June 30, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Ruel Run

The production of the 911 Turbo began in 1974. The car was also called the Porsche 930 in the USA; the number 930 is in reference to the car’s internal type number. In Europe, it was called the Porsche Turbo 911. One of the most distinctive features of the Porsche 911 Turbo is its wide wheel arches to house the wide tires. The car also has a unique rear spoiler; it was called the whale tail on the early models and the tea tray on the latter cars.

The Porsche 930 developed a reputation for absolute acceleration, and difficult handling and drag. The first models came with a 3 liter engine spitting out 256 BHP. In the late 1976, a racing version of the Porsche 911 Turbo was introduced, called the Porsche 934. It became a favorite of many competitors in Le Mans and other races due to its power and handling.

The 1989 911 Turbo (930) was the only model to feature a 5 speed gearbox.

Porsche 964 Turbo (1990 - 1993)

In 1990 Porsche launched a Turbo version of the 964 series. For the 1991 and 1992 model years it used a 3.3 liter engine, similar to the one used on the Porsche 930, the engine provided 320 PS. Porsche then introduced the Carrera 2 and 4 in 1993, with a 3.6 liter engine and a 360 PS to the rear wheels.

Today the 964 Turbo is rear commodity; it was eventually superseded by the Porsche 993 Turbo (1995 - 1998).

Porsche 993 Turbo (1995-1998)

In 1995 Porsche launched a Turbo version of the Porsche 993. It was revolutionary in more ways than one; the 993 Turbo was the first standard Porsche to use twin exhaust turbochargers and the first 911 Turbo to have permanent all wheel drive. [Side Note: If you wanted to remove the AWD, you would have to refer to the more powerful and race homologated GT2 or another option is to remove the drive shaft leading to the front differential].

It was 1997 and Porsche decided to introduce a limited run of 200 units of the Porsche 993 911 Turbo S; the Turbo S delivered an even higher performance. The new car had a few additions as well, among these are an additional 24 PS (17.7 kW), this was over the regular Turbo 400 PS (294kW) and modifications to the car’s body.

The Porsche 993 Turbo still command a premium price, due mainly to its reliability, raw power, and the fact that it is the last air cooled 911 Turbo cars.

Porsche 996 Turbo (2000 - 2004)

In the year 2000, Porsche introduced the 966 Turbo, which is as the name suggests a turbo version of the Porsche 966. It was equipped with standard four-wheel drive and a 3.6-liter engine, which was derived from the 911 GT1 engine. It also came with twin turbocharged and inter-cooled producing a whopping 415 BHP (309 kW), which meant the car could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. In 2002 the 996 Turbo received an upgrade known as X50 or Turbo S, this increased the car power to 444 hp (336 kW). The 996 Turbo also had air vents in the front and rear bumpers.

Porsche 997 Turbo, 997 GT3 (2006 - Now)

The 997 GT3 or 997 Turbo debuted in 2006, and like previous models it gave Porsche the opportunity to homologate aerodynamic features for racing, and add a model for customer racing. The car used the same 3.6 liter engine as the Porsche 996 Turbo, but with the exception that it had more power; 480 PS. It gets from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds (using Tiptronic Transmission). The Porsche 997 Turbo is more driver friendly relative to its predecessor.

For information on the iconic Porsche 911’s history, 911 sales, reviews, specifications and more visit: Porsche 911 Turbo

Article Source: Ruel Run
Porsche 911 Turbo: Historical Overview from 1974 to Now

Posted in Porsche | Print | No Comments »

June 29, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Matthew Keegan

European and Asian luxury car manufacturers need to watch out. The all-new for 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe is a beastly beauty, an absolute head turner and the latest model in the vaunted CTS portfolio. The most recent iteration of this car goes on sale late this summer, the clearest demonstration of Cadillac’s art and science design scheme in all of its chiseled glory.

Concept Coupe

I’m biased when it comes to this model because I was on hand at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit when the concept of this coupe was rolled out. Its striking design captivated the audience, especially its non-existent B-pillar. Safety considerations required slight changes to the coupe’s appearance since then, with a very discreet B-pillar added in. Other than that, the original beauty we saw way back when is what consumers can now buy.

