Saturday, September 29, 2007

Mazda 323 All The Way

It is an interesting fact that the well-loved Mazda 323 comes in different names. It just depends on which country it is being sold. It was primarily called the Mazda Familia or the Mazda's subcompact family. It became known later on as the Mazda GLC, and then the Mazda Protegé. Its production in Japan was dated between 1976 and 2003.

In North America, the 323/ Protege was relatively more expensive and less common compared to its entry-level competitors like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, partly due to its manufacture in Japan. However, this did not stop the Mazda 323 from becoming a constant favorite among US car magazines, acknowledging the model for its spirited handling. In 1986, it crossed over to the EPA "compact" class, becoming the first small Japanese car to do so. Each Mazda 323 Part was equally acknowledged for performing as efficiently as expected.

Up to this day, Mazda 323 owners are satisfied with the performance of their valued car. This could be due to the unparalleled skills of the Japanese in creating the Mazda car, or probably because of the reliability that the Mazda 323 Parts offer.

Like any other Mazda car, the Mazda 323 Parts have been reputed to meet the expectations of the critical driver's eye. They are made with the most durable materials that were gathered through the latest technology. As the Mazda 323's were built in Hiroshima, Japan, and also assembled in Taiwan, Malaysia, South Africa, Colombia, and New Zealand, the Mazda 323 Parts were used to be manufactured in these locations, too. However, they now have become available for everybody at almost any auto parts dealer. So whether one needs a part to complete his ignition system, brake system or exhaust system, the Mazda 323 Parts are highly recommended.

The All-New Mazda2 in Detail

Japanese automaker Mazda continues the evolution of the company's Zoom Zoom design philosophy in Europe with the release of the all new Mazda2 model. Mazda redesigned the Mazda2 subcompact to compete with other vehicle models in the European B-segment.

With the compact body and dynamic styling combined with the comfortable interior, the Mazda2 really embodies the Zoom Zoom spirit. In addition, the all new Mazda2 offers an additional aerodynamic improvement. This is achieved through the bumpers with aerodynamically optimised contours and reduced turbulence. Other exterior features include power rear windows, fog lights, rain and light sensor, available 15 or 16-inch aluminium wheels, available high-grade version 16-inch aluminium wheels, Keyless Entry & Start System, and auto light and auto wiping system.

Design highlights of the Mazda2 include rear lights with LEDs, washer nozzles hidden inside the cowl, micro-switch on the liftgate, contrast between silver accents in the area of the outer air-vents, the steering wheel, speakers, gearshift, cupholder, stereo, the speedometer and the door panels. Circular designs are found on the four air-vents, instruments, centre stack display and the controls for the heating and air- conditioning.

Moreover, the Mazda2's three-spoke steering wheel comes with a unique design with mounted controls. Ikuo Maeda, Chief Designer of the Mazda2 commented: "Looking for a significantly more dynamic starting point with an even sharper Mazda identity, we began working again with a blank piece of paper. Our goal was to create the maximum amount of dynamism in a length of 3.88 metres without sacrificing functionality."

The unique and appealing interior design is complemented with a host of standard and optional entertainment and information in-car systems, as well as functional interior feats.

These features include glove box with an open magazine rack, floor centre console between the front seats with drink holder, 12-volt socket to power or charge electric devices, AUX jack for connecting digital devices like iPod or any other MP3 players, 60/40 split rear seat, remote central locking, electric adjustable door mirrors, manual or automatic air-conditioning , an MP3/CD changer, front seat heating and leather steering wheel with leather gear shift knob, and adjustable speed warning system.

The Mazda2 also offers a wide range of active and passive safety systems starting from the side and curtain airbags, ISOFIX anchors in each rear outer seat, driver and passenger airbags, up to the electric power assist steering with adjustable steering wheel height, anti lock braking system (ABS), and Dynamic stability control (DSC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), and Traction Control System (TCS). Moreover, Mazda extends the safety of the vehicle with Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS), ultra-high strength front bumper, strengthened side sills and floor pan cross members, shock-absorbing pads in the door trims, pillars and roof side rails, large rear bumper beam and new side members, and seatbelts with pretensioners and load-limiters. These safety feats allow the Mazda2 to be included in the vehicle models that have the best occupant protection.

