>>Heavy Truck

Truck

DAF tractor with an auto-transport semi-trailer truck carrying Škoda Octavia cars in Cardiff, Wales

A truck is a vehicle usually used for transporting bulk goods, materials, or equipment. The word "truck" comes from the Greek "trochos", meaning "wheel". In America, the big wheels of wagons were called trucks. When the gasoline-engine driven trucks came into fashion, these were called "motor trucks". Lorry is a British term but is only used for the medium and heavy types (see below), i.e. a van, a pickup or a Jeep would never be regarded as a "lorry". Other languages have loanwords based on these terms, such as the Malay lori and the Mexican Spanish troca (or pickup in northern Mexico).

In Australia and New Zealand a small vehicle with an open back is called a ute (short for "utility vehicle") and the word "truck" is reserved for larger vehicles.

History

A British, 1931-built Sentinel steam lorry.

Steam trucks

Trucks and cars have a common ancestor: the steam-powered fardier Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot built in 1769. However, steam trucks were not common until the mid-1800s. The roads of the time, built for horse and carriages, limited these vehicles to very short hauls, usually from a factory to the nearest railway station. The first semi-trailer appeared in 1881, towed by a De Dion steam tractor. Steam-powered trucks were sold in France and the United States until the eve of World War I,and the beginning of World War II in the United Kingdom.

Internal combustion

In 1895 Karl Benz designed and built the first truck in history using the internal combustion engine. Later that year some of Benz's trucks were modified to become the first bus by the Netphener, the first motorbus company in history. Three years later, in 1898, another internal combustion engine truck was built by Gottlieb Daimler. Other companies, such as Peugeot, Renault and Büssing, also built their own versions. Trucks of the era mostly used two-cylinder engines and had a carrying capacity of 1500 to 2000 kg. In 1904, 700 heavy trucks were built in the United States, 1000 in 1907, 6000 in 1910, and 25000 in 1914.

A Benz truck modified by Netphener company (1895)

After World War I, several advances were made: pneumatic tires replaced the previously common full rubber versions. Electric starters, power brakes, 4, 6, and 8 cylinder engines, closed cabs, and electric lighting followed. The first modern semi-trailer trucks also appeared. Touring car builders such as Ford and Renault entered the heavy truck market.

Diesel engines

Although it had been invented in 1890, the diesel engine was not common in trucks in Europe until the 1930s. In the United States, it took much longer for diesel engines be accepted: gasoline engines were still in use on heavy trucks in the 1970s, while in Europe they had been completely replaced 20 years earlier. They are the most commonly used trucks all over the world.

Legal issues

A road train in Australia.

Commercial trucks in the US pay higher road use taxes on a State level than other road vehicles, and are subject to extensive regulation. A few reasons commercial trucks pay higher road use taxes: they are bigger and heavier than most other vehicles, and cause more wear and tear per hour on roadways; and trucks and their drivers are on the road for more hours per day. UPS vehicles are called 'package cars' in the US, because that exempted them from certain tax-rates. Rules on use taxes differ among jurisdictions.

Most jurisdictions have rules for commercial vehicles, regulating how many hours a driver may be on the clock, how much rest and sleep time is required (e.g., 11hrs driving/14hrs onduty followed by 10hrs off, max of 70hrs/8days or 60hrs/7 days, 34 hr restart ), and many other rules. Violations are often subject to significant penalties. Instruments to track each driver's hours must sometimes be fitted.

Trucks are subject to noise emission requirements (emanating from the U.S. Noise Control Act) in order to protect the public from noise health effects, since trucks contribute disproportionately to roadway noise due to elevated stacks and intense tire and aerodynamic noise characteristics.

The Bridge Law deals with the relation between the gross weight of the truck and the amount of axles and the spacing between axles wheel base the truck has. Each State determines the minimum and maximum permissible weight per axle.

Types of trucks by size

Ultra light trucks

Often produced as variations of golf cars, with internal combustion or battery electric drive, these are used typically for off-highway use on estates, golf courses, and parks. While not suitable for highway use some variations may be licensed as slow speed vehicles for operation on streets, generally as a body variation of a neighborhood electric vehicle. A few manufactures produce specialized chassies for this type of vehicle, while Zap Motors markets a version of their Xebra electric tricycle (licensable in the U.S. as a motorcycle).

Very light trucks

A Piaggio

Popular in Europe and Asia, many mini trucks are factory redesigns of light automobiles, usually with monocoque bodies. Specialized designs with substantial frames such as the Italian Piaggio shown here are based upon Japanese designs (in this case by Daihatsu) and are popular for use in "old town" sections of European cities that often have very narrow alleyways.

Regardless of name, these small trucks serve a wide range of uses. In Japan, they are regulated under the Kei car laws, which allow vehicle owners a break in taxes for buying a smaller and less-powerful vehicle (currently, the engine is limited to 660 cc {0.66L} displacement). These vehicles are used as on-road utility vehicles in Japan. In the United States, mini trucks are not legal to be licensed or operated on public roads and highways, but they are used in many off-road applications.

These Japanese-made kei trucks, mini trucks, or mini cabs that were manufactured for on-road use are therefore competing with off-road ATVs in the United States. U.S. import regulations require that these mini trucks have a 25 mph speed governor.(The U.S. Government's name for this is a low-speed vehicle or LSV.) These vehicles have found uses in construction, large campuses (government, university, and industrial), agriculture, cattle ranches, amusement parks, and replacements for golf carts.

Major mini truck manufacturers and their brands

• Daihatsu Hijet
• Honda Acty
• Mazda Scrum
• Mitsubishi Minicab
• Subaru Sambar
• Suzuki Carry

Light trucks

Light trucks are car-sized (in the US, no more than 6,300 kg (13,000 lb)) and are used by individuals and businesses alike. In the UK they may not weigh more than 3,500kg. Pickup trucks are pervasive in North America and some regions of Latin America, Asia and Africa, but not so in Europe, where this size of commercial vehicle is most often made as vans.

Medium trucks

Medium trucks are larger than light but smaller than heavy trucks. In the US, they are defined as weighing between 6,300 kg (13,000 lb) and 15,000 kg (33,000 lb). For the UK and the EU the weight is between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. Local delivery and public service (dump trucks, garbage trucks and fire-fighting trucks) are normally around this size.

Heavy trucks

Heavy trucks are the largest trucks allowed on the road. They are mostly used for long-haul purposes, often in semi-trailer or B-double configuration.

Road train in Australia

Road damage and wear increase very rapidly with the axle weight. The axle weight is truck weight divided by the number of axles, but the actual axle weight depends on the position of the load over the axles. Also the number of steering axles and the suspension type has influence on the road wear. In many countries with good roads a 6-axle truck may have a maximum weight over 50 tons (50,000 kg). In Australia two or three trailers towed by a tractor truck or even a load carrying tractor (a "three and a half") are linked to make what are called road trains. These are useful in carrying mixed loads or substantial weights using only one driver. They are mostly driven in the outback, due to little congestion of cars, and because of the large turns they make. Owing to the difficulties in operating such vehicles they have special priorities over lighter vehicles.

Off-road trucks

Mining Truck

Highway-legal trucks are sometimes outfitted with off-road features such as a front driving axle and special tires for applications such as logging and construction. Trucks that never use public roads, such as the biggest truck ever, the Liebherr T 282B off-road mining truck, are not constrained by weight limits.

Anatomy of a truck

A russian truck from early 20-s

Almost all trucks share a common construction: they are made of a chassis, a cab, an area for placing cargo or equipment, axles, suspension and wheels, an engine and a drivetrain. Pneumatic, hydraulic, water, and electrical systems may also be identified. They are complex machines. Many also tow one or more trailers or semi-trailers.

Cab

Scania R470 flat nose truck

The cab is an enclosed space where the driver is seated. A sleeper is a compartment attached to the cab where the driver can rest while not driving, sometimes seen in semi-trailer trucks.

