alfa romeo spider

alfa romeo spider

alfa romeo spider

alfa romeo spider

alfa romeo spider

alfa romeo spider

alfa romeo spider

alfa romeo spider

alfa romeo spider

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The Acura MDX

Imagine an SUV that knows your driving habits for better or for worse. One that is intelligent enough to respond to the road no matter where you are. A vehicle that combines handling, performance and safety - making it ideal for families looking for a little adventure. The creators behind Acura have let their imaginations soar. The result? The Acura MDX.

The Acura MDX offers Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), a technologically advanced system which gives drivers an added sense of confidence on the road. This all-wheel drive helps drivers establish more traction on less than ideal roads and helps to balance when cornering. So what can you expect from the Acura's MDX SH-AWD system? During straight-line acceleration, the system directs up to 50% of the torque to the rear wheels giving extra gusto when you need it. During a moderate corner, the rear wheels help generate power and the electronic sensors included in the Acura MDX SH-AWD system monitor the speed and tightness of the corner. Accelerating during a corner is also done with ease with this all-wheel drive system.

The Acura MDX offers top-notch safety features to help protect anyone who takes a ride. This Acura vehicle is equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) which balances braking power at each wheel to balance the weight of passengers in the cabin. Drivers can also feel secure in the event of sudden stops with the Brake Assist feature that senses a panic stop and distributes maximum braking capacity. The Acura MDX also comes with two monitoring systems that look after you when you're on the road.

The Maintenance Minder System evaluates your driving habits and determines when you need to take the car in to get serviced. Traffic situations, frequent short trips, engine changes, stop-and-go traffic are all factors that the system uses to calculate. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors the air pressure in all tires and notifies you when a tire needs more air.

Acura on Brant carries a large selection of Acura vehicles and used Acura vehicles. No matter you're budget, you can rely on finance options for Acura On Brant's used Acura vehicles and new Acura vehicles including the Acura MDX.

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The Toyota Etios

The largest car maker of 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation, has too joined the bandwagon to develop small cars.

Toyota's Indian arm Toyota Kirloskar Motors had showcased its concept small car Etios at the 2010 Delhi Auto Expo. The word 'Etios' is derived from the Greek word 'Ethos' meaning 'original essence'. The name aptly suits the concept because as it is indeed a revisit of Toyota's car making ethos with the new upcoming car. The Etios is created for the A2 Plus segment for the markets in India as well as for Russia and South America.

Toyota took more than two years to study the Indian driver and the country's roads before developing its small car. The Etios Concept is built by Japanese engineers with inputs from the domestic market. Toyota has been in India for about a decade and has made a niche for itself. And yet, there's one segment that has eluded it for the longest period - the B-segment affordable hatchback."Now the car giant is ready to venture in the small car segment and entry-level sedan segment.

Toyota has revealed that bringing in a small car and an entry-level sedan to India is very crucial at this point of time as the car maker is bidding for a bigger share in the domestic market. Toyota was also invited by Late Sanjay Gandhi to look into his "people's car" project. Ironically, just like Honda and Nissan, Toyota too was apathetic to the "people's car" project. And now, after thirty years, this Japanese car behemoth just like Honda and Nissan are reconsidering to foray into the small car segment of India. Honda had previewed its New Small Concept and Nissan is working on the Micra for India.

Coming to the design of the car, the interiors use harder moulded plastics and the dials are centrally mounted. There is sufficient space for storage and the single-piece seats with integrated headrests utter that Toyota is careful about the keeping the pricing at a competitive level. Toyota also saves cost by the use of a single wiper blade and air-conditioning knob which is borrowed from the Innova.

The tail lamps on both the hatchback and sedan do not intrude on boot space, while the body panels help keep costs lower. But, at the same time, Toyota also endows both the cars with chrome highlights on the grille, side-strips and wheels to ensure that these cars do not give up on the premium feel. Toyota will focus on heavy localisation levels to keep costs competitive.

Power for the two cars will come from two very different engines. The hatchback will be equipped with a 1.2-litre petrol engine that will derive a power of around 70 bhp and will be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The sedan, on the other hand, will be driven a 1.5-litre petrol engine with over 100 bhp.

The two cars will be rolling out of Toyota's new plant that has a capacity of over 100,000 cars a year. The Etios sedan will roll out by October 2010 and the Etios compact car is expected in January 2011.

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Range Rover With Land Rover Accessories?

The weather in the United Kingdom just lately has been absolutely horrendous with temperatures dropping as low as minus twenty in certain areas. Because of this there has actually been a need for 4x4 vehicles like the Land Rover Range Rover.

People who own these large lumbering 4x4 vehicles have long been accused by environmentalist that there is little to no need for these excessively big automobiles. But try explaining that to the people who got stuck on the M62 at the beginning of January. The Range Rover has been the king of the off road vehicles for a long time and with good reason. The car has everything that you would need to survive in difficult and trying conditions and the new version for 2010 has a host of Land Rover accessories to make owning one even more appealing.

One of the key Land Rover accessories that you can buy for your new vehicle in 2010 is the side steps, yes that's right it doesn't come as standard. If you want to have a little step that you can step up on to it will cost you extra. Likewise if you want to update the standard wheels on your Range Rover then you will have to splash out some more cash on one of the many Land Rover accessories.

If you want to use the car for something practical like towing or carrying then you will need to get the extra Range Rover carry package install on your vehicle available through the Land Rover accessories available for 2010. This is often the part of purchasing a new car that frustrates and angers most clients. It is almost like your car is a Ryanair ticket. You start out with a set price and then slowly but surely increase the budget with each of the Land Rover accessories that you add on to your prized possession.

One more thing you might want to purchase out of the Land Rover accessories package is the Lamp guards, it should help to keep some of the smaller stones away from chipping the lights. However, when you have added all those accessories onto your vehicle you are looking at a sizeable investment. Then Gordon Brown will come along and charge you an extortionate amount of money for car tax and you might be starting to look at reasons to justify why you need this monster of a vehicle. Well if that thought does pop into your head, consider what type of driving you do and make an educated decision, but if you end up buying a Citroen Saxo and get stuck on a Motorway in the next snow shower, don't blame me.

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1959 Silver Wraith Rolls With Celebrity History

Interested in a vintage Rolls with a history of celebrity passengers? This car has been meticulously restored to its original beauty by Debi and Dick Danner, of Tiverton, RI. The car is being sold within the next few months, and more importantly 50% of the proceeds will be going to charity - helping others in food banks, shelters, soup kitchens, as well as for literacy, music, arts, and theater in the schools.

This celebrity Rolls was custom built for its owner, Roosevelt Zanders, and took almost two years to complete. Mr. Zanders was a pioneering African-American owner of a highly successful New York City limousine service. He was also listed in "Who's Who in Multicultural Achievers" and his life history is taught in some schools because of his outstanding achievements. The coachbuilder of the Silver Wraith was James Young. 1959 was the last year that this model of the Silver Wraith was produced.

Mr. Zanders was a personal and trusted chauffeur to the average person, as well as to the rich and famous. As a chauffeur, he treated all of the passengers he served equally, regardless of their economic or social status. The famous passengers include Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, Richard Nixon, John F. Kennedy, Fidel Castro, Eleanor Roosevelt, Aristotle Onassis, John Wayne, Lana Turner, Clark Gable, Nat King Cole, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

In 1959, author Gay Talese wrote about Roosevelt Zanders and his Rolls in an article in the New York Times, and later featured him and his car in a book about intriguing people of New York City. The October 1963 issue of Ebony magazine featured Mr Zanders with his car in a New York Life Insurance ad. In later years, the car appeared in Billy Joel's Uptown Girl music video.

