Wednesday, May 24, 2006

How To Clean Your Car Bodywork, Properly

by Mark Stephens

As well as spoiling the look of your car, dirty bodywork also reduces the value of your car. Chemicals in rain and corrosive winter salt mixed with extremes of temperatures really test the paintwork of your pride and joy.

The grime has to be shifted if you don't want to have problems down the line when you want to sell your car.

It's also good practice to wash your car as it gives you a chance to take a look at the bodywork and see if you have accumulated any chips or dings that need attention. You can also look at wheels, tyres, etc and make sure that they are in good order as well. So apart from treating your paint work to the wash that it needs, a bucket and sponge is a great opportunity for a quick check-up.

In order to get off to a good start you need to make sure you have some basic kit.

A hose (providing you aren't breaking any hose-pipe bans in the UK), a good bucket (with no grit inside it; give it a good wash out beforehand), a clean sponge, chamois leather and a squeegee blade (Turtle make one that Halford’s sell).

When you are buying a chamois leather a good indicator of its quality is a strong smell of fish oil. Don't bother with the synthetic cloths - they just aren't as good - if they were, real chamois wouldn't exist anymore!

The first step is to hose the car and shift the heavy mud or grime - if it's on there badly just let the water soak for 10 mins. Use a good car wash formula (your local Halfords will have some good deals - pick a good name like Turtle or Simoniz).

Starts with the suds at the top of the car and work down, doing one side at a time (and rinsing with water in-between) this will prevent streaking and difficult to remove marks.

Repeat this for the other side. Rinse again and squeegee off the excess water. Finally finish with the leather to get a squeaky clean finish to the body.

Brought to you by Mark Asset Tags. Co written by Imogen Thomas Sponsored by Low Rate Credit Card

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Driving And Yawning: Not Good

by Kevin Anderson

You can be driving while you are drowsy. And when you are drowsy, your concentration could get quite lessened. You would be yawning and you just feel like you would like to rest. For some people, they could even be driving while asleep with their eyes open, and thus the phrase falling asleep behind the wheel. This kind of situation could lead to accidents.

Fatigue and drowsiness is considered and counted as one of the major factors in crashes. It goes along with driving with excess speed, driving while on alcohol and drugs, as well as driving while ignoring other vehicles’ right of way. Other major factors of crashes include tailgating, improper passing, improper driving to the left of the center, and reckless driving.
So how do you know when you are drowsy and you have fatigue? One sure sign is that you are yawning a lot. You have trouble keeping your eyes open. Also, you are not able to concentrate much on the road ahead. Sometimes, you do not even remember what happened during the last few seconds or even the last few minutes. You may find yourself in crashes if you notice that you are jerking your head or your body because you already are in the brink of falling asleep. And the worst part of fatigue and drowsiness is that your car starts to wander off from the road or starts to cross into other lanes.

When you start to feel these signs, it would be best if you started to slow down. Then, make sure that you pull off in a place where there is a safe parking space. You can call your home if you want to so that other people may come and get you there or if someone is expecting you, inform them that you may be most probably be late or would not be able to make it for that day.

If you have a passenger, try talking to him or her. That should keep you awake. You can also opt to turn on the radio to a station that plays music that would keep you awake. Sing if you can. If you simply cannot just take it, make a pit stop. Go get a soda or some coffee first before you start out back again.

These tips are given and shared so as to help out in preserving and saving lives. Volvo Parts and Used Volvo Parts is also aimed at helping out in preserving lives through its updated stock of Volvo parts like Volvo 850 parts. Their website has all the Volvo parts you may need to keep your vehicle working fine and keeping you safe from accidents.
As a former news correspondents for an auto-related websites, Kevin has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive inddustry. This 34 year old father of three from Pennsylvania is a genuine car lover.

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Monday, May 22, 2006

Pontiac Solstice: Edmunds.com’s Most Significant Vehicle of the Year


by Joe Ratzkin

The Pontiac Solstice has bagged an award just recently. It was named the Most Significant Vehicle of the Year for 2006. This award was given by Edmunds.com. Edmunds.com is one of the premier online resources for information about autos and vehicles and other things related to the automotive industry. This award is also part of the fifth annual Edmunds.com Consumers’ Most Wanted vehicle awards.

Last November, the Pontiac Solstice already received the same award. Now this time around, when the consumers judged vehicles, it again bagged that same title. This exemplary vehicle has gained and took almost half of the consumers’ votes. It was followed by the Honda Civic, and the Chevrolet Corvette.

According to Karl Brauer, the editor in chief of Edmunds.com, “It’s always interesting to tap into the minds of consumers. These annual awards provide insight into consumers’ collective impressions while the Edmunds.com Forums and our social networking web site CarSpace give glimpses into individual opinions every day of the year.” Brauer also added, “The domestic automakers made some real traction this year among the consumers who voted. Domestic vehicles won twice as many awards as they did last year – a good sign for Chrysler, Ford, and GM.”

The Pontiac Solstice is a creation of General Motors and has been in production starting this year. It is a sports car and holds only one body style – a roadster that holds two doors. It has been built using the FR Kappa platform and its power comes from a 2.4 liter Ecotec I4 engine. Its competitors include the Nissan 350Z, the Honda S2000, the Mazda MX-5, and the Chrysler Crossfire. This vehicle has been designed by Wayne Cherry.

For all your needs for Pontiac parts, you can browse through one of the largest Pontiac parts and GM parts suppliers in the US which is Car Parts Rush. You can search online for the latest Pontiac parts, accessories and products at this store and you are certainly on your way to satisfying your Pontiac car parts needs.
Joe Ratzkin is an avid fan of anything automotive. This 34-year old bachelor wanted to be a mechanic when he was a kid but changed his mind and became a freelance writer and researcher instead. He is currently based in Chicago, Illinois.

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Sunday, May 21, 2006

Alonso and Schumi battle it out in Barcelona

[Sunday, Formula One Spanish GP] Alonso delights the home crowd as he beats Schumacher by 18.5 seconds after dominating the race from start to finish.

Alonso took pole at 1:14.648, and Schumacher trailed in third with just over 3 tenths of a second behind.

Next up - Monaco, Monte Carlo. 28 May.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Buying Your European Car

by Jenny McLane

Sometimes, just as luck would have it, the vehicle and the dream machine that you are looking for is entirely perfect. Except for one thing: you can only buy it in Europe. Of course, to do that, you still would have to import it back to the United States. And doing such an act could be quite complicated.

Now, before important a European vehicle, try to ask first the Department of Motor Vehicles about any specific requirements. These requirements could include emissions, temporary plates, and special documentation from customs. Also, it would help if you made sure that the sales contract you have verifies that the car has been built so as to match vehicle standards in the US. This manufacturer’s certification label could be actually found attached to the vehicle near the driver’s door.

Traveling your car to the US would require you to first clean it with any kind of foreign soil. The reason for this is that the U.S. Department of Agriculture would like to keep any harmful pests away from US soil.

Upon arriving at customs, show them the shipper’s original bill of lading, your bill of sale, foreign registration, and other needed documents. You also would have to complete the EPA Form 3520-1 and the DOT Form HS-7.

In a nutshell, if you are buying or thinking of importing a European vehicle, you should keep in mind that the vehicle must comply with the requirements of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If they do not comply, they must be modified. You should also see if the vehicle complies with the vehicle standards in the United States. It should also have a thorough cleaning. You should also have a title and bill of sale. These pieces of information are actually proof that you do own the vehicle. Make sure that you do have a foreign registration as well as other vehicle documents. Do not forget to fill out the EPA and the DOT forms.

If you are worrying though about finding parts for your vehicle, there are auto parts stores that offer such products. Auto Parts Online is one of those and it offers parts for foreign-manufactured vehicles like Kia parts.