There are a few possible cab configurations:

• Cab over engine (COE) or flat nose, where the driver is seated on top of the front axle and the engine. This design is almost ubiquitous in Europe, where overall truck lengths are strictly regulated. They were common in the United States, but lost prominence when permitted length was extended in the early 1980s. To access the engine, the whole cab tilts forward, earning this design the name of tilt-cab. This type of cab is especially suited to the delivery conditions in Europe where many roads follow the layout of much more ancient path and trackways which require the additional turning capability of the cab over engine type.

US truck with long nose and sleeper cab

• Conventional cabs are the most common in North America, and are known in the UK as american cabs. The driver is seated behind the engine, as in most passenger cars or pickup trucks. Conventionals are further divided into large car and aerodynamic designs. A "large car" or "long nose" is a conventional truck with a long (6 to 8 foot (1.8 to 2.4 m) or more) hood. With their very square shapes, these trucks experience a lot of wind resistance and typically consume more fuel. They also provide somewhat poorer visibility than their aerodynamic or COE counterparts. By contrast, Aerodynamic cabs are very streamlined, with a sloped hood and other features to lower drag. Most owner-operators prefer the square-hooded conventionals.
• Cab beside engine designs also exist, but are rather rare.

Engine

Trucks can use all sorts of engines. Small trucks such as SUVs or pickups, and even light medium-duty trucks in North America will use gasoline engines. Most heavier trucks use four stroke turbo intercooler diesel engines, although there are alternatives. Huge off-highway trucks use locomotive-type engines such as a V12 Detroit Diesel two stroke engine.

In the United States, highway trucks almost always use an engine built by a third party, such as CAT, Cummins, or Detroit Diesel. The only exceptions to this are Volvo Trucks and Mack Trucks, which are available with Volvo and Mack diesel engines, respectively, and Freightliner, a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler, which are available with Mercedes-Benz and Detroit Diesel engines. Trucks and busses built by the Navistar International can also contain International engines. The Swedish truckmaker Scania claims they stay away from the US-market because of this third party tradition. Scania wants to sell a highly integrated product with proven interoperability and quality.

In the European union all truck engines must comply with Euro 4 regulations, the regulations will become more severe in 2008 with the introduction of Euro 5.

Drivetrain

A logging truck

Small trucks use the same type of transmissions as almost all cars which have either an automatic transmission or a manual transmission with synchronisers. Bigger trucks often use manual transmissions without synchronisors which are lighter weight although some synchronised transmissions have been used in larger trucks. Transmissions without synchronisors require either double clutching for each shift, (which can lead to repetitive motion injuries,) or a technique known colloquially as "floating," a method of shifting which doesn't use the clutch, except for starts and stops. Although widely used, due to the tiring nature of double clutching, floating is technically illegal and can not be used on trucks which do not have a tachometer. Common North American setups include 10, 13 and 18 speeds. Automatic and semi-automatic transmissions for heavy trucks are becoming more and more common, due to advances both in transmission and engine power. In Europe 8, 10 and 12 gears are common on larger trucks with manual transmission, while automatic or semiautomatic transmission would have anything from 5 to 12 gears.

The trend in Europe is that more new trucks are being bought with automatic or semi-automatic transmission. This may be due in part to lawsuits from drivers claiming that driving a manual transmission is damaging to their knees.And the fact that you can lower fuel consumption and improve the durability of the truck.

Chassis

A Polish 1936-built Fiat 621 L fire truck in Warsaw, Poland

The chassis or frame of a truck is commonly constructed mainly of two beams, and several crossmembers. A truck chassis consists of two parallel straight C-shaped beams, or in some cases stepped or tapered beams, these held together by crossmembers. In most instances, gussets help attach the crossmembers to the beams. The "C-shape" of the beams has a middle vertical and longer side, and a short horizontal flange at each end; the length of the beams is variable. The chassis is usually made of steel, but can be made (whole or in part) of aluminium for a lighter weight. The integrity of the chemical composition (carbon, molybdenum, etc.) and structure of the beams is of uttermost importance to its strength, and to help prevent cracking or breaking of beams, and to help maintain rigidity and flexibility of the frame, welding, drilling and other types of modifications should not be performed by unlicenced persons. The chassis is the main structure of the truck, and the other parts attach to it. A tow bar may be found attached at one or both ends.

Environmental effects

Trucks contribute to air, noise and water pollution in a similar fashion to automobiles. In fact, in the case of air pollution emissions, trucks may actually emit lower emissions than autos on a per pound of vehicle mass basis, although the absolute level on a vehicle mile traveled basis is higher. With respect to noise pollution trucks emit considerably higher sound levels at all speeds compared to typical automobiles; this contrast is particlarly strong in the case of heavy duty trucks.

Concerns have been raised about the effect of trucking on the environment, particularly as part of the debate on global warming. In the period from 1990 to 2003, carbon dioxide emissions from transportation sources increased by 20%, despite improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency.

In 2005, Transportation accounted for 27% of U.S. greenhouse gas emission, increasing faster than any other sector .

Between 1985 and 2004, in the US, energy consumption in freight transportation grew nearly 53%, while the number of ton-miles carried increased only 43%. "Modal shifts account for a nearly a 23% increase in energy consumption over this period. Much of this shift is due to a greater fraction of freight ton-miles being carried via truck and air, as compared to water, rail, and pipelines."

According to a 1995 US Government estimate, the energy cost of carrying a ton of freight a distance of one mile averages 514 Btu for water, 337 Btu for rail, 3,100 for trucks and nearly 20,000 for air transport. and many environment organizations favor laws and incentives to encourage the switch from road to rail, especially in Europe .

>>Types of pickups

Types of pickups

Compact pickups

The compact pickup (or simply "pickup", without qualifier) is the most widespread form of pickup truck worldwide. It is built like a mini version of a two-axle heavy truck, with a frame providing structure, a conventional cab, a leaf spring suspension on the rear wheels and a small I4, I6 or V6 engine, generally using gasoline.

The compact pickup was introduced to North America in the 1960s by Japanese manufacturers. Datsun (Nissan 1959) and Toyota dominated under their own nameplates through the end of the 1970s. Other Japanese manufacturers built pickups for the American "Big Three": Isuzu built the Luv for Chevrolet, Mazda built the Courier for Ford and Mitsubishi built the Ram 50 for Dodge. It wasn't until the 1980s that Mazda introduced their own B-Series, Isuzu their P'up and Mitsubishi their Mighty Max.

Compact trucks sold in the US market in 2006 include:

• Ford Ranger
• Mazda B-Series

In Europe, compact pickups dominate the pickup market, although they are popular mostly in rural areas. There are few entries by European manufacturers, the most notable of which is perhaps the Peugeot 504 Pick-Up, which continued to be sold in Mediterranean Europe and Africa long after the original 504 ceased production. Eastern European manufacturers such as ARO or UAZ have served their home markets faithfully for decades, but are now disappearing. The near-majority of compact pickups sold in Europe use Diesel engines.

Pickup truck

A pickup truck or ute is a light motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area.

In North America, the word pickup generally refers to a small or medium sized truck. This light commercial vehicle features:

• a separate cabin
• and rear load area or compartment (separate cargo bed).

Instead of a well-type bed (short rigid sides) with an opening rear gate, some pickups have a flat tray back (aka flatbed). Others may have a specialty body mounted behind the cabin.

Two North American vehicles, the Chevrolet El Camino and Ford Ranchero are not technically trucks. This is because the have a spot welded sheet steel monocoque chassis in the same style as modern passenger cars. Trucks on the other hand usually have a heavy 'C' section rail chassis with a fully floating cab and separate cargo section. The sheet steel in both of these sections is not a stressed member. A combination of the two styles, monocoque cab and engine bay welded to a 'c' section chassis rear is offered in Australia. It is known as the 'one tonner' because it is rated to carry some 250kg more than the all monocoque style.