In 1989, the Silver Wraith Rolls left Manhattan and came to Rhode Island to be a part of the Danner limousine service called Going in Style. During that time, the car appeared in Newport, RI in the 1994 movie, True Lies, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. Going in Style incorporated a program called "Angel Wheels," which involved giving a portion of the fees from the limousine service to help less fortunate in the local communities. The restoration of this Rolls was a labor of love, and the Danners are hopeful that it's upcoming sale will continue to help others.

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The 2010 GMC Yukon

The Yukon is a large affordable SUV, which is produced and sold by General Motors. The Yukon is very similar to the Chevrolet Tahoe, which is also sold and manufactured by General Motors.

The full size SUV comes with various trim levels and a few different engine options. The first option for the Yukon, which comes standard with the SLE and SLT trims, is a 4.8 liter eight cylinder engine. This choice gets about 295 horsepower and 305 pound feet of torque. It is widely perceived that the smallest engine option is not sufficient for many drivers.

The next available engine, which comes standard with the 2010 XL, is a 5.3 liter eight cylinder. The Vortec 5300 V8 engine produces 320 horsepower and 340 pound feet of torque.

The last option for the 2010 series is a 6.2 liter eight cylinder engine. This Vortec 6200 V8 engine comes standard in the 2010 Denali and produces 403 horsepower and 417 pound feet of torque.

To help with fuel efficiency, General Motors installed an Active Fuel Management system which shuts off four of the eight engine cylinders when they are not needed (such as when the driver is cruising or idling). This has helped with fuel efficiency as the base model can now get 22 miles per gallon on the highway, compared to last year's model which got only 19.

The SLE and SLT trim levels come standard with two wheel drive, but can be upgraded to all wheel drive. The XL and Yukon trim levels come standard with all wheel drive. Another improvement over previous year's models is the introduction of a six speed automatic transmission. This transmission is an upgrade over last year's four speed transmission.

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The 1970 Dodge Charger

The 1970 Dodge Charger is remembered by some as the last year of the second generation charger but most remember it as the car that Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) raced at the end of The Fast and The Furious.

Even when the Charger first came out in 1970, there were some changes to it that differed from its previous models. The charger increased in size by one inch. Some of the changes included a large wrap around chrome bumper and grill that was not split down the middle. There were new rear facing scoops with the R/T logo that were mounted on the front doors, door scallops. Other new accessories are Hemi hood cutout, electric headlight doors and actual lights that replace side markers. The biggest change for the dodge was the new engine. It was a very extreme setup with the four hundred and forty Six Pack. The four hundred and forty Six Pack has two three barrel carburetors with three hundred and ninety horse power. Also single carter four- barrel carb was used on these models. There was a two hundred and sixty eight degree intake duration and two hundred and eighty four degree exhaust duration; also the cam timing was identical to the Hemi.

The federally mandated ignition switch buzzer that reminds drivers not to leave their keys in the car was first placed in the 1970 Charger. The interior came with many changes as well. There were high back bucket seats and the door panels were revised. Map pockets were made optional and the ignition was repositioned in the steering column instead of in the dash.

The 1970 dodge charger first came out in many different high impact colors and they were names given with each color. Some of the nick names for the brightly colored dodge were Top Banana, Plum Crazy, Panther Pink, Statutory Grape, Go Mango, Sublime, and Burnt Orange.

There were many different performance options you could choose when getting the Charger in 1970. The options include three hundred and eighty three (two and four barrel) engines; the four hundred and forty six pack R/T only, the four hundred and twenty six hemi again with R/T only; with two four barrel carbs. The buyer could choose automatic or four speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter.

The 1970 Dodge charger has been the favorite car to wreck in Hollywood movies for the last forty years. To film The Fast and The Furious movies there had to be six Chargers built. 1970 Dodge Chargers have become very rare and expensive so it was costly having to rebuild the chargers through all four movies and now there are only three that have lasted and were placed in storage.

The engines consisted of Supercharged Chrysler four hundred and twenty six Hemi V-8 with a BDS Blower Intake, BDS Electronic Fuel Injection, and BDS 9-71 Roots style blower. The wheels were Coy's C-5 with 18 by 8.0 inches for front wheels and 18 by 9.5 inches for rear wheels. The tires were Continental Sport Contact with the Front size being 225/ 45R18 and the rear size 285/ 50R18. Famous Buddy Baker and the 1970 Dodge Charger made history by clocking faster than two hundred miles per hour for a lap on a closed course at the Talladega Speedway.

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The Ford X-Plan?

The Ford X-Plan is a new vehicle purchase program that is also known as the Partner Recognition Program. Ford Motor Company offers this discount program to their employees, retirees, spouses and other household members of selected Tier 1 suppliers, business partners, fleet partners and special organizations having a certain relationship with the Ford Motor Company. In order to prove you are a member of the household, you must bring your driver's license with the same address as the plan recipient. This program is offered by invitation only.

An eligible employee or retiree can create up to two PINs a year. A PIN is a unique number that is required for the purchase of a vehicle under the X-Plan. The employee or retiree generates the PIN for either themselves or the qualifying family member who is looking to purchase a vehicle. You need to bring this PIN number with you to a Ford dealership to secure the X-Plan discount.

Once you have your PIN number, you must bring it with you to the dealership. When you are approached by a salesperson, it is important that you immediately establish yourself as an X-Plan eligible customer. You are only given two PINs a year, so it is crucial that if you decide not to buy a car at that dealership, they cancel the transaction so your PIN is still valid. So, if you are looking for new cars Weatherford, but decide to purchase a from a car dealership fort worth, make sure you have your PIN transaction canceled or you will be unable to make the purchase in the second location.

Not every car qualifies for the Partner Recognition Program. Before you head over to a dealership though, you can look online to find out which cars are available and which cars are not. It is also important to note that not all dealerships are required to participate. All are invited to partake in offering this plan, but again, they are not required to do so.

Only the vehicle is covered by the plan. Any dealer installed options conversion packages, extended warranties, accessories, etc., are not covered by the Plan and must be agreed upon between you and the dealer. Keep this in mind before choosing the car because you will not receive a discount on any add-ons.

When buying the car, the purchaser is eligible for most other public incentives. Some offers are not compatible with this offer. You will rarely see a lower price than what is offered with the X-Plan unless you see a dealership trying very hard to get traffic or move older inventory. It is okay to ask to see the paperwork on the actual X-Plan pricing to confirm the dealership is giving you the full discount.

As of right now, there is no expiration date for this plan, however Ford Motor Company notes that they reserve the right to modify the program, remove eligibility, or cancel the program at any time.

For those eligible for the Ford X-Plan discount, this is a fantastic program that you can benefit from. Make sure you know the rules and go prepared when you want to purchase your new car with the Partner Recognition Program.

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The Best Car Audio

If you are going to buy the stereos, you are either taking the right o the wrong step. Well, there are thousands of shops in this country where you will get the car audio. But, all of them are not of same quality and same price. So, you must know a good deal about purchasing car audio to ensure that you are not deceived by the stores. In this regard, you must keep certain factors in mind.

The first thing to consider before purchasing the car stereos is what is the purpose of the car and who will use the car. This will greatly affect the type of audio system that you are going to buy. For example, if you are looking for a stereo system for the family car, you would love to ensure that they don't have very loud speaker. However, things would be quite different if your teenage son is about to use it.