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

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Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

So you see, I’ve been ...

Busy with other things… or was it that my satellite service died on 1 April? I think both! That did mess things up with me keeping up on the Formula One Grand Prix as I wanted to, and thus keep you all informed on the events thereof. It was just over three hours before the start of the Australian GP in Melbourne, and boom, satellite be gone :-( , that sort of hinders my coverage doesn't it?

I would be good to know what interests YOU regarding Motorsport, as there are many angles you can approach it from. You see Drifting is catching on in the states in recent years, though it’s been around about 20 years. But then again, most people in the U.S. don’t know anything beyond NASCAR and INDY, *what’s WRC ?!?*. Unless you’re really into Motorsport and pursue it, there’s a whole universe that’s unknown to you.

I’m not knocking NASCAR, I think NASCAR has been the greatest thing to help the advancement of other Motorsports, in the areas of interest and media coverage. NASCAR coverage has raised the standard for Motorsports coverage, though I’ve seen higher technology coverage used in WRC, NASCAR has raised a form of Motorsport (even if it is roundy-round) to where the common folk actually enjoy watching it. Now if you could just get the NASCAR coverage that Canada has into the States, it would be much better for the fans. Odd isn't it, that Canada gets better coverage than the country that hosts NASCAR. With constant in-car cameras on separate channels…, while there still isn’t a NASCAR race in Canada. What’s up with that?!?

So if you’re not up on the multifaceted world of Motorsport, and you’re finding your way in, you’ll find a lot of changes taking place. Major F1 rules changes this year. There’s been a lot of deaths in Motorsport this year, I plan to have future articles on these and many more recent changes.

Stay tuned, tell your friends, tell me what you like, keep your eyes on the road, and your hands on the wheel.
Keep the Faith! Cheers. -Liam

Sunday, April 09, 2006

Getting a Fair Price For Your Vintage Parts

by Dave Carter

Vintage car restoration could be described more accurately as a passion than a simple hobby – little beats the thrill you get after hunting down and fitting that special car part. But passion or no, restoration can be a costly pastime, as sellers understandably try to take advantage of your enthusiasm and get the best price for the part you want so badly. There’s no denying that the right vintage car part is worth a lot to you, but don’t get ripped off. Here are a few tips to help you get a fair price for the part you need.

Before you make that trip to the wrecking yard or vintage parts dealer, be sure to do your research. Check online to see what the going rate for similar parts are. Find out how difficult the part you’re looking for really is and be prepared to pay a little more for rarer pieces.

Try to find a reputable salvage yard or dealer and ask them what their pricing structure is. While you might be better choosing a seller with a formalized pricing plan – some dealers value parts at a percentage of what a new part would cost, for example, while others have a set price for the same part from any car – those who are willing to barter might ultimately offer you the chance to make fantastic finds. Compare a number of parts sources if you can, to try to ascertain where you might get the best deal.

When a price structure is not in place, remember not to give away too much – your obvious enthusiasm for a particular car part might just jack up the price. Express your interest in the part you want, but don’t act as though your life depends upon it: car part shopping can be a treacherous game! The dealer will obviously try to get as much as he can for the part you are after, so bid low, and go up only reluctantly. Play your cards close to your chest, and don’t give away anything that might suggest you are willing or able to pay more – leave the expensive watch at home!

When you finally agree on a price, be sure you know what you are paying for. Is the casing and so on included? Some yards will charge an extra fee for removal of a part that is still in a car, so ask if you can remove the item yourself. Unless the part is deeply embedded in the existing car’s structure, this could save you quite a bit of money, but if the job is complicated you might be best having it removed for you. Saving money pales when personal injury is a real risk! Have fun bargaining, but remember to stay safe.

Dave is the owner of http://car-body-parts.info a website providing information on car parts.

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Saturday, April 08, 2006

The Renowned BMW 325i


by Terry Brown

The BMW 325i is a part of the BMW 3 Series. The BMW 3 Series is a line of sports sedans that have been crafted to be midsize. This line of sports sedans has been continuously manufactured since May of 1975. This line actually replaced the BMW 2002 coupe. It held a greater portion of the styling of that vehicle model yet it held more power like a much more power capacitated 2.0 liter engine that could produce some 110 units of horsepower.

Take a ride inside the BMW 325i and one would find that there is a wonderful inside it. The style is avant-garde. Yet everything is smooth and flowing and has ergonomics. The controls have been specially mounted and crafted that the effect becomes a simple and straightforward control panel. One would notice that, indeed, these have been crafted from quality materials. The sports seats have been known to be very supportive. They also contain side bolsters that could be adjustable. If you are concerned about safety, you could say that BMW is also concerned about that. That is why the company made sure that the BMW 325i has given the vehicle standard safety features like the electronic traction and stability control system, front side air bags, and full length head curtain air bags. The main bodyshell has been crafted to be much stiffer than before.

The present version of the BMW 325i holds a 3.0 liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine with 24 inline valves and six cylinders. It is made from composite magnesium and aluminum. Other features of the vehicle include a six speed manual transmission system, extensive aluminum componentry, double pivot type front suspension systems with dual forged aluminum lower arms, an engine speed sensitive variable assist power steering, 16 inch double spoke light alloy wheels, a flat tire warning indicator, halogen high and low beam headlights, heated dual power mirrors, front seatback storage nets, auxiliary audio input for portable music players, and a six disc CD/MP3 changer among many others.

With all the changes and additional technology upgrades there are in the automotive industry, Auto Parts Informationstands by its commitment of delivering excellently engineered BMW parts, performance parts, replacement auto parts, and accessories that would certainly go well with BMW’s efforts of sustaining production of powerful and performance-driven vehicles. Interested parties may simply browse through Auto Parts Information’s website for all of their BMW auto parts needs and from there, they could easily access the online store’s stock of high quality and well crafted BMW accessories and auto parts like bumpers, carpets, door handles, hoods, sound deadeners, spoilers, tail lights, towing mirrors, and wheel covers among many others. Auto Parts Information adheres to rigid tests for utmost quality control and sees to it that their BMW parts do not bring down the performance of BMW vehicles.

Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes auto-related articles for several publications.

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Thursday, April 06, 2006

Motorcycle vs. Car - Myth or Madness

by Landon Prescott

Motorcycle riders often get an unjustified reputation as being reckless, risk takers, and that they generally disobey traffic laws. This perception is unfounded and there are many statistics that back up the fact that most motorcycle accidents are not the fault of the motorcycle rider, but that of another driver.

A major study conducted by the University of Southern California (USC) found that approximately three-fourths of motorcycle accidents involved a collision with another vehicle, usually a passenger automobile. It was also found that in the multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle right-of-way and caused the accident in two-thirds of those accidents. Further the study by USC found that the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle involved in collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision.

These findings go to show that the motorcycle rider has unjustly received a bad reputation from the general public as well as from insurance companies that cover motorcycle riders. Motorcycles are inherently prone to accidents caused by other drivers because of their small size. Motorcycles easily fit into the blind spot of typical passenger automobiles. The truth is that most motorcycle riders are very good drivers and keep an eye out for motorists who do not see them. This awareness of other drivers however does not prevent all accidents.

When accidents such as these happen, the insurance company of the driver who is at fault will go to great lengths to keep from giving the motorcycle rider the money he or she deserves. Insurance companies will frequently rush the victim to make a quick settlement as a way to save money. Most people in the general public are not insurance experts and do not know if they are getting a bad deal from the insurance company or not. When a check is stuck in front of them it can be quite tempting to sign.

Taking the insurance companies first offer is usually a mistake. Other times the insurance company of the other driver will try to not pay at all for the accident and resulting injuries. They often try to make it appear that the motorcycle rider was at fault in the accident. It is not hard to convince a jury of this since motorcycle riders have this unjust reputation of being less than careful.