Vehicles like the El-Camino and Ranchero are known in Australia and New Zealand as a ute or utility (from "Coupe utility"), in South Africa as a bakkie (pronounced "bucky"), in Egypt as "half truck", and in Israel as a tender. Panel vans, a kind of van, popular in Australia during the 1970s, were based on a ute chassis, known in Egypt as "box" and mainly used by police.

The design details of such vehicles vary significantly, and different nationalities seem to specialise in different styles and sizes of vehicles. For instance, North American pickups come in full-size (large, heavy vehicles often with V8 or six-cylinder engines), mid-size, and compact.

History

The first factory-assembled pickup debuted in 1925 and sold for $281. Henry Ford billed it as the "Ford Model T Runabout with Pickup Body." The 34,000 built that first year featured a cargo box, adjustable tailgate, four stake pockets and heavy-duty rear springs.

In 1928, the Model A replaced Model T - becoming the first closed-cab pickup and sporting innovations like a safety glass windshield, roll-up side windows and three-speed transmission. It was powered by a four-cylinder, L-head engine capable of 40 horsepower.

1931 was the first year for a factory-built Chevrolet pickup, known as the "Independence Series".

In 1932, the 65-horsepower Ford flathead V8 engine was offered as an option in the truck. By 1936, Ford had already produced 3 million trucks and led the industry in sales.

For 1933, a vehicle debuted in Australia known as the utility or "ute".

During the great depression, money was very tight. Farmers could not afford both a car for their families and a truck for their farms. Banks would not lend money to farmers to buy a luxury like a car, but would lend money to a working vehicle like a truck. So a farmer (or his wife) wrote a letter to the managing director of the ford car company stating:

Why don't you build people like me a vehicle in which I can take my family to church on Sunday, and my pigs to town on Monday?

The Body designer at Ford Australia, Lewis Bandt designed the first ute. He married the front of the car with the back of a truck. It was called a coupe utility- coupe, because it was designed to carry two people, and utility because the farmer could use the back section to carry stock or other things.

This Australian-made utility was the first to offer a fully-sealed passenger compartment, made of metal. It was based on the front of the new Ford V-8 sedan. It had metal doors, a metal roof and windows made of glass.The cargo section, the side panels and the rear of the cab were all pressed from a single piece of metal.The cargo section was totally separate, and could be covered with a special piece of canvas, if required. The suspension had been specially designed to suit the car.

By October 1933, Ford Australia had built two prototypes of the utility. They were immediately sent to farms; the banks would lend farmers the money to buy them, because they could be considered a work vehicle. The cargo section could carry a load of half a tonne.

In 1935, Bandt took two of his coupe utilities to America and showed them to Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company, who called them "kangaroo chasers". In most of America it was called a "pick-up truck"- because it was like a small truck, and they could pick up loads with it. The Texans called them "rancheros" because they used them on their ranches. The utility was a worldwide success.

By : http://en.wikipedia.org

>>Seven Days in Heaven – A Week in the Life of BMW 335d

Seven Days in Heaven
A Week in the Life of BMW 335d

If you are a fully paid up member of the Big Boys Toys Club then you are going to love the BMW 335d.

It is one of the very few cars around on the road today that is able to reverse the widely accepted theory that diesels will never be a match for their petrol driven counterparts.

OK if you look at the statistics you will see that it produces 20bhp less than the equivalent 335i petrol version but also if you look at the statistics you will see that it has an extra 180Nm of Torque to call on and the end result of this is that a comparison off the 0-60 figures will show that the diesel is 0.4 of a second slower than the petrol. However, the last laugh is with the diesel in that you get an extra eight miles to the gallon over the petrol version.

If we take into consideration the BMWs rival model from Mercedes, the CLK, then you would have to say that the German automobile manufacturers really do have the premium “four-seater coupe” market virtually sewn up. In fact if the rumours are to be believed then with Audi bringing in the new A5 then the market will be well and truly sewn up or would “stitched up” be a better way of describing it.

If we run down the list of its impressive specifications you will get a better idea of why the 335d is fast becoming universally acclaimed.

If we take it from the top. The engine is an inline 6 cylinder 2993cc, bi-turbo engine that hands a maximum power of 282bhp @ 4400rpm. It also has a maximum torque of 428lb ft @ 1750-2250 rpm. The initial 0-60 figures claim 6.1 seconds as it has in the alleged top speed of 155 miles an hour. This last figure of course is by some philology useless within the United Kingdom as we all know (nudge nudge wink wink) how much we all abide by the 70 miles an hour top speed limit. But isn’t it ironic that in the majority, the more power and speed a car actually has, quite often there is less desire to actually use it - or am I just getting boring and old?

Answers on a postcard please.

As I mentioned before the 335d Coupe has been described as the best new generation three series coupe so far and where the diesel has really made an impression is that it appears to be bucking the trend that has hitherto seemed to be the norm in that the popular perception of any performance BMW has been “Petrol and Manual, Petrol and Manual etc”. By this I mean that the 335d has now made it almost acceptable to have BMW with performance that has firstly a diesel engine and then secondly has a pretty nifty automatic gear box.

The Coupe comes with DSC+, which involves traction control, stability control, ABS, brake drying, Cornering Brake Control, brake fade compensation, Dynamic Brake Control, brake pre-tensioning, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, hill-start assistant, Engine Drag Torque Control, and soft stop. And more besides. But to repeat: none of this messes with the essential simplicity of the drive, or with the relationship between car and driver.

This car will produce many a happy driver.

Stephen writes about a number of Internet Issues such as Georgia Driver Education, Car Reviews and also about various other Manchester car dealer issues

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Stephen Morgan

>>Porsche 911 GT3 – Is this the Ultimate in Extreme Road Racing

Porsche 911 GT3
Is this the Ultimate in Extreme Road Racing

The Porsche 911 GT3 has been described as brilliance to spare, the problem is with a machine of this capability is that there isn’t anywhere within the United Kingdom road network that you would be able to legitimately take advantage of its raw unsurpassed power.

Consider the following, this car can comfortably hit 114 mph in third gear and not break sweat. Its performance is brutal with 415bhp pushing 1375kg this is a car waiting to explode out on to the roads. This car has possibly one of the most powerful accelerations off any road machine available.

Start to push this car and there is no forced induction to bolster the mid- range. OK the gearing is a little different from standard 911’s but it is the apparent ease with which it basically blows other supposedly fast cars off the road whilst still only in third gear that is possibly the most impressive of all of its features.

Accelerating in third gear (god I sound like an obsessive) in the 911 GT3 has memorably been described as “impersonating a leopard undergoing root canal treatment with a poorly administered anaesthetic” and you will hit comfortably 114mph and then you realise that there are three other gears to follow until technically (because we all know that it is not legally possible within the UK) you hit what Porsche claims is the 911’s top speed of 192 mph.

At this point the scenery flashing past the car starts to blur and you realize that the problem with trying to get to grips with this car is the fact that the conventional road network within the United Kingdom cannot cope.

Unless you are either given solitary access to an F1 circuit like Silverstone or Brands Hatch you are not even going to be able to come close to appreciating what this beast can do and even then it takes real experience to be able to master this car at speed. Any fool can hit the accelerator and go. Staying alive to tell the tale, now that requires experience.

If we sum up the 911 GT3 RS, it is going to set you back at least £94.280 (or $192,000) and for that you get a car that will go from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and supposedly tops out at 192 mph though other testers have claimed even in excess of that figure. The engine exerts 409bhp at 7600rpm and has torque of over 298lb ft at 5500 rpm. It has a Power to Weight ratio of 298bhp per tonne.

Funnily enough for car of this power, driving around conventional roads it’s not actually too much of a problem, in fact in fact it makes the act of restraint quite a virtue that is key to enjoying the suppressed power that lies within. Self preservation and common sense quickly remind you that this is not a car whereby you hammer your way through the gears trying to impress the boy racer in the car behind you.

Let him be, you can relax quietly confident that if you really really wanted to, there would be no contest and that he would soon become a very distant memory and shortly history.

