Car & automobile in uk

Mini Countryman (2010)

2010-01-24T19:54:00.000-08:00

This is the Mini Countryman, the fourth addition to Mini’s range – after the regular three-door hatch, the Convertible and the Clubman – and also the first current-generation Mini to have four-wheel drive and four regular passenger doors.

Is the Mini Countryman supposed to be a proper 4x4, and is four-wheel drive standard?

No, Mini says the Countryman is a crossover, and the four-wheel drive system – called Mini All4 – is an option. Think of the Countryman as a slightly bigger and more practical Clubman with a longer wheelbase than other Minis, four proper doors and a conventional lift-up rear hatch, but to make sure it looks a bit more butch Mini has given the Countryman a bigger, bluffer nose than its siblings.

As for the four-wheel drive system, it’s only available as an option on the Cooper S and Cooper D models. It's totally unrelated to the BMW X1 4x4 system (the Mini Countryman sticks with transverse engines).

Mini All4 uses an electrohydraulic differential, and under normal conditions 50% of the engine’s power goes to each axle. But in more extreme situations 100% of the output can be sent rearwards – it might not save you in the snow, but at least it should stop the scrabbling torque steer that otherwise afflicts the front-drive Cooper S.

Under the bonnet lies a choice of three familiar Mini petrol and two diesel engines. The entry-level engine is a 89bhp diesel, while the range-topping 181bhp Cooper S Countryman comes with the latest twin-scroll turbo 1.6 petrol complete with variable-valve timing and direct injection.

Mini’s take on BMW’s Efficient Dynamic tech – dubbed Minimalism – is also standard on the new Countryman and features a decoupling alternator, stop/start, a gearshift indicator and on-demand management of all the engine ancillaries. A six-speed manual is standard, but petrol models are available with an auto ‘box.

What else do we need to know about the Mini Countryman?

Although Mini’s current range offers only cramped accommodation if you want to sit in the back, the new Countryman is designed to be as practical as possible – there’s genuine space for four people. We know because we've already sat in it.

A rear bench is a no-cost option, but stick with the standard two-seat layout in the back and you also get the Mini Centre Rail. Previewed on the Beachcomber concept revealed at the 2010 Detroit motor show, the Centre Rail runs from the dashboard through to the rear seats, and everything from cup holders, sunglasses cases and armrests can be attached to the bar and slid back and forth.

Spec the five-seat layout and you can’t have the Centre Rail, but other options include sat-nav, upgraded stereo systems, a full-length panoramic roof, adaptive headlights, a tow bar and alloy wheels up to 19 inches in size. And just in case you don’t like the high-riding stance of your crossover, you can spec sports suspension and drop the Countryman by 10mm. How crazy's that? A host of John Cooper Works Performance parts are also available.

How practical is the new Mini Countryman?

It's the first modern Mini you could genuinely consider as a family car. The boot is 350 litres with the seats up, but increases to 1000 litres if you fold the pews. The rear seats slide back and forth by 130mm to juggle space for bodies and bags.

Anyone worried about the SUV stigma should hang on for the planned hybrid versions.

The Countryman will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva motor show in March, and sales start in autumn 2010. This will be the first modern Mini not to be built in Plant Oxford, UK; the Countryman will be assembled by Magna Steyr in Austria.

Ford Focus at the Detroit motor show 2010

2010-01-17T06:34:00.000-08:00

Technorati Tags: Ford Focus at the Detroit motor show 2010

Welcome to what will undoubtedly prove to be a very familiar sight in the coming years: the new 2010 Ford Focus. Unveiled as a world car at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, the new Mk3 Ford Focus is easily one of the biggest launches in Detroit.

So the new Mk3 Ford Focus is going global?
You betcha. This one will follow the Fiesta across the Pond to America, giving the Focus a footprint from Dagenham to Detroit and beyond. It's all part of the One Ford strategy, which bins previous attempts at having localised product developed for different markets at huge expense (the last Focus sold in America was quite different from the one that stormed Europe's sales charts).

The new 2010 Ford Focus is a development of the now-familiar Golf challenger recipe: it aims to retain its dynamic zest, thanks to the latest iteration of the control blade rear suspension, but wrapped up in a cleaner, safer and more beautiful package.

It's very different to look at, this new Focus!
Quite. Where the Mk1 Focus shocked with its nouveau shape and edgy detailing, the Mk2 lapsed into conservative safety. No more. Ford of Europe design boss Martin Smith has thrown his full Kinetic Design mantra at the Mk3 – with intriguing results.

With the arrival of the new 2010 C-Max and – for the first time – seven-seat Grand C-Max, there's now space to make the new Focus even sportier. So this five-door you see here looks quiet swooping and low-set (it's 25mm lower than the outgoing Focus). A three-door isn't in the plan currently, after disappointing sales, although a four-door notchback is for saloon-biased markets.

What was the reaction in the CAR office when the Focus pics landed?
We found it striking and sporty – but we'd be lying if didn't admit a few spotted Korean influences in the exterior, with (whisper it) shades of Kia Ceed in that nose for instance. It's nonetheless a captivating design, with especially striking rear lamps shaped like a runny egg melting down the Focus's flanks. The front end, too, is influenced by Fiesta but strikes out the next iteration of Ford's family face.
Be sure to tell us what you think by clicking 'Add your comment' below and sounding off on our message boards.

2010 new Ford Focus: the oily bits
Take note of this new mid-sized architecture from the Blue Oval. It'll underpin a fulsome 10-strong range of medium cars, cranking out an impressive 2 million cars a year by 2012.

The new Focus sticks with front-wheel drive, powered by a new family of 1.6 and 2.0 Ecoboost engines which will kill off oddities such as Volvo's five-pot in the ST. The new downsized-ish Ecoboost family ushers in turbos and direct injection, although cost reasons will ensure that many buyers stick to lower tech naturally aspirated engines.

Dual-clutch transmissions will be available, too, as are carryover 1.6 and 2.0 diesels. And remember that Focus BEV electric car? You'll be hearing plenty more about that in the Mk3 Focus.
The new Ford Focus: tech galore

Get this. Even the Focus class cars now sport some pretty impressive gadgets. The new 2010 Focus hatch sports an active grille that closes off under certain speed/thermal conditions to improve airflow; Sync software will enable full web connectivity once Europe's comms firms pull their fingers out; radar-braking systems will be optional; and it'll read road signs and park the car for you if you go crazy enough on the spec sheet.

But all of that will count for nothing if Ford hasn't nailed the Focus's raison d'être: to provide a no-nonsense hatch with driver appeal to top the class, democratic pricing to win the wallet, roominess for family duty and build quality to equal the Golf. If – and only if – it delivers on all those counts, then the Blue Oval's got another hit on its hands.

Running A Car - Car security

2009-12-25T10:15:00.001-08:00

Running A Car - Car security

Monday, February 12, 2007

A few common-sense rules will help you to stay one step ahead of car thieves. Follow these guidelines and you’re far less likely to become a victim.
• Always lock your car, even if you are only leaving it for a few seconds to pay for fuel. Close all windows, including the sunroof, put the steering lock on and activate any alarm fitted.
• Keep doors locked while you’re driving. Some cars automatically lock doors when you pull away. Make sure valuable items are out of the reach of criminals, who can approach your car in traffic queues or when stopped at lights.
• Don’t leave anything on display or stored in your car, especially when it’s parked overnight. Don’t think that because your car is on your driveway it will be safe – Home Office figures show 63% of thefts are from outside owners’ homes.
• If someone attempts to steal your car during busy periods while you are in it, sound your horn and flash your lights to attract attention. If there’s no-one about to help, or if it looks like the attacker could turn violent, hand over the keys.
• Fit an alarm if one is not standard on your car. Approved installers can be found through www.vsib.co.uk while products tested by security organisation Thatcham are listed on www.thatcham.org.
• Choose a busy, well-lit place to park, preferably close to CCTV cameras. You can find more secure car parks by logging on to www.saferparking.com and looking for the Park Mark.
• If you don’t have a unique-fit stereo that can only be used in your car, consider fitting a system with a removable front panel. Take it with you when you leave the car so that thieves aren’t tempted.
• Hide car keys well away from doors and windows in your home. Thieves can use fishing rods to hook them through a letter box or open window and make off with your car.

automobile book

2009-12-20T02:27:00.001-08:00

This magazine is edited for automotive enthusiasts interested in the impact the automotive world has had. Its focus ranges from cars and machines to road tests and road trips. It also includes reviews of new vehicles, tips for vintage car collectors and information about auto sports and the automobile business.

