June 15, 2010 by jameslucas.

By A Schult

With the huge success that the Corvette ZR1 has enjoyed since its return in 2009 many felt that Chevy would stop production of the Z06. Well those who thought that notion up were recently proven wrong in a big way as Chevy showed its commitment to the Corvette Z06. Chevy recently announced that later this summer the all new 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition will be made available. This special edition Vette is only going to go to 500 lucky individuals and it will of course bring all sorts of goodies with it.

Starting on the outside, the Z06 Carbon will sport, you guessed it, carbon-fiber. The hood will be raised and made of carbon-fiber as too will the splitter and rocker panels. The limited edition Z06 will also get the same Brembo carbon-ceramic brake pads that the ZR1 sports only the brake calipers will be painted gray instead of blue like the ZR1. Also added to the outside of the Z06 Carbon are Michelin Pilot PS2 tires that will be mounted on special black 20-spoke wheels (19s up front and 20s in the rear).

To make for a better overall ride the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition will come with the Magnetic Selective Ride Control system. When you combine that with the new tires and other upgrades, you get a Z06 Vette that will be a tick faster than the standard Z06 on a track or street with lots of curves and one that handles a lot better no matter where it is rolling. As for colors, you only have two choices. All the 2011 Z06 Carbons will be painted either Inferno Orange or Supersonic Blue. Really with either color you can’t go wrong.

Moving to the inside of the car there are more goodies to be realized. Suede bits will accompany the usually leather and so too will a number of special badges in orange or blue stitching (of course depending on the color you choose for the exterior). However, the seats are still going to be based on the typical Corvette seat so if you plan on doing some intense driving with the limited Z06 you may want to opt for a racier seat. For those not lucky enough to be among the 500 to own this bad boy fear not. Chevy has also announced that it will make two premium upgrade packages available to all drivers who buy a 2011 Corvette Z06.

The first is going to be dubbed the Z07 Performance Package and will include all of the chassis upgrades that the Carbon will enjoy. The second is going to be referred to as the CFZ Z06 Package and will give the buyer the same special body pieces as the Carbon. Chevy has not yet said what the price of the limited Carbon will be, but at a run of only 500 you can bet it will be up there. No matter what the price is, it is just nice to see that Chevy has not neglected nor will they forget the Corvette Z06; at least not for one more year anyway.

Considered a leader in Corvette forums, and highly recommended by A. Schult is the blog and forum found at SmokinVette.com, where you can find tips and resources for the Corvette enthusiast. For additional info on the Corvette Z06, check out SmokinVette.com

Article Source: A. Schult

2011 to Bring with it Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition

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June 14, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Ronnie W Tanner

For 2010, the only option powering the Lexus SC 430 luxury convertible is a dual overhead cam (DOHC), 90o eight cylinder, 4.3 liter, V8, gasoline engine. This engine features direct port sequential fuel injection, has four cams and is equipped with Lexus’ variable valve timing and camshaft with intelligence.

Maximum horsepower of this engine is 288 delivered at 5,600 rpm. The torque is rated at a maximum 317 foot pounds and is produced when the engine is operating at a speed of 3,400 rpm. The engine Is made from an Aluminum block and has aluminum heads has a bore of 91 mm and a stroke of 82.5 mm and a compression ratio of 10.5 to 1. The efficiency and power of this engine are revealed by its impressive acceleration from 0 mph to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The car also has an impressive quarter mile time of 14.3 seconds. The maximum speed of the SC 430 is electronically limited to 149 mph.

Fuel economy for the SC 430 is rated as 16 miles per gallon (mpg) in urban environments, and 19 mpg on the highway. This gives the vehicle an average rating of 23 mpg. The engine is made to run on premium unleaded fuel. The SC 430 has the distinction of being certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV II), making an appealing choice for those who are environmentally conscious. The ULEV rating means that the engine emits extremely low levels of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide into the air.

Ronnie Tanner is a contributing writer at http://www.swengines.com He writes about selecting used engines and choosing this as an alternative to costly car purchases.

Article Source: Ronnie W. Tanner

Check Out the 2010 Lexus SC 430

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June 9, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Sumeet Bagga

As they say, “Your car describes who you are” and of course owning an impressive automobile does matter!

