, Aftermarket Parts and Accessories, Car Care and Maintenance, Auto Parts Train News, Automotive Events, Auto Parts, Automotive Trends and Innovations, and Automotive Technology. The Auto Blog regularly reports on news from the leading automakers as well as the most prominent automotive events such as international auto show. Visitors will be updated regarding the new and upcoming models by accessing the Car Reviews category which features reviews of new car models and of concept vehicles.

Now, visitors to Parts Train will not only have access to high quality parts but also to the most relevant and significant information straight from the automotive industry through the Auto Blog.

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Auto Parts Onlines The Auto Blog: Delivering Automotive Information that 21
Dec
Posted by admin in Cars on 12 21st, 2009

Auto Parts Onlines The Auto Blog: Delivering Automotive Information that Matters

Auto Parts Online has gone a long way to become one of the leading and most trusted aftermarket, replacement and collision auto parts suppliers in the country today. Since it was established over a quarter of a century ago, Auto Parts Online has served the auto parts needs of countless drivers, car enthusiasts and mechanics. The company has established a name for itself as a trustworthy supplier of auto parts for a wide range of makes and models. Its no wonder that Auto Parts Onlines main site has experienced a phenomenal rise in terms of visitor hits. Indeed, Auto Parts Online n is the auto parts store to beat when it comes to high quality products and efficient service.

Now, Auto Parts Online not only offers the best automotive products and services, the company also aims to bring relevant and useful automotive information to its loyal customers and visitors. This year, Auto Parts Online launched its corporate blog dubbed generically as The Auto Blog. The company, having established a strong online presence, recognizes the growing importance of web logs or blogs, as they are more commonly known, as an excellent way to provide information to customers and also as an effective marketing tool. Thus, The Auto Blog was born as the definitive automotive blog with articles, commentaries, advice and reviews covering the world of autos and auto parts.

The Auto Blog covers a wide range of topics concerning the automotive industry in general and the vehicle owners in particular. These news articles, features, reviews and commentaries are grouped into a number of categories. Some of the most important and active categories include Automotive News which delivers the latest news from the leading automakers. Car Reviews feature brief reviews of new models and concept vehicles. Automotive trends and innovations, as well as automotive technology are also given a lot of coverage in their respective categories. Visitors and readers will certainly find the Auto Blog as an engaging, interesting and informative automotive blog in a clean and crisp, easy-to-read layout.

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Audi A4: From Passat and Back 16
Dec
Posted by admin in Cars on 12 16th, 2009

Sometimes an automaker will introduce a vehicle based upon the platform of a lesser model. Typically, this plan is employed when costs need to be cut to realize real savings. The theory is that the shared platform can be tweaked enough to distinguish the upscale model from the ordinary one. Add in leather, a taut suspension, and upgraded powerplant options and you can probably pull it off. For Audi, the introduction of the all-new Audi A4 during the mid1990s allowed the German automaker to capitalize on the success of the Volkswagen Passat, a midsize car from its European cousin. The plan worked, but it was only a temporary move. Lets take a look at the Audi A4 and its surge to the top of German automotive excellence.

For years, the Audi 80 defined the smaller cars in Audis line up. By the early 1990s, the aging model was in need of updating and the name itself would need to be changed with the two digit alphanumeric model designation recently adopted by Audi. Cost pressures, however, made the development of an all-new from-the-ground-up model impossible. Instead, Audi tapped Volkswagen and based the original Audi A4 upon the successful VW Passat.

Platform sharing has been common amongst automakers for generations. General Motors regularly spreads it platforms across brand lines while Toyota and Honda have learned that their respective Lexus and Acura luxury makes could share much with their high quality and successful standard brands.

Still, the wheels of autodom are always turning and the original Audi A4 is now in its fourth generation and is built on its own platform. Indeed, the newest Audi A4 shares nothing with its VW cousin and is poised squarely to do battle with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class, the Volvo S60, and Cadillacs Swedish built BLS.

So, what does todays Audi A4 owners get for the money? Quite a lot! Read on:

A choice of three models including a sedan, a wagon, and a cabriolet

Two engine choices: a 2.0L I4 and a robust 3.2L V6

Front wheel drive or Quattro all wheel drive

A plethora of transmission choices including manual, automatic, and manumatic shifters

Major safety initiatives including power assisted safety restraints, head and side air bags, antilock brakes

12 way power seat for the driver

Leather, aluminum, and clothe appointments

Premium 10 speaker sound system

16 inch, 5 spoke alloy wheels

Base prices start around $28,000 for the sedan and climb to just over $37,000 for the cabriolet; all prices are slightly lower than competing models from Mercedes and BMW.

Fortunately for Audi A4 lovers, the German automaker isnt holding still and plans for a fifth generation Audi A4 are underway. The newest model may switch to rear wheel drive and a coupe is receiving serious scrutiny. Regardless of the final decisions, Audi A4 owners know that their favored model will keep up with the competition. This is great news for those wanting a car incorporating German engineering without the Mercedes or BMW price tag.

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American Automaker Needs New Concepts 9
Dec
Posted by admin in Cars on 12 9th, 2009

Concept cars are starting to make their way away from the car show showrooms and into the sales dealership departments across America.

American carmakers are finding themselves having to eck out ways to be their biggest competitor the Japanese auto industry.

Honda, Toyota and other automakers abroad have made more efficient well-made cars than the American automaker. Not only have the Japanese automaker’s been able to do this but they have done it cheaper than what the Americans have to sell. The economy in Japan gives these automakers a definite edge.

To counteract that the American automaker can no longer rely on the same old designs and ideas to keep up. So what does he do? Innovate!