Garmin nüvi 760 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Automobile Navigator (Factory Refurbished)

2009-12-20T02:15:00.000-08:00

This is a refurbished GPS. Refurbished generally means that the unit has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the navigator back to like new conditions. Some GPS may contain cosmetic blemishes.

Garmin's nüvi 700 series brings two exciting new features -- multi-destination routing and, "Where am I?/Where's my car?" -- to its popular pocket-sized GPS navigator lineup. As with all nüvis, you get Garmin reliability, the fast satellite lock of an integrated high-sensitivity receiver, a slim, pocket-sized design with a gorgeous display, an easy, intuitive interface, and detailed NAVTEQ maps for the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico with more than 6 million name-searchable points of interest. All of the 700-series navigators also feature a rich array of features including spoken directions in real street names, MP3 player and photo viewer, and an FM transmitter that will play voice prompts, MP3s, audio books, and more, directly through your vehicle's stereo system.The nüvi 760 and 770 add integrated traffic receivers and Bluetooth capability for hands-free calling. The nüvi 770 adds maps for Europe. The nüvi 780 adds enhanced MSN direct content capability..

Honda Civic Type R Mugen (2010) CAR review

2009-12-17T08:40:00.000-08:00

Honda Civic Type R Mugen (2010) CAR review

The Honda Civic Type R Mugen is going into production. Yes, it might have been the worst kept secret in the world, but now Honda and Mugen have officially announced that they will produce a limited number of tuned and tweaked Euro-spec Civic Type Rs for the UK.

Just 20 will be made, each will cost £38,599, and if you tick the right option boxes you can make sure your car is exactly like the original Mugen concept. CAR has just driven the pre-production version of the Honda Civic Type R Mugen, so read on to find out how it differs from the concept.

£38,599 is a lot of money – presumably for that much cash the production Honda Civic Type R Mugen will be identical to the concept car?

Not quite. The limited run guarantees exclusivity and goes someway to justifying the pricetag, but you don’t get everything that was on the concept. So while there are engine, suspension, brake and aero tweaks, you have to pay extra for lightweight body panels and the stripped-out interior.

Will there be enough people in the UK ready to cough up the cash? Mugen is certain there will be – when it released 300 Japanese-spec Civic RRs in its home country all of them were sold in just 6 minutes. And if UK buyers don’t snap up this new car, then Mugen knows there are plenty of customers in Europe who will be happy to have one.

From carmagazine.co.uk

Sony Car Stereo

2009-12-15T07:04:00.001-08:00

It’s A Sony Car Stereo

It’s a Sony.

We all know their slogan and yes, they need not say anymore. Sony is a dominating and well respected name in world consumer electronics. From the Aibo to the PlayStation to the Vaio, Sony has created, innovated and excelled in the production of almost anything electronic under the sun.

The Sony Corporation, based in Tokyo is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Their music, motion picture, television, computer entertainment, and online businesses also make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world.

So it is not surprising to learn that Sony car stereos are also well renowned in the automotive audio market. In 2005, Sony car stereos launched their latest carrier car audio product, the Sony car stereo Xplod series which has an amazing lineup of head units, speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers, changers and accessories. It is impressive both in performance and aesthetic value.

A good head unit from the Sony car stereo Xplod Series is the CDX – M9900 CD Receiver/Changer Controller/MP3 Player which boasts these features:

- 32,000-color TFT display
- Video Input for External Source Playback
- CD/CD-R/CD-RW/MP3 playback
- 4-Volt F/R/Sub Preouts w/HPF & LPF
- 52W x 4 High Power
- CEA-2006 Power Compliant
- CD/MD Control, CD Text
- XM Ready
- BBE MP, DSO, EQ7
- Auxiliary Input
- 1-bit D/A Converter
- Drive-S with 120dB S/N Ratio
- SSIR-EXA tuner, 18FM & 12AM presets
- Red key illumination
- Supplied wireless card remote (RM-X145A)
- Optional wireless rotary remote (RM-X6S)
- Optional wired rotary remote (RM-X4S)
This Sony car stereo goes best installed with matching items from the Xplod series such as:

Sony car stereo XS – V6941H 6 x 9” 4 - Way Speakers:

- 6 x 9" HOP Woofer Cone
- Stroke Stabilizer Surround
- 2-5/8" Cone Mid
- 1" Balanced Dome PEI Tweeter, Super Tweeter
- 400W Peak Power (100W RMS)
- Flexible Mounting Options

Sony car stereo XM-2100GTX 2/1 Channel Amplifier:

- 600W Max Power
- 100W x 2 RMS into 4 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz @ 0.04% THD
- 250W x 1 RMS into 4 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz @ 0.1% THD
- CEA-2006 Power Compliant
- Variable 50 - 300 Hz low pass filter
- 40 Hz EQ boost
- MOSFET power supply
- RCA & speaker level inputs

Sony car stereo XS-L102P5 10” Subwoofer:

- 10" Polypropylene Cone
- 1200W Peak Power (330W RMS)
- Unique cone design offers superior rigidity
- Gold-plated Binding Posts
- Small sealed/bandpass enclosure optimized
- 4-Ohm Voice Coil
- 2005 Subwoofer Parameters

Like other modern car audio manufacturers, the Sony car stereo also offers video capable units for playing VCDs, DVDs. A good item from the Sony car stereo Dream System Series is the MV - 900SDS Mobile DVD Dream System.

- 9" wide screen TFT display with swivel function
- DVD/CD-R/RW/VCD/MP3 Playback
- Built-in wired FM modulator
- Reversible display image
- Slot-load DVD Mechanism
- Memory Stickฎ media for playback of JPEG, MPEG, MP3
- Built-in Stereo Speakers
- A/V Input
- A/V Output
- Optical Digital Output (Dolby Digitalฎ, dtsฎ)
- IR transmitter for wireless headphones
- 2 sets of wireless headphones included
- Wireless card remote included

This unit is encased in a grey metallic finish and is ideally attached on the ceiling of the vehicle.

It is also an amazing fact that a lot of enthusiasts also incorporate the PlayStation into their Sony car stereos, which is probably one of the reasons why the Sony car stereo system has earned quite a following.

2009-12-15T07:01:00.000-08:00

A Pioneer In Their Own Right: The Pioneer Car Stereo

Look at any good car stereo system and you’ll probably see a Pioneer car stereo unit plugged into the console. Alongside with quality speakers and a strong lineup of accessories like LCD panels and navigational devices, Pioneer products/Pioneer car stereos have earned a huge following the world over.

The Pioneer Company is a Tokyo-based corporation, and is one of the world leaders in digital entertainment products. The Pioneer Company was first founded in 1938 in Tokyo as a small radio and speaker repair shop business but today, they are recognized as a leader in technology advancements in the consumer electronics industry.

The company is truly deserving of their name. They are respected for many innovations such as interactive cable TV, the Laser Disc player, developing the first Compact Disc player for the car and the first detachable face car stereo, DVD and DVD recording, plasma display, and organic electroluminescent display. Their strength in optical disc and display technology is complemented by its state-of-the-art software products and manufacturing capabilities.

Nowadays, Pioneer car stereo units are not just simple head units. A car stereo can easily be comprised of several items built into the console of the car. Hardware like navigational devices, DVD players with LCD panels, coupled with the standard array of compact disc, mp3 and cassette players now usually go together. One would be hard-pressed not to acquire all of these, as it is such a delight to see these units work harmoniously. But traditionally, a Pioneer car stereo unit is a head unit with a radio, cassette and cd player. No matter how bare-bones this might sound, anyone will surely be impressed with the sound quality and features a Pioneer car stereo can boot.