Scott James writes about a number of Internet Issues such as http://www.drivereducationonline.us, Ohio Car Dealers and also about Speculative Issues and Internet Poker

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Sott James

>>Subaru’s WRX STI—The Little Sleeper That Woke the Dead

Subaru’s WRX STI
The Little Sleeper That Woke the Dead

In these days of tuner performance, it’s nice to see manufacturers joining in the fun. No longer do we have to buy some little Honda and slap on a bunch of shoddy parts to make a proper street racer. Now, you can roll right off the show-room floor ready to rock and roll. Right now, the car with the most out-of-the-box performance potential is hands down, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

The WRX comes ready to go with wide low-profile tires, huge brakes, and super-firm, high quality suspension components. Plus, the all-wheel drive and snappy throttle response make this little Subaru a blast to drive. Once released to the public, it quickly became the poster child for street tuners and high performance racing.

The Impreza started life in the unlikely world of rally racing. Quite popular in Europe, rally racing is kind of an off-road/street race for heavily modified sedan and hatchback style vehicles. These cars are some of the best handling and most versatile of all race cars. They can carve a corner like dad carves a holiday turkey and catch the kind of air Evil Knievel would envy. Rally drivers are also hailed as the best drivers in motorsport.

The race-bred version of the Subaru Impreza is the WRX STI. The STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International which is Subaru’s in-house racing program. They put a lot of time and money into the program to become the winningest constructor in the professional series. Subaru decided to put this same race-winning engineering into the WRX STI.

Besides the all-wheel drive and radical suspension mentioned earlier, the WRX boasts a turbocharged 4-banger powerplant. Don’t get fooled by the absence of the other 4-cylinders—this baby cranks out nearly 300 horsepower and 300 ft-lbs of torque, without any turbo lag. The Subaru WRX really is one of the fastest sleds on the hill.

The only drawback to the WRX—that’s actually a plus—is the looks. This thing is ugly—real ugly. Those egg-heads at Subaru sure know how to make a fast, tight-handling ride, but they don’t know a thing about aesthetics. This is good though. When you obliterate Joe Hotrod’s ’66 Nova in your Japanese econo-box, that unsightly Subaru sheet metal will be the last thing on your mind. The WRX is simply the perfect street package; sleeper looks and hell-fire under the hood.

But of course, you’re a street tuner, and that means you just can’t leave stuff alone. If you were the kind of kid that hot-rodded your mom’s hair dryer or fabbed-up a wing for dad’s riding mower the WRX STI is for you. Since the car is so popular, there’s a healthy aftermarket industry supporting these Subaru racers—as if they’re not fast enough. Since the WRX is already wildly potent, souping it up is pretty basic. The traditional chip, intake and exhaust trifecta is the quick and easy way to parlay extra performance. Anything beyond these mods and you’re treading on track-only territory. For street reliability and drivability, it’s best to stick with the basics. K&N, Borla and Unichip all make killer gear for the WRX and each boasts a long, storied reputation in the industry.

So whether you leave it alone or hop it up like a jack-rabbit on steroids, the Subaru WRX STI is one bad ride. With an unassuming look and a belly full of turbocharged horsepower, the WRX is the definition of the modern, soon to be classic, street rod.

For a complete selection of Subaru accessories—performance or otherwise—check the internet speed shops. There’s a lot out there for your WRX street racer, including the K&N Typhoon intake and a plethora of performance gear designed to wake up your little sleeper.

David Brooks is the SEO Manager for AutoAnything, an auto accessories and performance parts e-tailer based in San Diego, CA.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: David Brooks

>>Revisiting Two Classics - TR7 versus the Alfa Romeo 2000

Revisiting Two Classics
TR7 versus the Alfa Romeo 2000

As many a motoring journalist will tell you, beauty is often alleged to be in the eye of the beholder, or in this case the ignition key holder.

Taking a look at these two former rivals, from the safety and security of history we can now look back and see what we possibly failed to appreciate in one and positively eulogized in the other.

With regards to the two cars, opinion was a little different over 20 years ago.

The common consensus at the time was that the TR 7 was ugly and the Alfa Romeo Spider was elegant and rather beautiful. How opinions have changed in the ensuing years.

Sure looking back at the Spider, the Pinninfarina designed curves are all elegant and timeless but the sharply angular TR 7 scrubs up quite well over the years too.

If we take a look at the specifications we get a rough idea of what we're dealing with. With the TR 7 in 1981 you got a 2 Litre engine (1998cc actually) that developed 105bhp @ 5500rpm and it had a torque of 119lb/ft @ 3500rpm. The transmission had a five speed manual gear box. There was rack and pinion steering. The wheels were 13 x 5.5 alloys and the tyres were 185/70x13 with disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear.

How dated is this car? Well it had a 0 to 60 of 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 112 miles an hour. Performance that probably doesn't even match a brand-new Ford focus nowadays. However back in the eighties this car had a certain amount of cool.

Turning our spy glass round to view the Spiders specs in the late seventies and early eighties Alfa Romeo presented us with the following.

An engine that was just under 2 Litre (1962cc in fact) and this in turn provided 150bhp @ 6000rpm (compare that with the 105bhp @ 5500rpm of the TR7), The Torque was 132lb/ft @ 3750rpm. The transmission had a five speed manual box, the wheels were 4.5x15 steel alloys and tyres were 165x15. The car had disc brakes all round and had a 0-60 of 9.1 seconds and top speed of 120mph.

Looked at this way and there really is no comparison.

The overall comparison on both cars is favourable to be honest and both cars have their legions of fans. For the TR7, one opinion given was that it was “nice and clean to look at, basically uncluttered. Just a straightforward easy to look at car.” Fans liked the wedge shape of the car believing that this may contribute positively to better road holding. Hmmm?

With regards to the Spider, fans always believed that ever since the car was featured in the Dustin Hoffman film The Graduate in 1967, the shape of the spider has always been considered sexy. The problem with values nowadays is that you can buy good a TR7 for less than half the price of a good spider.

Perhaps that makes common sense?

Scott James writes about a number of Auto issues such as Car Dealers in Manchester and Nevada Driver Education. A keen proponent of all aspects of free and independent services available, he advises clients to look at the financial implications of Auto Insurance matters available.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Scott James

>>BMW versus Mercedes – Quality Car Shoot Out!

BMW versus Mercedes
Quality Car Shoot Out!

It has long been the considered opinion now among most analysts within the automobile industry and certainly among journalists who closely monitor the automobile industry. That of all of the car companies that go to make up the automobile manufacturing industry in Europe, the two German companies BMW and Mercedes Benz represent a large chunk of the quality end of the market.

With the latest offerings released by both BMW and Mercedes-Benz is quite easy to understand why they represent the quality end of the industry. Mercedes-Benz has their new CL Coupé which is rightly getting rave reviews and plaudits across the border whilst BMW of matching them neck and neck with their new three series convertible, the 335i convertible.

In many areas the performance of these two cars is quite similar but one area where they are vastly different is the own the road price. The BMW comes in at around the $78,000 mark whilst the Mercedes can be had for a mere $163,000 for one of the lower end specification models.

Yet if you look at the cars themselves the performance isn't actually represented accurately by the vastly different price tag. To sum up briefly with the Mercedes you get a 5.5 L engine that develops 383bhp, will get you from naught to 62 miles an hour in 5.4 seconds and has a top speed of 155 miles per hour.

Surprisingly, the BMW though having a prize tag that is roughly half that the Mercedes does not supply specifications that are vastly different. For the time being, with the BMW you get a 3 Litre engine that develops 302bhp, gets you from naught to 62 miles an hour in 5.8 seconds (only .4 of a second slower than the Mercedes) and has a top speed too of 155 miles per hour.

So as you can see what the Mercedes you get top-end specifications matched with a top-end specification price and certainly if you have the cash you won't be disappointed with the Mercedes CL. It won't let you down on the design stakes; it'll look good in front of both the home and the office. It will certainly impress the neighbours as well as your colleagues in the squash club. Your bank manager might not be quite so happy however but then if you can afford to drive this Mercedes, problems with your bank manager should be the last thing on your mind.