A real issue facing Americans is at the gas pump. Efficient running vehicles that drink less fuel are grabbing the attention of the American public. The most popular solution is the hybrid car. However this market has been created by the Japanese automaker. In fact Japan has actually lent their hybrid technology to Motown. That’s how far behind the American carmaker finds himself.

However GM owned Saturn plans to release a hybrid version of their popular brand that is only $1500 over the cost of their standard non-hybrid model. This is a great idea. It will definitely draw customers into their dealerships and attract attention.

It is cost-cutting ideas like these that the American car manufacturer needs to manufacture himself.

New stylish designs can have a significant impact on sales for car manufacturers. For instance when Chrysler released their PT Cruiser manufacturing could not keep up with sales. Ford took advantage of the press their new vintage Mustang design created years before its release. And now Chevrolet is in the same position with their soon-to-be released Camaro sports car.

The American carmaker cannot allow these new designs to become stale. In order to beat the Japanese ideas must remain fresh ever flowing and not just stay in preview car showrooms.

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After market parts explained 7
Dec
Posted by admin in Cars on 12 7th, 2009

For a passive buyer, these things are but ordinary terms used in the automotive market but for someone meticulous and who wants the best for his auto, these things matter considerably. Deciding which among these to purchase is just like deciding what car to buy.

O.E.M. stands for Original Equipment Manufactured. This means that OEM Ford parts are manufactured by Ford itself, Chevrolet parts are manufactured by Chevrolet, Toyota parts by Toyota, BMW parts by BMW and so on. The terms O.E.S. and OE are also used; these mean Original Equipment Supplied and Original Equipment, respectively. While in many cases, OEM and OES mean the same, OE is more general referring to any part that came as original equipment on the car. Some of OE car parts and components are not actually made by the car manufacturer but are purchased and assembled by the automakers to create a vehicle.

Those referred to as aftermarket auto parts are not made by the original car manufacturer; furthermore, they are bought and added to the vehicle only at the dealership or after the vehicle left the dealership. In terms of design and function, aftermarket products are almost the same as the stock auto parts since they are primarily used to replace a damaged original part so that the vehicle can continue to run. If you need replacement parts for your car, however, you can either buy O.E.M. or aftermarket auto parts. There are numerous sources of aftermarket auto parts. Stores like Auto Parts Discount give you a great variety of parts for almost all makes and models.

Some cars, especially the base models are not completely equipped so users just add aftermarket parts later on. For example if you have purchased an old Toyota Corolla, you can add aftermarket Toyota fog lights, Toyota spoiler, Toyota turn signal light or Toyota mirrors. Aftermarket products can also help you give your car a fresh new look. Even if your original parts are not yet damaged or worn out, you can replace them with or add specially designed aftermarket auto parts like Honda taillights, Ford center cap, Chevrolet chrome bumper, and Mercedes Benz Front Cover Towing Eye found at Auto Parts Discount.

Enthusiasts, on the other hand would opt for custom parts and specialty equipments. Compared to a universal fit auto part, which can be installed to any vehicle make, year and model, custom aftermarket products are designed to fit only a particular application. Examples of custom parts are your Ford hood, Ford fender and Ford doors. Specialty equipments on the other hand, are intended to make the vehicle more stylish, comfortable, convenient and more up-to-date.

Most auto users prefer aftermarket products because they are less expensive than OEM replacements. While it is true that there may be some aftermarket auto parts that do not meet high standards of original equipments, it is not right to say that aftermarket products are generally inferior in terms of quality and style. Replacement parts sold at Auto Parts Discount, for example are made by car parts manufacturers that are mandated by high international standards.

Which is better, OEM or aftermarket replacement part? It depends on the product. Some OEM parts are not durable enough while the aftermarket parts you use to replace them could last for many years. If you want to give your car a different look and also, if you want to save, aftermarket products are worth a try. However, make sure to get these replacement parts from trusted sources.

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2007 Nissan Sentra: Big Surprises Inside! 25
Nov
Posted by admin in Cars on 11 25th, 2009

Once again, Nissan is putting into practice with its all new Sentra model something that has succeeded for them in the past: push the model up market. As it first did with the Maxima and later with the Altima, Nissan has now promoted the Sentra to make room for the pending introduction of the subcompact Versa. With the all new model, Sentra fans will find a better equipped, more polished model then any other car that has ever worn the Sentra nameplate. Intrigued? You should be: the car simply goes where no Sentra has gone before: up market.

Over the years, plenty of automakers have taken a popular selling model and elevated it one notch. Why? For a few reasons: to capitalize on demand for the model a more luxurious version typically carries more profits with it then the base model. Instead of losing customers to another model [or worse, another make] when they are ready to trade up, why not move up the model instead? Another reason: the introduction of a newer, but smaller model in the line up. For Nissan, the latter reason holds especially true as the subcompact Versa, a car built to compete against the likes of Scion enters the Nissan line up at about the same time.

The new Sentra is much more roomier than the previous model. In fact, it could be mistaken for a midsize car as it packs in an additional 10 cubic feet of interior space. Other surprises found with the 2007 Sentra include a center console/shifter and dual folding high back rear seats to maximize carrying potential. Importantly, front and side impact air bags are now standard and a whole host of options not previously available with the model can now be had. These options include: smart key accessibility, Bluetooth wireless, a sound system to die for.

Best of all, fuel mileage is exceptionally good. Mating a 2.0L I4 to a six speed manny tranny yields EPA estimated fuel results of 29 city/36 highway. These figures are likely to be at or near the top for any car in its category.

Yes, the Nissan Sentra is a pleasant surprise, one that the Nissan company hopes that you will notice. For people looking for a bargain basement model, the Sentra no longer qualifies. Instead, the tiny Versa takes over and it will deliver two things that Nissan knows you will love: exceptionally high gas mileage and an affordable price starting around $12,000. Look for well equipped Sentras to retail for around $18,000.

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