Cadillac is central to GM’s recovery plans with the CTS portfolio driving the brand’s success. With sedans, sports wagons and coupes now part of the line up, this mid-size Cadillac line offers a worthy challenge to competing brands including BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti and Acura. Yes, Cadillac easily bests Lincoln with the CTS, providing a strong American built line able to take on the world’s best production cars.

Powerful Engine

A standard direct-injected 3.6-liter V-6 engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, featuring a revised clutch and dual-mass flywheel that Cadillac says offers better clutch pedal feel and improved engine isolation. Optionally, CTS buyers can select a six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control (and available steering wheel mounted shift buttons). Significantly, the Coupe’s final drive ratio is 3.73:1, up from the 3.42:1 ratio of other CTS models, allowing for more responsive acceleration.

Because handling is a critically important aspect for the Coupe, GM is offering a pair of suspension-tuning levels with the CTS. Standard is the Performance Package with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires (available in both rear- and all-wheel-drive), and the Summer Tire Performance Package, with 19-inch tires and wheels and a higher level of road-hugging ability. Stability control is standard across the CTS model line.

Cabin Amenities

Important amenities offered include a 40-gig hard drive, featuring the ability to store music and pause-and-replay live radio; iPod/MP3 capability; OnStar; navigation system; Bluetooth connectivity; keyless access; rear camera unit; Bose audio system and adaptive lighting.

Safety features are offered in abundance and include front and side airbags and side curtain airbags; tire pressure monitoring unit; and a stronger body structure with high grade steel strategically placed to afford better protection.

Just like the other CTS body styles, a V-Series version of the Coupe will be made available later this year. Powered by a 6.2-liter tuned Corvette V-8 engine, this car will bang out 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque, an amazing feat for a simply dazzling sport coupe.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy’s Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including cat-back exhausts and bumpers.

Article Source: Matthew Keegan
2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe: Beastly Beauty

Posted in Cadillac | Print | No Comments »

June 28, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Mrinal Aha

Hinduja Group’s Defiance Technologies is into developing Nissan - India’s yet another small car after the Tata Group’s Nano. The Hinduja Group is also considering an alliance with one of Japan’s leading auto companies.

Defiance Technologies offers engineering services to both local and overseas clients. Defiance Technologies is concerned with aerospace, automotive, etc. Though Defiance Technologies has a chunk of its business in India, it is connected to the overseas customers by virtue of its engineering services, like concept development, full spectrum CAE, prototyping and physical testing among others.

Defiance Technologies gives major importance to quality, which is why they have been doing business for more than 10 years now. Futuristic technologies are what DI looks for with solutions and quality.

Ashok Leyland, another company in the field of auto sector, has thousands of heavy-duty vehicles running on the roads today. The development of this small car is under their consideration as well. Now there is also news about Nissan-Ashok Leyland tie-up. However, these ideas are rubbished. According to the spokesperson of Ashok Leyland, they are just speculations and there should be nothing more to see into it.

To confirm the news, the spokesperson of Nissan India was contacted. He echoed the same thoughts of the spokesperson of Ashok Leyland. However, Nissan India’s spokesperson was not interested in commenting on the Nissan-Ashok Leyland tie-up.

In a press conference, Nissan India cleared the doubts, saying the company has not gone beyond the abstract phase. However, they said they were interested in potential and serious partners. Nissan India further said, they were still in search of the right partner and were actually in talks with Ashok Leyland as well. However, to put an end to the question mark, the spokesperson was quick to react that nothing was finalized.

If one can recall going further back in the past, the previous press conference that was held in March the same year, Nissan India had pointed out that they were, in fact, serious with a tie-up with Ashok Leyland. They wanted to develop a potential small car that could go global. The price tag was set to be around US$ 4500 to US $5000. That would be around Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 2,25,000 according to the Indian currency. Mr. Andy Palmer, the senior vice-president confirmed that no partner was finalized. However, chances are there that it could be Ashok Leyland.