After that, you must take a look at the legal stance regarding the installation of the car audio inside the car. There are some states in US that ban the FM transmitters inside the car. After ensuring that your car is tallying with the legal stance, you have to consider what type of medium you want inside the car. Are you going to listen to the radio only and if that is allowed, you should check out that all the bandwidths are available in it. Also, you have to check out the sound output of the audio you are going to use in the car. In fact, this is very important factor. If the output is not right, even the best quality music can be ruined.

Another very important factor to consider is of course the functionality. At the same time, you have to have a look at the audio system and check out the appearance of the system. In fact, you must consider the aesthetic value of the product and also, ensure that the system fits completely perfectly in your car. As far as the look is concerned, you must ensure that it is complementing the style inside the car. For example, if your car is a luxurious one, you must ensure that the audio system is designed accordingly.

Then, you have to consider the type of speaker that the audio needs to function properly. In fact, the speakers are very important since this is the place through which the sound will come out. So, you must ensure that you are saving money for it. Finally, the design of the car is very important for the proper functioning of the car audio. So, you must check out all the accessories and see whether they are complying with the car.

About the Author

However, Car Stereos 4u is the best place if you are going to buy the best car audio. They have dedicated stores with professionals that will help you in any aspect of the car stereos or car alarms and related aspect. They have a wide range of stock so that you can always pick up the right product.

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The Tango Electric Car

There is a new electric car being displayed at the Detroit Car Show 2010. It is the Tango Electric Car made by a company out of Washington called "Commuter Cars". While there seems to be a flood of new electric cars, this one is definitely different. It is a 2 seater car with the seats behind each other and not next to each other. Think Honda Goldwing Motorcycle size when thinking about the Tango.

The next surprising thing is the performance of this car. It comes with 2 electric engines and can go faster than 130 mp/h easily. At least that is what the manufacturer is telling about the Tango. This electric vehicle weighs in at about 1 ton and according to Rick Woodbury, the designer of the car, it has better road maneuvering than a regular sports car.

And since the Tango car is so small and thin, can you imagine how many of those you can fit into a standard 2-car garage? This car is approx. as long as my current pickup truck (Ford F-150) is wide. Christmas at the mall would be interesting because it should be easy to find a parking spot for this vehicle. However, I am not sure how you would transport any Christmas presents as this car does not have any real storage areas.

Do not get too excited, this car is hard to get. For one there is the big ticket price tag of roughly $150,000. And second it takes about 1 month to have one of those electric cars build. But if you manage to a) have enough money to buy one and b) the patience to wait for it to be build, at least then you would drive the same car as George Clooney. I guess ever since George Clooney was seen driving a Toyota Prius, he got a first shot at every other electric vehicle. Rumors have it that he also owns one of the few Tesla Roadster's. The Tesla Roadster is a 100% electric sports car and one of the most visible projects in this field.

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Luxury Cars With Convertible Tops?

For years, a convertible roof was a feature only offered with sports cars or muscle cars. Ford Mustangs, Chevy Camaros, and other similar vehicles would always come with a convertible option, giving their drivers a unique top down, wind in the hair experience. These convertibles offered a feeling of freedom that most drivers could only envy. However, for those drivers who preferred luxury automobiles, there were other restrictions to worry about. Most luxury vehicles were designed to offer a smooth, comfortable driving experience, not a fast, sporty one. With the exception of Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, which always had a focus on combining speed with high end amenities, other luxury automotive companies couldn't provide a similar exhilarating driving experience. When the manufacturer saw a demand for a car that combined sportiness and classic luxury, a new option arose: the luxury convertible car.

This car changed the expectations that customers had for their high-end vehicles. Auto makers such as BMW and Audi were now able to offer a sportier car, with a convertible top, that didn't only focus on the driver. High-end sports cars are two seat speedsters, and are designed solely with the driver in mind. For example, a Porsche 911 turbo is clearly not meant to be a passenger car, while the BMW 3 series could provide the speed, convertible top, and 5-passenger comfort. This new breed of convertible, coupled with increased horse power, would give the owner a full sports car driving experience without the limited cabin space. Because these cars don't skimp on the amenities either, they are still viewed as complete luxury vehicles.

With the burgeoning success of these crossover vehicles, companies like BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Audi felt that they could earned the clout to offer a full on sports car to the market as well. Convertibles like the BMW Z4, Mercedes CLK200, and Audi TT would give these companies the chance to ride out the sports car wave that they started with their transitional luxury sports cars. Buyers now had options to choose from, regardless of what manufacturer they preferred, or the price tag they were looking for. Now there will always be the option of a high end luxury vehicle that boasts a convertible top and increased horsepower and a traditional convertible sports car that offers all the speed and agility of their Porsche counterparts.

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The Cadillac Escalade ESV

Apart from the original Cadillac Escalade, the Escalade ESV broadens appeal to customers by offering maximum passenger room and cargo space. The ESV offers three rows of seating and accommodates up to eight people. It also offers an optional power fold and flip function for the second row seats for accommodation of large cargo. With this impeccable seating capability, the ESV is increasingly popular with family buyers.

Along with abundant amount of space, this SUV's appeal also lies in its intrepid attitude and luxurious interior. The interior comes with stitched leather upholstery, faux wood trim, and many standard features including: tri-zone automatic climate control, 14-way power/heated front seats, a touch screen navigation system with a rearview camera, a Bose 5.1 surround sound audio system with ten speakers, and an in-dash CD/DVD changer. The cabin is suitable and upscale with all its technology, but continues to remain user friendly and simple.

To further convey the feel of luxury, the ESV comes with a variety of optional features. Options include: 22-inch chrome wheels, sunroof, multilevel cooling for the front seats, and a heated power-tilting steering wheel. The ESV does not come with the option of fold flat third row seats like the original, but the seats are removable. When removed, the ESV provides 90 cubic ft. of cargo space and with the fold and flip second row compacted, maximum capacity is 137 cubic ft. With all the seats in place, there is still 46 cubic ft. available in this extended length Escalade.

Engine wise, the Cadillac Escalade ESV is propelled by the same 6.2L V-8 engine in the standard Escalade. It has about 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque and a standard six speed automatic transmission that transfers power to a rear or all wheel drive system. The ESV is only available in one trim level. Pricing for a new 2010 Cadillac Escalade comes in at a hefty $65,000. But used models can be had for $20k less.

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A Surprisingly Big Vehicle Ford S-Max

On first glance you may be utterly convinced that the new Ford S-Max is another hatchback released from Ford's reliable and well respected (if not entirely glamorous) stable. You may then be shocked to realise that the Ford S-Max is actually a fully function Multi Person Vehicle. This nugget of information may well lead you to either call me a liar, or question the very nature of physics, crying out; "How can what looks like a compact hatchback be a good MPV?!"

The answer is all in the dimensions.

The S-Max fits into the Ford range nicely in terms of size, ideal for those amongst us who need a 7-seater MPV, but by the same token, don't want to sacrifice all performance and handling as a result. In this respect, the S-Max really excels ahead of other MPVs.

The unveiling of the first official pictures of the new Ford S-Max to be released have caused a considerable amount of excitement for a car of this genre. Normally MPVs are greeted with a vaguely approving nod or at worst, a shrug of the shoulders. However, the new model has adhered nicely to the Ford 'kinetic' design aesthetic and the results are frankly astounding.