For all those who want nothing but the best, the automotive market has come up with the best new cars for sale of 2010 in Australia. These models are loaded with the best features and the look that will definitely make heads turn. Whether you want to buy your first car or in a mood to change the old one, this automotive sale has got something for every car lover. Read below to know everything and find new cars for sale in 2010.

2010 BMW 3-Series/ M3: A cohesive fluidity that is just unmatched by any of its competitors, the 2010 BMW 3-series come as two-door convertibles and coupes, along with 4-door sedans and wagons. From the 230-hp 328i that can attain 30-plus mpg on the highways to the uncharacteristically responsive and thriftier diesel to the remarkable bawl of the M3’s 414-hp V-8 at 8400 rpm that gets the 0-60 mph work done in only four seconds. There might be faster cars in the market but the M3 series have got a better list of test victories and are known to provide more confidence to the driver. Its steering, unwavering chassis and the seats make it exactly the car that you would like to drive every day.

2010 Honda Accord: Dashing, powerful and plush Honda Accord is the blend of simplicity, luxury and style. Along with the commanding complete size sedan presence, wide opening doors and 271-hp V-6 Engine, the 2010 Honda Accord has got the variable cylinder management that offers the combination of fuel efficiency and brisk acceleration. With the facilities like choice of 5- speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions, navigation system, Bluetooth hands free link and dual zone automatic climate control, the 2010 Honda Accord is every driver’s first choice.

Mazda Mazda3 / Mazdaspeed3: The latest Mazda Mazda 3 has got a lot more than just a shiny new cover. It turbo charged engine, sports tuned suspension, balance of speed, practicality, affordability and various other elite qualities make it the first choice of every car lover. From affordable price to proper safety Mazdaspeed 3 is an exceptional package for every buyer.

MAZDA MX-5: Dream of every speed lover, the aim behind designing Mazda MX 5 is to provide the feel of heart racing excitement along with safety. The multi award winning Mazda MX - 5 is a dream for everyone who likes to drive with passion. A two door roadster, Mazda MX - 5 provides a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a rear wheel drive chassis for outstanding balance and agility. With the feel of a perfect classic roadster, Mazda MX-5 is a blend of excitement (with safety) for every sports car lover.

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF: Among various cars for sale, the Volkswagen Golf is one of the most popular choices of car lovers. From a classy cabin to efficient, smooth and clean new engines, Volkswagen Golf is the quietest, smoothest, safest, and the most luxurious cars on the market. The look is a blend of elegance and style. Tested rigorously many times, Volkswagen is the safest option one can opt for. From parking sensors to automatic dimming mirrors, Volkswagen golf is a combination of class and pleasure on wheels.

Find a wide range of brand new cars for sale of each makes and models at AutoMarket.com.au, one of the biggest automotive portal of Australia. Auto Market is a free car advertising services where car buyers and sellers can connect easily. Buyers can search all types of cars for sale, new cars, second hand car, and used cars for sale, whereas private sellers, car dealers, brokers can sell cars for free.

Article Source: Sumeet Bagga

Best New Cars For Sale of 2010

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June 8, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Lilaa Ivanova

Truth About Electric Vehicles

Japan has been researching EV (electric vehicle) technology since last 20 years but it is fact that Electric vehicle was invented before the gasoline engine vehicle. Electric vehicle did not really gain popularity because of weak batteries and recharge system. Now the scientists have found minerals like Lithium, which can really move this technology to make a larger impact on the consumers.

As everyone of us know that there are 3-types of vehicles running on our roads.

Petrol/Diesel Vehicles

Hybrid Vehicles that are partially electric. &

EV-Electric Vehicles

Many new developers and enterprises are taking bold interest in the production of Electric vehicles, but still the big stake is with the main key players like GM, Honda, Toyota and Nissan. This monopoly will raise the prices because of the long time research and the expensive batteries. Mitsubishi IMIEV has a price tag of Japanese Yen (JPY) 3,980,000. Under Government of Japan support and zero emission promotion program a rebate of JPY 1,140,000 is available to the end-users. This makes a final price tag of JPY: 2,840,000

The 500Cycle motor that moves the car is in back, and the battery -LEV50 x 88 are the main components of IMIEV. It will charge to full in 14Hrs. from a house plug in of AC100V. But since a great time of about 14 hours is still un-acceptable to many. Therefore every maker is focusing in providing a quick battery charge solution to the users. Even the Govt. has announced to provide support is establishing more than 2,000 quick charge points by the year 2020. These points will be useful and the user can re-charge about 80% of the batteries in only 30 minutes, but still this will be a question because a tank fill up from gas station does not take more than 2 minutes.