That having said, the BMW won't let you down in any of the above areas either and with a very similar performance to that of the Mercedes at a fraction of the price you could almost afford to buy one for both the home and the office and still have cash to spare to take the family for a very nice holiday.

There are certainly no prizes for guessing which of the above would make your bank manager very happy but at the end of the day if you can afford to drive either of the cars above, to be brutally blunt who gives a damn about the bank!

Scott James writes about a number of Auto issues such as Car Dealers in Manchester and California Driver Education. A keen proponent of all aspects of free and independent services available, he advises clients to look at the financial implications of Auto Insurance matters available.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Scott James

>>Battle of the Mega Cars – Ferrari v Bugatti v Jaguar

Battle of the Mega Cars
Ferrari v Bugatti v Jaguar

I guess the 1980’s had to leave many a legacy of which, greed, avarice, dodgy haircuts, box jackets and designer stubble were but a few! Their was however another hidden legacy that carried right through to the 1990s and that was the development and manufacture off ridiculously expensive and massively overpowered very elite road cars.

I guess if you had the cash to splash around on any of the beasts that we're about to talk about then you didn't really have to worry about most of the day to day mundane issues that most of the rest of us have to fret about.

Here we are going to take a nostalgic look at the Ferrari F40, the Jaguar XJ220 pounds and last but not least the Bugatti EB1 10SS.

These were really well and truly the big beasts off their day and quite frankly had performance figures and specifications that would frighten you almost as much as the price tag.

I guess though, as is being said on many an earlier article if you had the cash to splash on any of these three vehicles then you wouldn’t really have to give a damn about many other problems anyway.

Let's take a look briefly at the various specifications of these beasts. The Ferrari F40 had 32 valve V8 2936cc engine that developed 478bhp @7000 rpm and had a maximum torque of 426lb/ft @4000 rpm. It had a five speed manual transmission driven from the rear wheels, rack and pinion brakes and a naught to 60 of 4.6 seconds and a speed that topped out at almost 3 times the legal speed limit at 202 miles an hour. The price tag was, wait for it a staggering $328,000. There were only ever 1315 of the F40 made between 1997 and 1992.

The Jaguar XJ220 on the other hand had a 24 valve V6 3498cc engine that developed 542bhp @6500 rpm and had a maximum torque of 473lb/ft @4500 rpm. It had a five speed all-synchro transaxle driven from the rear wheels. It had servo assisted ventilated disc brakes and a naught to 60 of over a staggering 3.6 seconds! The top speed was reputed to be 211.9 miles an hour and the price tag at the time would have set you back a cool $850,000! Was there any surprise that there were only ever 218 of these cars ever built between 1991 and 1992.

Lastly let's look at the Bugatti. The EB11 OSS had a 60 Valve V12 3500cc engine that developed 603bhp @8250rpm and had a maximum torque of 479lb/ft @ 4250rpm. The Bugatti had a six speed manual transmission that was driven from all four wheels. Like the HJ 228 had servo assisted ventilated disc brakes and claimed a naught to 60 of 3.1 seconds! The top speed of the Bugatti was again claimed to be 218 miles an hour. The prize tag was a mere $576,000. Again like the XJ220 production tally barely got into three figures with 123 cars being built between 1992 and 1995.

Truly it could have been said that if you had been a proud owner of any one of the above and actually took it out on the road to drive then you possibly had more money than sense. That having been said, again if you actually had the money to own one of these cars then you wouldn't have had to give a damn about what other people thought anyway!

Scott James writes about a number of Auto issues such as Car Dealers in Manchester and Oklahoma Driver Education. A keen proponent of all aspects of free and independent services available, he advises clients to look at the financial implications of Auto Insurance matters available.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Scott James

>>Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is somewhat of a departure from the traditional Ferrari brand of two-seater coupes but remains true to the label with styling that is reminiscent of legendary racing Ferraris from the 1950s. The 612 Scaglietti debuted in 2004 as a replacement for the more svelte Ferrari 456M. The 612 Scaglietti is one of only a few Ferrari automobiles to incorporate four seats.
The Ferrari Scaglietti is a Gran Turismo car with two doors and a fastback coupe design. The 612 is manufactured at the Carrozzeria Scaglietti plant owned by Ferrari in Modena, Italy. The headlights and side scallops are reminiscent of the 1954 Ferrari 375 MM that was built by Roberto Rossellini in homage to his wife, Ingrid Bergman.
Another reason the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is unique for Ferrari is that it is only the second Ferrari to be made solely of aluminum. The first all-aluminum Ferrari was the 360 Modena. The 612 Scaglietti has a space frame that was developed in conjunction with Alcoa, the aluminum structure manufacturer. A space frame consists of interlocking struts that comprise a geometric structure that is lightweight and truss-like in appearance. The aluminum body is welded onto the space frame for extra rigidity and performance. The new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also incorporates this style chassis.
The 612 Scaglietti is front-engined, sporting a 5.7 liter V12 engine that is also used by the Ferrari 575M Maranello. The engine produces 533 horse power at just over 7,200 rpm and has a compression ratio of 11.2:1. The 612 Scaglietti's top speed is 199 miles per hour (315 kilometers an hour) and reaches 60 miles per hour from standstill in 4.2 seconds. Buyers of the 612 Scaglietti have the option of choosing from a conventional 6-speed manual transmission or the F1A paddle shift system similar to that used in the Ferrari 360 Modena.
Ferrari has also released a limited number of Scagliettis in celebration of the company's 60th anniversary. Limited edition 612 Scagliettis will feature an innovative electrochromatic glass roof that has adjustable opacity. Ferrari will manufacture just 60 of these Scagliettis, ensuring that they will remain special and rare.

Wayne Armstrong is the owner of Ferraristi.net, a Ferrari fan site for Ferrari fans

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Wayne Armstrong

>>Chevrolet Expands Lineup With Captiva

Chevrolet Expands Lineup With Captiva

Following a dismal year, General Motors is looking to expand their lineup offering to bring the company back to profitability. Aside from revitalizing the slumping Saturn brand, General Motors is also expanding Chevrolet’s lineup with the new Chevy Captiva 4x4.

The Captiva signals the entry of six new models for General Motors’ most profitable division. The Detroit, Michigan based car manufacturer announced that they will be coming up with six new auto models for the next few years. These will be part of General Motors’ restructuring plan.

During the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) held earlier this year, General Motors showcased three possible replacement for the aging Matiz. The Groove, Beat, and Trax are the concept cars which were seen as the next additions to General Motors’ lineup in the near future. With the 4x4 Captiva already planned for production, Chevrolet is reported to be developing a new model - possibly either the Groove or the Beat to place below the Captiva in its lineup.

As part of the company’s expansion, the Camaro will be resurrected for the 2009 model year. The popularity of the said car model in the past is seen as a great way to attract new car buyers into the Chevrolet fold. The Camaro is expected to generate interest in the brand which will eventually lead car buyers to be introduced to other auto models that Chevrolet has to offer.

Along with its expansion plan, Chevrolet also announced that they will be working with Vauxhall instead of the Asian carmaker Daewoo. Currently, small Chevrolet cars use platforms developed by the Korean car manufacturer. In the future though, Chevrolet will be sharing platforms with either Vauxhall or Opel. Vauxhall recently launched the Antara which is also being marketed by Opel under the same model name.

In Europe, the production of the Captiva will be handled by the Ukrainian Illichivsk factory. The vehicle will be equipped with standard features such as the anti-lock braking system for all wheels. This feature enhances the safety of the vehicle which can be complemented by efficient brake parts such as those found at Active Brakes Direct.

The Captiva will also come with a traction control system. This feature is designed to prevent or eliminate traction loss as a result of excessive throttle. The system is usually anchored on electro-hydraulic technologies. The system can retard or even suppress combustion in either one or multiple cylinders. It can also reduce the amount of fuel supplied to the combustion chambers. The system can also engage the brakes to ensure maximum traction.