For the first time in automotive history, Ford have created an MPV that looks as sleek and stylish as any number of hot hatches or sporty saloons. I predict that the new Ford S-Max will be a hit on the forecourts due to its uncanny amalgamation of both interior space, sheer practicality and sporty style.

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The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

For people who want a quality car without sacrificing on comfort, economy, and environment; the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid will meet or exceed their expectations. By combining electric power with gas power, the hybrid car is able to deliver better gas mileage and save the owner from having to empty their bank account just to full the gas tank.

Just because you want an economy car doesn't mean that you don't deserve to have a comfortable ride. The economy minded person should not have to surrender comfort, the Honda Civic hybrid has CD/CDR/CDRW/MP3 audio system, giving the choice of how you want your music served. It even comes with a USB interface if you would prefer that method to dish up your tunes. To keep you from getting lost or having to take the long way around and wasting gas, the Honda Civic Hybrid offers satellite navigation equipped with voice recognition and hands free Bluetooth to help you be a safer driver.

If you like leather, and who doesn't, you can add leather trim to your hybrid's interior and a wrapped steering wheel to provide a slip proof grip. With the leather option comes other features. To keep you warm on long chilly drives the Honda Civic Hybrid has heated seats in the front and heated side mirrors to ensure that you can see.

This sleek, sporty hybrid comes with standard features, such as, fuel injection, front wheel drive, seat belt safety features including 3 point tension system for all passengers, airbags, anti-locking brakes, and much more. It also has the new drive-by wire technology that helps provide better handling. To get better fuel efficiency and still provide acceleration when need, the Honda Civic Hybrid uses continuously variable transmission in place of the traditional transmissions.

The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid has one of the best safety ratings on the market. This is because of the advanced compatibility engineering that is put into Honda's cars. Honda has tested and refined a body structure that improves the safety of the occupants in a front end collisions. It also has daytime running lights to enhance visibility. It helps protect the drive and front passenger in rear end collisions by having the head rest move forward and up to help prevent neck injury.

More of the safety features include airbags for both the front seats, with side curtain airbags to protect in the case of being hit on the side. Honda Civic Hybrid provides the extra security of special anchors for the car seats and booster seats that are required by law for children.

For people who live in California or other states that are requiring zero emission status. The Honda Civic Hybrid meets the standards set by the California Air Resources Board. These standards include a fifteen year warranty on the Honda Civics Hybrid emissions equipment.

Even though the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid runs partly on electricity, you will never need to pull over to plug in your car. The Hybrid recharges its batteries by using regenerative braking and recharges while cruising as well.

The Honda 2009 Civic Hybrid is not for everyone. The Honda Civic Hybrid is only for the type of people who want it all. Comfort, to lower their carbon footprint and a car that is gentle on the pocket book. With a MSRP of under 30,000 and getting 40 miles to the gallon in the city and 45 miles to the gallon on the highway delivers savings with style, grace and safety.

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Muscle Cars Today and Yesterday

A new breed of Pony

When Ford introduced the 1965 Mustang, they not only created a new car, but started a craze. Before the introduction of the iconic Ford Mustang, the Big Three's stylists' idea of a powerful factory car, was a vehicle that in many ways, resembled a large metal boat with fins and then stuffed in, the biggest motor they made.

The Mustang changed all this. Lee Iacocca, at the time, Vice President of Ford had a vision of the future for a new sports car that seated 4 people, had bucket seats, a floor mounted shifter, and weighed less than 2,500 lbs.

Nicely styled, light and quick and priced at only $2,368 f.o.b. Detroit, the car was an instant hit. In fact, 22,000 of these little pony cars flew out of showroom doors the very first day. Not only did the buying public sit up and take notice, so did the competition and it didn't take long for a swarm of other cars to compete against these soon to be called "pony cars".

It also didn't take long for the marketing people to try to outsell the other guys products, by boosting performance. And that was the start of the factory Muscle cars and the Muscle car wars.

The 60's and early 70's were heady days for muscle cars, with cheap gas and money burning a hole in people's pockets. Then came the Arab oil embargo and gas rationing. All of a sudden gas prices increased outrageously. That was, if you could find any gas at all.

Hard to find, and expensive gas as well as new pollution and emissions controls, made quick work of the factory muscle car until the late 1980's, when gas prices fell and manufacturers finally had a handle on making a clean engine that could perform respectably. Interest really never waned, but what was there to buy that was as good or as cool to look at as those 1970's muscle cars?

Chrysler has to be credited with dusting off some of those dreams of yesteryear, with its Prowler and other show car turned production machines. But the factory Muscle car war really started back in earnest with a beautiful retro-styled coupe with 300 horsepower, that Ford called the new 2005 Mustang. And new dreams were being made.

Since then, we've seen the new Dodge Challenger, the new Camaro and of course the new Hemi. Even with a poor economy, the Ford Mustang has brought the factory muscle car to a feeding frenzy, and horsepower wars have started all over again. But although these new muscle cars, have a family resemblance that at once makes them familiar, they are in no way just automotive portraits of a different era.

The first Mustang V8 made a very respectable 210 horsepower and in a 2,500 pound car, that meant a lot of get up and go! Today, however, a 300 horsepower car is a V6 powered car while today's V8 muscle car may now boast 400 to 500 horsepower.

And the biggest turn of events? Factory Muscle cars turn just as well as they perform in a straight line. Not only that, they are fuel efficient, much easier on the environment and safer. And with that, I have only one more thing to say, "Make mine a six speed!"

Shawn Low is a regular contributor to http://www.onlymustangfords.com a Ford Mustang enthusiast site featuring information on all model years as well as specs, performance parts information and evaluation, technical articles, Mustang pictures, ongoing restoration projects and lots of how-to information.

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Dodge Viper History

The history of Dodge Viper goes way back to 1988 when a casual discussion between Robert A. Lutz, Chrysler President, and Tom Gale, the chief of design, too place. Lutz had the idea of trying to bring out a newer version of the Cobra.

Lutz wanted to bring out a sports car that was equipped with a modern engine, a new type of transmission, a great suspension designed that was supported by a computer and high quality tires. Although this new sports car would have all the benefits of modern technology, it was not going to be a car with high end gadgets or other high tech fittings. The car was meant to have a rear wheel drive with a lot of power.

The pair then thought of using the design that Chrysler's Pacifica design studio was mulling on. The studio was trying to figure out how to get a V8 engine into a convertible sports car. Then in 1985, Chrysler hit on a design that they thought was good and named it Izod.

However, it was Francois Castaing, who proved pivotal in the making of the Viper. Castaing was head of the Jeep and Truck Engineering Division in Chrysler. He was working on how put a V10 engine into a vehicle and then sell it to the consumers. It is then Lutz, Gale and Castaing hit on the idea of making a 1990s version of the Cobra.

So, Lutz along with Carroll Shelby sat down and conceptualized a car and that is how the Viper as we know it today was born.

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The Dodge Ram

Although it is better known for its HEMI engine, the Dodge Ram performance is something that should not be overlooked. The Ram is easy to handle, but a lot of attention gets diverted from it performance because it its state-of-the-art air bag suspension system. On the other hand, it is this same suspension system that also helps to make the handling easier.

The latest model of the Ram is available in three engine types, namely the V6, V8 and the HEMI. The 3.7L V8 engine offers a210 horsepower and around 235 pound feet of torque. The V8 engine is 4.7 liters and offers 310 horsepower performance with 330 pound feet of torque. The HEMI is 5.7 liters giving 390 horsepower and has a torque of 407 pound feet.