This is why it is critically important to have a qualified and competent lawyer on your side if you find yourself the victim of a motorcycle accident. A qualified lawyer will help make sure that you get the settlement that you deserve; a settlement that will cover your medical bills as well as paying for the damage to your motorcycle. Not having a lawyer to stand up for you will cost you more than just money, it will also cause you a great deal of headaches and heartache. Trying to fight an insurance company on your own, while at the same time dealing with physical injuries can be an overwhelming task.

A qualified lawyer is the only one who will be on your side in case of an accident. A lawyer works for you and only you. The insurance company works for their shareholders and will try very hard to keep from getting you the money that you deserve.

Landon Prescott writes on topics related to insurance and health.
For over 30 years Michael H. Silvers, A Law Corporation has worked on over 10,000 cases, with a 98.6% success rate. Our California car accident attorneys specialize in handling car and motorcycle accidents, wrongful death cases, and other personal injury motor vehicle accidents. 24 offices in California. MichaelHSilvers.com

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Tuesday, April 04, 2006

How To Buy Your Dream Car And Avoid Car Dealers' Dirty Tricks

by Amit Laufer

Buying a car is usually our second biggest investment after our home purchase and most of us will do it more than once in our life.

There is something emotional about cars, it represents our taste and style, our economic status and our character. Some women even claim that a car is a man’s extension of his reproductive organ. One the other hand (the good hand) there are women out there that might express their exhibitionism and extravagance by choosing to drive a red flashy car for the whole world to notice them. Both sexes would agree they sometimes feel they ”fall in love” with a certain car model.

There are people who get very existed from a small scratch on the cars lower side, as if it were their own skin. The beauty of the car, its aerodynamics shape, the gadgets inside, the seats the feel of it all play a major part in our decision making.

In our modern life it’s almost impossible to function without one and it’s expensive to acquire, to finance and to maintain.

Buying a new car is a lot of fun, the new car has its unique smell no doubt about it, the very fact you can afford to own a brand new car is a great feeling.

When is the best time to buy a new car?

There are two "best times" to buy a car. The end of December is a good time for car buyers to buy a new car. Everyone is out buying Christmas gifts, leaving new car dealer lots void of customers, motivating dealers to cut costs, and break year end sales records. Another good time to buy a car is July to October as new car dealers sell off cars at low prices to clear space for new car models. Secret factory to dealer incentives can be $1000-$6000 in addition to new car consumer rebates!

How and where to search for prices:

Invoice price – what the dealer pays the manufacturer – has become the real negotiating point. Allowing for the dealer's need to make a profit, the price you pay should be somewhere between sticker and invoice.

Virtually all car buying sites on the Internet show invoice and in most cases their buying tools automatically add option/package invoice amounts as you work your way through the process.

Any car buyer, with very little effort, can get an accurate summation of a car's value, which immediately puts him or her in a stronger negotiating position.

Happily for the consumer, the Internet now allows a prospective buyer to uncover market conditions at any moment in various parts of the country. http://www.Edmunds.com/

for example, reveals the True Market Value: http://www.CarsDirect.com/, which sells cars online, has its own version called Guaranteed CarsDirect price http://www.Intellichoice.com/ sorts out the Best Deals of the Month.

The negotiation phase and the dirty tricks:

After you made your research via the Internet, it’s important you make some phone calls to car dealers and ask for some written offers to be sent to you via the fax or email for the car of your dreams. That way, you can compare prices between several dealers without being pressured by a salesperson.

You would be much better off selling your old car yourself rather than to trade it in through the dealer because the dealer will have to earn some money on it as well.

Remember, everything is a negotiable, car too. Buying a new car is tricky from the moment you step into the car dealership arena, you might be manipulated by scam artists, well trained sales persons that will use every trick in their fat book of tricks to extort every last Dollar out of your bank account.

There is one well known trick they teach in car dealers sales courses, it’s called “throwing a lowball”, in this tactic a customer is offered a very good price on a car, Perhaps as much as $500 below competitors prices. The good deal, however, is not genuine, its only purpose is to cause a prospect to decide to buy at this dealership and not from the other dealers. Once the decision is made a raft of purchase forms are filled out, extensive financial terms are arranged. The dealer knows, customers develop a range of new reasons to support the choice they have now made.

Then something happens. All of a sudden an “error” in the calculations is discovered, It might be the salesman forgot to add in the cost of the air conditioner and if the customer insists on having it, then $500 must be added to the price...

The cover up operation is played sophistically, some times they let the bank handling the financing find the “mistake”, other times the boss is not approving the deal because “we’d be losing money”. They make it look as if it’s not that big mistake as it’s a relatively small percentage of the price of the car and as they stress out it only brings it to be equal to competitors.

The impressive thing about the lowball tactic is its ability to make a person feel pleased with a poor choice. If anyone tries to change the originally-quoted terms or talk you into buying a different vehicle, just say "no" and go somewhere else.

If you are interested to learn about many others car dealers scams and how to avoid them go to: http://www.carbuyingtips.com/scams.htm

Until all the papers have been signed there are still ways in which a shrewd dealer may add to his profit by talking you into extras you don't want and probably don't need. These can include added and overpriced insurance, extended warranties, rust proofing (absolutely unnecessary), paint or fabric protection, anti-theft plans, and more. Smile and firmly turn them all down.

Finally, before you drive away, do a careful inspection of the car, looking for scratches or dents; anything that mars the perfect finish. If you're not happy, get a written agreement (known as a Due Bill). It means you have the right to later return the vehicle in order that flaws can be corrected.

MBA - International Trade & Finance - Heriot-Watt University. Bsc. Computers and Information Systems - Long Island University - C.W Post Campus. Hobby: Photography & Cars. Married with two Children.
Owner Editor of: http://www.Cars-I-Like.com

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Sunday, April 02, 2006

Australian Grand Prix

Alonso wins Melbourne GP.
Saturday, April 1 was the Foster’s Australian F1 Grand Prix of Australia at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, Australia.

Winning was Spaniard Fernando Alonso, who dominated the dramatic Australian Grand Prix in his Renault, giving him the lead with 14 points.

Ralf Schumacher for Team Toyota, who started pole 7th, finished in 3rd.

American Scott Speed finished 8th, but was given a 25 second penalty for passing under yellow that bumped him to 9th for Team Toro Rosso-Cosworth.

The Melbourne GP is 58 Laps, 191.110 miles. Lap Distance = 5.303 km (3.295 miles)

The Melbourne Formula One circuit is made up of public roads with 17 total turns. Melbourne made its F1 debut in 1996, and now for the first time in 10 years, the Australian Grand Prix is not the FIA World Championship season opener. This was the third race of the 2006 Formula One World Championship season and the 3rd of 18 races on the program for the 2006 F1 season.

Michael Schumacher has won in Melbourne four times, started Saturday with Team Ferrari at Pole-6, but pushed too hard and crashed after 25 laps ending his hopes at Melbourne this year. Schumacher was 2nd in the 2006 standings with 11 points.

Keep up on the continuing action this year on SPEED-TV.

BMW M - Not Just Another Sports Car


by Shane Morgay

What is a sports car? There have already been quite a few personal definitions to what a sports car sounds to them. However, for most people, a sports car is a BMW.

BMW now adds up yet another product to their still growing family of vehicles. And right now, the new addition is the 2006 BMW M. It is a roadster. And it just goes to show that BMW meant business for this car. Its past shows a colorful BMW tradition as well as an in-depth research before it was actually constructed. Just go through its stretched engine compartment, its long wheelbase, its short tail, and its two low set of seats that all in all provides a high powered and very passionate driving experience, and one would be able to picture that, indeed, BMW is yet on the road, again, to success.