The all new Mazda2 also comes with a range of powertrain options including Mazda MZR 1.3-litre petrol engine that produces 55 kW/ 75 PS or 63 kW/ 86 PS; a 1.5-litre petrol unit that produces 76 kW/ 103 PS, and a fuel-efficient MZ-CD 1.4-liter common rail turbo diesel engine. Petrol variants are equipped with sequential valve timing (S-VT) and optimized exhaust valve timing.

This all new Mazda model could be one of the strongest contenders in the B-segment, competing with the Honda Fit (with Honda repair manual) and other European models

Sunday, September 16, 2007

The Ford Hybrid Car and their Distinct Innovative Advantages

The Ford Hybrid Car and their Distinct Innovative Advantages

If you have even a passing interest in the topic of "hybrid car", then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of "hybrid car".

Ford has always been a brand name that signifies excellence, innovation, dedication and is really an All-American brand name. One of the biggest players in the motor industry, Ford has never failed to provide the American population and the world, cutting edge vehicles that caters to every needs.

With the growing environmental concerns not just in USA, Ford has joined the Hybrid bandwagon and came up with their own Hybrid card. It is popularly known that Americans love the room and power that SUV's provide, and with the hybrid sedan crowding with Japanese manufactured hybrid cars, Ford decided to infuse their hybrid technology with a vehicle they know many Americans would embrace, a Hybrid SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) in the form of the Ford Escape Hybrid.

The Ford Escape Hybrid was first introduced in 2004 and is a gas electric powered compact SUV. Consumer demand became strong for the Ford Escape Hybrid prompting Ford to produce more of the gas saving SUV.

To avoid any legal issues, Ford went into an agreement with Toyota to use some of the patented hybrid technology previously used in the very successful Toyota Prius. By 2006, The Hybrid system utilized by Ford is acknowledged as one of the more advanced in technology being offered. The Ford Escape Hybrid is now available as a full hybrid motor vehicle. It makes use of different power combinations that adjusts to the driving style to conserve more power and achieve maximum potential and efficiency in performance.

The best time to learn about "hybrid car" is before you're in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable "hybrid car" experience while it's still free.

Compared to the conventional gas fed Ford escape, they provide the same performance, comfort with less fuel consumption.

Aside from the Ford escape Hybrid, Ford has also released another Hybrid SUV under one of their car brand names, Mercury. The Mercury mariner has many similarities with the Ford Escape Hybrid and its soon to be released sibling the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. Ford plans to further develop their SUV hybrid lineup concentrating on this segment but is not dismissing the hybrid sedan segment and have plans to introduce hybrid sedans in the future.

Fords research and design table are now over flowing with plans to further boost awareness and concern with environmental issues and have dedicated to provide more alternative powered vehicles as they see that this is the future. This is because Hybrid cars offer a lot of advantages and benefits that does not only cater to environmental issues but as to the pockets of the consumers as well.

With a Ford hybrid car, you will soon notice that you will be doing less pit stops for refueling as you can squeeze out more miles to a gallon. With the ever escalating prices of fuel, this is a warmly welcomed change. You will also notice the significant lowering of the sounds the engine makes. Plus, some states offer tax rebates when purchasing hybrid vehicles, which translates to more savings in the bank.

Ford has now over a hundred patents pending to further develop their Hybrid technology. All of them would be able to make our lives better. With Ford Hybrid vehicles, you get the same comfort, same performance and same space but with less gas emissions and less gas spending. You get true value for your money and your helping our environment at the same time.

Is there really any information about "hybrid car" that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

BMW X3 vehicles can feature all of your favorite radio stations with perfect reception

If you are looking for a compact SUV that is a luxury vehicle, you likely discovered the BMW X3. BMW actually doesn't refer to them as an SUV, but rather as SAV, or sport activity vehicle. The latest versions of the X3 come equipped with heated seats, adaptive headlamps, panoramic sunroof, and an 3.0si engine with 260 horsepower. For improved safety, the BMW X3 also comes equipped with xDrive, which allows the vehicle to compensate before the driver might be aware of an unstable situation, thus improving your safety in potentially dangerous driving conditions. When you are looking at your options in satellite radio for bmw X3, bmw xm is a great choice. BMW X3 satellite radio offers you all of your favorite radio stations with perfect reception no matter where you might be traveling in your BMW.