The HEMI has a system to stop four cylinders in the engine from working when they are not needed. This helps to improve fuel efficiency to a certain extent. The HEMI 5.7 liter engine gives around 14 miles per gallon on the city roads and 20 miles per gallon on the highways provided you use the two-wheel drive. This mileage is the same as what you would get from V8 engine.

The V6 engine comes with 4-speed automatic transmission, while the V8 comes with 5-speed automatic transmission. If the Dodge Ram has 6-speed transmission, it would increase the vehicle's fuel efficiency as well towing capabilities.

When it comes to towing capabilities and payload, the latest model of Dodge Ram can tow around 10,450 pounds and haul a maximum of 1,910 pounds without affecting it performance whatsoever.

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Move Over 2 Door Porsche

The Porsche Automobile Company is perhaps best known for its flagship car the 911. It is a two door luxury sports car and one of the most sought after luxury cars in the world. The company has built its brand on two door luxury sports cars so when it brought the four door luxury SUV Cayenne to market it stunned the industry.

Porsche has in recent years been diversifying it's line up of cars to remain competitive in the increasing luxury car market. To that end it has introduced the 2010 Porsche Panamera; it's first four door, four seater luxury sedan. The first difference between the new four door Panamera and the average two door model is that the Panamera is a front engine loaded sports vehicle, while the vast majority of two door models are rear engined. This is a huge difference and puts the Panamera in direct competition with other luxury cars in this class like the Mercedes CLS.

The four door Porsche is also of course much longer than the two door model at 195.7 inches to accommodate the extra two doors and backseats. It is even longer than the Cayenne SUV by 6.9 inches but will not be mistaken for anything but a sports car because of it's low standing profile at only 55.8 inches. The four door Panamera may be a luxury sedan but it definitely has the power of a two door sports car. The average engine size will be a 400 horsepower 4.8 liter V8. The new four door Panamera will be a great option for consumers in the market for a powerful luxury sedan.

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The New Coupe Ford Mondeo

When the brand new Ford Mondeo Coupe was first brought to my attention, I literally couldn't believe what I was seeing with my own two eyes. The first impression that springs to mind is the startling resemblance that the new Mondeo coupe bears to the current Mercedes CLS model. So, if you could get CLS looks for half the price, wouldn't you consider buying one?

With this latest model, Ford seem to have taken their 'kinetic design' aesthetic to the next level; managing to somehow make the new member of the Mondeo family looks sleeker, sportier and downright sexier than any of its forebears. It stands to reason that Ford would up their game with this latest model, as new competition from the Volkswagen and Vauxhall stables in recent years as upped the ante.

The Passat and the Insignia respectively have made dents in the Mondeo's popularity with the driving public, by using the Mondeo as a template and working around particular niches such as technology, or interior space to try and grab a foothold on the Blue Oval's domination. However, the new Coupe version looks set to blow them out of the water.

Although an official release date is yet to be confirmed, many reports suggest that we can expect the New Ford Mondeo Coupe's arrival in 2011, which is sure to be narrowed down as time develops. One thing is for sure though, if any new derivation of the trusty Mondeo design was likely to increase the popularity of the brand, this new coupe model is sure to be the one to do it.

Pete J Ridgard is a writer and a car enthusiast. He currently writes for the automotive industry. Here he discusses the new Ford Mondeo coupe model due in 2011.

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Top 10 List for Best Cars this 2010

The top 10 list of Best Cars this 2010

1. Jaguar XF/XFR
2. Audi S4
3. Chevrolet Camaro
4. BMW 335d
5. Dodge Ram 1500
6. Ford Flex
7. BMW Z4
8. Ford Fusion Hybrid
9. Mazda 3
10. Porsche Boxster/Cayman

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Inspiring a Whole New Generation of Acura Drivers

Wanting to buy Acura vehicles? Why not check out the Acura TSX. The Acura TSX performs as agile as an acrobat thanks to its light-weight, all aluminum i-VTEC engine and race-inspired engineering. The Acura TSX's intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) gives drivers over 201 horsepower, 172lb.of torque and a dual-cam that regulates profiles, valve lifts and opening durations. This unique system provides maximum engine response and fuel efficiency with the feeling of driving a race car.

You'll notice the Acura TSX's precise handling and smooth ride when you take it out for that first spin. The Acura TSX has 4-wheel independent suspension that is track-tuned, minimizing the risk of vehicle lift, drive and body roll. Whether you're driving along a quiet country road or driving up speed on a city highway, the Acura TSX offers agility and responsiveness you can trust.

Car safety is always high on Acura's list of driver requirements. That's what the Acura TSX includes six air bags that are strategically placed to protect the driver and all passengers inside the vehicle. If a crash occurs, these air bags will deploy at two rates depending on the severity and location of the collision. The Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) ensures the airbags will not release if there is a small-sized or incorrectly positioned individual. The TSX was rated the Top Safety Pick of 2009 by IIHS.

With the Acura TSX, drivers can enjoy an exhilarating ride, complete with the technological intelligence to make it safe and comfortable. With superior performance, state-of-the-art technology, stylish features and award winning safety - it's no wonder why so many drivers buy Acura vehicles. Visit Acura On Brant to buy Acura vehicles (new and used) including the Acura TSX.

About the Author

Tod Martin is an contributed author to this website, writing articles on acura and acura MDX. He has codified lots of articles on acura cars, acura csx, acura integra and acura service. For more info visit the website.

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Old Car Magazines

Every car enthusiast at some point or another has bought themselves a car magazine. In the same way that record collectors and music lovers buy old copies of the NME and Melody Maker, car lovers seek out old car magazines such as Practical Motorist, Motor Sport and Motor Trader. There's a certain joy in skimming through the pages of old car mags and not only seeing the models of the day in reviews and articles but also looking at the advertising from that era, it's always interested to stumble across a classic article about a beloved, classic car.

It's very exciting to find old car magazines in good condition for sale on online auctions sites such as eBay because magazine by their very nature are first bought, read through then ultimately throw away or passed onto friends and family. These types of magazines nearly always end up as bathroom fodder even before they end up in the rubbish so it's very rare to find old car magazines in anything other than a tatty, worn state. Old car publications sometimes meet an unhappy end at the hands of rodents with a craving for the printed word or simply just degrade over time from poor storage. For old car magazines to survive intact they will need special treatment and care when transported during a clear out or house move.

Some collectors of old car magazines might simply stick to a single publication or a particular era so if you're lucky enough to find someone who's letting an entire collection go you might just have a fantastic lot of a certain motoring magazine; usually their value is based on their scarcity and condition. If you're buying online in bulk make sure you can collect the magazines in person as your precious magazines may be damaged in transit if the seller has inadequately packaged them.

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Exotics Ascari Cars

Exotics Ascari Cars

British auto manufacturer Ascari Cars Ltd. churns out aesthetically appealing exotic cars. Manufacturing both race cars and road cars; the talented luxury car company has caused hearts to race with their intense designs and roaring engines.

Founded by Dutch billionaire Kass Zwart, the company was named to honor Alberto Ascari (1918-1955) who was the first double world Formula One champion.