Now stop searching the net for hours to get the latest news from the auto industry, rather get updated with all latest updates from auto market under one roof at autobulls.

Article Source: Mrinal Aha
Nissan’s New Small Car Developed

Posted in Nissan | Print | No Comments »

June 25, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Amit Verma

Learning to drive is not a complicated process; it is a massive statement of independence. There is no way to successfully learn how to drive a car other than getting behind a wheel and driving. You can go where you want, when you want, without having to rely on people to take you there.

For a learner driver, one of the best ways to gain this understanding is by attending driving school. It is important to learn road etiquette and to read the signs on the road apart from the number of lessons to be taken which may vary between learners. All driving schools go through a rigorous training process, which ensures they’re up to speed with all laws that govern driving in their respective state or country. A certain veneer of seriousness should be observed in order to succeed in driving lessons. In most countries before one can acquire a driver’s license they have to sit for a written exam. This usually involves reading and then attempting an oral or multiple choice series of questions usually revolving around traffic laws and regulations.

In order to become an experienced driver, one has to practice driving in every possible situation. So when picking a driving school, it is important to ensure that they provide driving lessons in less than ideal conditions. This will make you a confident driver who at the same time does not take careless risks.

Driving lessons are thus very important to equip the driver with the needed knowledge and experience to be able to drive safely. Well-trained drivers will mean lesser accidents on the roads. Understanding the importance of road safety is something we should all strive to achieve as it can directly or indirectly affects others and ourselves on the road. Mobile phones, pedestrians and other cars are just a few of the distractions drivers must contend with. Driving instructors are able to impress upon their young students every aspect of driving and road safety.

Amit writes about “Driving Lessons”. If you are looking for driving lessons in Australia, then check Driving Lessons offering information about various accredited driving schools.

Article Source: Amit Verma
Driving Lessons

Posted in Learning to Drive | Print | No Comments »

June 24, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Lucy Hamshare

High temperatures throughout the summer months can cause problems on the road, affecting both the car and the driver. To help increase your car’s reliability, make sure you give your car a check-up before any journeys and help keep yourself safe on the road. These seasonal tips will help you cope in the heat and avoid breakdowns:

Tires: check the tread and wear of the tires making sure there are no cracks, bald patches or uneven surfaces. High summer temperatures can cause damage to the rubber causing punctures, so ensure the spare tyre is in good condition too. Always check tire pressures before heading out on a journey.

Fluid Levels: check the coolant level regularly, and top up if necessary, to avoid overheating. Check the coolant fan is working properly to ensure the engine temperature doesn’t get too hot. It’s also wise to check the brake, clutch and power steering fluids as well as the oil before a long journey.

Once you’ve set off on your journey, be careful to avoid driving fatigue, which can be accelerated by high temperatures. Fresh air or turning up the radio can help in the short term, but it’s important to take a 20 minute break from driving every 2 hours.

Turning on the air conditioning can help in the heat, most new cars now come with air conditioning either as standard or as an option, such as the new Ford Ka and Vauxhall Corsa, however it will also use more fuel so don’t leave it on for too long. Ensure all windows are shut before you switch the air conditioning on, and once the car has been cooled, turn it down or switch it off to avoid wasting fuel. Ensuring the air conditioning system is serviced regularly will help to keep it efficient and hygienic.

If you park in the sun, try to find a shady spot, or use a windscreen shade to help keep temperatures down within the car. Open the doors as soon as you return to the car to help lower the temperature inside the car. This will help to cool the interior so that you are not so reliant on the air conditioning.

Another problem faced by many motorists in the summer is glare from the sun. To avoid glare, try to keep a pair of sunglasses in the car, and if you need glasses to drive, make sure they are prescription sunglasses. Cleaning the windscreen regularly inside and out to remove smears, which can catch the sunlight, can also help to reduce glare. Renewing worn or damaged wiper blades will also help to improve vision in the summer.

Lucy Hamshare is an online marketer who is currently researching the new Ford Ka.