What are the features of the BMW M roadster? Well, for power, it has a front engine and a rear wheel drive system. Its engine is a DOHC in line engine with 24 valves. It is an iron block with an aluminum head. It can displace 192 cubic inches or some 3152 cc. It also has the capacity to produce some 240 bhp at 6000 rpm. Aside form that, it also has a five speed manual transmission. The suspension is provided in two options. The first is the independent front suspension. It has damper struts, lower control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. As per the other one, it is an independent rear suspension with dampers, semi-trailing arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bars.

How large is the BMW M? It measures some 96.8 inches for its wheelbase. Its rear is 55.0 inches. It has a curb weight of 3084 pounds, plus a fuel capacity of 13.5 gallons. If you want to put in some cargo, you can always do so for it has a meager cargo capacity of 5.1 cubic feet.

The steering of this roadster is a rack and pinion one with variable ratio and is variable power assisted. It has a turning circle of 34.1 feet. The brakes are vented discs for both the front and the rear. There is also the anti lock braking system. As per the wheels and tires of this vehicle, the BMW M comes equipped with 17 x 7.5 inches front and 17 x 9.0 inches rear cast aluminum wheels. There also are 225/45ZR-17 tires for the front and 245/40ZR-17 tires for the rear. These are both Michelin Pilot SX MXX3 tires.

As BMW ventures into high and advanced technology as well as great performance in their sports cars and other upcoming vehicles, Auto Accessories Giant never stops delivering top of the line BMW replacement parts as part of its commitment to its loyal customers worldwide. Rallying behind BMW’s philosophy of producing only the best in the industry, Auto Accessories Giant with its wide array of impressive BMW accessories gives it customer’s genuine quality BMW products at guaranteed low prices.

Shane Morgay is a 34-year-old native of Ohio. She love cars and knows detailed information about them. She has a collection of miniature car collectibles and would love to have these collectibles become real ones. She works for a car part supplier most days of the week.

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SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship


LIVE on SPEED from St Petersburg Sunday April, 2nd 4 pm Eastern

The SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship is the top ultra-high performance production car racing series in North America, with as many as 10 different manufacturers represented in any given race.

Featuring the thrilling standing start, SPEED GT is the series for true automotive enthusiasts, taking the cars you drive, or wish you were driving, with some of the world’s the top road racers in a non-stop 50-minute sprint to the finish.

The SPEED World Challenge is “everything you dreamed road racing should be.”

Thursday, March 30, 2006

GM brings back the Camaro muscle car



DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp. on Monday showed off a Chevrolet Camaro prototype inspired by the 1969 version of the legendary muscle car to try to rev up demand for its return.

Many expect Chrysler and Chevrolet to put the Challenger and Camaro into production, given Ford Motor Co.'s success with its redesigned version of the original 1960s muscle car, the Mustang.

Restored, first-generation Camaros can fetch between $35,000 and $200,000...

Read article

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

How To Buy Your Dream Car And Avoid Car Dealers' Dirty Tricks

by Amit Laufer

Buying a car is usually our second biggest investment after our home purchase and most of us will do it more than once in our life.

There is something emotional about cars, it represents our taste and style, our economic status and our character. Some women even claim that a car is a man’s extension of his reproductive organ. One the other hand (the good hand) there are women out there that might express their exhibitionism and extravagance by choosing to drive a red flashy car for the whole world to notice them. Both sexes would agree they sometimes feel they ”fall in love” with a certain car model.

There are people who get very existed from a small scratch on the cars lower side, as if it were their own skin. The beauty of the car, its aerodynamics shape, the gadgets inside, the seats the feel of it all play a major part in our decision making.

In our modern life it’s almost impossible to function without one and it’s expensive to acquire, to finance and to maintain.

Buying a new car is a lot of fun, the new car has its unique smell no doubt about it, the very fact you can afford to own a brand new car is a great feeling.

When is the best time to buy a new car?

There are two "best times" to buy a car. The end of December is a good time for car buyers to buy a new car. Everyone is out buying Christmas gifts, leaving new car dealer lots void of customers, motivating dealers to cut costs, and break year end sales records. Another good time to buy a car is July to October as new car dealers sell off cars at low prices to clear space for new car models. Secret factory to dealer incentives can be $1000-$6000 in addition to new car consumer rebates!

How and where to search for prices:

Invoice price – what the dealer pays the manufacturer – has become the real negotiating point. Allowing for the dealer's need to make a profit, the price you pay should be somewhere between sticker and invoice.

Virtually all car buying sites on the Internet show invoice and in most cases their buying tools automatically add option/package invoice amounts as you work your way through the process.

Any car buyer, with very little effort, can get an accurate summation of a car's value, which immediately puts him or her in a stronger negotiating position.

Happily for the consumer, the Internet now allows a prospective buyer to uncover market conditions at any moment in various parts of the country. http://www.Edmunds.com/

for example, reveals the True Market Value: http://www.CarsDirect.com/, which sells cars online, has its own version called Guaranteed CarsDirect price http://www.Intellichoice.com/ sorts out the Best Deals of the Month.

The negotiation phase and the dirty tricks:

After you made your research via the Internet, it’s important you make some phone calls to car dealers and ask for some written offers to be sent to you via the fax or email for the car of your dreams. That way, you can compare prices between several dealers without being pressured by a salesperson.

You would be much better off selling your old car yourself rather than to trade it in through the dealer because the dealer will have to earn some money on it as well.

Remember, everything is a negotiable, car too. Buying a new car is tricky from the moment you step into the car dealership arena, you might be manipulated by scam artists, well trained sales persons that will use every trick in their fat book of tricks to extort every last Dollar out of your bank account.

There is one well known trick they teach in car dealers sales courses, it’s called “throwing a lowball”, in this tactic a customer is offered a very good price on a car, Perhaps as much as $500 below competitors prices. The good deal, however, is not genuine, its only purpose is to cause a prospect to decide to buy at this dealership and not from the other dealers. Once the decision is made a raft of purchase forms are filled out, extensive financial terms are arranged. The dealer knows, customers develop a range of new reasons to support the choice they have now made.

Then something happens. All of a sudden an “error” in the calculations is discovered, It might be the salesman forgot to add in the cost of the air conditioner and if the customer insists on having it, then $500 must be added to the price...

The cover up operation is played sophistically, some times they let the bank handling the financing find the “mistake”, other times the boss is not approving the deal because “we’d be losing money”. They make it look as if it’s not that big mistake as it’s a relatively small percentage of the price of the car and as they stress out it only brings it to be equal to competitors.

The impressive thing about the lowball tactic is its ability to make a person feel pleased with a poor choice. If anyone tries to change the originally-quoted terms or talk you into buying a different vehicle, just say "no" and go somewhere else.

If you are interested to learn about many others car dealers scams and how to avoid them go to: http://www.carbuyingtips.com/scams.htm

Until all the papers have been signed there are still ways in which a shrewd dealer may add to his profit by talking you into extras you don't want and probably don't need. These can include added and overpriced insurance, extended warranties, rust proofing (absolutely unnecessary), paint or fabric protection, anti-theft plans, and more. Smile and firmly turn them all down.

Finally, before you drive away, do a careful inspection of the car, looking for scratches or dents; anything that mars the perfect finish. If you're not happy, get a written agreement (known as a Due Bill). It means you have the right to later return the vehicle in order that flaws can be corrected.