Something like the DEH-P90HDD Pioneer car stereo single CD player head unit. The DEH-P90HDD allows you to record CD Audio (from the unit itself or from a changer) onto a 10GB hard disc drive, which holds about 200 audio CD's (using ATRAC3 digital compression). Your CD's are recognized by the pre-installed Gracenote CDDB database, which includes auto-playlists that make finding a specific CD easy. This Pioneer car stereo unit can also play your MP3 CD's plus CD Audio, CD-RW, and CD-R discs. Also, the MagicGate Memory Stick player lets you play recorded Memory Stick tracks. The Organic EL display is easy to read and accepts image downloads, so you can customize its look. Built-in DSP offers a 13-band graphic EQ and a huge variety of tools. The DEH-P90HDD is XM Ready and provides a steering wheel remote.
If cassettes are your thing, the KEH-P4020 Pioneer car stereo cassette player head unit is a good product to choose. It is a full logic cassette system with multi-color display, 45Wx4 High Power, EEQ equalizer system, Tuner, IP-Bus System Control, flap face and has a detachable face security.

If you’re planning to buy a Pioneer car stereo unit, why not match it with a set of Pioneer speakers too? Pioneer car stereo has made another innovation in their REV Series speakers, which incorporates technological breakthroughs in their IASCA award-winning Premier Reference Series (PRS) speakers. Rev Series speakers boast Pioneer’s Kevlar Fiber Composite Cones, Soft-dome tweeters and Wave guides. Each speaker features a bright yellow cone and distinctive wave guides, plus a six-spoke grill with a titanium finish that simulates chrome wheels.

With all these impressive products, is it still a wonder why they call Pioneer car stereos “Pioneer”?

Kenwood Car Stereo Lets You Listen To The Future Of Car Audio

2009-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

Kenwood Car Stereo Lets You Listen To The Future Of Car Audio.

This brand is a household name for every car audio enthusiast. Mention the name Kenwood car stereo and they will know what you’re talking about.

Kenwood car stereos have produced high quality consumer electronics, test equipment and communication equipment since 1946. Kenwood car stereos primarily specialize in the design, engineering and manufacture of wireless communication infrastructure but are also renowned in the production consumer mobile and home entertainment systems. Kenwood car stereos are also committed to creating the finest quality components with state of the art technologies that has earned them a huge following in the audio products scene.

At present, Kenwood car stereos have a very impressive product lineup that would make anyone drool over, whether he is an audio enthusiast or not. For the regular Joe who isn’t really into technical stuff, and is just looking for something nice to put into his ride, Kenwood car stereos offer sleek designs that will surely satisfy anyone’s craving for aesthetic. Tech-freaks and geeks will also be impressed with the specs a Kenwood car stereo has.

A lot of Kenwood car stereo units nowadays include popup LCD panels for watching VCD/DVD movies. The Kenwood KVT-717DVD 7.0” Wide, Fully Motorized In-dash Monitor DVD/WMA/MP3 Receiver is a good candidate for any situation.

• 7.0 inch Wide Color TFT Active Matrix Display
• Full-automatic Open/Close with slide and angle adjustments
• Interactive Touchscreen Control with OSD
• Audio Easy Control Mode while Playing Visual Source
• Selectable Wall Paper (6 Patterns)
• Installer/Backup Memory of Audio/Video Setup
• Maximum Output Power : 50W x 4 (MOSFET Power IC)
• 3 Preouts with 5V Pre-out Level
• 2 RCA AV Inputs / 1 RCA AV Output
• Video Input for Rear View Camera
• RGB Input for Navigation System
• System Q/ System E's+
• DVD Menu Direct Touch screen Control
• MPEG 1/2 Video files (.mpg) and JPEG files (.jpg) Playback
• Dual Zone Source & Volume Control
• DVDฑR/RW Compatible
• External Media Control — iPod Ready
• Optional TV Tuner

For those who might not get what the hell all of these means, just imagine this: a really thin monitor panel that smoothly retracts and extends at the push of a remote, crystal clear movie and picture playback, all encased in a beautiful black matte finish polymer casing done with a space age design.

If all you want is a just a regular car stereo for playing CDs’, listening to mp3s or the radio, Kenwood car stereo have a lot to choose from. A good head unit would be the KDC-MP928 AAC/WMA/MP3/ CD Receiver with External Media Control.

• Auto-Slide Detachable Faceplate
• Rotary Encoder & Jog Control Knob for Easy Operation
• 4096 Color OEL Display
• Display Customize Function
• Maximum Output Power : 50W x 4 (MOSFET Power IC)
• ACDrive (Advanced Codec Drive)
• AAC/WMA/MP3 Playback
• G-Analyzer (Graphic Motion Analyzer)
• Built-in DSP : DTA/System Q(4band P-EQ)/Digital E's/SRS
WOW Digital Effect
• O.D.D. (Offset Dual Differential) D/A System for Sound Quality
• Installer/User/Backup Memory of Audio Setup
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio Ready
• HD Radio Ready
• External Media Control — iPod Ready
• Dual Zone Source & Volume Control
• AUX Input
• Gold Plated 3 Preouts with 5V Pre-output Level

The Kenwood car stereo auto slide detachable faceplate allows you to take the faceplate (one which has all the buttons) in order to prevent theft by taking away the functionality of the unit left in the car.

2009-12-15T06:59:00.001-08:00

Budget Bass: Discount Car Stereo

Dying to satisfy that craving for that boom bass but can’t make the budget? Can’t sleep ‘cuz of that new Clarion head unit? Look no further, you just need to find that discount car stereo to fulfill your car audio needs.

Well, there are probably only two instances where a need for a discount car stereo will come in. These two instances always entail lack of a financial comfort zone (that’s why we call them discount car stereos).

First instance, you don’t have an audio system in your car, and you would like to install one. Following the premise we have above, you’re most probably a car owner who doesn’t have enough cash to spend on a new, top of the line system.

What to do: How do you get a discount car stereo? One way is to go to a car stereo sale. Still, you have to deal with store prices, they’re cheap, but not that cheap. Another is to scour the classifieds and buy and sell for second-hand items. These are real discount car stereos, but you have to have a sharp eye to recognize which is a good deal and which is a swindle. Ask the seller how many years he had it, in what car. Inspect the car where it is installed. If it’s still installed on the car, give it a go. If it’s just a head unit, or a speaker that isn’t installed, just be careful. Research the model of the discount car stereo you’re planning to buy, also find reviews.

Second instance: You already have a car stereo system installed, but you would like to upgrade it. Again, most probably you’re just searching for a discount car stereo/discount car stereo system not far from what you have. Maybe something with higher wattage, or a head unit which can play mp3s? And again, try searching at sales. Take advantage of classifieds, buy and sells, second hands, and also swaps. Chances are, if you’re a car audio enthusiast, someone in your circle currently has a better system than yours and maybe willing to sell it to you. No need for standard pricing here. Or if others have equivalent items which they might be willing to swap, like a head unit for an amplifier, or a nice set of tweeters for a cd changer (i highly doubt it) or your pedigreed pitbull for the whole shebang! You’ll get more discount car stereos if you have a circle of friends/people who share the same interest.

Other tips which might help: Another way to get a discount car stereo is to SUBSTITUTE. Like cars, Japanese made units are often cheaper than German/European/American made units. Also, look at the basics. What is it that you need, as in the most BASIC FEATURES? Do you really need that mesmerizing LED display, or can you do without it? Goes for speakers too. If you’re not going to enter a car audio competition and you just want to hear good treble and bass levels without making your speakers croak, maybe you can do away with a couple of 3way/4 way speakers. A big subwoofer will definitely need an amplifier, and those are already 2 things to buy.

Discount car stereos are always a good deal, you just have to know where to get one.

2009-12-15T06:58:00.001-08:00

Pimp Up Yo’ Ride! Why You Need A Good Car Stereo System.

You’ve got a nice pearled paint job. You’ve got your 18’ sized chrome mags. You’ve got an interior job that looks like a dream. But all of that would be superficial if you don’t have a good car stereo system in your ride.