Ascari cars is a well-rounded company-aside from road and racecars, it manages a racetrack called "Race Resort Ascari". Moving on to the inventory of Ascari, the road car collection includes the following models:

* 1995 Ascari FGT

* 1998 Ascari Ecosse

* 2003 Ascari KZ1

* 2006 Ascari A10

Ascari racecar models include:

* 1995 Ascari FGT

* 2000 Ascari A410

* 2003 Ascari KZR-1

* 2005 Ascari KZ1R GT3

You may have noted that the company was established in 1995, when the first road and racing models were introduced. The company was born in Dorset, England in 1995. It was not until 1998 that the first limited-edition Ascari appeared, the Ecosse. In 2000, the company relocated to a facility in Oxfordshire, England, and the Ascari KZ1 was unleashed.

While the relatively new exotic car brand was busy developing its roots, it was also focused on developing a racetrack near Rhonda, in southern Spain. This is quite an undertaking for a new company with much to learn and much to prove.

The track features recreations of famous corners from tracks around the world, and was completed by 2002. Of course, in the world of fast cars and luxury, the track would not be complete without the addition of a luxury resort to accompany it. Guests of the resort have the option to test former Formula One machinery, not a bad deal for a luxury car enthusiast!

About the Author

Ryan Safady operates a luxury rental company across the United States specializing in exotic rental cars and luxury rental properties-Imagine Lifestyles. Imagine Lifestyles strives to be a source for all that is luxury in South Florida, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, providing relevant information and tips to fans and clients.

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The 1968 Dodge Charger

Sometimes there are those cars that stir such passion and favorable emotions that they immediately become an instant classic. Such was the case with the 1968 Dodge Charger, with the car exploding onto the scene when its performance and popularity were cemented in movie Bullit. This propelled the 1968 Charger to immediate success; however it is important to note that this was the second model of the infamous car developed by Dodge. What happened was the Charger was originally created in 1966 with it originally being designed as an alternative for the muscle car craze that was gripping the nation.

The first version featured a V - 8, with an electric shaver grill borrowed from the 1942 De Soto and the inside dashboard panel involved the use of actual bulbs to illuminate the gages. However, the car had some initial problems such it would lift when taking corners in excess of 150 miles per hour. This forced Dodge to impose dealer modifications to the 1966 and 1967 models. After seeing disappointing sales in the 1967 model because of this problem and complaints about some of the features forced the company to revaluate how the new Charger would be designed.

The 1968 Dodge Charger involved a complete top to bottom redesign with the body of the car having what is known as the double diamond styling or Coke bottle image. Next there was more sheet metal added to the under carriage, this is important because it help provide stability when the Charger would take corners at high speeds. All of the different lights such as headlights and the tail lights were hidden. The rear window was given the same kind of sleek look that was so popular on the 1966 - 1967 Pontiac GTO. The biggest distinction that would help the 1968 Charger become one of the iconic muscle cars was the R/ T package. This was a special designation given to those cars that had one of the two highest performing engines that Dodge produced 440 Magnum and the 426 Hemi.

Together these two V - 8 engines would set the standard for Dodge muscle cars in the future. There were massive improvements to the suspension and brakes, with added supports so that the car can be able to handle various jumps easier. The interior of the car was very roomy with the 1968 Charger being able to seat six people. The different extras included power windows, hidden ash trays, front head restraints, should harness seat belt for the front as well as rear outside passengers, a padded steering wheel and a rear window defroster.

Together all of these different elements meant that the Charger would be known for reliability and speed. A good example of this occurred when the movie Bullit was being filmed on the streets of San Francisco with the Charger have no problems and more equipped to handle jumps along with sharp turns in comparison to the 1968 Ford Mustang.

Clearly the 1968 Dodge Charger is an icon for that speed, power and luxury that muscle cars are known for. What makes the 1968 model so special is because it was the first time that Dodge was able to make massive improvements to their original design. This was important because these changes set the standard for muscle car design for all the major American automobile manufacturers.

Dan Legal is a member of the web development team that runs the website LemonFree. LemonFree is an automobile search engine which currently over 1.8 million new and used cars for sale.

If your interested in purchasing a 1968 Dodge Charger; give LemonFree a test drive today!

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The Dangers of SUVs

Sport utility vehicles were all the craze just a few short years ago. I remember the near hysteria that people drove themselves into over the Hummer and the Excursion and other large size sport utility vehicles. However, nowadays, since the economy took a turn for the worse and gas prices skyrocketed well above $2 a gallon, people have been rethinking SUVs and seem to no longer want anything to do with them. As a matter of fact, you may remember that many people actually rushed back to car dealerships in a last ditch effort to get rid of their SUVs only to find out that the dealership wouldn't take them back- not even for a trade in!

While things are slightly better than that today, there still looms the hidden issues with many SUVs. For example, when I allowed my boyfriend to drive my Jeep once, we were in the car and were approaching an exit ramp that had a posted speed limit of 15 miles per hour. I advised him that he had better take the sign literally. Of course, he took the turn too fast and practically had to slam on the brakes. Having driven my Jeep for a while now, I know how it handles. I also know that SUVs don't typically handle tight turns the same way that cars do. Because he was used to driving his BMW Z3, which is an extremely small convertible, he can zip around those turns without a problem. In fact, I am almost too sure that the tires on his car are specifically built for sharp turns as well as overall speed.

My Jeep is built for driving through muddy terrain, sand, snow- pretty much anything that a lot of other cars would get stuck in. However, it is not built for driving super fast or for handling tight turns. In fact, many sport utility vehicles will actually flip over relatively easy if you mistakenly take a turn too fast- even if it is a wide turn. This is why it is important to always make sure that you drive cautiously when you are driving an SUV for the first time.

On the other hand, sport utility vehicles are generally pretty safe vehicles to be in. Whenever you see an accident involving a sport utility vehicle versus a car in a little fender bender, almost always you will notice that the sport utility vehicle has next to no damage. Cars, on the other hand, will usually sustain quite a bit of damage from an SUV-involved accident. When my boyfriend and I were visiting his family in upstate New York several years ago, we were completely stopped at a light when an older woman behind us mistakenly stepped on the gas and rammed into the back of my Jeep. At the time, I had just bought my Jeep and was a bit miffed that this was actually happening. I got out of my car and was almost positive that there would be a lot of damage. However, I was both shocked and thankful to see that the only damage was a small tear in my tire cover!

Car Shipping Rates

Car transport Rates

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The 2010 Toyota Camry

The 2010 Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan that comes in various packages and options. It is the leading selection for people wanting a great looking, comfortable, and reliable family vehicle as it has been the top selling car of the decade. The Toyota Camry has different levels to fit anyone's needs and budget. Starting at about $20,000, the new 2010 Toyota Camry is bound to be the top choice of mid-size sedan this new year. The base model, equipped LE, sporty SE, luxurious XLE and the Hybrid are Toyota Camry levels.

The 2010 Toyota Camry is desirable to many as it has various upgrades and new features. It comes in five different colors: Black, Super white, Sandy Beach Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, and Blue Ribbon Metallic. Looking at the exterior of the Camry alone, one can easily spot the updated enhancements. Starting in the front of the car, the grilled is more sleek and sportier looking. The projector heap lamps are bigger and the tail lamps are redesigned. So even in the dark, the changes of the 2010 Toyota Camry are noticeable. Just passing by, this car makes a new and improved statement as the side has extra sculpting. The tires have not been forgotten in the changes as new 16 and 17-inch wheels have become available with full wheel covers.

The stylish new 2010 Toyota Camry has received an overhaul under the hood. The four-cylinder engine has increased from 2.4-liter to 2.5 liter. The Base, LE, and XLE have 169 hp, while the SE has 179 horsepower. Fuel economy for the 2010 Camry is up to 22 mpg in town for either transmission and 32 mpg on the highway for the automatic or 33 mpg for the manual.