Article Source: Lucy Hamshare
Driving Tips for the Summer

Posted in Driving Tips | Print | 1 Comment »

June 23, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Jose Marc Castro

The Reva electric car company was initially a joint venture between Maini Group of India and a group of Californian investors who were willing to take a gamble on this new but relatively immature market. Even though the company has yet to report a profit, ploughing all income backing to research and development, there have been significant changes in the ownership and shareholder structure of late as Reva electric cars hit the market.

Ownership of the company

In May 2010 utility and tractor manufacturer Mahindra and Mahindra of India stepped up to the mark and acquired a majority 55.2% stake in the business. This allowed the initial Californian investors to bail out at a relatively early stage although it is believed that with a value on the company of around USD100 million they left the company with significantly more than they invested!

Even though the exact terms of the transaction were never released into the public domain informed sources believe that the offer did indeed value the company in excess of USD100 million. However, Mahindra and Mahindra is a multibillion dollar business which is able to finance a significant investment into the Reva electric car company. Even though a number of original partnership deals may have to be renegotiated, due to competition issues, there is no doubt that the future looks very rosy for the company.

Why has Reva been so successful?

Like many of the smaller electric vehicle manufacturers around today Reva managed to tap into a growth market at a very early stage when many of the larger players were not interested in investing. However, the company grew and developed vehicles such as the REVAi, REVA NXR, REVA NXG with many other models in the pipeline.

Initially it was very easy to spot an electric car from many miles away but companies such as Reva and the likes of Tesla Motors brought electric cars into the mainstream and increased their profile and their popularity. Significant investments in design and development, as well as the technology, have seen the emergence of a vehicle which is very popular in the mass-market and has now become something of a status symbol.

Is this a new era for the electric car market?

Even though there has been significant growth in the electric car market over the last decade many believe this is a market which is still very much in its infancy. Governments around the world are only just waking up to the possibilities of electric travel which will reduce emissions into the environment and reduce the damage caused by traditional fuel and traditional vehicles. Against this backdrop we have seen significant investment from governments around the world as well as various tax incentives to manufacturers and the public to push these vehicles into the mass-market.

Conclusion

Reva electric cars have a very good reputation in the electric car market and the introduction of companies such as Mahindra and Mahindra into the mix has led to significant investment in design, manufacturing and the development of technology. As a consequence the company is very much on the crest of the wave and well positioned for future growth in the electric vehicle market.

The introduction of Mahindra and Mahindra to the shareholder list of Reva electric cars has had a major impact on the company.

Article Source: Jose Marc Castro
Reva Electric Cars

Posted in electric car | Print | No Comments »

June 22, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Brenda Williams

Road rage is something that many of us will encounter in one form or another at some point during our driving tenure. Road rage can range from anything such as getting angry because someone cut you off to weaving in and out of traffic because you feel as if other drivers around you are simply “too slow”. Whatever the reason, cause or excuse, each year, road rage causes more vehicular accidents as well as pedestrian related deaths, which is why special attention needs to be paid to avoid it.

So, how exactly do you avoid the road rage bug? For some people, remaining calm while driving is easier said than done. Sometimes road rage can be sparked by a phone conversation. Maybe your significant other called with some bad news or maybe you are arguing with someone one the phone. As a direct result of your attention being split between the road and the conversation, you don’t even realize that your driving has become dangerously erratic. If you think that you haven’t seen road rage, think again. You probably don’t have to think back too far to the last time that you were in your vehicle and saw someone purposely run a red light, cut someone else off or lay on their horn to try to encourage someone else to move. In many instances, one person’s road rage can adversely affect others around them as it provokes other people and causes agitation. If not dealt with properly, road rage can produce a seemingly endless cycle of negative feeling among other drivers, not to mention dangerous results.

If you are trying to get a handle on your own road rage, one way to begin is to start by listening to calm, soothing music. While distractions are usually not a good thing while driving, music that distracts you from feelings of anger while behind the wheel is a good thing. Re-focus your energies on what is playing over your radio versus what the person is doing in front of you to make you angry. For example, when you find that someone is making you upset while driving, crack open one or more of your windows, listen to the radio and/or practice some deep breathing exercises. Believe it or not, deep breathing exercises will actually force you to slow down your heart rate, thus making you feel more calm; and calm is what you want to be when you are behind the wheel of a car. Research as well as logic shows that the more calm you are, the more clearly you are able to think; and the more clearly you are able to think, the better reaction you will have.