A good car stereo system is a marvel to experience, just like a poorly constructed car stereo system is such a pity to look at. The price is a big factor, but not all expensive hardware perform well if installed haphazardly, or if hooked up with incompatible hardware. It is also subjective, just as some of us find black cars more appealing than other color cars. If you like your car stereo system more than any other in the same vehicle, then you have the best.

If you like some other car stereo system more than yours in the same vehicle, then that one is better. Only you can decide which is best for you. For a car stereo system to be a good or great, it must first meet or exceed the user's expectations.

The type of vehicle also plays a major part in what kind car stereo system you should build. For some people, after only being in a few vehicles their ears recognize the inherent characteristics of this unique environment. Most of what we hear in a vehicle is a recording of the original artist in a given environment, usually in two channel stereo which can be playing in a totally different environment with the listeners placed in awkward listening positions relative to the placement of speakers. A great car stereo system is created with the understanding of acoustics, basic electronics, and the different products that are to be used.

A good idea is to gain references to compare to your auto audio system or any other and experience it live in as many different environments as possible. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to go to expos’ and conventions. As you hop from exhibit to exhibit you'll immediately notice the difference in sound characteristics of each setup. You will find some car stereo systems that you prefer over others, if not a favorite and that is the way to choose a cheap car stereo system that you like. Also ask for specs, they’ll gladly give it to you.

The benefits of aftermarket speakers are: they have a larger frequency response (more music coming through the car stereo speakers), more power handling capabilities, they will brighten your highs and increase your auto audio system bass. There are two types of CAR speakers available: the dual cone and the two way. A dual cone has a small paper cone built into a larger paper cone.

Amplifiers are the backbone of your car stereo system. Weak amplifiers damage good car stereo speakers, not the other way around. Amplifiers provides musical power and contributes greatly to the elimination of distortion and the upgrade of sound clarity. The size of the amplifiers will be proportionate to the level of power you want. You can tell a good power amp by turning the auto stereo system above half volume and still hearing clear amplification. Bear in mind that the more power you have the better control you have over your system.
A good car stereo system is something to show for. It can bring satisfaction to you, the owner, and to those who will witness it. It will also raise the quality and value of your car in case you wish to resell it.

2009-12-15T06:57:00.001-08:00

Car Stereo Speaker: Let Your Car Stereo Speak For Itself

Even if you’re not a car audio connoisseur, it’s easy to be impressed with a car stereo speaker while looking around in an expo or convention. They’re the first thing you’ll probably notice, they come in different colors, shapes and sizes. Those big throbbing concaves blaring incredibly low bass lines or cool little tweeters whistling out seething treble sounds.
Car stereo speakers are interesting and very tempting to buy, especially the big loud ones. But big is not always the best. Each speaker has its own unique quality, intended use and price range. Some may also be better than others at certain things so it pays to investigate your type of car stereo amplifier or head unit before you finally decide on a car stereo speaker for your system. Here are some features to consider:

Car stereo speakers are not all the same size and wattage, and this can cause a problem once you try to hook it up in your car. Know the specs of your system. Sort this out ahead of time, it will save you a lot of hassle. You will be happier with your new acquisition if you can get to see it in action as soon as possible.

There are also a lot of car stereo amplifiers on the market, it pays to be aware of how the car stereo speaker you are considering compares to the others, and how compatible it is to your amplifier or the amplifier you’re planning to buy. Car stereo speakers and amplifiers go hand in hand. You’ll want the car stereo speakers you buy to be suitable for your automotive entertainment needs and not strain the system.

Style can be an important factor when choosing your special car stereo speakers. You’ll want the one you choose to fit in perfectly with your other all sorts of stereo speakers. If you’re planning to install something different, you have to take into consideration the modifications your going to have to make in order to accommodate your new car stereo speakers.

One of the biggest issues in buying a new type of car stereo speaker is suitability. How suitable your car stereo speakers are is probably the biggest issue. Don't forget the reason you’re buying the type of car stereo amplifier in the first place, and ensure that the all sorts of stereo speakers you are looking at will do the job you need no matter what other fancy features they may offer.

Brand is an important consideration when you are shopping for a car stereo speaker. The fact is, one brand of type of car stereo amplifier may have a much better reputation than another, and for good reason. You be the judge. Do your research. Ask car audio enthusiasts. Read magazines and reviews. Do you want to take a chance on just any car stereo speakers, or go for the proven name brand?

Lastly, price is important even if you think it's not. After all, would you want to pay more for your car stereo speakers only to find it cheaper the next day at a different store? Nobody likes that. When shopping for better car stereo speakers, it pays to check at least a couple of different stores, just to make sure you're getting your car stereo speakers at the best price.

The Car Stereo Sale

2009-12-15T06:55:00.001-08:00

Shoe Sale For The Big Boys: The Car Stereo Sale.

Announce a shoe sale, and the women come a’running. Announce a car stereo sale and the men, or more appropriately, the Big Boys come thundering with their checkbooks and wallets waving in the air.

The car stereo sale. This is every car audio, or even the regular audio enthusiasts’ Mecca. Only intense prayer is replaced by intense spending.

Car stereo sales happen at audio stores regularly. When a car audio manufacturer launches a new product, the prices of prior models drop drastically which may prompt the store or the brand name to initiate a car stereo sale. Most especially when a new technology comes out, a good example would be like the introduction of the Compact Disc technology, suddenly all cassette player car stereos became dirt cheap, no matter how cool that LED display might be.

Another avenue of car stereo sales are at expos and conventions. Most of the time, the good stuff come out at expos’, whether it be a car expo, audio system expo, but usually the largest car stereo sale happens at a gathering of car audio manufacturers. Well, at these kinds of expos’ and conventions, it’s not usually a sale because the manufacturers usually try to get buyers for their newest product. If you have the money and you’re out there to buy some serious hardware, then by all means, SPLURGE AWAY!

But first you have to know what it is you want to buy. Don’t go running off to a car stereo sale without knowing what it is your system needs. There are a lot of items in a car stereo sale, shiny, glittery and LOUD items that might get your attention but don’t let it tempt you to whip out your wallet just yet. Although most car audio enthusiasts need not be reminded of this (because they know their stuff well, it’s probably all they think about all day) any car stereo sale newbie might get the itch to impulse buy, especially when the item displays high wattage. Or even if it just looks spacy and high-tech.

When planning to go to a car stereo sale, you have to prepare, prepare, PREPARE. Take a good look at your audio system. What does it need? Do you need a complete overhaul of your stereo system? If it doesn’t really need anything but you just want to take it up a notch and upgrade it, make sure what you’re planning to buy is compatible with your existing system. Don’t but a high watt bazooka speaker if your amplifier can’t handle it. Although audio parts like these have very high resale value, save yourself some trouble and buy the right parts. You don’t want to end up buying a very expensive paperweight.
Also, do what other enthusiasts’ are doing. READ MAGAZINES! These car audio magazines contain reviews and price listings of the items you may be looking for. You’ll also get acquainted with products you might have never heard before, it will surely open up your choices and options.

Going to a car stereo sales is also a good way to meet other car audio enthusiasts’ like yourself. Who knows, you might meet someone who might be willing to just trade items. It will save you the money and gain you some new friends.

Car Stereo Installation Guide

2009-12-15T06:54:00.001-08:00

How to: A Car Stereo Installation Guide

Want to save some money? Ever wonder if you could do a car stereo installation yourself? Yes, you can do it yourself! Go ahead, spend that money on your hardware! Don’t spend it on labor. Besides, doing a car stereo installation yourself can be a very rewarding experience, not to mention you can learn a lot from it too. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing your “creation” in action, running smoothly and perfectly.

But be very careful, you really won’t want to damage your expensive hardware. Well, most car audio hardware are no-brainers to install, you’d find that most of the time the parts have specially shaped sockets and slots etc. and would only fit where it’s supposed to be installed. Still, it’s best to proceed methodically.

