Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Audi S4 – The Perfect Sports Car For Everyday Driving

The Audi S4 is a breathtaking car to be in and covers ground at an amazing rate but its is still not an ideal driver’s favourite. Other than the engine revision Audi has not made any significant changes to the older version. However, the engine’s instant punch and smoothness is quite impressive.

The new technology has been introduced to S4 which pulls power. Audi claims the new 3-litre supercharged engine is a whopping 37 per cent more economical than its predecessor. The engine options available are 2-litre direct injection turbocharged producing 200bhp and 3.2 litre V6 producing 255bhp. Additional to these, the standard ones are 1.6 litre producing 102 bhp, 2 litre producing 130bhp and 1.8 litre turbo-charged producing 163 bhp.


Several new items of Vorsprung Durch Technik meaning, ‘Advancement Through Technology’ which makes the Audi S4 handle like no Audi saloon has before. The second optional extra which impressed was Audi Drive Select, which allows the settings for the active steering, seven-speed S Tronic gearbox (if fitted), active sport differential and adjustable suspension to be tweaked via buttons on the dashboard.

The special extras added to the S4 are a slightly more aggressive front bumper, extended side skirts, brushed aluminium door mirrors; small spoilers and four chrome exhaust pipes enhance the stealthy character.

Can this S4 match the M3. Definitely not, BMW still overpowers thanks to its superior steering wheel and great chassis balance. The S4’s superior torque thrashes the M3 on in-gear times. Audi has hinted BMW with S4 that it is capable of giving an equivalent sportier car in this horsepower battle.

Friday, April 3, 2009

A NISSAN 370Z VS GT-R Showdown

I just happen to see this video, and i want to share it to you.

Friday, March 20, 2009

So Many Online Car Auctions, So Little Time

Have you ever been to an auction? Not necessarily online car auctions, but just an auction where you wander around, looking at items that you might want to buy, and you mark down on a little booklet which items strike your fancy. Then the auction begins and you make your bid. Someone else may outbid you, and then someone else outbids you both. The price is finally beyond what you wanted to spend...but your blood is up and you don't intend to let someone else beat you out on what you want!

So you end up winning the item, but by spending more than you actually wanted to spend.


That kind of emotion doesn't really happen on online car auctions... the atmosphere is totally different. You're sitting at home in front of your TV, drinking a beer and munching on a snack, checking on the cars you want and making your bids. It's a much more relaxed atmosphere - plus you don't have to deal with weather, or crowds, or traffic.

That's why you should think about participating in an online car auction, the next time you're looking for a car. You'll be able to check thousands of cars on the web, you'll see photos and pieces of information, and you can bid over a secure site.

As with all auctions, car auction sales are final. Your new car is yours, as-is. That's a drawback, but if you work with the right online site, they can alleviate some of your fears by ensuring that they give correct descriptions of any car you might be buying. Time to dip your toes into the water of online car auctions!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Maruti Suzuki Sx4 Zxi Car (leather Option)

No leather upholstery required to be purchased! It now comes with your car right on the seats where you desired them to be. This automotive leather is provided by Maruti.

Key Features
The car’s fuel average rates up to 12 km per liter of petrol. The ZXi, in contrast to the VXi model, provides a high ground clearance of 190 mm, a road-runner. It is a 1586cc motor proclaiming Maruti’s characteristics of a chain drive system, dual overhead cams as also 16 valves. A combination of these features results in the automobile possessing a max torque of 102bhp and 14.78kgm. The catch-up speed of Maruti SX4 can be rated good as it can be calculated up to 12.1 seconds to 100kph. Moreover, incorporated is a strong mid-range that increases swiftness in the movement of the car, from 2500rpm to 5000rpm.


To enable speeding up on corners, the car grants a great grip and incorporated wide tyres. The engine has a firm instant brake in combo with the anti-lock system ascertaining a comfortable and secure ride, in case of rapid speed change. Coming to the fuel economy, the SX4 engine gives 9.3kpl on city roads and 14.5kpl on highways.

Design
The interior design of the car is a little advanced Maruti version, demonstrating great comfort design interest. Space is not an issue with Maruti Suzuki SX4 ZXi. SX4 is a designed product of Guigiarro and ITAL Design. The big wheels are a drawback to the look factor but provide a function of being at height, protecting the base of the car especially on speed breakers. The slant faced car along with a similar beltline imparts a look so sleek. With an enormous 500-litre boot, Maruti SX4 ZXi is operated with an electric power steering. Black interiors underscore the macho look in contrast to chrome. A rare-but-great combination! Power window buttons are a part of the opulent automobile. The car also provides a bottle-holder on all door pockets and has an option of leather seats.