If you enjoy rock, then you will like the fact that XM's two powerful satellites are nicknamed "Rock" and "Roll." They are orbiting Earth in a similar manner as other communications satellites.

XM Satellite Radio gives you so many options. With 100 channels of music, talk radio, news and entertainment, you are sure to find something great to listen to while in your BMW X3, even if you are no where close to a radio station transmitter. Your locale, no matter where that might be, is no obstacle to XM's two Hughes HS 702 satellites. Those two powerhouses send any XM channel you wish right to your car's radio. The XM lineup of outstanding radio begins at a ground station located near Washington, D.C., which sends their signal to the satellites, which then beam the signals down to Earth, and those signals are picked up by radio receivers designed to play the digital data they receive from the satellites.

If you are traveling in an urban area where there are a lot of tall buildings, you might have experienced intermittent gaps in your traditional radio reception. All of that is a thing of the past with XM Satellite Radio, because there are also transmitters placed strategically on the ground so you will always have great reception in your BMW X3 SAV.

XM Satellite Radio is a subscription service. For a small monthly fee you receive 100 channels of all your favorite programming that plays crystal clear no matter where you might be driving in your BMW X3. No traditional terrestrial radio can offer you the same listening excellence as can satellite radio.

Another aspect that many drivers favor when it comes to listening to satellite radio is the lack of commercials that play on the channels. On terrestrial radio, commercials can really break up the flow of the music or other programming. That annoyance is taken away with XM, when you can choose your favorite channels that feature your favorite artists or speakers.

New Hybrid Cars

If you have been in the market for a new car recently, you may have seen advertisements and articles about the new hybrid cars. These automobiles sound quite attractive on the surface, since they can get up to 20-30 more miles to the gallon than their traditional counterparts. Many of the big auto manufacturers have jumped on the new hybrid car bandwagon, including Toyota, Honda, Lexus and Saturn. But what are these new hybrid cars and what can one of them do for you?

A new hybrid car combines two different power sources that work together to create an engine that is incredibly fuel efficient and much less polluting than the typical gasoline engines of today. A small gasoline engine is found in the new hybrid car that is designed for maximum fuel efficiency. In addition to the gasoline engine, there is an electric motor that is powered by batteries located inside of the car. These batteries are recharged through the running of the car, alleviating the need for an elaborate charging system at home and limited use of the car. The new hybrid cars combine the best of both worlds. You get the long-running, easy maintenance of a traditional gasoline engine. You also get the environmentally friendly, low fuel requirement of an electric motor. The result is a new hybrid car that will run efficiently and cleanly on gas and electricity. This concept has made these new hybrid cars a popular choice for many who are in the market for a new vehicle. However, the technology is still new, and the supply is still greatly limited. Today, there are only a handful of the new hybrid cars on the market. They come in a variety of manufacturer names, and in a choice of styles, including SUV's and compact sedans. However, it is not easy to find these types of cars at many locations, since the supply was bought up rather quickly after they made their appearance on new car lots. The good news is that plans are in the works for even more car manufacturers to make even more models of these new hybrid cars in the months and years to come.It is possible that the new hybrid cars will gradually take their place as the most popular vehicles on the road. Keep your eyes open for the hybrid cars at the auto dealers in your town or city.

Auto Transport - A Good Move for Our Environment

The move toward "greener" more environmentally friendly practices can be seen all across our nation. Hybrid cars are a huge hit leaving dealers with waiting lists of customers who want to help reduce the effects of global warming. Green homebuilding is all the rage and helps reduce waste in landfills as well as save on energy consumption. But there is one type of company that has been fighting this battle for years without a lot of fanfare: auto transport companies.