The Captiva will also be equipped with an electronic stability program. This system helps the driver in controlling the vehicle by determining the driver’s steering wheel input and the reaction of the vehicle. If the system detects a possibility that the driver will lose control of the vehicle, it will take action to override and correct the driver’s input.

Another safety feature that the captive will be equipped with is the Active Rollover Protection. It enhances the safety of the occupants of the active by using sensors which can detect if there is a possibility that the vehicle will tip over. The system can then take actions to prevent rollover like engaging the brakes on a select wheel or wheels as the case may be.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop. You can visit Active Brakes Direct for more information.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Anthony Fontanelle

>>The Five Best Rated Cars of 2007

The Five Best Rated Cars of 2007

Are you in the market for a new car? Here is the best piece of advice I can offer you before you make any decision. Do your homework. Every year, hundreds of Americans buy a car and later on come to regret their purchase. It’s called buyer’s regret and there is no excuse for it with the internet at your fingertips.

Car and Driver Magazine wants to help. Every year, they evaluate all of the new cars released by the manufacturers. They make their judgments based on three general areas. They want to know how well a car performs its intended functions. A sport car is supposed to be fast and exhilarating so they expect it to be. Next, they look at factors like its driving manners, a new and exciting body design or interior, or a powerful engine. Finally, they want to know its worth the dollar amount asked. If it an inexpensive car is fast, fun, and practical, then it will certainly be graded well above others.

1. BMW 3-Series – This gem is a 300-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter version of the classic six. The 3-series zips to 60 in 4.8 seconds and corners at 0.89 g while offering more luxury and space. It also delivers better fuel economy and a quieter, more comfortable ride than its competition. The 3-series is the definitive sports sedan, delivering the driving satisfaction of a sports car in the body of a practical machine.



2. Chevrolet Corvette - The composite body of the Corvette hearkens back to the seminal 1953 model. Newer materials, like balsa-core composite floor panels used in the floor panels, combine with a sophisticated structure to yield a car that remains light and agile, despite higher power, bigger brakes, and grippier tires. The Corvette’s combination of heritage and sophistication gives it a uniquely American blend of performance, swagger, and everyday livability.



3. Chrysler 300 – The 300 is known for its styling but it’s what’s on the inside that keeps everyone coming back. Under its hood, there is either a mild V-6 engine for the faint of heart and then there is a wild Hemi V-8s, with up to 425 horses coupled to a five-speed automatic with manual control. The 300 has a huge back seat (even huger in the new-for-’07 long-wheelbase versions), a capacious trunk, and fold-down rear seats to provide cargo utility. The cabin is structurally rigid, free of road-induced vibrations, and impressively quiet.



4. Honda Fit – The Fit, with its 109 horsepower producing engine, won’t generate any kind of acceleration like a Ferrari or Corvette, but it generate some pretty attractive fuel-economy numbers. It gets on average 33 city miles per gallon, with 38 highway mpg, according to the EPA. Now, factor that in with its relatively cheap price (anyone can afford one), room enough for four adults, exceptional cargo adaptability with sports-car agility, and you get full fledged economical car with its own unique appeal.



5. Volkswagen GTI - The GTI knows how to cut like no other competitor, thanks to its high-powered, turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter four engine that develops 200 horsepower of smooth feeling goodness. More importantly, this little power-packed engine is light enough to maintain excellent balance in the front-drive chassis. While it has the mentality and feel of a race car, the car’s designers didn’t forget about you, the driver. The GTI possesses an interior finish that belies its price, an optional navigation system, and a long list of other standard features that more expensive cars don’t even offer.

For further information on any of these automotive ideas listed above be sure to check out magazines such as Car and Driver at Magsforless at www.magsforless.com. They sell over 75 different magazine subscriptions with hundreds of other cheap magazines to choose from.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Joel Simkhai

>>900 hp Honda S2000/Mazda RX-8 controversy

900 hp Honda S2000/
Mazda RX-8 controversy

The controversy over engine swaps is never ending, and I am hearing it from many, many people. First of all, let me set the scenario for you, I am one of two owners of Bald Monkey Racing, we own another company that built the very first 2JZ S2000 in the world. Some of you are probably asking what is a 2JZ S2000, well it is a Honda S2000 with a Toyota Supra engine in it. Why did we build it, well first of all it had never been done before, and secondly we had built many high horse-powered Supra’s and we absolutely loved the Honda S2000. In our garage we had both, and while doing some work on the Honda one night we joked about having the horsepower of the Supra and the handling on the S2000, next thing you know after tons on engineering, fabricating, a bunch of money and 45 days later there it sat ready to start up, a 2001 Silverstone Honda S2000 with a Toyota engine and transmission. Somehow a few pictures got posted on the internet from a camera phone and our phone and email address’s started blowing up. How much, how long will it take, when can I get mine, yadda, yadda, yadda. We hadn’t even started the car yet, we got to thinking holy cow, and this is out of control. Next we got the car started, and decided to make a video about the car, we did and put it on youtube, we thought our email address’s and phone were blowing up initially, boy was I wrong, dead wrong. Within a week or so we were checking out some car forum boards and just couldn’t believe all the controversy, mostly in favor of the swap but lots of negative posts too. We bloated over all the good comments, but also read the bad ones too. There were posts like “The best swap EVER,” “You all build the baddest cars on the planet,” “How did you make the 2JZ fit in there,” and then there were the negative posts, like, “WHY,” “How could you kill the awesome handling of the S2k,” “You destroyed one of the best pieces of work ever,” and then we got one of the best neutral comments “Can you put the S2000 engine in the Supra,” boy did we laugh at that one. Since then we have built 5 2JZ S2000’s with different size Turbo’s, different parts and pieces, but we have recently outdone ourselves, we have built the first ever S2000 with an Automatic transmission, this one is out best yet. It has the 2JZ Supra engine in it, and is pushing over 900 horsepower, has a T-88 Turbo, tons of aftermarket parts, rims, stereo, and like I said an automatic transmission. The first ever Honda S2000 with and Automatic tranny, I rode in it for the first time last night and it is incredible. This thing rides like it came from the factory. This Yellow 2003 S2000 is a mutt, it has a Honda s2000 body, a Toyota Supra engine and transmission, a Nissan Skyline rearend, and a Nissan 300Z shifting module, and it works so great. You can see pics and videos of the 2JZ S2000’s in our forum board on www.racinsite.com. Now for a little more controversy, ready for this, we are swapping the same 2JZ engine into the Mazda RX-8, yeah you heard it here first. I have posted some pics of the engine in the RX-8 in our forum at http://www.racinsite.com, check them out. Well, not to toot our own horns but, now the Mazda forums are on fire, thanks to us. Same comments, “WHY,” “How could you kill the awesome handling of the RX8,” “You destroyed a great piece of work,” “How could you take out the rotary.” If you know anything about cars you will know that people either love or hate Rotary engine’s and that is what the Mazda RX-7 and RX-8’s have in them. We are not done with our first one yet, and we got a call next thing you know there are two in the driveway waiting for their new engines. This could blow up too. If you want to talk about controversy, wait til the Nissan community finds out what we have in store for them, they had better be ready, more to follow.

Bryan is one of the owners of Bald Money Racing, Network Engineer, webmaster/owner of www.racinsite.com and a part time blogger. Premier blogger and Network Engineer

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Bryan Scott

>>Volkswagen Closing In On Proton Deal

Volkswagen Closing In On Proton Deal

Malaysia’s national carmaker may soon be in the hands of Europe’s largest automaker, Volkswagen AG. Proton, established in 1983 has been dominating the Malaysian auto market until recently. The competition in the said market has led to the declining market share for the Malaysian automaker. Faced with this problem, the Malaysian government has been looking for an international automaker which is interested in buying 43 percent share in Proton which the government currently owns.

Although General Motors and Volkswagen are both having talks with the Malaysian government, it appears that the state is more interested on what Volkswagen has to offer. Three talks have already transpired between the Malaysian government and Volkswagen regarding the sale of the 43 percent share in Proton.