Driving with someone who is experiencing road rage can be an extremely frightening experience, perhaps more so than having to deal with it in any other fashion. There is a feeling of a lack of control as you wonder whether the person you are driving with is going to get you into an accident. In situations like this, use your judgment and directly confront the person about their road rage. Point out the positives in the situation. For example, you could say something like, “You know, that person probably didn’t mean to cut you off; they probably just didn’t see you is all…” Suggest ways for the person to calm down so that safe driving can be resumed.

Choosing Car Carrier

Auto Transport

Article Source: Brenda Williams

Handling the Road Rage

Posted in Road Rage | Print | No Comments »

June 18, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Rickey W. Pearce

The Audi A4 is a popular family car, though it is described as a luxury family car. There are many key features that make certain cars great for families, and the A4 is one of the top ranked. Audi produces reliable cars so you can feel secure that your family is as safe as possible when driving.

What Makes a Good Family Car

Your family needs will dictate which car is better than others. The main key with a family car is versatility: moms will use it for errands, the car will be full when you car pool to school or take everyone to sports practice, and the parents may use it for their evenings out. A great family vehicle is one that is safe, reliable and completely versatile no matter the outing.

Family Features

There are many features in the Audi A4 that were designed for families and to ensure that everyone in the car is comfortable. The interior and the trunk are both roomy, and the back seats can fold down for even more space. Parents and kids will not have any problem fitting all their gear, no matter if they are going on vacation or just to soccer practice. A great feature for larger families is the personalized climate control for each seat ensuring everyone enjoys their perfect temperature.

Safety Features

Safety is always a concern with families as you want your car to provide the maximum protection for babies, small children, teenagers, other passengers and the driver. The A4 has driver, passenger, side head and rear head airbags. There is also an air bag on and off switch if you choose to put a car seat in the passenger front seat. The LATCH system used to secure baby car seats is always a must have for parents with young children.

Included in the A4 is electronic stability and traction control along with a 4 wheel anti-lock brake system. There are reinforced cross members on the chassis, the bumpers are reinforced and you can adjust the seat belts so no matter the person’s height or weight they are properly strapped in. The Audi A4 received 5 stars (out of 5) for all crash tests as well as some of the highest safety ratings you can get for a vehicle.

The Price and Fuel Economy

Family cars should not cost an arm and a leg and there are several different models to choose from, including the Avant, Cabriolet and sedan. Audi offers several additional packages to make the car even more luxurious. The A4 is on the higher end price wise of family cars costing between $30,000-35,000. Since this is considered a luxury family car, the price is no surprise and it is actually still very affordable when compared to many other luxury vehicles on the market.

Anyone with a family should be concerned with fuel efficiency and getting the most miles per tank of gas. The fuel economy on average is 27 mpg for highway and 21 mpg for cities. Considering the vehicle is equipped with a V-6 turbocharged engine, the fuel economy is actually very good. The next release of the Audi A4 will have even better fuel economy as the car’s weight has been dramatically reduced by 300 pounds, which provides much better gas mileage.

Rickey Pearce has a passion for automobiles. From the classic ‘57 Chevy to fuel-efficient hybrids to luxury vehicles such as the Audi A4, if it runs on 4 wheels, he enjoys them. When in the market for a new vehicle, he used CarsDirect’s new car buying guides for all the latest information available. Visit CarsDirect.com, America’s #1 way to buy cars online!

Article Source: Rickey W. Pearce

What Makes the Audi A4 a Great Family Car?

Posted in Audi | Print | No Comments »

June 17, 2010 by jameslucas.

By David A Axtell

Urban and suburban drivers today are so distracted with cell phones, stereos, iPods, GPS systems and so many others that driving is no longer the primary focus of being behind the wheel. This is what first responders have to contend with on a daily basis. In addition, first responders find themselves in situations where drivers either refuse to yield the right of way because of these distractions, or simply become scared or don’t know what to do when they see the flashing police lights of emergency vehicles in their rear view mirrors. It is often with great disdain that first responders have to deal with these distracted and downright stupid drivers.