It has been reported that just one auto transport company can save almost 3 million gallons of fuel resulting in more than a 38 million pound reduction in greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. That's a significant savings!

For example, if there were only one auto transport company in each state, the national savings would equate to almost 150 millions gallons of fuel saved and almost 2 billion pounds of greenhouse gases that were prevented from escaping into the atmosphere. Multiply that by the hundreds, or possibly thousands, of auto transport businesses across the nation and the figures are staggering.

Of course, not every vehicle can be shipped. Many must be driven to their destinations. However, auto transport companies take pride in knowing that their industry is having a positive affect on global warming.

It might be hard to imagine that by choosing an auto transport company to ship a vehicle rather than driving from origin to destination, you would be contributing to the fight against global warming. It certainly does. Transportation is the biggest source of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions: more than factories or homes. So you can see that when it comes to global warming, how and what we drive are two of our most powerful choices.

The burning of fossil fuels (gasoline, diesel, etc.) to facilitate transportation and the subsequent release of carbon dioxide and other suspected greenhouse gases is under strong critique. The reduction of these environmental menusis must be a top priority if we hope to save our planet and prevent further permanent damage due to global warming.

The following emission data is from the Department of Energy website at www.DOE.gov.

One gallon of gasoline produces 19.564 lbs of carbon dioxide. Average mpg for a car or SUV is 19 mpg. One gallon of diesel produces 22.384 pounds of carbon dioxide. Average mpg for an auto transport truck is 4.7.

Just one auto transport company shipped over 90,000 vehicles within a 12-month period of time and had the following impact:

> > 2,926,000 gallons of fuel saved

> > 38,216,000-pound reduction of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere

As significant as this sounds, this example shows two very important things. First, the need is great! Even with auto transport companies and other eco-minded businesses involved, we have a long way to go. Second, just imagine the tremendous impact we could all have if we took the needed steps to protect our environment. Individual participation is the key.

The next time you get into your car, take time to consider your driving habits. Consolidating trips, carpooling, driving at slower speeds and shipping your car when applicable are simple and painless changes that can have a long-lasting impact.

Monday, September 3, 2007

Hybrid Concept Cars

With technology booming and with a growing interest in hybrid technology, there have been a plethora of hybrid concept cars appearing on the scene at auto shows in the past couple years. Here's a look at some of the hottest and most innovative. This hybrid concept car is designed to be among the first high performance hybrid cars. With a 3.3L V6 engine, and a separate electric motor for each wheel, this car can maneuver and accelerate as well as any car available. Named for Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the battery, the Toyota Volta gets about 32 miles per gallon by combining fuel efficiency with battery power. This race car style vehicle seats three, with a two plus one seating configuration Ford Reflex.

The Ford Reflex is a hybrid concept car aimed at improving mileage and efficiency. It is designed to combine three different kinds of power: diesel, electric, solar. Currently, the Ford Reflex is said to achieve 65 miles per gallon by using a new type of battery made of lithium, like the batteries found in cell phones. The Reflex uses the same seating configuration as the Toyota Volta, with a fold down rear facing child seat so that you have the option of increasing the seating from three to four. One other cool feature of the Ford Reflex is that the insulation is made from recycled tennis shoes, making this hybrid concept car even more environmentally friendly.

The Volvo 3cc is a little bit different than the other hybrid concept cars described here in that it is powered entirely through a battery, giving it a zero emission electric powtertrain which helps to prevent pollution while decreasing fossil fuel consumption. The battery is able to recover energy when breaking, so that the car has a travel range up to 180 miles before needing to stop and recharge. Its lightweight, sleek and sexy body makes it very visually appealing while improving its performance and efficiency. Using only electric power, this car can achieve speeds up to 85 miles per hour. Are we likely to see any of these hybrid concept cars on the market any time soon? Maybe not. But the features included with each of them, and the technological innovations they collectively embody, can lead to many improvements in the hybrid vehicles that are sold. While some hybrid concept cars merely exist to influence the market, some have become popular street vehicles, like the Insight and the Prius.

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author
James Gunaseelan writes for India's Leading Automobile Portal to buy and sell second hand and new automobiles