In a car stereo installation, you have to determine what kind of rig you’re going to put into your vehicle. If you’re a beginner, it’s best you do a car stereo installation if it’s just a simple system. You may want to leave the complicated stuff to the professionals, like installing delicate equipment like LCD panels, motorized parts etc. especially if it requires the creation of custom panels and such.

Head units are one of the easiest to do in a car stereo installation. Fortunately, most units follow the same size standards (DIN). In many cars, once the factory radio is removed the aftermarket radio will fit in the hole. In many other cars, a kit is needed if the factory hole is too big, or not deep enough. In some cases the dash has to be cut. Any car stereo store should have kits required for installation.

There are two types of mounting in a car stereo installation. ISO mounting is when the radio can be screwed to existing factory radio brackets, such as in most Japanese cars. Ring mounting is when an aftermarket radio comes with a metal ring that gets mounted to the factory radio hole or aftermarket kit via bendable tabs. In many cars, dash and trim rings have to be filed to enlarge the radio hole. Once the ring is installed, the radio slides in and is held by snaps. In most cases, special tools are required to remove the radio.

Speakers are very critical in a car stereo installation. No matter how expensive your speakers are, if they are not properly installed, the sound will not be up to par.

In a simple car stereo installation, you’ll probably be using speakers that fit into a factory location. Just make sure there are no gaps or holes. Sometimes building a wood or fiberglass baffle helps reduce holes and gives you much better sound. But always be careful when using power tools around speakers. Car stereo installation warranties usually don't cover holes in speakers.

For unconventional speaker locations, sometimes metal has to be cut. You might want to leave this to the professionals, tools like plasma cutters and pneumatics drills are required. But if you’re going to insist, a pair of metal snips (left and right cut) will do.

A car stereo installation has to put up with vibrations and other noise sources in its environment. Even though it is impossible to eliminate these completely, there are products that will greatly decrease the noise and rattling, particularly on non-luxury cars. Liners, sprays and adhesive strips and even carpeting applied onto the panels can make a world of difference.

Duh, It’s A Car Stereo!

2009-12-15T06:53:00.001-08:00

Duh, It’s A Car Stereo!

Pretty self-explanatory isn’t it? It’s a stereo system in a car, you say. Whoa, hold your horses, it’s not that simple. Although some people like to put home stereos in their cars and vans (out of dire need for some sounds), sometimes it just doesn’t work. Yeah, maybe before it could’ve worked just fine, all you needed was radio and a cassette player (or 8 tracks, for the inner dinosaur in you) so sure, lug those big box speakers into the back seat and you’ll be blaring down the highway. But nowadays there are things like cd players and mp3 players and your popup LCD panels and all that techie knickknack you’d think they’d like to build a home theater system right smack on the console of your van. If you don’t know anything about these things but would like to have some sounds in your car anyway, here are some things to know about a car stereo.

As mentioned above, at first units and speakers from home audio systems and professional markets were just simply installed into vehicles. However, they were not well suited to the extremes of temperature and vibration which are a normal part of the environment of an automobile. Car stereo enthusiasts were not satisfied with the sound quality of regular car sound systems, and with the advent of the CD player, they really had to start modifying some of these home stereos in order to work well in a car environment and voila!, now we have the modern car stereo.

If you have a new car, first hand bought, say from about 90 to present, chances are you already have a “factory” car stereo in your car. It means the car manufacturer already included a car stereo system in your car, unless specified in the car model but most often this is the case. Some car manufacturers make their own car stereos, like BMW which includes a pretty decent car stereo package head unit and speakers. It is a standard which comes with all their cars (which isn’t surprising considering that BMW is included in the league of “luxury car manufacturers”). Or like Mercedes Benz or Volkswagen, they use car stereo systems from a German audio manufacturer called Blaupunkt.

A standard car stereo (also called a head unit) usually includes an auto-reverse tape deck, a cd player and sometimes the optional changer – a device which automatically changes the cd in play. On newer car models, the car stereo can also play mp3s and other digital audo file types like WMA and AAC, whether on a cd or a memory device which can be hooked up to the head unit.

The car stereo head unit is connected to several speakers. Older car models usually just had one speaker mounted underneath the dashboard, pointing through perforations towards the front windshield. The standard for car stereo nowadays is a pair of “tweeters” (used to bring out high treble) on the driver side/front passenger side dashboard, a pair of normal “mid” speakers on both doors, sometimes even the backseat passeger doors if it’s a large car and larger speakers capable of bringing out low ends at the back protion of the backseats.

Your car stereo is probably ok as it is, as car manufacturers ensure that the audio products that come with their cars can handle most dirver’s listening demands. But if you think that what you have isn’t enough, you can always CUSTOMIZE.

Mobile Multimedia: A New Peak For The Alpine Car Stereo

2009-12-15T06:50:00.000-08:00

Mobile Multimedia: A New Peak For The Alpine Car Stereo

We all know that brand names matter when purchasing car audio hardware. There are brands that are surely more reputable than others. When you are at the store and they offer choice after choice after choice, suddenly you feel overwhelmed on what really to buy. But you can be assured of one thing, if they offer you an Alpine car stereo you can’t go wrong with it.

Alpine car stereo and electronics, founded in 1978, is a world leader in the industry of high performance mobile electronics. They specialize in mobile multimedia, an integrated system approach incorporating digital entertainment, security and navigation products for the mobile entertainment.

Alpine car stereos are a new breed of units which feature the convergence of high performance audio, video, navigation and telematics in the form of Mobile Multimedia. Navigation systems act as the resource center of the Alpine car stereo Mobile Multimedia lineup. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), DVD players, Dolby Digital systems, satellite digital audio radio, mobile data linking and communication through telematics devices will be fused with navigation systems to create a platform of products. Mobile Multimedia integrates Alpine's innovative audio, video, security and navigation products, as well as its new GUI for Drivers, human interface and information communications technology.

To grasp what the Alpine car stereo Mobile Multimedia is, take a look at the IVA-D901 Alpine car stereo Mobile Multimedia Station/CD/DVD Receiver/Ai-NET Controller.

The IVA-D901 has 400% more pixels than a conventional in-vehicle display, meaning that it has 1.15 million pixel elements. It has 50W x 4 built-in power and 3 PreOuts (4 volt), SAT Radio ready, a Hard Disc Drive (HDD), and Alpine car stereo Navigation. Key features include:

- 7" Fully Motorized Wide Screen Monitor
- 18W x 4 MOSFET Amplifier
- Built-in Dolby Digital/DTS Decoder
- Bass Engineฎ Plus
- Subwoofer Level Control
- Bass Center Frequency Control
- Bass Band Width Adjustment
- Treble Center Frequency Control
- Subwoofer Phase Selector
- Bass Type Control
- 4-Ch Digital Time Correction
- 3 Position 12 dB/Oct Crossover
- MediaXpander
- SAT Radio Ready
- MP3 Text Information Display
- Quick Search Function
- CD/CD-R Playback
- CD Text, Text Display, Text Scroll
- M DAC
- MaxTune SQ Tuner
- 3 Auxilliary A/V Inputs with Remote Control Input
- Dedicated Navigation Input
- Dedicated Camera Input
- 2 Auxilliary Monitor A/V Outputs
- Navigation Audio Mix
- 3 PreOuts (4 volt)
- MM Driver (Hard Disc Drive) Ready
- MobileHub Ready
- Ai-NET Control Center DVD/CD/MP3 Changer Controller
- "Digital Art" Spectrum Analyzer Display
- RUE-4190 Universal Wireless Remote Control Included

If these all seems too much for you, Alpine car stereos also have more conventional head units to offer. The CDA-9835 Alpine car stereo In-Dash CD Player/Ai-Changer Controller lets you fully customize both illumination and sound, with a range of 512 colors and super-versatile Bass Engine functions like digital time correction and parametric EQ. You can download audio parameter settings and connect and control as many as eight amps. The BioLite display, Menu key and rotary knob make operation extremely easy.

Like most Alpine car stereo units, it is also SAT Radio Ready, giving you a much greater choice of listening options than ordinary local AM/FM radio. You can select from among a wide range of music genres, news, sports, and talk programs with digital quality anywhere.