Besides this if the user drives the car with full beam and full air-conditioning positions then the battery won’t last even half the distance in full charge. Hence the drivers should keep in mind that IMIEV will only run for 80Kms. if air-conditioning and lights are used continuously. But this is how the normal cars do and the alternator in the vehicles keep on charging the battery.

Nissan Leaf another EV has set a total retail price of JPY 3760000 and after a Govt. discount of JPY770,000 the final price will become JPY2,990,000. Well as we discussed above that until the batteries are not loosening prices, these small babies will be expensive. Hence if you do own the vehicle for 7-years then it might become economical in comparison with present gasoline engines.

We believe that there are no instant worries about gasoline engines vanishing from this planet, they have been here for the last 100years or more and will remain around us in future.

Nexusscars is Japanese Car exporter and supply cheap Cars from Japan Auctions

Article Source: Lilaa Ivanova

Unrevealed Truth About Electric Vehicles

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June 7, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Stan Soliday

The Mitsubishi Company is a conglomerate of independent outfits united together under the same brand. The Company has an interesting history, starting out as a shipping concern in 1870. Then they moved into mining, shipbuilding, banking, insurance, warehousing, trade, paper, steel, glass, electrical equipment, aircraft, oil, and real estate.

The company made the famous Japanese Zero during WW2. The Zero was formidable in combat from Wake Island to Kamakazie raids on aircraft carriers.

After the war, Mitsubishi began ventures into petrochemical and nuclear areas. The company is now the largest Japanese trading company with 200 firms in 80 countries and over 50,000 workers. EVs are under serious development in Japan

For the record, The Japan Electric Vehicle Club has just set a world distance record for an electric car on one full charge. 17 drivers completed 1,456 laps on an oval track in Ibaraki Shimotsuma. The speed was 40 km/h (25mph), the car a converted Daihatsu Mira. The EV total distance added up to an amazing 1003km (623 mi).

The iMiev is the latest of a series of electric cars developed since the company began investigation into the technology in the 1970s. The iMiev began life as a converted 2005 Dodge Colt with 2-in wheel electric motors for power. After several variations of the in wheel design, the iMiev as is today was developed in 2006.

The car was first produced in 2009. It is one of the first of a new wave of electric cars on the market. Utility companies and other agencies have been field testing the Miev platform since 2007. Results have not generally been made public. However, there are reviews available from individuals testing the car.

The iMiev lists good performance specs, with a 16kWh Li-Ion battery pack boosting the car to an 80mph/130kph and a top speed for a range of 75 miles (130km). The car is light by western standards at around 2,068 lbs/ 940 kg empty. Note that the 16kWh of battery storage translates to the energy equivalent of approximately one half a US gallon of gasoline!

In the looks department, the wheels of the car are designed to be as close as possible to the very corners of the car. This plus a rather wide expanse of front glass gives the car a somewhat unique appearance.

Some of the more critical comments regarding iMiev performance centered on range issues. It appears that in cold weather, the published range value of drops quite a bit. This issue may be addressed mode definitively with the results of a 50 vehicle Canadian field trial by Hydro-Quebec.

An iMiev recently tested in for one week in Tokyo met with positive results, and an interesting comment regarding the state of EV development in that area. As the batteries reached empty, an onboard navigation system provided locations of close by quick chargers. The Japanese government is aiding in developing a national infrastructure of so called “eco stations”. Tokyo already has a bunch of fast charge points installed.

The car is for sale in Japan for around $40,000 (USD), $50,000 (USD) in Hong Kong (50 only available) and a bit more in the UK. The cars are not yet on sale in the USA.

So far, around 1,500 iMiev’s have been marketed in 2010. Production numbers for 2010 have been estimated at 5,000 units.

Thanks for checking out this article.

For more on the Mitsubishi Electric Car, just visit:
http://www.evsroll.com/Mitsubishi_electric_car.html

For more on all aspects of electric vehicles in general:
http://www.evsroll.com/

Article Source: Stan Soliday

Mitsubishi Electric Car

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June 4, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Ronnie W Tanner

Ford emerged from 2009 as the strongest American car maker, and the only one that has not accepted aid from the U.S. government. The last decade has been a difficult one for Ford and the U.S. auto industry. Throughout the last decade, Ford and its U.S. rivals have been hit with higher health costs of their aging workforces, increasing dependence on declining SUV sales, and continuing erosion of market share to Asian rivals.