According to a Malaysian financial weekly publication The Edge, Volkswagen is now closing in on the deal that will give the European automaker 43 percent of Proton. Currently, the 43 percent share of the Malaysian government is in the hands of Khazanah Nasional Bhd - the investment arm of the Malaysian government.

“It is also understood that VW may have agreed to pay some cash for its 51 percent equity in the new company that will own key assets of Proton,” reported The Edge. Volkswagen is expected to pour money into the Malaysian automaker. With the competition getting fiercer in the Malaysian auto market, it can be expected that Volkswagen will be leading Proton into a new era. That is if the Volkswagen and the Malaysian government agree.

The possible acquisition of Proton by Volkswagen will give the European auto maker better diversity in their offering. It is expected that Proton vehicles will be marketed by Volkswagen outside Malaysia. With the addition of Proton cars to their offering, Volkswagen will be expanding their presence in the global auto market.

In the past, Proton has enjoyed success in Malaysia due to its advantage in taxes. Non-Proton vehicles are sold in Malaysia with high taxes which mean that Proton cars are much cheaper than the cheapest competition. But with better foreign cars making an appearance in the Malaysian auto market, auto buyers slowly shifted away from Proton.

The prestige that Volkswagen will give Proton though will give the latter a boost in popularity. Aside from that, the two automakers will surely be sharing components and vehicle platforms. Auto parts such as the Volkswagen windshield wiper motor may soon be used on Proton cars. Technologies used by Volkswagen on their current auto models can also be used on Proton cars.

The Malaysian government though is not rushing. According to Malaysia’s trade minister, Rafidah Aziz said that they are looking to sell the 43 percent share they have in Proton but they are not in a hurry. The government set a goal to reach a decision by the end of this year. Since Proton is an important part of Malaysia’s economy, the Malaysian government is studying the deal very carefully.

“What we are looking for now is for somebody to buy the government-owned shares and that somebody should be able to provide the right kind of technology,” said the trade minister as reported by Reuters.

Meanwhile, shares for Proton jumped as reports surfaced of its possible tie-up with Volkswagen AG. According to experts, the positive news is the reason for the increased share value for Proton.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Anthony Fontanelle

>>Used Car Buying Tip

Used Car Buying Tip

You can save money on you next car if you have the same tools the dealers use. Car Buying Tip: Throw out the BlueBooks

Pretty much any article you see on buying used cars recommends research, research, research. I agree, just make sure you are using the correct tools to do your research. The Blue Book is not the right tool. Many websites are out there that will give you Blue Book pricing, cars.com, kbb.com, edmunds.com. What do all of these sites have in common, they all make money from advertising. Who pays for all of that adverstising? Car dealers and manufacturers, so is it any surprise that the “used car pricing” on these sites is skewed to benefit these advertisers.

What is Black Book pricing? Its the pricing guide that dealers use to value used car trade ins. Its also used by banks and credit unions to value a car for a loan. It is comprised by looking at actual sales of cars state by state. If you compare Black and Blue book pricing, you will consistently see that Blue Book pricing skews in the dealers favor. That is how a dealer can sell so many used cars at “below Blue Book value” .

Blue Book pricing is all over the internet, where do I find Black Book pricing? I have found the best and most trustworthy source for Black Book pricing to be credit union websites. Here is an example http://www.creditunionsvc.com/auto/newbb_fs.cfm (note you don't have to enter a vin number, just select the year and boxes to enter the make and model will pop up.)

So do your research, but just make sure you are doing it on websites that are not trying to make money off of you. Personally I have also found it useful to purchase a car at the end of the month. Salesmen and Dealers have quotas to make Find Article, they are more likely to let one go cheap at the end of the month.

Jeff is a self avowed cheapskate and outlines his transition from spender to tightwad in his blog http://savingmoney.iblogger.org

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Jeff Jones

>>2007 - 2008 Audi Lineup

2007 - 2008 Audi Lineup

The latest Audi models are numerous, including the A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, Q7, Allroad Quattro, RS4, R8, S4, S5, S6, S8 or the TT. The Audi A8 is one of the current full size luxury models made by this famous subsidiary of Volkswagen. The model was launched in 1994 and has been a great success. It was meant to replace the V8 and one of the most amazing features is the all wheel drive. Ever since its launch, the A8 has been improved and the Second Generation of A8 appeared in 2004. It is available in a 4 door sedan as well as in the coupe model.

The Audi S8 resembles the Mercedes Benz AMG models, but shares many common features with the Audi V8 engine and some A8 features. The S8 was introduced in 2001, while the Second Generation came in 2006. The Second Generation S8s feature a Volkswagen D3 platform, have a 6 speed transmission and have a four wheel drive layout. The magazine reviews of the S8 have praised this model

The newest racing models include the Sport Quattro, R8 and the R10. The R10 is the trendiest racing car launched by Audi. It was presented to the audience in late 2005 and has won many races in 2006 such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of le Mans, followed by many other races in 2007. The car is diesel powered and had a TDI turbo diesel engine. The R10 has a more developed technology so as to make the car more suitable for a competition and to make it a sure winner. It surpasses the possibilities and of the R8, while the size of the engine is smaller. The aerodynamic style makes this racing car more up to date with the latest racing trends. And did you know that it is said that the R10 can reach the speed of 354 kilometers per hour?

The prototypes and concept cars from Audi encounter for the A7, the Allroad Quattro Concept, the Avantissimo, the Avus Quatro, the Le Mans Quattro, Nuvolari Quattro, Pikes Peak Quattro, Q3, Q5, the Roadjet, the RSQ, the Shooting Brake and last but not least the Audi R Zero. Audi has the ambition to surpass BMW and Mercedes Benz in terms of luxury and safety and hopes to achieve this by 2015.

Interested in Audi and other cars? Here’s some more info: Audi A8 wallpapers and photos Bentley Continental GT pictures Car picture gallery

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Michael Rad

>>What I Need To Know Before I Look For A Car?

What I Need To Know
Before I Look For A Car?

Things are better now for anyone who hasn't bought a car yet especially for most young people of today it is one of the joys of a lifetime to find a car of your choice and buy it. Teens tend to purchase an automobile around the age of 17 or 18 which is the best time to star driving, and living out there young lives. The trouble is they never had much expertise in this field because of the lack of understanding the gimmicks behind buying vehicles.

Do your parents teach you about the problems when you go out researching? Of course, but that's not always the case. When young people get older they get wiser and feel that they can do things on their own without fault. Most of the time it's not their fault. What you need to know is that many new and used car dealerships prey on young people who don't know a lot about acquiring an auto.

Remember, it's not only young people that are affected by bad decisions when purchasing a vehicle. Older people are victims of this nature also. Have all your paper work and possibly the bluebook for an auto purchase. Never leave home without it because it can determine how much is the exact amount on each vehicle that you come upon.

Sometimes dealerships may have cars that is a little overpriced which is not hard to see or understand do to the fact most of these vehicles are shipped directly to the dealer. When the dealer has the vehicle in his or possession then they randomly put a price on them. I don't care how much time you spend looking over the automobile, remember to ask tons questions before buying the car.

Hi, my name is Jermaine Pleas, I study products and services online and run my interior biz. Car Insurance Buy A Car Auto Purchase

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Jermaine Pleas

>>Ferrari Cars Overview

Ferrari Cars Overview

The Ferrari was founded in 1929 by Enzo Ferrari and first produced cars in 1947. Today, the parent company for Ferrari is Fiat. The Ferraris engines are famous for their engine displacement technology. The V6 and the V8 are built in total displacement, while the V12 used a displacement of one cylinder. Some of the latest Ferrari models include the Ferrari 550, the 575 M Maranello, 599 GTB Fiorano, the 612 Scaglietti,, the F355, the Ferrari 360, the F430, the Enzo Ferrari and the Ferrari FXX.