BMW M6 Drifting and burning rubber

2009-12-11T10:54:00.001-08:00

BMW M6 Drifting and burning rubber

BMW M6 DRIFT

2009-12-11T10:49:00.001-08:00

BMW M6 DRIFT

Honda Personal-Neo Urban Transport (P-NUT) concept

2009-12-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

Honda Personal-Neo Urban Transport (P-NUT) concept

You can always rely on the Japanese car makers to invent the craziest names. Honda didn’t disappoint at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show, with the new P-Nut concept car. That stands for Personal-Neo Urban Transport, in case you were wondering.

It’s quite a different kettle of fish (bag of nuts?) from last year’s striking supercar hybrid concept car shown a year ago almost to the day. The P-Nut is an urban weapon, with a 2+1 seating layout for a compact shape and a McLaren-esque central driving position.

It’s also rear-engined, to help with the miniaturised packaging, says Honda. The concept was designed in the company’s advanced design studio in the US, whose director Dave Marek said: ‘The P-Nut concept explores the packaging and design potential for a vehicle conceived exclusively around the city lifestyle.’

So no need for any motorway cruising ability then?
Exactly. Honda says the footprint of the P-Nut is similar to a city car: it’s a scant 3400mm long, 1750mm wide and 1439mm tall.

Although there is seating for three, you can fold away the two rear outboard seats to increase boot space when travelling one-up.

Honda P-Nut: the engineering bit
Although Honda hasn’t specified an exact powertrain (ie this concept car is in make-believe land), it suggests that the P-Nut could use an internal combustion engine, hybrid-electric power or a pure battery EV solution.

We reckon they should stick an engine in fast. This thing is rear-engined and rear drive. And we all know that the best Hondas of recent years, the NSX and S2000, all drove the back axle not the front. Game on, Honda.

Skoda Yeti 1.8 TSI SE (2009) CAR review

2009-12-08T23:58:00.000-08:00

Skoda Yeti 1.8 TSI SE (2009) CAR review

Skoda does a good line in half sizes. The Octavia is a bit bigger than Focus types, but not as chunky as a Mondeo. And so the new Skoda Yeti is larger than its Fiat Panda looky-likey, but not quite as big as the Nissan Qashqai-set soft-roaders it’s aimed at. It’s a handy point of distinction and the Yeti looks pleasingly trim as a result: not as bolshily bulky as some threatening SUVs yet with a whiff of go-anywhere potential in its raised ride height and Blomqvist-spec driving lights.

The Yeti is a reminder that Skoda has come of age - with its democratic pricing, competitive line-ups and inoffensively distinctive designs. Clever product planning or a stroke of luck? Whichever, the Yeti lands in a zeitgeist shying away from the excesses of SUVs and City types, serving up some 4x4 attributes in a more modest, bijou package.

So which Skoda Yeti is CAR reviewing here?

As with many compact crossovers, Skoda offers the Yeti in two- and four-wheel drive. Hardware is pilfered from the Skoda Octavia Scout, so 4wd Yetis - like ours - have the latest Haldex traction system, shuffling torque to the axle with the most traction. It works well on road and we were able to elicit only the briefest of chirrups from the tyres even on full boost. The fourth-gen Haldex system can theoretically turn the Yeti rear-drive, with 90% of drive going to the back tyres.

CAR tested the 1.8 turbo petrol, one of the punchier models in the range. Ours came in £18,910 1.8 TSI SE spec, although we suspect many buyers will plump for one of the diesels starting from £15,565 in 2wd trim. We haven’t driven the starter 1.2 yet, which we suspect may feel slightly breathless despite being turbocharged to 105bhp/129lb ft.

And what’s the new Skoda Yeti 1.8 TSI like?

Bordering on brilliant! I’ve had to pinch myself before writing that about a Skoda, but the Yeti is one of the fantastically judged cars I’ve driven all year. From the very moment I climbed in, the Yeti feels right.

For starters, it’s well built in that solid, Skoda fashion. The VW Group provides its finest parts bin ware and the whole is wrapped in tactile, quality plastics with a no-nonsense design that makes the cabin feel from several rungs higher up the range. The Yeti isn’t on stilts, but still affords a hint of the command driving position so favoured by SUV drivers.

It’s seriously roomy and the rear seats slide back and forth upon request, with enough space to make this qualify as a serious family car. The boot’s generous at 416 litres and bigger than a Focus’s or Qashqai’s loadbay. And those rear seats remove individually to turn the tallboy Yeti into a veritable removal van on the cheap (we managed to move a double mattress in it with ease).
from carmagazine.co.uk

Blog and Ping Tool - Use Pingler.com to Drive Traffic your Blogs and Websites

2009-12-08T23:50:00.000-08:00

Blog and Ping Tool - Use Pingler.com to Drive Traffic your Blogs and Websites

Caterham Seven Superlight 150 review

2009-12-08T23:05:00.000-08:00

Bike versus car you say? CAR's Caterham Seven versus a Yamaha R6?

The difference is huge, even with a car as extreme and stripped-down as the Caterham. That gulf is down to feel. On the edge, on cool, wet roads, riding the bike is about treading the fine line between slip and grip. Every small input has an effect on the bike’s attitude. A hint of throttle changes line and lean and you use your whole body to second-guess traction, trying to pre-empt the moment that it starts to ebb or the front starts to fold. It is engaging and with no real margin for error, a serious business.

With the car things are somewhat easier. A natural slow-speed understeerer, a stab of throttle teases the back around. Predictable – and compared with trying to recover a moment on a bike, manageable. And that’s the main difference between the two. Riding a bike fast is about taking it up to the point when it loses grip, driving the car quickly seems to be about managing it after the point it begins to slide. Two very different disciplines. But there is no getting away from the fact that the car that carries more corner speed.

There isn’t the communication you get with a bike. Compared to my shopping car, the steering and chassis tells you everything, but compared to the bike it is numb. The R6’s bars are almost directly connected to the contact patch, but some of what is happening at the Superlight’s front wheels is inevitably lost in translation thanks to the suspension bushes, steering rack and their combined mechanical tolerances. To say you feel detached is insane – just that a bike involves you even more.

Of course, when it comes to speed the bike wins. It has a measured 113bhp at the back wheel and tips our scales at 197kg fully fuelled. Caterham claim 515kg and 150bhp at the crank. The R6 can hit 60mph in 3.3 seconds, the Catherham takes a still-impressive 4.7. Close, but in still conditions the R6 records 162mph. The Caterham does 125mph.

But this makes it all sound more clear-cut than it is in real life. The Caterham’s performance is easy to exploit and on the right road, in the right frame of mind, I suspect it could keep the R6 in sight. At least until you get to the next straight…

Caterham Seven Superlight 150

Mercedes SLS AMG (2009) CAR

2009-12-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

Mercedes SLS AMG, and pick up the new December 2009 issue of CAR Magazine - out Wednesday 18 November - to see how the SLS matches up against Porsche's new 911 Turbo and Nissan's GT-R in our exclusive group test.

Mercedes-Benz is on a roll. After the excellent new C-class and E-class saloons – proper Benzes, as opposed to BMW wannabes – now comes the most eagerly waited new sports car since… well, since last week’s launch of the Ferrari 458 Italia, and the previous month’s unveiling of the McLaren MP4-12C, and the previous month’s brilliant new Porsche 911 Turbo. So much for the prophets of gloom, foretelling the death of the supercar!

This Mercedes SLS AMG is most famous for its doors, which is a little weird. First up, do those gullwings work?

They do – though there is no benefit to ingress and egress compared with usual front-hinged doors. These roof-hinged doors are commendably light – as with the rest of the car’s skin, they are made from aluminium – so they’re easy to open and close. The only trick is to grab the door handle on the way in. The door is too high to grab once you’re seated.

They could have fitted electric doors, but that would have added weight in the very place you don’t want it – up in the roof, where the electronic actuation would have been sited. Weight paring was a priority, which is right and proper for a sports car.

OK enough about doors. Is it supercar fast?