A great feature of the 2010 Camry is the acoustic noise-reduction front windshield. All the glass on the is HSEA (High Solar Energy-Absorbing). The windshield wipers are washer-linked with a mist cycle. The rear window has an electric window defogger that includes a timer.

In this economy, gas mileage is one of the ways Americans are trying to save money. With the added six-speed automatic transmission option, gas mileage is improved greatly.

As more and more people are becoming aware of the environment, Hybrid cars are becoming the staple. The new 2010 Toyota Camry comes in a Hybrid model with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. The Hybrid Camry gets a different-looking grille than the standard 2010 Camry. The interior has luxurious upgrades that will leave the driver and passengers feeling comfortable. The new Camry Hybrid has Fraichir (combination of silk protein and synthetic fiber) cloth seating surfaces. The meter cluster features a large MPG reading, which helps the driver become more eco-aware of the their driving.

The 2010 Camry includes the Star Safety System. Airbags include: driver and front passenger, front seat-mounted side, front and rear side curtain, and at the driver's knee. The seatbelts are 3-point in the front and the back. Seatbelts have an automatic/emergency locking retractor system. There is the LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children) for outboard rear seating positions only.

The 2010 Toyota Camry outshines it's competitors from inside and out. The upgrades can be seen, felt, and are eco-friendly. The newest Toyota Camry is bound to offer style, comfort, and dependability to the driver.

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Top 10 Movie Muscle Cars

AmCar Guide decided to pick out the best movie muscle cars that have ever appeared on screens. The aim was to select only muscle cars and only from movies so a few serious candidates didn't appear on this list because they were from TV series, was not a muscle car, or simply didn't get into this list. Anyway, AmCar Guide wants to mention 1970-1971 Plymouth Barracuda from "Nash Bridge" [with Don Johnson], Cobra from "Cobra" [with Michael Dudikoff], non muscle but exotic and iconic 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 from "Back to the Future", 1977 Pontiac Trans Am from "Smokey and the Bandit",1958 Plymouth Fury from "Christine", "Kitt" - Pontiac Firebird Trans Am from "Knight Rider", 1969 Dodge "01″ Charger from "The Dukes of Hazzard",1959 Cadillac Ambulance from "GhostBusters", etc. Each of them is someone's dream car, each is perfect in some ways, but here's our TOP 10 Movie Muscle Cars:

1. Bullitt - 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 from "Bullitt", 1968

1968-ford-mustang-bullitt-steve-mcQueen-posterProbably this is the only unmodified movie Mustang ever. It has massive 325 HP, a real American muscle car's heart under the hood - the aggressive 6.4 liter V8 engine, 4-speed manual transmission [which definitely looks hard to shift] and sporty rear wheel drive to have fun while cornering. What else do you need from a real muscle car for chases, especially back in 1968?

2. 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 from "Vanishing Point", 1971

1970-dodge-challenger-rt-vanishing-pointThis one was a hot model with outrageous 375 HP, 440 cubic [7.2 liter] V8 which plays probably the sweetest automative soundtrack. Would You manage to find a better car for Kowalski to drive from Denver to San Francisco in 15 hours?

3. Eleanor - 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 from "Gone in 60 seconds", 2000

eleanor-mustang-1967Eleanor is probably the most copied muscle movie car ever to appear in screens. Even though the original movie from 1974 was a hit, the 2000 stole the show for sure. There were 11 Eleanor units built for this movie and only 3 of them were actual running and driving cars. In the movie it acted as Shelby, but really they were modified Mustang fastbacks. The movie transmission was a 4-speed manual, but the stunt cars were automatic for easier act. Real legend.

4. The Interceptor - Australian 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe from "Mad Max", 1979

ford-falcon-interceptor-back-mad-maxThis was was the most modified car in that movie. XB GT Falcon was built exclusively for Australian market and there were only 949 units built. It came with 351 Cleveland engine and 4-speed manual transmission The movie car kept most of the original interior, but body had some serious changes : new nose design, rear spoilers, Weiand 6-71 supercharger with Scott injector had, 4-barrel carburetor and the Zoomies - side pipes. Australians are proud of this car and also make replicas of it.

5. Bumblebee - Chevrolet Camaro from "Transformers", 2007

Transformers Autobot Towers Over Chicago Auto Show CrowdThe Transformer's Bumblebee made Camaro one of the most popular car of the year. Well, not only it transforms and looks good, but has a modern amcar engine - 6.2 liter V8 which rates 426 HP and does 0-60 in 4.8 seconds...

6. 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum from "Bullitt", 1968

Dodge-charger-from-bullittThis triple-black, 4-speed Charger chased the Mustang in the "Bullitt" movie and made one of the greatest car chase scenes ever filmed. When the jumping act was performed over the San Francisco hills the Charger never failed with the suspension. Would you be able to name a car from nowadays that could do that without ending as scrap?

7. Cobretti's custom 1950 Mercury Monterey from "Cobra", 1986

mercury-monterey-from-cobra-2Cobretti's [Sylvester Stallone] 1950 Mercury is probably the most important thing in the whole movie. It was formerly owned by Stallone himself and later built for the movie by Cinema Vehicle Services. They double-scooped the hood, cleaned all extra trim, fitted 383 Chevrolet small block, topped it with nitrous-aided 4-barrel Holley carburetor which also had Weiand 144 supercharger. The transmission was a 400 Turbo Hydraulic with 4-wheel brakes. A good car to reveal Cobretti's personality and join this Top 10 list.

8. 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra from "The Gumball Rally", 1976

Shelby-cobra-427-gumball-front-2The movie itself was inspired by a cross country driver Erwin G. "Cannonball" Baker who managed to drive across the country from coast to coast in about 54 hours. This comedy had many interesting cars on act, such as Ferrari Daytona, Porsche 911, 600 HP Camaro, Jaguar E-type, Convertible Corvette, Mercedes Roadster and even a Kawasaki motorbike. There were only 2 different, but original Shelby Cobra cars in this movie [CSX 3243 and CSX 3255]. These 427 cubic [7 liter] OHV muscle cars managed to pump up to 355 HP. This was really impressive ride across the country with iconic muscle cars...

9. Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from "Goldfinger", 1964

aston-martin-db5-james-bond-movieThe DB5 is famous for being the first and most recognised movie car in James Bond movies. DB5 had 4 liter [282 HP], 5-speed transmission. Originally, Ian Fleming [the novel writer] had placed DB Mark III, but DB5 was the newest Aston at that time. In fact, they used the prototype car and fitted it with lots of weaponry that fat stripped after the movie and resold. The same car showed up in a few other Bond's movies as well. If You'd ask someone to say "what Bond's car is", the one would definitely name Aston Martin. Good car for good agent.

10. 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 from "Thunder Road", 1958

1957-ford-fairline-500-thunder-roadThe movie character actually drove 2 car there - 195 Ford Coupe and 1957 Ford Fairline 500 which was the top of the Ford line. The 312 cubic V8 engine produced 245 HP and had automatic transmission. Good choice for 1950s if You really need "to take someone out".

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The 2008 Panoz Esperante Convertible and GTLM Coupe Specs

The 2008 Esperante is a carryover from 2007 which is 2 optional features to buy, the convertibles and the GTLM Coupe. The 2008 Panoz Esperante is 2 door 2 passenger luxury sports car and Convertible sports car.