The 599 GTB Fiorano was started to be produced in 2007, and it is a Gran Turismo two seat berlinetta with a FR layout. The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a follower of the Ferrari 456 and it is a 2+2 coupe Gran Turismo. It was first launched in 2004 and is still being manufactured. Another car also launched in 2004 is the Ferrari F430. It is a sports car and it is available as a two seat Berlinetta and as a two seat Spider. The F430 has a MR layout and can be purchased with a 6 manual or semi automatic speed.

The Enzo Ferrari is a super car/ ultra car manufactured between 2002 and 2004 and was launched in the memory of the founder of the Ferrari company. The Enzo was manufactured in only 400 copies so it was a highly expensive item. It had a Berlinetta body style and a MR layout. The follower model of the Enzo Ferrari was the FXX, which is also a super car. The FXX was released in 2005, and is said to be an improved Enzo Ferrari with the same MR layout and Berlinetta body style. The FXX keeps many of the Enzo’s features but has also new cool features that are singular to the FXX. The car is highly expensive and it may be driven on special tracks only. The last FXX, the 30th was given to Michael Schumacher. A similar super car is the Maserati MC12 Corsa.

Ferrari si also responsilble for some concept models, which include among others the Ferrari P5, the Ferrari Pininfarina 512S Berlinetta Speciale, the Pininfarina Modulo, the Ferrari Mythos, the Ferrari GG50, the Ferrari P4/5 and the Ferrari Zagato 575 GTZ.

Interested in cars? Here’s some more info: Ferrari Testarossa wallpapers and photos All Car Parts Sitemap Ferrari 360 Modena wallpapers

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Michael Rad

>>Sell Your Car Online: Step 4, Writing a Compelling Description of Your Automobile

Sell Your Car Online: Step 4,
Writing a Compelling Description

of Your Automobile

Auto classifieds websites are some of the most powerful tools available today to help you sell your car or truck. In step 3 of this series, titled "Sell Your Car Online: Step 3, Using the Right Information to Help Sell Your Automobile", you learned what information you should display about your automobile in your classified ad.

The fourth step in placing an ad is writing a compelling description of your automobile. Most auto classified web sites have an information field labeled "Description" in which you can type a lengthy discourse about the car or truck you have for sale. You may think that this is not needed since you already have all the important information listed in the previous info fields. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

So, what do you type in the description field? First you should quickly restate the most important information, like the make, model, and year. Then list again a few of the best accessories and options that have the most appeal. Next comes the fun part.

You should write a descriptive paragraph that includes information about your vehicle that has not been previously listed. If your car or truck has a special feature, describe it. If it has a new component, like a new engine or transmission, list it. If the vehicle has a special quality that is not noticeable in any of the photos, write about it.

For example, if your vehicle is a classic sports car that has a specialty racing engine, list the specific engine enhancements. If the vehicle is a show truck with a high end sound system, describe how the radio sounds. If the vehicle is an expensive luxury car, describe how comfortable the driver's seat feels.

The objective of the description field is to paint a clear and unique picture of your car or truck that puts the buyer in the driver's seat. The buyer should feel, hear, and see everything that sets this vehicle apart from the rest. After reading your description, the buyer should not have any doubt that this is the right vehicle for him/her to purchase.

This is a great example of a properly written description:

"This 1996 Pontiac Firebird Formula is in great condition. It has alloy wheels, AC, power everything, and a 6-disc changer. The T-tops are a nice addition, especially in hot weather. Even though this Firebird is 10 years old, it looks like it belongs on the showroom floor. It has flawless red paint on the exterior and a super clean black interior. A brand new automatic transmission was installed only 12 months ago, which is still under warranty.

The best feature about this 1996 Pontiac Firebird Formula is the engine. It has a 5.7 Liter HO V8 that has been well maintained. It does 0-60 in a respectable 5.2 seconds and has a top speed just under 160 MPH. Accelerate and you can hear every one of the 305 horses coming through the exhaust. Any sports car enthusiast would enjoy getting behind the wheel of this one.

Don't miss this 1996 Pontiac Firebird Formula. It's a good deal on a great car. Call today."

Notice how the description flows. It's not just a simple list, but it is written in a conversational style with wording that plays on the emotions of the buyer. It is concluded with a call-to-action, "Call today."

Don't worry about the length of the description. Whether it is short or long is secondary to how enticing it is to the potential buyer. If the description is interesting enough to keep his/her attention, it could be 6 paragraphs and still be effective.

Remember this from step 3! There's no such thing as listing too much information about your vehicle, so type away and tell as much about your car as possible. The worst thing that can happen is that the potential buyer will spend more time viewing your listing and not viewing someone else's listing.

If done correctly, writing a powerful description of your automobile can transform the viewer of your classified ad from a browser to a buyer. Look for the final installment in this series titled "Sell Your Car Online: Step 5, Making Search Engines Love Your Classified Ad." Happy selling.

Derrick Walker is founder of http://www.vinclassifieds.com , an auto classifieds website. VINclassifieds.com displays cars for sale by individuals and car dealers. Sell your car at http://www.vinclassifieds.com/sell_my_car.htm .

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Derrick Walker

>>Sell Your Car Online: Step 3, Using the Right Information to Help Sell Your Automobile

Sell Your Car Online: Step 3,
Using the Right Information to
Help Sell Your Automobile

Posting your automobile for sale online is a great way to attract potential buyers. In step 2 of this series, titled "Sell Your Car Online: Step 2, Using Pictures of Your Automobile Correctly", you learned how to select the right pictures of your vehicle for display in the classified ad.

The third step in placing an ad is selecting what information you want to use in your listing. Most auto classified web sites have information fields that are either checkboxes or blank textboxes for short answers. Here's the danger. If you don't give enough information, you may lose potential buyers. They may think that the missing information is an attempt to hide what's wrong with your car or truck. The solution is to answer ALL information fields that are applicable to your vehicle.

So, what type of information do you display with your listing? The most important information that must be included in your listing is: make, model, year, mileage, engine type, and transmission type. When searching for a car or truck to buy, especially a used car or truck, this is the information that the potential buyer must know before taking the next step, contacting the seller. This information will determine whether the buyer is even interested in the vehicle to begin with.

Secondary information which should be included in your listing is: body style, drive train, and VIN number. You should always include the body style (2dr, 4dr, SUV, truck, etc.) and drive train (FWD, RWD, 4WD, etc.) in your listings. It is a great idea to also include the VIN number. A growing percentage of buyers and dealers are using CarFax.com to gain information about vehicles. If the buyer is serious about purchasing your car, he/she can research the VIN number through CarFax.com without the added inconvenience of calling you first.

Next in the line of important information are the accessories or options your vehicle has. This is the information that can separate your vehicle from the rest of the pack. List all the options your vehicle has. Whether it has power windows, CD player, ABS brakes, DVD player, or a power sun roof, the buyer needs to know the accessories or options on your vehicle. List them all. Even if the classified ad system you use doesn't list the accessories in a selectable list, include them in the description field.

You must not forget to include your contact information. List your address as well as your phone number. If the buyer is interested in your vehicle, he/she could call or drop by for a test drive if close enough.

As a summary, you should include the following in your classified ad (listed in order of importance): - Contact address and phone number - Make - Model - Year - Mileage - Engine type - Transmission type - Body style - Drive train - VIN number - Accessories or options

There's no such thing as listing too much information about your vehicle, so type away and tell as much about your car or truck as possible. The worst thing that can happen is that the potential buyer will spend more time viewing your listing and less time viewing someone else's listing. Isn't that what you want?

Choosing the right information for your classified ad can set your automobile apart from the rest of the pack, at least in the buyer's mind. Look for the next installment titled "Sell Your Car Online: Step 4, Writing a Compelling Description of Your Automobile." Happy selling.

Derrick Walker is founder of http://www.vinclassifieds.com , an auto classifieds website. VINclassifieds.com displays cars for sale by individuals and car dealers. Sell your car at http://www.vinclassifieds.com/sell_my_car.htm .

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By: Derrick Walke