You bet. Top speed is electronically governed to 197mph (you wonder what’s the point of stopping the fun at almost 200mph?) and 0-62 is dispatched in only 3.8 seconds. The big 6.2 V8 revs hard, woofles pleasingly when touring, bellows like a bull elephant under hard acceleration, and all the time the soundtrack is backed by that lovely V8 rumble. When it’s on full song, an SLS sounds like a NASCAR stocker at full chat on the banks of Darlington. It’s marvellous music.

The only slight surprise is the lack of big punch at low revs – you need to get the engine spinning before it really delivers.

Gearchange is by a seven-speed dual clutch paddleshift box, which changes fast and smooth. If you fancy lazy-man motoring, it will happily and smoothly drift along in automatic.

The engine is based on the same 6.3 engine (actually 6208cc) used in the C63 and E63 AMG models – except for inlet and exhaust systems, different valves and the dry sump engine. Power is also boosted – up by over 100bhp compared with a C63.

Mercedes SLS AMG (2009) CAR review

Though the car is very special from a technology and the sheer brass it takes to build the car, its ugly and a duck. It will not be remembered fondly 30 yrs from now. Another German stumble along w/the new Audi A8.

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I'd agree that the choice for a supercar has never been wider, and BMW will have little choice but respond to the latest Mercedes effort. The SLS isn't to my taste, but I've only seen it in photos. Press reports suggest it is low and wide but from the pictures it looks anything but. maybe it's better in the metal.

What is no amount activity insurance?

2009-12-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

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Many states crave that the no amount allowance able be accountant afore he can accommodate any activity allowance advice. Try to acquisition out if your accompaniment issues such licenses, and be abiding to attending for it if you allocution to a activity allowance advisor.

No amount allowance is sometimes alleged low amount insurance. However, they are both the same. The best avenue is to attending for a aggregation that specializes in accouterment activity allowance advisors.

Lexus LFA (2009): Supercar review

2009-12-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

Lexus LFA (2009):supercar review

Supra? This is the new Lexus LFA supercar, although I see what you mean. And don’t mention that impossibly quick, incredibly good value, front-engined Japanese supercar, the GT-R. Lexus claims that the new LFA is a proper supercar, a machine to be compared with the greatest Ferraris and Lamborghinis. It certainly is comparable on price: you’ll need £325,000 to buy one.

Three hundred and twenty-five grand! Has Japan suffered some kind of Zimbabwean hyperinflation and bread is now £40k a loaf?
No, but Lexus did get a bit carried away with the carbonfibre, developing its own type of composite for the chassis tub and building a brand new V10 engine. The project’s been so long in gestation that when Lexus started, they decided to use a V10 to stress the link to F1 – which switched over to V8s in 2006. The 4.8-litre dry-sumped unit puts out 552bhp at 8700rpm, 354lb ft at 6800rpm and spins to 9000rpm. Promising.

For that price, the Lexus LFA supercar ought to be ballistically quick...
It’s certainly rapid, though probably not as rapid as you’d hope. Sixty-two rocks up in 3.7sec (helped by its four-wheel drive system, the Nissan GT-R needs just 3.5sec) and the top speed is 202mph. But the Lexus V10 spins to that 9000rpm redline in one linear push and sounds incredible, emitting a hard yowl throughout the entire journey.

And it’s not just quick on the straights. The LFA turns in swiftly and understeers very little thanks to a 48:52 front:rear weight distribution made possible by tucking the engine up close to the front bulkhead and mounting the gearbox over the rear wheels.

Scythe into a corner and you can feel the outside rear tyre loading up, and initially this can make you think the handling a little edgy. But you soon learn to trust the chassis, keep the pressure on and not back off the power. From there you can either keep it neat or ride out an enormous slide, M3-style.

The ultra-precise, two-turns lock-to-lock steering is realistically weighted and race-car accurate, meaning it’s as good for gathering those slides as it is picking a perfect line through a corner. It’s the best fully electric steering system yet, if still lacking the feel of a fully hydraulic steering system.

Review

stuski65 says

RE: Lexus LFA (2009): the supercar review

Well, I would say it was a ripoff if I didn't have first hand experience working for an exotic car maker and owning an exotic while also being the original owner of a 1992 Toyota Celica All Trac Turbo. My all trac you might say has nothing in common with the LFA. But look at it, hood slots on each side, Torsen drivetrain. I have 80,000 accident free miles on my car, but each drive no less than 40 miles. HARD driven miles after warmed up. I brought the car to a dealer for struts, and yes even its first timing belt in 16 yrs. original NEVER BROKE , new struts, new clutch,THE WORKS.Tranny, Engine no need for anything. I did some industry analyis of the proper shop, mechanic. I was given a loaner for a total of 6 months, a NEW Toyota loaner. My car was meticulously updated. It never leaked prior nor after. I stuck a new set of bfgoodrich g-force sports on it. And off I go, for another 16 yrs. I never owned a car that needed nothing, I now have a owned a rare Homologation driven hard with zero problems. You can spend the money now, or later . Later with a Ferrari... in repairs, or now, and need nothing for decades. I prefer an untouched car, untouched by mechanics tinkering or my time wasted going to and from dealer repair shops or having others do it for me. But the price is kind of steep. BUT, a 2000GT was overpriced for its time as well, and now is a collectors item.

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seant says

RE: Lexus LF-A (2009): the supercar review

ElephantStomp. I’m sure he’s big enough to defend himself if he chooses but, if being generally civilised and supportive to other contributors, even when you don’t agree with them, and maybe having a tendency to go floridly off-topic sometimes is a fault on this site, then count me in with the ‘windbags’ and ‘sycophants’. The alternative seems to be being one of the ‘alpha-males’, as another worthwhile contributor to this site rather generously called some of the front-page boys. Though I think tap-tapping angrily on our keyboards on a motor car website in order to get some catharsis from the frustration of having to act decently to people in the real world wouldn’t impress David Attenborough much. More like a bunch of hammy professional wrestlers grunting away and playing tough. By the way, ES, only the first bit was really directed at you, though you’re welcome to ‘call me out’ anytime - but where shall we meet, behind the virtual bikesheds or down by the cyber-swings?

from carmagazine.co.uk

Ferrari 458 Italia (2011) with pictures in Uk

2009-12-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

Ferrari 458 Italia (2011) with pictures in uk

Click on image to view larger

Ferrari 458 Italia (2009) CAR review

2009-12-06T20:37:00.000-08:00

Ferrari 458 Italia (2009) CAR review

Finding that Scuderia a bit spartan? Want the same kick but with a heap more refinement? The answer’s the replacement for the F430, the new 458 Italia. You can read the full story in CAR’s December 2009 issue out on 18 November:

• Detailed nine-page 458 Italia first drive feature
• Greg Pajo's beautiful photoshoot
• Feel what it's like behind the wheel
• On road and track

But for now, here’s a taste of what you’re in for if you’ve got around £160,000 spare.

Baby Enzo, anyone? The Ferrari 458 Italia’s a dead ringer!

Funny you should say that, because not only does the 458 bear a striking resemblance to the legendary supercar flagship, it can actually lap the Fiorano circuit in the same 1min 25sec. That’s the same as the stripped-out Scuderia by the way, and 2sec quicker than the F430 it replaces.

Impressive, but with the eco-conscious Mille Chili concept from 2007 fresh in my mind, I’m guessing that this thing weighs 1000kg and has a hybrid motor stuffed behind the seats?

Not exactly, but the 458 does employ some of the Mille Chili’s ideas, including active aerodynamics. Two fins located at either side of the front grille are designed to deform at speed, partially blocking off the grille needed to cool the front-mounted radiators at low speeds and directing the air around the car, reducing the drag co-efficient.

Other aero work has resulted in vents near the lights used to slow gas speed over the front wings, reducing lift and even using the high pressure built up in the rear wheelwells to cool the engine. Italy’s wind tunnels must’ve been kept busy for these past few years.

So if there’s no KERS system, what’s under the bonnet?

Something more conventional but still full of tech. There’s a naturally aspirated 4.5-litre dry-sumped V8 that revs to a stratospheric 9000rpm and delivers 562bhp, compared with 483bhp from the F430’s unrelated 4.3-litre motor. To save you scrabbling around for the calculator, that equates to a massive 127bhp per litre, a record for a naturally aspirated production car.