Cons
The speed potentiality of the engine is apparently compromised; since it lacks the optimum usage. It could have otherwise been a great performing car provided there was a changing valve timing operating system. A change in the speed is not supported by the already suspension setup of the SX4, as it is way too stiff, making it uncomfortable to ride with drastic change in speed. Attention-seeking, the car requires constant modifications for a comfort ride, owing to its inconsistent steering.

Conclusion
The sedan compiles style, performance, security, and comfort. Popular among the car connoisseurs, Maruti Suzuki SX4 ZXi (Leather Option) car comes in enchanting colors from the palette and gains significance in the eyes of potential buyers. It can be rated to possess good; but not great looks. Summarizing the equipments, SX4 stands quality. Maruti offers ABS, Airbags, temperature control, leather seats, and audio controls on remote.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Hyundai I10

This is for all the small car aspirants waiting for a bit of punk to kick in. Hyundai is out with its five door two-boxed hatchback starrer Hyundai i10. The car stands out from the crowd through its top notch design, pompous interior and safety concerns. Although i10 has been slotted between Santro and Getz it has got its own set of forte. Adding up to the surprise is the fact that India would be the sole production hub for Hyundai i10.

I10’s is sized as Santro except that it is 40mm/1.6inches shorter and 70mm/2.8inches wider than Santro. It also features 1.1 liter engine like Santro. The designing of the exterior looks a lot like ford verve. With a low suspended frame and swiftly raked windscreen the car looks really hotty. Like the Classic Fiat 500 i10 employs dashboard incorporated center instead of usual floor shift pattern. This is no end. The up-market interiors including a rear spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel, leather wrapped gear knob, keyless entry system and a stereo would surely give you the kingly feel. And with the foldable rear seats you won’t ever lack space no matter what it’s needed for. Other high end attributes of the car include fog lamps in the front bumper, alloy wheels and rear wiper.



Unlike the other small cars this one lays adequate emphasis on safety. I10 comes installed with impact sensing auto door unlock system, Safety features like anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual airbags, seat belts with pre-tensioner and high-mounted stop lamp. The EPS computerized in the car automatically adjusts the brake and power delivery when it senses the car going out of the control of driver. Adding up to the cars ruggedness are the features like deformable crush zones and impact path diffusion. These help reducing the damage caused by accidents.

Priced around 4lakh i10 comes in four variations namely D-Lite, Era, Magna and D-auto. Code named Pa, i10 will replace autos prime (santro in India) but in India it will coexist with Santro. The i10 stands in competition with Chevrolet spark, Maruti Suzuki zen estilo, Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Tata Indica xeta. But with the added expertise Hyundai would surely win the race this time. Thus if you are on your way to buy a small car this is a must consider option for you as it is surely a well budgeted car for all that it offers.

Friday, December 26, 2008

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Dimensionally, the new Equinox rides on the same 112.5-inch wheelbase of the previous model, yet is one inch shorter and wider. A more steeply raked windshield gives a sleeker profile for improved aerodynamics, while available 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels pushed closer to the corners provide greater stability and allow for a more spacious cabin. The Equinox’s overall design is more aggressive than its bigger brother, the Lambda-based Chevrolet Traverse, with a more-sculpted front end, bold wheel arches, and distinct creases in the sheetmetal below the beltline. The rear sports stacked round taillights and dual exhausts, yet is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz ML-class with its forward-canted C-pillars and flush-fitting, wraparound side glass.

Direct Injection, Whether You Like It or Not


With cross-town rival Ford waving a turbocharged and direct-injected EcoBoost finger in GM’s face, Chevy’s new trucklet will come out of the gate fitted with a pair of efficient DI engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 182 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 255 hp and 214 lb-ft. Both powertrains are backed by six-speed automatics and optional all-wheel-drive systems (front-wheel-drive is standard), with the new inline-four developing nearly as much power as the previous Equinox’s 3.4-liter V-6. DI technology also endows the new 3.0-liter V-6, with output almost matching the current Equinox Sport’s 264-hp 3.6-liter V-6.