In 2005, Ford’s debt was downgraded to junk status by Moody’s and other corporate rating agencies. When the world financial crisis hit in 2008, Ford and most other automakers were hit with massive losses as consumers stopped buying vehicles. Both of Ford’s U.S. rivals were pushed into bankruptcy, and forced to accept aid from the U.S and Canadian governments in order to survive. Ford was not forced to take this path because of a move its management made in 2006; the company mortgaged the majority of its corporate assets in order to secure a $25 billion line of credit. This line of credit, along with cost-cutting measures and better products, allowed Ford to weather the financial crisis and return to profitability in 2009.

Under the leadership of CEO Alan Mullally, who was brought in from Boeing in 2006, Ford has shed non-core assets, focused on better fuel-efficiency in its vehicles, and reduced costs. Ford now produces the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid, two vehicles that return the best fuel efficiency ratings in their respective classes. While the Ford F150 truck is still the best-selling vehicle in the United States, Ford has reduced its dependence on trucks and SUVs as a source of sales and profits. Ford is the only American automaker that made a profit in 2009. Ford also was the only American automaker which gained market share in 2009, and is expected to continue on that pace in 2010 with the introduction of the new Ford Fiesta and the redesigned Ford Focus.

Ronnie Tanner is a contributing writer at http://www.swengines.com He writes about selecting used engines and choosing this as an alternative to costly car purchases.

Article Source: Ronnie W. Tanner

Valuable Lessons for Ford in 2009

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June 2, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Stan Soliday

The main advantages of electric cars are convenience, environmental benefits and fun. EVs are fun to drive while you are doing good things for the world. How so?

First, let’s take a look at the conveniences of battery powered electric cars:

1. EVs are simple to start compared to gas powered cars. You never really “start” the car. As long as the batteries are charged up, all the driver does is close the switch and the car is on! No more accidentally grinding the starter or waiting for the car to warm up. Turn the key; put it in gear, and go.
2. No more tune-ups with an EV. You may need to change out the battery pack once in a while or replace a fuse, but the EV is very low maintenance. Engine repairs are almost not existent since electric motors are very reliable and long lasting. Older motors may require some work on the brushes, but not much, and hardly anything compared to the work required to keep an old gas powered car going!
3. Cheap to operate. At this time, electric cars are still expensive compared to gas powered cars. This has to do with the higher cost of relatively newer battery technologies, and the lack of real mass manufacturing of the components - economy of scale. However, the EV costs only a few cents per mile to drive. The new Nissan Leaf costs about $0.03 USD for the electricity! Try that with a gas burner.
4. EVs are cool. At the present there are not many electric cars around. EVs are different, and still pretty cool. Maybe you can get a date over your EV!

Next, the environmental benefits:

1. Cleaner air. Note that we do not claim that EVs have zero environmental impacts. All vehicles and manufactured machines in general put some dent in the environmental fabric. However, EVs are cleaner than gas powered rigs, the carbon argument notwithstanding. It is argued that if the source of electricity is coal fired power plants that you are just moving the pollution from one place to another. This can be shown to be correct in some cases, but overall it is a lame attempt to resist improvement.

Number one; there is the option to switch to cleaner energy sources such as wind, solar, wave, geothermal and solar power. In fact, it would be a good thing if EVs could force this switch!

Number two; electric cars use energy more efficiently than gas powered cars. Gas powered cars waste about 2/3 of their fuel in excess heat…gone, bye bye, up and away. Just think that of every $1.00 you put in the gas tank, only $0.33 goes towards actually moving you towards your destination! Electric cars use almost all of their energy to move forward to where they are going. What a concept! Take a look at any electric car today, they carry the energy equivalent of like 1 gallon of gasoline, but are doing the same job in many cases. So, less energy used means less pollution any way you shake it.

2. Attitude. It is all about attitude the coaches tell us. It is no different with cars. If you have an attitude of disrespect for the air you breathe, you will help make it less breathable. That’s fine, except that people with this attitude also junk up the air for the rest of plants, animals, and people here on this 3rd planet from the sun. Electric cars help promote an awareness of conservation of resources and an attitude of gratitude for the resources we have and need to keep on keepin on.