MBA - International Trade & Finance - Heriot-Watt University. Bsc. Computers and Information Systems - Long Island University - C.W Post Campus. Hobby: Photography & Cars. Married with two Children.
Owner Editor of: http://www.Cars-I-Like.com

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Driving in Germany


by Joshua Spaulding

I will start off with some ‘common sense’ information like your drivers license. Of course if you are not a German citizen your drivers license probably does not authorize you to drive in Germany. You will need to contact your local license branch (BMV) and find out the steps you need to take to receive an international drivers license. I have not personally done this because I have a European military drivers license but from what I have heard it is not too hard to do or terribly costly.

Next of course is having a car to drive when you arrive in Germany. This is pretty obvious. Coordinate with any INTERNATIONAL car rental service and they can have a car ready and waiting for you at your arrival city. Another option is to rent the car in Germany, which is a pretty easy process as well. Most service representatives speak English and will be happy to help you out.

Now you will need to know the ‘meat and potatoes’ of driving in Germany, the traffic laws. If you are an American, or have driven in the U.S., you will find that driving in Germany is not much different. Without telling you every single travel law written in Germany, I will try to shed some light on some of the major differences:

Traffic lights: When pulling up to a traffic light you will notice that unlike the U.S. traffic lights which go from green to yellow to red and then directly back to green, German traffic lights will go from red to yellow and then green. This is nothing to worry about. I guess they just want to make sure you have it in gear and your ready to take off. The second thing, but extremely more important, is the ‘right on red’ rule we have in the U.S. This rule DOES NOT EXIST in Germany. If you try to make a right turn when the traffic light is red you may find yourself in a lot of pain and in a major lawsuit.

Autobahn: If you are thinking that the autobahn is the paradise for people with a lead foot you may end up with a speeding ticket. Although there are some stretches of the autobahn that have no speed limit there is a recommended speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour that you should obey. Granted, most do exceed this speed recommendation but now you know you CAN be ticketed.

Accidents: If you are the first on the seen of an accident in which someone has been injured you are required by law to provide assistance. Whether you simply stop and call an ambulance (112) not (911), or you provide medical aid, you must do something to help the casualty.

Where is Ausfhart Germany? No Ausfhart is not a city that seems to pop up everywhere you go. Ausfhart is the German word for exit.

For more information about Driving in Germany and Information on Germany please visit us at http://www.thegermantruth.com

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Car Insurance Online -The Sign Of Things To Come

by Justin Brown

Although we all dislike paying for it when the time comes around, car insurance is a necessity and has been a legal requirement for all drivers for many years now. However, due to the large number of companies now offering vehicle insurance, paying over the odds shouldn't be the case, and finding a deal to suit you shouldn't be a problem. In this brief guide we aim to provide an insight into the types of insurance, buying car insurance online, and important factors to remember before comparing insurance quotes.

Types of Insurance

There are three main types of vehicle insurance, all of which differ in what they cover and as a result what it costs to insure. We will briefly go through each type:

'Third Party Only' Insurance:

This type of insurance covers the policyholder against damage to either a third party or a third party's property. So, for example, if you were to damage a vehicle and injure the occupant(s) of that vehicle, your insurance would cover you against the costs to repair the vehicle and any medical claims made by the occupant(s) in either vehicle involved in the accident other than you. What this type of insurance will not do is cover you for any expenses towards your own vehicle, nor any medical claims made by yourself. Nor will you be covered in the circumstance that your vehicle is stolen or set on fire.

'Third Party Fire and Theft' Insurance:

This insurance policy is exactly the same as described in 'Third Party Only' above, with one exception. Should your vehicle be stolen or set on fire then you would be covered under this policy.

'Fully Comprehensive' Insurance:

A 'Fully Comprehensive' insurance cover will pay out in circumstances outlined in the above two policies, and will also pay for damage to your own vehicle, regardless of who was at fault for the damage.

Insurance Online

Using websites to browse and choose a provider is a great way to buy insurance and is certainly here to stay, and here's a few reasons why.

There was once a time when phoning around insurance companies would be very time consuming and would have to be conducted during office hours or in a rush after work or during work breaks. However, the internet is available at all hours of the day, everyday, all year. This allows you to browse through various websites to read up on their insurance offers, determine which is the most suitable for you in your own time in terms of insurance cover and cost, and to complete an online form in a matter of minutes.

There is also a conception that the internet is an unsafe place to use credit card information, although the encryption provided by companies accepting credit cards means that it can be argued that it is safer than giving details out over the phone.

Furthermore, the good news is that many companies now offer incentives to use their online service as opposed to their telephone service, and often provide discounts due to the decreased human resource time needed per sale. The wide range of insurance companies available on the internet is also good news, as it means that the competition to offer the best premiums is strong, ultimately saving you money.

Important factors to remember when comparing insurance quotes online:

When comparing insurance quotes online, it is very important to compare a like-to-like quote and not two totally different ones, an extreme case would be comparing an insurance quote for a car under 'Third Party Only' insurance against 'Fully Comprehensive'.

Thanks to the internet, comparing quotes is now easier than it ever has been. Ensure though, that you evaluate each quote to determine which represents best value for money. Consider the likelihood that cheapest is not always the best, and may be full of qualifications, heavy excess fees, and exclusions.

One recommendation is to shop around first. Why not browse a few websites to read up on the range of offers currently available before deciding on one that's right for you, you may end up saving your self a lot of money.

Justin Brown is the owner of the site http://www.idealauto.co.uk where you can find information on car insurance and also sell any used cars in the UK.

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Thursday, March 23, 2006

Audi TT: Offering Driving Pleasure


by Jennifer Dylan

Introduced in 1995, the Audi TT was still a concept car that time. After three years, the Audi TT came rolling off the manufacturing and assembly lines to the streets. This new vehicle then held the Audi A4’s shorter version of its platform. This vehicle was manufactured as a front drive coupe and as a roadster. It also was sold and offered with a Quattro all wheel drive.

The Audi TT has a unique style and design that makes it stand out from the rest. It has a roofline that quite resembles the Volkswagen’s new Beetle. In 2000, this vehicle received a nomination for the North American Car of the Year award. That same year and the following year, the Audi TT also made its way to the Car and Driver magazine’s ten best cars list.

The Audi TT offers three engine configurations that includes a 130/180 horsepower 1.8 T turbocharged engine with four cylinders. There is also a 225 horsepower 1.8 engine with intercooled turbos. Both the coupe and the roadster offer a front-wheel and an all-wheel drive. To add to the sporty façade and look of the Audi TT, 17 inch alloy wheels with a six spoke cast are added in plus high performance tires and high intensity Xenon headlamps that has an automatic adjustment. The vehicle overall provides drivers and users great luxury and comfort along with superior class and high technology auto components and equipments. The features include anti-lock brakes, an electronic stability program, an electronic brake force distribution, an electronic differential lock, a CD audio system, and Homelink. Given as standard features for the Audi TT are seat-mounted head and chest side airbags and dual front airbags. Safety features are also added in for the Audi TT. The list includes three-point safety belts with pretensioners and load limiters and the LATCH system for child seats’ safety. Space and comfort is something that the Audi TT is generous of.

For Audi, the automobile company, the TT is equated to full strength and pure driving pleasure. The vehicle captivates the driver with its total agility and revolutionary design. The vehicle also gives more output and lesser weight. It also has a striking two-color finish that gives the Audi TT a unique look. The color and hue choices for this model line includes avus silver, misano red, Mauritius blue, silver, and phantom black.

A new Audi TT is expected to make its grand public debut at the 2006 Geneva Auto Show this coming March. Rumors have it that it will contain a styling that is loyal to the original design made by Freeman Thomas. Of course, changes will be done for the vehicle and that will include headlights and taillights that it gets from the Le Mans Concept.

Customers and owners can maintain the superior performance of the Audi TT with Auto Parts Go. Auto Parts Go is the leading supplier of Nissan discount-priced and quality Audi parts. For performance demands Auto Parts Go offers a collection of high quality and durable parts.