It shares its block, heads and direct-injection technology with the California but the front-engine car runs out of puff before 8000rpm, and delivers just 454bhp. Also shared is the seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox, although the 458 adds E-diff 3, the latest version of Ferrari’s electronic differential. And for the first time on a mainstream Ferrari, there’s no manual gearbox alternative.

Green cars BMW 7-series ActiveHybrid 7 (2009)

2009-12-06T19:51:00.000-08:00

Green cars BMW 7-series ActiveHybrid 7 (2009)

How very BMW. The new ActiveHybrid 7 – Munich's name for its petrol-electric hybrid 7-series – is very much lodged at the top of the Seven family tree. Not for BMW to launch a sackcloth and sandals 7-series hybrid; this one sports a 4.4-litre V8, not one but two turbochargers and a 0-60mph sprint claim to worry many Porsches.

We lost count of the number of times BM execs stood up at the press conference and talked about 'driving pleasure' and 'performance'. This paints a clear backdrop to the ActiveHybrid 7's intent. Yes, CO2 and economy are better by nearly a fifth over the regular 750i donor, but they're hardly going to win you honorary membership of Greenpeace at 219g/km and 30.1mpg.

So the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is dirtier than a 730d or 740d?

Err, yes. But a diesel 7-series wouldn't see which way the hybrid Seven went in a drag race. Thanks to a compact electric motor built into the ZF eight-speed auto transmission, the ActiveHybrid 7 is relentlessly torquey and feels every second as fast as its sub-5.0 second sprint credentials suggest.

The electric motor is rated at 15kW or 19bhp – relatively small fry in the new world order of battery cars. But this is a mild hybrid, don't forget. Unlike the fully hybridised X6 ActiveHybrid, the 7-series isn't required to lug its substantial 2120kg girth on electric motion alone. It's more about tuning the drivetrain for ballistic thrust while still giving a nod to those demanding green emissions.

And why exactly is the ActiveHybrid 7 clean?

The engineers have tuned this car to shift up into top – eighth gear – at the earliest possible opportunity. You can barely hear the V8 most of the time until you acquaint pedal with bulkhead. The electronics then feed in battery power to create a tsunami of 516lb ft all the way from 2000-4500rpm.

Boy do you feel this on the road. There you are surfing along on a surfeit of torque, wafting past slower-moving traffic in refined peace. Kickdown and you're thrust back into your comfy 7-series seats in shocked awe. It's epically fast. My only gripe is that you never feel the full hybrid 'halo' effect of silent motion – a shortcoming shared by any mild hybrid.

At least the petrol engine cuts out at a standstill, saving petrol and allowing you a smug glow as you sit in saintly silence at traffic lights.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (2009) CAR review

2009-12-06T11:30:00.000-08:00

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (2009) CAR review

Statistics

How much? £47,000
On sale in the UK: Grey improt only 2010
Engine: 5411cc 32v supercharged V8, 540bhp @ 6000rpm, 510b ft 4500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Performance: 4.5sec (est) 0-60mph, 155mph (limited)
How heavy / made of? 1780kg/steel
How big (length/width/height in mm)? 4780/1877/1384

It might have a Shelby name but the old man isn't really building Mustangs these days. The real engineering heroes behind the facelifted GT500 are the blokes at Ford’s SVT (Special Vehicle Team).

The original 2007 car, you might recall, was powered by a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 delivering 500bhp to the rear wheels. It was quick, but hardly sophisticated, overweight and the interior was bad enough to make a Neighbours set designer blush.

So what’s new about the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500?
Using 2008’s GT500KR (King of the Road) special edition as a base, Ford has given the standard car the same 540bhp and boosted torque from 480lb ft to 510lb ft. The sprint to 60mph falls slightly to around 4.5sec, the V8 rumble is even better thanks to a cone air filter the size of a jumbo popcorn bucket and the slow gearshift is satisfyingly precise. The final drive is shorter but sixth longer than before to help with fuel economy.

So it feels mighty quick unless you’re in top and you have to think carefully about deploying all 540bhp in the wet. Fortunately there’s a multi-stage traction control system and a lot of throttle pedal travel to help you unleash the right amount of power.

What about those inconvenient bits between the straights?
This time the bits between those straights aren’t quite so inconvenient. There are revised spring and damper rates, tweaks to the steering system and a bespoke Goodyear tyre which help improve grip and steering feel. We’re not talking reference quality feel here, but to anyone who’s ever driven an original ‘60s Mustang, it would be a revelation. You’re not left totally in the dark about what’s going on, it's well weighted and usefully responsive around the straight ahead.

Sadly the 2010 revisions don’t extend to getting rid of that Bronze Age-tech live rear axle which still causes the GT500 to hop about on bumpy B roads and generally ruin the ride. If you’re trading up from a 2.8 Capri though, you’ll love it.

from carmagazine.co.uk

BMW X6 ActiveHybrid (2009) CAR review

2009-12-06T11:12:00.000-08:00

BMW X6 ActiveHybrid (2009) CAR review

08 November 2009 00:01

BMW doesn't do things by halves. This is their first full hybrid model, the ActiveHybrid X6, and it's the most powerful hybrid in the world. It combines a 407bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a fiendishly complicated gearbox that contains two electric motors, one optimised for low-speed running, one to boost power at higher speeds.

The X6 ActiveHybrid's electric motors can produce 91bhp and 86bhp, respectively, but the total combined output is pegged at 485bhp and 575lb ft – lessening the load on the V8 petrol engine and further reducing emissions.

So the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is a Prius in big, bad SUV wolf disguise?

Hardly, but the X6 plays all the usual hybrid tricks. The motors act as generators under braking (electricity is stored in a nickel metal hydride battery with a capacity of 2.4kWh located underneath the boot floor), which is then used to power the motors when driving under electric power alone or when supplementing the V8.

BMW claims the ActiveHybrid X6 will accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.6-seconds and hit 155mph, despite weighing a frankly absurd 2525kg – 260kg more than the conventional xDrive50i fitted with the very same V8 engine.

Woooah. So this is one lumbering, big fat beast?

Oh yes. But the tech does its damnedest to offset the weight to some extent. The incredibly complicated gearbox is at the heart of the Active Hybrid: It has elements of a continuously variable transmission with seven 'virtual' gears, but at higher speeds runs through more conventional planetary gearsets with multi-plate clutches, all the time supplemented by the two electric motors.

Developed by GM, Mercedes and BMW in partnership it occupied 150 engineers for a full three years. I can't begin to do justice to its inner workings (indeed, BMW admitted that the press material deliberately doesn't try to explain how the 'box works because it simply can't be put into layman's terms) so perhaps I should just describe how it feels from behind the steering wheel...

Tricky that, as such is the refinement of BMW's application of the hybrid system that it feels freakishly like the xDrive50i. Sure, there are some striking differences – for example when you press the 'Start' button the V8 doesn't fire-up at all, rather a little blue needle underneath the main rev counter flicks from 'Off' to 'Ready'.

Select D in the same way that you would with any other X6, brush the accelerator and the big SUV glides silently away on pure electric power. On light throttle openings the X6 can propel itself to 37mph without the help of the V8, after which it kicks into life with the merest hint of shunt. The range of electric drive is just 1.6-miles, however.

from carmagazine.co.uk

Car uk photo gallery2

2009-12-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

Car uk photo gallery2

Car uk photo gallery

2009-12-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

Car uk photo gallery

Browse through the photos at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show on this page. We've got the latest pictures of all the important debuts at LA's motor show – and we'll be adding more photos in the next few hours.

CAR's reporting team in Los Angeles is filing pictures back as soon as the covers are whisked off the important new cars – from the VW Up! Lite to the Honda P-Nut, Porsche's new Boxster Spyder to the Cadillac CTS Coupé.

Don't forget to read the exclusive CAR Live Blog filed live from the 2009 Los Angeles auto show. Click on the related stories links to the left of this page for our full LA coverage.

at carmagazine.co.uk