Maybe people just don’t care. Maybe people are so wrapped up in their own lives, that they don’t pay attention. Whatever the reason, it greatly hampers the response times of our invaluable first responders. This can be the difference between life and death, saving a home or letting it burn. Our society today has become so self centered it seems, that it only matters to us if it directly concerns us. Never mind that it could be a situation affecting a friend, a member of their family or even themselves. You never know where that police car, fire truck or ambulance may be headed. Therein lies the rub.

If everyone put down the phones, the iPods, the makeup and focused on what should be their number one priority, driving, first responders would actually find themselves getting to the scene faster and with less drama. But that’s only in a perfect world. Even a close to perfect world would be a welcome relief. Yielding the right of way when an emergency vehicle is responding should not be looked upon as an inconvenience, but with appreciation for the work they do. Someday, it may be you who’s waiting for the police, the fire department or the ambulance and wondering why it’s taking so long.

This article was written by David Axtell of Responder Public Safety Equipment.

Article Source: David A. Axtell

Police Lights Request the Right of Way

Posted in Safety | Print | No Comments »

June 16, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Levi Quinn

There has been a lot of talk lately about green vehicles, and it is not about the color green. A green vehicle is basically an auto that is not as harmful to the environment as the gas-powered vehicles that have been produced and used for the last several decades. Green vehicles are low-carbon emission machines. Many of them are generated by a variety of fuels such as alcohol, electricity, natural gas, hydrogen, propane, and biodiesel. They are often known as alternative-fuel vehicles.

Green vehicles are becoming more popular because traditional vehicle pollutants have been linked many respiratory and cardiopulmonary diseases and many people have died as a result of the air pollution they produce.

Below are a couple of examples of green vehicles that are in use today.

Alcohol vehicles

Alcohols such as ethanol (grain alcohol) and methanol (wood alcohol) and have used as alternative fuels for quite some time. Did you know that the first car produced by Henry Ford first car was actually fuelled with alcohol? Both of these alcohols are currently in use, as transportation fuels will probably continue to be in the future. Alcohol in drinks is ethanol, but the type used for fuel has poisoned added to it. So you definitely do not want to siphon out anybody’s gas tank. Methanol is nearly all made from natural gas today and is also quite poisonous and harmful if swallowed. Methanol is the required fuel for the Indianapolis 500 and other types of racing and has been for several decades. This is because it is made from a single chemical and gasoline is derived from several different chemicals and can often vary greatly from batch to batch. Methanol contains approximately half the energy of gasoline per gallon, which means fewer miles per gallon, but not less power.

Flexible fuel vehicles

Flexible fuel vehicles known as FFVs can run on gasoline, alcohol or a combination of the two. Some vehicles operate on pure alcohol, but FFVs use alcohol blends for two prominent reasons. If you add a small amount of gas it makes it easier to start the vehicle in cold weather. Adding gasoline also makes it easier to see the flame, which makes it safer.

Electric vehicles

Electric vehicles have also been around for years. In fact, in the early 20th century, there were more electric cars than gasoline-powered models. Electric vehicles faded away though as cheap methods of producing gasoline were discovered. Also, a gas car could travel a lot farther than an electric vehicle. The electric vehicles of today run on the electricity that is in batteries. There may be up to two-dozen batteries or more used to power the car. The cars have an electric motor, which turns the wheels and uses a battery to operate the motor. The vehicles are typically plugged in at night into a special unit to recharge. Some of them are designed to plug into a regular wall outlet and others require a larger outlet. The batteries can be either lead acid batteries, or ni-cad (nickel-cadmium). More effective batteries that can contain more energy and last longer are now being developed.

Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. If you’re looking for very cheap car insurance, visit us today for money-saving tips. Get fast free auto insurance quotes from respected insurance companies at AutoInsuranceRatesDirect.com.

Article Source: Levi Quinn

Why Green Vehicles are Ideal for the Planet

Posted in Green | Print | No Comments »