2008 Panoz Esperante Convertible Specs

Specs:
- 5 speed manual transmission overdrive
- 4 speed automatic transmission optional
- 305 horsepower engine
- 4.6 liter
- V8

2008 Panoz Esperante GTLM Coupe Specs

Specs:
- 420 horsepower engine
- 4.6 liter
- V8
- supercharged engine
- 6 speed manual transmission with overdrive standard

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The Used Volkswagen Beetle

Looking to buy a used Volkswagen Beetle? Not too long ago I was on the search myself. Here's a little bit about how I found my fun little car and what I did to find it.

Searching Online:

My first step was to start searching for cars on Auto Trader which is a Canadian website since I'm in Canada. I'm sure the US must have something similar that you can search if that's where you live. I was looking for Volkswagens but in the beginning I wasn't to picky on whether I wanted a Jetta or Beetle. I was also considering a Golf.

As I got out there to look around I really started to love the idea of owning a Beetle. I remember Herbie the love bug and I always wanted my own Beetle when I grew up.

Timing Belt Issue:

Most of the cars I went to look at my boyfriend came with. Now I don't know much about cars or bargaining for a good used car price so he was doing all the talking for me.

One thing we often came across was that the salesmen at used car dealerships couldn't tell us if the timing belt had been changed. According to what I've been told the belt needs changing at about 150k and we needed to find out for sure that it already HAD been changed or I would be looking at about $700 or so to have that done after I buy the car.

Finding a Car in Good Shape:

Buying a used car is certainly a lot of work! There were a number of things we were looking for. Here they are:

* Body in good shape - We looked for cars with no rust at all. Any rust is just an indication of more to come and we didn't want a car that had started rusting. Also looked for scratches and dents. Not looking for perfection here but at least in good shape.
* Tires fairly new - Obviously replacing tires after buying the car is not a good deal so we looked to make sure the tires were in good shape.
* Timing belt new - Mentioned this already but we needed to know that the timing belt had been replaced.
* Interior in good shape - Some cars were not in great shape on the inside, this wasn't a good sign as if someone didn't take care of the inside it's possible they didn't keep up maintenance either.
* Low kilometers - Lower kilometers means less wear and tear on the vehicle. Most cars in my price range were around 150-200k.
* Who to trust - It's scary buying a used car from a place you don't know. It's hard to know who to trust. The dealership I bought my car from did have a UCDA (Used Car Dealers Association) membership so that was some comfort. They have also been in business for 14 years and I did get a good 'gut' feeling about the guy I bought the car from.

That should give you a great starting point as you hunt around for your bug! Good luck and I hope you find the perfect Volkswagen New Beetle for you.

Once you get your New Beetle you might was to jazz it up. Check out our VW Beetle Blog for information and ideas.

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The Toyota Celica

Soon after Toyota their own "Ultimate Celica" on the line: GT-Four ST165 in the Japanese domestic market (JDM). The GT-Four included full-time all wheel drive and a electronically controlled central locking differential. The turbo charged version of the GT-S 2. liter was rated at 190 HP which was the 3S-GTE engine. At the time the GT-S immediately took flagship as the Celica range and became the official Toyota rally car, for all 4 years of production.

In 1987 Toyota began to export the Celica GT-Four revised as the All-Trac Turbo in North America. The All-Trac became available in the 1988 US model year, the All-Trac system was also offered with the Corolla, Camry, Previa but without the turbo for a limited time. The North American version was rated 190 BHP, Toyota chose to keep the suspension the same and not modify it drastically. The ST165 chassis front suspension for the AWD GT-Four kept MacPherson struts with an anti-swaybar and strut tower brace, the rear employed struts with trailing link and twin lateral links per side + an anti-swaybar.

As the GT-Four was the Ultimate Celica of the time it made its World Rally debut in 1988 of Tour de Corse and finished 6th. The Celicas first victory came in 1988 Cyprus in a non-WRC, however the Celica was victorious in the WRC Rally in Australia of 1989.

The Celica was again still available in the following trims: ST, GT, and GT-S as either coupe, liftback models. The GT model was offered as a soft-top convertible, the ST and GT were given a SOHC 8 valve 2.0 liter 97 HP engine. They quickly changed to a new DOHC engine rated at 116 for the 1987 model year which was shared with the Camry. The GT-S came with a 135 HP engine which is a version of the DOHC 2.0 liter featuring T-VIS. The GT-Four known to North America as the All-Trac Turbo was released for the 1988 model year.

*T-VIS: Toyota Variable Induction System, improves low end torque of high performance four stroke interal combustion engines.

View the toyota celica website, Many wallpapers, history on the Toyota Celica and amazing concept models!

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History Of Hybrid Cars

Hybrid car is the hybrid vehicle that uses two or more sources of power for proper functioning and moving. The hybrid vehicles have an electric motor, in addition to a combustion engine, to generate power to move the vehicle.

A hybrid vehicle combines the power generated from electric batteries and gasoline engine. These vehicles were developed when the awareness about less damaging, power generating methods were discovered. The hybrid vehicles were the solution for preserving the oil resources, increasing prices of gasoline and effects of vehicle emission on the environment. Due to their benefits, hybrid cars are now made and offered by all the leading vehicle companies.

Hybrid cars are not something invented in the recent times but have a long history. Ferdinand Verbiest in 1665 came up with the idea for the first time when he tried to run a vehicle using steam engine or by moving. Nicholas Cugnot tried to put the dean to practice in 1769. He worked on steam-powered engine and was successful in moving the vehicle at the speed of six miles an hour. It was difficult to move the vehicle for a long distance; therefore, the project did not proceed further.

In nineteenth century, Robert Anderson designed the first car powered by electricity in 1839. It was also not a proper hybrid car as it was difficult to recharge the car and it therefore had a very limited range. After a few years in 1870, David Solomon, another scientist, made a lighter motor for the hybrid vehicle. Recharging was difficult and costly, so the idea was not practical enough to put into use.

Developing good hybrid cars became a potential market for different investors. Many large motor companies started working on the project of developing Hybrid cars. For driving an electric engine in the hybrid vehicle a 28-cell battery was designed. It led to the invention of "Bersey Cabs", in 1897. These cabs used an electric motor and 40 cell battery for moving. The power system was invented and designed by Walter Bersey. These hybrid cars could easily cover a distance of fifty miles in a single charging.

In 1898, Porsche was the company that used a combined internal combustion and electric engine to derive the power. The batteries were installed in the wheel hubs of the vehicle. The vehicle could easily travel a distance of forty miles, without any recharging on a single battery.

A Belgian carmaker Pieper introduced a breakthrough idea for development of hybrid cars. The car he made used a horsepower motor and electric motor. In this hybrid vehicle, the electric motor provided the extra power to gas engine, whenever needed. The designed vehicle needed a battery pack to work properly.

Commercial Built Trucks Company introduced a substitute for battery pack. It was a four-cylinder gas engine, but the company did not produce a lot of vehicles. Hybrid cars again gained importance as a potential market. In 1969, the General Motors Company designed hybrid vehicles that used gas combustion and electric power. Volkswagen invented the switch in the hybrid vehicles that was used to switch from gasoline engine to electric motor of the vehicle. This switch helped in increasing the efficiency of vehicle.

Other hybrid vehicles were also designed till 1997. But in 1997, Toyota was the first company that developed an efficient and practical hybrid car. These hybrid cars gained popularity. After that, brand like Honda also cracked the hybrid car market and different modifications since then have made hybrid cars the first option for the customers when buying a car.

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