Jennifer Dylan is a 35-year-old gal who hails from San Francisco. She has a strange habit of updating herself on new car trends and models. She spends most of her time reading up on cars and hopes to test drive them. She works for one of the topnotch car parts dealer in the U.S.

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Car Parts It’s What’s On The Outside That Counts

by Dave Carter

When many of us think of car parts, we consider all the intricate devices that lurk under the hood and come together to make our vehicle drive smoothly and safely. While a large proportion of these parts are usually out of plain sight, many of the essential parts of a working car are part of the body of the vehicle. Just because you can see it, doesn’t mean it’s not essential in making your driving experience as enjoyable and safe as possible.

Safety is one of the most important tasks performed by the highly visible car parts that combine to create the outer shell of your automobile. While the various components of the engine are designed to get you where you want to go, the body of a car is designed to store the people that travel within, and their safety is paramount. Millions of dollars are spent each year on testing the strength and durability of these casings – this is where crash test dummies came about. And with car ratings increasingly including this safety aspect in their final judgment on a particular vehicle, this seems like money well spent. And while collisions and crashes might not be something any driver or passenger wants to dwell too long upon, it is the body of your vehicle that can make all the difference in your health’s prognosis in the event of such an awful occurrence.

The parts that combine to make your car’s outer hull also carry the responsibility of another requirement. This is the comfort of the vehicle’s passengers, an important factor in these days of frequent driving. While comfort might seem a concern of luxury or exotic car makers – we’ve all seen those advertisements that portray the inside of a high priced vehicle as though it were an expensive suite of lounge furniture – it is something to be considered in the construction of all cars. In the early days of motoring, automobiles were so far from user-friendly that motorists were physically only able to drive for limited periods. The car parts that make up the body of your vehicle need to be designed with this in mind also.

It is clear that the external parts of your car have an important role to play in the overall running of your vehicle. Combined with the suspension system, these parts are designed to make your trip as comfortable. Add to this the burden of your physical safety, and it is easy to see that external car parts need to do a lot more than just look good.

Dave is the owner of http://online-auto-parts.info a website providing information on car parts.

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Wednesday, March 22, 2006

2006 Dodge Viper: Endangering the Competition


by Joe Ratzkin

Entering the automobile world in 1992, the Dodge Viper has had undergone many changes as well as many obstacles. This year, 2006, the Dodge Viper is already on its third generation of vehicles. This time around, the vehicle is introduced as an all-new coupe.

Dan Knott, the director of Street and Racing Technology (SRT) for the Chrysler Group states, “Demand for a Dodge Viper Coupe started the day we introduced the Dodge Viper SRT10 Convertible for 2003. The all-new 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 coupe is a natural evolution of the heritage of the Dodge Viper, and gives enthusiasts exactly that they’re looking for in the ultimate American sports car.” He also adds, “Dodge Viper SRT10 customers want to go beyond the level of the regular enthusiast, to the level of outrageous performance. Our all-new 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 coupe gives our customers that performance in a stunning new package.”

The most obvious change for this new vehicle is that it now holds the aerodynamic “double bubble” roof. This roof holds a unique shape that provides a smooth airflow over the vehicle as well as assists in accommodating a large amount of space inside. Other new things for this new 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe include the door glass, the rear quarter panels, the integrated rear spoiler, and the wraparound tail lights. It is very much similar to the original Dodge Viper GTS coupe’s look but this new one owns up to a more contemporary flair. Also added in are a set of unique alloy wheels which measures 18 inches for the front end and some 19 inches on the back.

The 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 coupe holds an 8.3 liter all-aluminum motor that works with ten cylinders. This engine has the power to produce some 500 horsepower and around 525 pound feet of torque. To help it all up is a six speed manual transmission.

Backing up Knott’s statement regarding this new vehicle, Trevor Creed, Chrysler Group’s senior vice president for design exclaims, “It was important for us to sustain the emotion in the design. We wanted the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 coupe design to include a nod to the original Viper GTS coupe, but in a contemporary way. The Dodge Viper SRT10 coupe owner is often a racer, and the car has to scream that, even when it’s idling at the stoplight. The bottom line is that the new Dodge Viper SRT10 coupe’s design says a lot about its unique character, and the car’s performance is the payoff.”

To continue Dodge’s tradition of offering unique and excellent in performance vehicles that is outstanding in its value and class, auto parts companies like Car Parts Rush offers top of the line Dodge parts. The customer has a choice from a vast array of auto parts and accessories. It offers new and used Dodge body parts, body kits, performance parts, and Dodge accessories among many others.

Joe Ratzkin is an avid fan of anything automotive. This 34-year old bachelor wanted to be a mechanic when he was a kid but changed his mind and became a freelance writer and researcher instead. He is currently based in Chicago, Illinois.

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Hybrid Cars Toyota Prius


by lar

The Toyota Prius hybrid car was first introduced as a production model in Japan in 1997, and then in the US in 2000. It has taken the green motoring world by storm and is the most popular hybrid car around. Even Hollywood film stars like Cameron Diaz are getting in on the act and increasing their green credentials by owning a Toyota Prius hybrid car.

This small, though not unworkably so, symbol of automotive innovation is fast becoming the ultimate environmentally awareness fashion accessory. But the Toyota Prius hybrid car is far more than just an ecological accoutrement. It is the first and still leader in its field. The demand for this vehicle is so great that Toyota is even now trying to keep up with the orders.

The twin power units in this hybrid car comprise of a highly fuel efficient 1.5 liter 4 cylinder gas engine that produces 76 bhp. This is used mainly for powering the vehicle at higher speeds when a steady load on the engine enhances the fuel economy of the engine. This is one of the most advanced hybrid car engines around and is very economical when used in conjunction with a light foot on the gas pedal. It produces a torque figure of 82 Ib. ft at 4200 revs. The pistons in the Toyota Prius hybrid car are highly engineered to be lighter than average for an engine of this size. They also have a very low drag producing less friction and more efficient use of power. They also have vale timing that varies according to the load on the engine and allows the most economical use of the gas.

The hybrid cars electric motor is supplied with power by a battery with a 500-volt output and produces 295-lb ft at 0 rpm. The electric motor is primarily used at low speeds and acceleration and with this amount of power available it is no slouch when pulling of from the lights. But neither is it a Porsche. Don̢۪t expect to be left behind at the lights but also don̢۪t expect everyone else to be eating your dust. That is not what hybrid cars are about. Though that is not to say that in the future that a sports car manufacturer will not move into the hybrid cars market.

This combination of efficient gas engine and electric motors in the Toyota Prius hybrid car can produce very good fuel economy. The light-footed driver should be able to easily achieve figures of around 50 to 55 mpg around town. And up to and maybe even exceeding 60 mpg on the open road.

Although not a large hybrid car it seats 5 people comfortably enough, although when fully loaded the suspension can appear a little on the soft side. It is also no small load carrier with a usable trunk space of over 16 cubic feet, much larger than the old Prius could boast. The impressively aerodynamically efficient hybrid car shape can mean that headroom in the back of the car can be a bit low for tall passengers.

Hybrid cars have all the extras that are expected in a quality car today. GPS, keyless entry, good sound system, and special â€Å“head curtain” airbags that allow the rear seat passengers to benefit from air bag technology as well as the front. It also has a very useful computer display on the dashboard that allows you to see which engine is providing the power and how efficiently it is working. This means you can adjust your driving to get the optimum mpg from your hybrid car.

Overall the Toyota Prius is a very impressive venture by a major manufacturer into the world of hybrid cars and contains all the elements that the average driver could want in terms of fuel economy, comfort, so long as you are not a basketball player, and equipment. The new model Toyota Prius hybrid car that is soon to be available looks even better so it may be worth holding back for a while.

