Monday, October 22, 2007

CR-V Honda Hybrid SUV: Coming Soon?

Driving a Honda Hybrid SUV such a CR-V model is sure to be exciting. But Honda hybrid SUVs are models that are not yet fully realized in the market. They are models that have not yet caught the attention of Honda designers. Unlike competitors such as Toyota, General Motors and Ford that has already offered hybrid SUV and other types of SUV vehicles, Honda is very quiet about the subject.

Not only was Honda quiet about the subject of developing a CR-V Honda Hybrid SUV, but the development of other hybrid vehicles as well. They seemed to have lost interest in the subject and have diverted their attention to a much worthy cause. So they believe.

Honda has offered the market a couple of hybrid car models such as Insight Hybrid, Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid. But the development of a CR-V hybrid seemed to be far from the plans of the Honda manufacturers. Honda hybrids are among the first hybrid vehicles to come out of the market. But the expected popularity of Honda in the hybrid world seemed to decline. Honda did not maintain the popularity of their hybrid car models.

Talks have been going out that Honda was more interested about fuel cell vehicles. Honda hybrid models, the Civic and Accord have lost share in the hybrid vehicle market. This is mostly because Toyota models have gained much popularity especially with the Prius Hybrid model. Toyota was also keen to offer the Highlander hybrid in the SUV line. They have actually topped the market of hybrids. It was believed that Honda will be the one to take this position, but it was Toyota who did.

Another reason for not getting the said position could be that Honda might have really lost interest with the development of hybrid vehicles. This is mainly because they are eyeing a new technology that they believe will be the much longer trend of the future. Honda believed that hybrids are a transition trend to a more permanent power source for a vehicle. Honda believes that the futures of vehicles are fuel cells. Whether or not they have started in the development of a fuel cell model, no one knows yet.

Honda believes in the future of a pure electric vehicle. But the realization if this model has a long way to travel before coming to the market. There are many vehicle manufacturers that wanted to pioneer this endeavor but all they could produce were temporary sources of power such as the solar source. It is really interesting to have a purely electric powered vehicle since it would entail low cost and a low emission. But while they are not yet available, we can make use of hybrids.

Many critics believed that if Honda had been focused on the development of hybrids, they could be leading the way by now. They have been the first to introduced hybrids in the market. Not only this! Honda has supplied the market not only with high fuel-efficient hybrid models but with state of the art comfort and designs.

So far, the most exciting hybrid vehicle produced by Honda was the Honda Civic Si coupe hybrid that is proud of its 200 hp, 16 valve, DOHC i-VTEC engine. It has an 8000 rpm max re line. Honda Hybrid SUV is out of the picture. It has the exciting features of the regular Honda car. Honda also tried to compete with the priced Toyota Prius by offering the Honda Civic hybrid in 2002. But Toyota Prius continued to lead the way of hybrids. This is not surprising because among the many vehicle manufacturers, it is Toyota that has put high hopes in the future of hybrids. They have taken so much effort to realize this faith in the future of hybrid. No wonder that their technology was being purchased by other car manufacturer that wanted to gain a position in the hybrid market.

A CR-V Honda hybrid SUV may or may not find its way to the market. Although it is exciting for Honda lovers to be driving such a hybrid model by Honda, they have yet to wait for the decision of the carmaker whether or not they will produce such model.

Ford Hybrid Escape: The American SUV Entry

Ford Motor Company took pride in 2004 with its introduction of the first full hybrid SUV (sports utility vehicle) to rock the car business. Three years ago, the 2004 Ford hybrid Escape debuted as the first American-manufactured full hybrid SUV. The much-celebrated Ford hybrid Escape is the foremost hybrid vehicle with the capacity to run in E85. The E85 is a mix of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Yielded from American-grown corn, the E85 is a renewable fuel. This ethanol-based fuel gives off lesser greenhouse emissions. It is more environment-friendly and can be used to replace gasoline fuel.

The Ford hybrid Escape has been phenomenal in sales. In 2004, Ford manufactured 17,000 Escapes. The number was four times more than the initially plan of Ford.

Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford hybrid Escape is a full hybrid vehicle. Unlike mild hybrids such as the Saturn VUE hybrids, the full hybrid can run on electric engine or gas engine alone, or a fusion of both battery and gas engines.

The 2004 Ford hybrid Escape bagged the "Truck of the Year" award during the International Auto Show in 2005.

Two years after the launching of the first generation of the Ford hybrid Escape, the American car manufacturer released the 2006 Escape.

The 2006 Ford hybrid Escape is equipped with seven different microprocessor modules. However, this second generation of Ford hybrid Escape is not as complicated as its make-up may sound. The vehicle drive system needs no extraordinary skills to function.

This 2006 Ford hybrid Escape is virtually improved compared to its former version. It is geared with two strong electric engines. The electrical motors supplement the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and the Atkinson-cycle-4-cylinder gas engine.

This Ford hybrid Escape has high-tech thermal management system. This system helps maintain longer car battery life.

There is a certified fifty percent decrease in CO2 emissions when city-driving in a Ford hybrid Escape and a considerable unlimited driving range between gas stops.

2008 Ford Escape

A third generation of 2008 Ford hybrid Escape is more improved and advanced compared to the first two Ford hybrid Escape. The car's four-wheel disc regenerative brakes are fine-tuned with a more superior Ford engineering technology. The shift between gas and electric function is more hushed and unblemished. The Ford hybrid Escape driver has to listen very closely to hear the engine changeover.

The 2008 Ford hybrid Escape, like its 2004 and 2006 versions, is a full hybrid vehicle. At a maximum of 30mph, the Escape can operate on a 100 percent electrical energy. Ford hybrid drivers can save more on fuel consumption.

Ford Hybrid System

Ford engineered a hybrid system that automatically stops the engine when idle and automatically starts again when as needed.

The Ford hybrid system complements the 2.3-liter gas engine when increasing speed or passing. The system also features regenerative braking. It means that the system recovers energy usually lost when braking and saves the energy for the next acceleration.

During electric driving in a city-driving mode, the gas engine may be shut-off 40 percent of the total driving time.

Hybrid Tax Credits

In the United States, much interest and attention has been bestowed to the hybrid craze. Several state politicians and a number of insurance firms are giving hybrid car owners attractive benefits.

To substitute tax deductions, hybrid cars buyers will get federal tax credits. The tax credit is an extra end-product gain advantage for hybrid car buyers.

For example, Ford hybrid Escape hybrids buyers can collect $1,950 for the four-wheel-drive model. Ford two-wheel model buyers get $2,600 credits. Saturn hybrid car buyers get $1300 tax credits. The Mercury hybrid can even qualify for tax credits as high as $3000. The Hybrid Mania

With the birth of the hybrid technology, car manufacturers worldwide started to create and develop their own distinctive line of hybrid cars. Carmakers are trying to develop a more superior hybrid technology that is more fuel-efficient and with lower or possibly no harmful gas emissions.

Japanese car manufacturers Toyota and Honda are leading the hybrid race. Other car manufacturers from the United States and Europe are joining the bandwagon. In few years time, more and more hybrid vehicles will be on the streets and highways. And several years from now, hybrid owners will not only enjoy tax credits and other driving benefits. More alluring hybrid packages will soon be offered to the public.

But as for now, it is about time that we do our part in creating a safe and healthy environment. Carmakers like Ford (with its Ford Hybrid Escape, Toyota, Honda, and General Motor are doing their shares. It is about time car owners do theirs.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Motorcycle Auctions! Are they real?

The thought of someone loosing their possessions kind of splits me down the middle of what I should feel. One half of me feel's really bad for that person. I could not begin to imagine what it is like to have someone come in and take my stuff from me because I could not afford it. The other half of me is kind of excited because I want what they had.

I started looking into motorcycle auctions because of Bike Week in Daytona Florida. There was a guy down there who had a sick looking set of wheels. It was a 1958 Harley and brother and sisters, lets me tell you, it was mint. I could not stop looking at this bike. I am not by any means a biker. The guy who owned this bike new it because of the questions I was asking. Long story short, he and I became friends. We chatted over the internet about business interest they we each have.