Combined with electric power steering and better aerodynamics, the new engines help four-cylinder models achieve up to a claimed 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Outfitted with the V-6, GM says fuel economy drops slightly to an estimated city/highway rating of up to 18/25 mpg. However, enlarged fuel tanks allow for more than 500 miles of driving range, regardless of engine choice. And, like the 3.6-liter DI V-6 in the Cadillac CTS and GM’s Lambda large crossovers, both engines are happy with regular unleaded.

Help Where It Was Needed Most

While a stiffer body structure permits more-responsive tuning of the independent front and rear suspensions, drivers likely will consider the new interior the greatest improvement to the Equinox. The previous model’s considerable panel gaps, hard plastics, and overall rental-car build quality garnered little praise from us in the past. But the new cabin, which takes on GM’s new design direction and adopts styling cues from the Malibu and Opel Insignia sedans, appears to have advanced considerably. An attractive ‘floating’ center stack dominates the sweeping dash, with ice-blue ambient lighting around the console, cup holders, and door pulls. Both cloth and leather seating are available, and all trim levels include an adjustable rear seat that slides up to eight inches fore and aft for what GM says is best-in-class legroom.

On the technology front, the Equinox will be available with navigation and a seven-inch touch-screen monitor, as well as Bluetooth and USB connectivity, upgraded sound systems, and a dual-screen entertainment system for backseat passengers. Also featured are a powered and programmable liftgate, rear-view camera (displayed through either the navigation screen or rearview mirror), and an intelligent remote-start system that warms the cabin and activates the heated seats depending on outside temperature. Safety highlights include standard electronic stability and traction control, along with front, head-curtain, and seat-mounted side airbags.

Joining a Crowded Party

The updated Equinox looks promising at first blush and potentially could up the ante for the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V, particularly in regard to its new high-tech powertrains. However, we’ll have to wait for our turn behind the wheel to see where it fits in one of the fastest-growing segments in the market. It shouldn’t be too hard for the new Chevy to improve upon the previous model. That is unless GM’s financial breakdown necessitates significant last-minute changes or postponing production altogether.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Accord 2009 - Always In Style !

There are 2 versions Coupe and Sedan available in USA, but here we shall discuss only sedans.


The Honda Accord and the Hybrid

The Honda Accord is a fuel efficient, low emission Japanese car import. The car is available in de facto DX, EX, LX, LX-V6, and EX-V6 line up. It is also available in high performance “enthusiast” versions which boast of better performance.

One of the most well known Japanese car import is the popular Honda Accord Hybrid which features the “green” hybrid car that is making waves in the eco-car community.

Accord Design

The Honda Accord sedan has many design features which make the car a popular choice among car buyers. A few features worth mentioning are the bright LED taillights, attractive 17” wheel design, a GPS navigator and a valuable maintenance minder system which reminds the owner about scheduled maintenance for the car.

Accord Performance

The V6 engine of the Honda Accord generates 244 hp. The 4 cylinder engine, on the other hand, gives 177 hp of power. These improvements to the car's performance were gained by the extensive refinements that the car went through in its intake and exhaust airflow systems. V6 features (VCM) Variable cylinder management technology, which provides even better fuel efficiency.

The car also drives through a Drive By Wire (DBW) system instead of the common throttle cable. This makes the car more responsive and smoother to drive.

The Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, features a 253 hp, 3.0 L, V6 engine and a larger battery back. The Honda Accord Hybrid is easily differentiated from the regular Honda Accord by the difference in their rear light clusters, the antenna, the wheel design, the mirror turn signals and the folding rear which is absent in the Honda Accord. The Hybrid version of the Accord also does not have a 4-way passenger seat.

Safety in Accord

Accord has (VSA) Vehicle Stability Assist which assists in cruising and keeps you away from danger. In emergency situation it reduces gas & adjusts brake pressure at each wheel to help the driver escape from dangerous situations. Also, the (TPMS) Tire Pressure Monitoring System alerts the driver if tire pressure is significantly down. Every accord is fitted with front, front side and side curtain airbags for extra protection. It's infact a top pick for safe driving on the road.

Honda Accord Market

While readily available in the car market, the Honda Accord is also easily accessible in many Japanese used car dealers. In Online Japanese auction sites, the Honda Accord is readily available, Reputable used car dealers offer many good-as-new Japanese used car models and, with proper maintenance, a used Honda Accord can last for years to come. Used car warranty offerings will differ from one dealer to another.