Larry Westfall is the owner of http://www.Asian-Daily.com

Article Submission done by: http://www.articles-submit.com
Courtesy of:Asian_daily

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Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Jaguar XJS Shows Sportsmanship


by Michelle Crimson

Famous for its luxury saloon vehicles and sports cars as well, the Jaguar brand is yet another vehicle manufacturer that keeps its aficionados and followers looking forward to the next creation that it would release on the roads and streets. Jaguar Cars is a vehicle manufacturer from Britain and with its vehicles that it has manufactured, it has kept a wide range of competitors that include brands like the BMW, the Mercedes Benz, the Porsche, the Cadillac, the Lexus, the Infiniti, and also the Lincoln.

One of the vehicles that is running under this brand is the Jaguar XJS. This is a luxury coupe and it has replaced the famous and world renowned Jaguar E Type. This was done on September of 1975. The Jaguar XJS was actually based on the Jaguar XJ saloon. It is not as sporty as most of the vehicles under the Jaguar brand. However, it still is a grand tourer and is also aerodynamic. During the development of this luxury, it was actually dubbed as the XK-F. The last of its kind was produced on April 4, 1996. In its place came the Jaguar XK8.

Upon its introduction the Jaguar XJS was equipped with a V12 engine. Along with that, the owner of the Jaguar XJS had a choice between a manual transmission or an automatic transmission although soon enough the manual option was deleted off the list of options. With this kind of machine, the Jaguar XJS is capable of reaching 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and can accelerate to 150 mph. It has been said that the Jaguar XJS has a revolutionary aluminum construction with space age technology. However, despite that fact, it still has been able to retain the elegant lines that has made Jaguar vehicles that popular.

This vehicle went into a very quick ascent to popularity when there was a television series that came up needing a vehicle. The television series was the popular “Return of the Saint”. In this series, the hero, Simon Templar who was being played by Ian Ogilvy, drives an early Jaguar XJS with the number plate ‘ST 1’. And it was during this time that miniature versions of the Jaguar XJS were crafted. These sold like hotcakes.

Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts is the right place for new or quality used Jaguar XJS parts. Its inventory includes a large stock of accessories, air intake parts, brakes, climate control parts, clutch parts, cooling system parts, drive belts, driveshaft and axle parts, electrical parts, exhaust system parts, fuel injection parts, mechanical parts, suspension parts, and transmission parts to name a few. Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts’ customer support staff is expert in the field of Jaguar parts and can assist you by providing product installation tips and procedures, as well as suggesting additional parts that you may need for your Jaguar.

Michelle Crimson holds a degree in business administration. She is currently working as an editor in New Orleans, Louisiana. This 32 year old mother of two is also a car racing fanatic.

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Avoiding Crime When Parking Your Car

by: Robert Young

Theft and Vandalism

- Wherever possible, provide each dwelling with its own locked garage within the property boundaries. Locked garages outside the boundaries or well-lit and visible common car parks are the next best things.

- Where private garages are not feasible, carport or driveway parking is preferable to grouped parking away from dwellings.

- As a general rule, underground or multi-story car parks should be avoided, as they are breeding grounds for vandalism and crime. If they already exist, limiting entry points and providing them with sturdy locked gates could minimize danger. Alternatively, each resident could be provided with locked gates could minimize danger. Alternatively each resident could be provided with a lockable garage in their own space, with robust, vandal-proof metal doors - garages within garages, so to speak. Or users can be provided with a secure lock or a plastic keycard, which operates electronic doors.

- Grouped car parks should be avoided in high-crime areas. If they cannot be avoided, they should be within view of some dwellings; they should be equipped with sturdy gates or tilt doors, and should never be sited near alleyways.

- Open car parks should be small and within view of dwellings and visitors' car parks should be clearly identifiable, well lit, and visible from dwellings.

Rape, Assault, Robbery

- To make car parks safer, planners should provide direct access from parking areas to the entrance of dwellings.

- Car parks should be no further than 60 meters from dwellings, and the path should be well lit and free from shrubbery.

- Visitors' car parks should be well lit, clearly identifiable, and visible from dwellings.

- Access to enclosed car parks should be limited to residents by some form of electronic entry control device if possible.

- If it is desirable to limit access to dwellings, make sure access via car parks is monitored as well.

- In high-crime areas, advanced technological surveillance methods may be needed in car parks. For example, an infrared unit is available which detects the presence of intruders - but not cats and dogs - by body heat, and automatically switches on all lights in the car park and turns them off after 15 to 20 minutes.

Stay safe! Visit http://www.urbansafetysupplies.com/ and http://www.hitechhiddencameras.com/ for all of your self defense and security item needs.

About The Author
Robert Young is the owner of Urban Safety Supplies and Hi-Tech Hidden Cameras. Stay safe! Visit http://www.urbansafetysupplies.com/ for all your security item needs. Stun guns, pepper spray, personal alarms, and more! Also visit http://www.hittechhiddencameras.com/ and see our hidden cameras, spy, and surveillance equipment.

Why OEM BMW Parts Are Important


by: Vishal Sampat

Ever thought of racing around Nordschleife, the legendary Nürburgring Race Track, in your BMW? This race track has been rated by Jackie Stewart (well known among racing enthusiasts) as the “Greatest & most challenging race circuit in the world”.

In your BMW, it’s possible to clock a sub-10 minute lap on this legendary race track, because these cars love having other cars hear the exhaust roar as they lap them. Cutting edge automobile engineering and innovative design, together with superior handling and best-in class performance, help you, the driver, feel one with your car.

BMW engineers design their cars, knowing full well that if the car does not provide greater comfort, safety, drive quality, and overall exhilaration, then it just isn’t a BMW. However, your car must be in optimum condition to take on the track. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts always help. This article will walk you through pointers, to help keep your car in top condition.

In order to preserve the unique qualities that define the BMW, it is extremely important that you pay close attention when replacing parts of your car, or investing in add-ons for your car. OEM BMW parts go a long way in preserving everything that is unique about the BMW.

There is a perception that most carmakers do not manufacture their own OEM parts, they use to build their automobiles. They just outsource manufacturing to other independent companies, and put them in their own boxes. This is not entirely true. Carmakers do leverage the skills of independent companies to design individual parts. This helps carmakers build upon domain skills acquired by independent companies, designing specific automobile parts over a period of time, to improve niche car functionalities. Often manufacturing processes of a particular part, may be outsourced, along with stringent quality guidelines. Most OEM parts are a guarantee of very high quality, and are the perfect substitute for a similar worn out part of your car.

Robert Bosch Company, Sachs-Boge (now part of ZF Trading North America's group of companies), ATE , Daikin, Adler, Nissin, NTP, Zimmerman, Balo, Brembo, Behr, Textar, Jurid, PBR, Pagid, Ansa, Bosal, Bilstein etc are some of the well known OEM equipment manufacturers. A huge advantage investing in OEM spare parts is that some of them come with an extended warranty (usually 12 months or longer), while others come with a lifetime warranty.

So go ahead and invest in OEM BMW parts like Air Filters, Alternators, Belts, Exhaust, Radiator, etc and experience the exhilaration, that is your BMW.

About The Author
Vishal Sampat is an internet marketing consultant and offers search engine marketing solutions to various corporates around the world. Through this article, he introduces one to the concept of OEM parts and helps one understand the importance of replacing worn out parts with OEM BMW Parts. Check out the OEM parts inventory on http://www.alloemautoparts.com/ to get the best prices online.