3. Conservation of resources: Since transport uses much of the World supply of petroleum, and the World is facing Peak Oil at some point here, electric cars have the advantage of helping in a major way to conserve existing petroleum reserves. This will help preserve lower costs to consumers and ease shocks from the pounding of peak oil.

EV Fun:

Finally, remember the Fun! Here is an interesting and not much talked about aspect of the electric vehicle: the EV Grin.

For some reason, almost everybody that first drives an electric vehicle gets this kind of grin, smile or whatever. It has been called the EV Grin. There is something about the silent, smooth power of the electric car that just makes the driver smile.

Electric cars (set up properly) are quick off the line and run smooth. There is no shifting required many times, and the driving is easy and fun. At stop lights you do not need to worry about revving up off the line, or holding your foot too hard on the brake, unless you own an EV like the Tesla which is programmed to “idle” like a contemporary car.

EVs can smoke the tires too. If you are so inclined, take advantage of that low end torque and smoke it!

These are some of the advantages of electric cars. Of course there are drawbacks to EVs, but that is another article.

Happy Motoring!

Thanks for checking out this article.

For more on electric car advantages, just visit: http://evsroll.com/Advantages_of_Electric_Car.html

For more on the entire EV story, visit: http://evsroll.com/

Article Source: Stan Soliday

Advantages of Electric Cars

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June 1, 2010 by jameslucas.

By R. Bill Williams

Honda: 20 Years Before Electric Cars Take Over.

In a surprise statement Honda’s chief executive has forecast that his company will need to rely on China for its battery powered electric cars.

If Honda are willing to state openly that they have doubts about the future of electric cars what is the real talk within their boardroom?

The CEO of Honda has basically conceded that the car industry as a whole now needs to have a major technology breakthrough in the development of battery powered cars.

Honda are now seeking cooperation from leading battery makers in China to hopefully provide the needed breakthrough. The Chinese government are providing huge financial and business location incentives to companies to develop that technology and break away from the present limitations of battery pack provision of power for today’s electric cars.

The longer this battery/electric technology breakthrough takes the more likely electric car manufacturers are to lose out to the Hydrogen car movement.

There are severe restrictions imposed on any owner of an electric car, these days, such as: range limit of vehicle, re-charging times of batteries, availability of recharging facilities in the locality, the cost of replacing a battery pack - said to be similar in cost to an engine change, a fact frequently overlooked is the need to carry around in the car at all times a very heavy battery pack which unlike a petrol tank does not get any lighter with travel, and finally, the very hefty premium loaded onto the price of buying an electric car in the first place.

Honda’s own forecast for the battery powered electric vehicle to become commonplace on the roads is now 10-20 years, if that really is the case, and other car makers have similar thoughts, it can well be imagined there will be no mad rush to provide a nationwide infrastructure of support/charging facilities in any country.

If other major companies do agree with Honda’s forecasts, how long before government the grants/subsidies are cut back or maybe disappear altogether?

Honda have their own very successful hybrid Civic and Insight models on sale now which have very good environment credentials, are not overpriced, very frugal on fuel and low on insurance costs; these types of car today are far more in line with the average motorist’s affordability and have all the support and servicing facilities in place.

Finally, let us ask ourselves, what is the reason for producing an electric car? The need to provide an electric car originally was to provide a mode of transport that did less harm the environment than current fossil fueled models, fair enough, but what are we ending up with?

As no car manufacturer has produced total production costs we have no idea of these, neither do we know the full number of billions of dollars/pounds spent on battery development by car makers and governments, added to which are government grants of approx £5k per vehicle to the public as an incentive to buy an electric car.

And really finally, all that extra production of battery components have not been costed by way of carbon gas emissions produced in their manufacture, which just about brings us full circle.

Bill Williams

http://www.thecarhub.net is a community for all motoring enthusiasts, with forums, blogs and articles. We offer the same great deals on car insurance, car hire and car accessories as we did on our previous site - you can also now: find the cheapest fuel in your area and be warned of traffic hold ups. We are going places, come on the journey with us.

Article Source: R. Bill Williams

Honda-Losing-Faith-in-Electric-Cars&id=4374210

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