Monday, March 13, 2006

Jaguar XK 140: Filling the Spot Between the 120 and the 150


by Michelle Crimson

The Jaguar XK 140 has been produced starting from 1954 up until 1957, thus it has lived for only three years. It is a sports car and it holds two doors. This vehicle model from Jaguar arrived on the scene so as to replace the highly successful Jaguar XK 120. The Jaguar XK 140 actually exuded a much heavier appearance than the Jaguar XK 120. It had a wider front grille as well as substantial bumpers in its front and rear. The Jaguar XK 140 made its way to public knowledge during its debut at the 1954 motor show. It was then considered to be an evolution of the Jaguar XK 120.

Looking at its power source, the Jaguar XK 140 has a more powerful engine than the Jaguar XK 120. The engine of the former is a 190 bhp engine. It also holds a rack and pinion steering plus an optional Special Equipment pack that includes wire wheels as well as more power that is actually some 210 bhp. The production for the Jaguar XK 140 ended after three years starting from its production when the newer Jaguar XK 150 arrived at the scene.

The body styles that were available for the Jaguar XK 120 were also made available for the Jaguar XK 140. Since the Jaguar XK 140 is a sports car, the body styles made available for the consumers included the roadster that was a two seater style with side screens, a detachable windshield, and a hood. There also was the Drop Head Coupe, which was also known as the DHC. It had a fixed windshield, wind up windows, 2 + 2 seating, and an attached hood. The last body style for the Jaguar XK 140 was the Fixed Head Coupe. This was also called the FHC. It held a 2 + 2 seating, along with some wind up windows. Like the Jaguar XK 120, the Jaguar XK 149 body styles FHC and DHC still continues to hold dashboards and door cappings covered in walnut wood. The roadster, on the other hand, has a leather covered dash, padding on the top of its doors, and side screens for weather protection. The Jaguar XK 140 was also made available with different color choices for its exterior. The list of colors included suede green, pastel green, British racing green, pacific blue, pastel blue, birch gray, battleship gray, lavender gray, dove gray, pearl gray, red, maroon, cream, and black.

Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts has in its stock the highest quality Jaguar XK140 parts and accessories that will retain the Jaguar’s driving dynamics, performance, technology, and design as well. Excellence is synonymous to service for all of Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts’ customer service staff in dealing with all auto parts inquiries.


Michelle Crimson holds a degree in business administration. She is currently working as an editor in New Orleans, Louisiana. This 32 year old mother of two is also a car racing fanatic.


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2006 Chevy Corvette: Promises of Amazement


by Joe Ratzkin

The 2006 Chevy Corvette comes as a well balanced package in a vehicle. It has set refinement in its interior and stance as well as exuding the modern sports car feel. For the past years, the Chevy Corvette has consequently received and bagged the Car of the Year award. Starting out as rumors, the 2006 Chevy Corvette has certainly made sure that it would live and outlive the gossip running about. General Motors has made a statement that the 2006 Chevy Corvette is quickest and fastest car that the company has ever produced.

This vehicle comes with sophistication and is a high-performance machine. In many ways, the Chevy Corvette shows off its well-mannered and simply ride dynamics as well as an ultra-slick powertrain performance. Its interior is very much made from quality materials that provides a pleasant and comforting experience for those who would be riding in it. To increase down force, the Chevy Corvette will have a rear lip added to it and will also exhibit a more rounded trailing edge.

This new car has certainly benefited from its advanced hydro forming frame-rail process that was first introduced to the Chevy C5. The adding in and mounting of Magne Ride shock absorbers has proven to be an advantage for it has provided the 2006 Chevy Corvette an active handling as well as an innovative ride system. This vehicle also bears the Chevy C6 powertrain as well as other technologies that are top in its class. The vehicle’s engine has the capacity and capability to make 500 horsepower at around 6,200 rpm. Optional is the 7.0 liter LS7 V8 engine that is hand built.

This new vehicle would also sport several color schemes that would include white, red, and gold. As for the 2006 Chevy Corvette’s exterior, it will boast a more daring look that will reflect General Motor’s willingness to accept risks when it comes to style and design. The 2006 Chevy Corvette will combine soft curves with machined edges. It will also show off its bold aesthetic design as well as its muscular form and shape from its chiseled front, muscular fenders and flares to its street dominating attitude. The vehicle will hold a full aluminum chassis, large brakes, carbon fiber front fenders and a magnesium engine cradle as well as a removable roof panel.

As for the 2006 Chevy Corvette’s styling, the vehicle will show off great differences to its predecessors. The front end will receive a revised larger air inlet. Also added in would be a function hood scoop, new side vents, a rear lip spoiler and very unique wheels. The vehicle also lost its power passenger seat along with the electric seat bolsters. By eliminating these, the 2006 Chevy Corvette would be saving much on weight. However, what comes as standard are dual zone air conditioning, leather upholstery made in two tones, and a head up display system. Options for this vehicle include a Bose stereo, side impact airbags, a navigation system, and polished wheels.

For the original and best car on the market, nothing is befitting than the excellently crafted Chevy Corvette parts and Chevy parts at Car Parts Rush. This online store has in its stock the highest quality Chevy auto parts that will retain the Chevy’s driving dynamics coupled up with high technology and amazing design. Customers and visitors can simply browse at Car Parts Rush’s website and they can understand why customers and Chevy enthusiasts keep coming back to Car Parts Rush for their auto body parts. Aside from that, Car Parts Rush also takes care of a the task that it has given itself – providing loyalty to its customers along with providing excellent products and unequalled service.

Joe Ratzkin is an avid fan of anything automotive. This 34-year old bachelor wanted to be a mechanic when he was a kid but changed his mind and became a freelance writer and researcher instead. He is currently based in Chicago, Illinois.

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Thursday, January 12, 2006

Keep Your Jaguar Safe from Overheating with the Jaguar Cooling System

by: Michelle Crimson

Founded in 1922, the Jaguar has advanced from the production of motorcycle sidecars to become one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of the finest and quality sedans and sports cars. It has manufactured a wide range of automobiles at present that shows proof that the Jaguar is an inspiring combination of performance, comfort and driving enjoyment, adding the ability to change character to reflect patrons’ needs and desires. As part of the Jaguar line of automobiles and automobile parts, the Jaguar cooling system also shows latent characteristics as per Jaguar standards.

Most vehicles running around nowadays have improved a lot, the Jaguar included. However, some are still not efficient enough to turn chemical energy into mechanical power. An estimated 70 per cent of this energy in the gasoline is converted then into heat. The Jaguar’s cooling system has the responsibility of taking care of that heat since, as a fact, this cooling system is able to disperse enough heat from a vehicle driving down the freeway that could quite heat up two average-sized houses. Thus, it could be inferred that its primary workload is to keep the engine from overheating.

The Jaguar’s cooling system breaks up any pack of heat in your engine. This is done so by the cooling system by transferring this heat to the air. Although, it still maintains other jobs as well. The engine in your Jaguar runs best at a fairly high temperature. When the engine is cold, its components tend to wear out faster, and thus giving the engine a less than efficient capacity, and also it emits more pollution. Thus, another important job of the cooling system of your Jaguar is to allow the engine to heat up as quickly as it could be deemed possible. And by doing such, also then keeping the engine at a constant temperature.

Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts renews its commitment in delivering superbly crafted Jaguar auto parts with its impressive array of stocks of Jaguar cooling system parts. These Jaguar cooling system parts boast quality and superb performance to ensure top-notch performance for the engine.

These Jaguar cooling system parts have been tried and tested during production so as to ensure that they would pass the company’s and patrons’ standards, as well guarantee the effective execution of its functions.

About The Author

Michelle Crimson holds a degree in business administration. She is currently working as an editor in New Orleans, Louisiana. This 32 year old mother of two is also a car racing fanatic.

Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts http://www.jaggparts.com/jaguar-cooling-system-parts.html


michelle@jaggparts.com

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