Later that year, business brought me near his house in Texas. I called him when I was in town and he invited me over. Now, when I get there, to his house, the garage doors are open. He and a couple of his friends were sitting there having an adult beverage or 3 talking about various things. But I was still in shock that there were 14 motorcycles in his garage. Ok, they must belong to the friends of his. But when the party was over and they took off, they left in their cars and the bikes stayed. I asked him about them and he said he owned them all. Wow, this dude is really rich. I have to get his business secrets. He knows something.

So later that evening, while discussing the stocks, he said that the best money he has made is in the auctions. Auctions? Ok, I needed and explanation.

So he starts to tell me the story of his investments in motorcycles. All of the bikes downstairs were his. 5 were being sold in the next few days. The money comes from the profit margin he was getting. He gave the example of the 2006 BMW R 1200 GS that he had. He got it at an auction for $395 dollars. The bike was in perfect condition and had only 1009 miles on it. So he puts it in the paper, listing it as the wife is making him get rid of it, which is not a lie. She did not like BMW bikes or cars. He lists it for $4,000 dollars. Within 3 days, he had 35 calls on it wanting to look at it. Problem is that on the first day, it ran in the paper, a gentleman called and said he really wanted this bike and he had cash. When the guy got there, he bargained a little with my friend, who was reluctant, but let it go for $3,600 dollars. Wow, that must have been hard to let that go for a $3,205 dollar profit. Yep, real hard.

On Thursday, he said was going over to Dallas to catch an auction that had 23 bikes involved. He asked if I asked if I wanted to tag along just to see what it is like. So I cancelled my flight and Thursday, we were off to Dallas.

The auctions he was going to was being held at 3pm. There were a lot of people there. I would say around 500 people. The items that were being auctioned ranged from seized cars to boats, jet skis to 4-wheelers. There were a lot of vehicles. I saw a guy end up with a 32 foot catamaran boat for just over $10,000 dollars. I thought this was a place of deals. That price scared the hell out of me. My buddy was kind of shocked because a boat like that inland was kind of weird to him. He then told me the boat was probably worth just over $120,000 dollars. Ok, maybe that was a bit of a bargain, I still have not picked up my jaw.

Now, the bikes. There were 21, not the original 23 he had thought. He probably got his auctions mixed up because of how many there are. 7 Harley Davidson bike and they were nice. There was one bike there that was a custom builder's bike. So let's cut to the chase. My buddy buys 3 bikes. 2 HD bikes and 1 Kawasaki 2005 Vulcan 1600 Classic. The Vulcan, he got that for $950 dollars. He said that he can sell for $6,000 dollars. The HD's were very nice. One was a 1997 Heritage Springer. That one he got for $1900 dollars. He said he would list that one for $10,000 dollars. The other HD, a 2003 Fat Boy will list for $12, 000 dollars in the paper. He got it for $1,500 dollars.

So, being a business man, I had to ask his secret. He then tells me that it is no secret. It is a matter of public record. All the auctions have to be printed in the paper. From 200 miles away they advertise in your paper, was my next question. He then starts to tell me of a web site that he uses and that he paid $30 bucks, one time and they give him all the auctions throughout the US and what is being auctioned in each. That is his leg work. Sitting behind a desk, just like you are right now, looking that the computer screen. In fact I now go on that very web site and shop when I am at the airport during my regular business trips. I have been to a few auctions since my buddy showed me the way. I have not found the bike I have been looking for but I did pick up a nice 65 Mustang for $1200 dollars. I sold it for $14,000 dollars.

I am telling you that if you are in the market to find an expensive bike, but you want to pay a fraction of the price, then the Sheriff Auctions site is for you. For a one time payment of $29.99, you get access to:

1. Auction listings containing auctions of Government-seized and other property including motorcycles, cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and boats.

2. Listings of live online Sheriff Auctions and other Auctions in your local area and throughout the USA, so you will always get the best deals, complete with the contact names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and websites for easy reference and immediate use.

3. Full access to our Members' Area, containing current reports on the date, time, and locations of the best Government Auctions and other Auctions happening in your local area as well as throughout the surrounding region and across the USA.

And a whole lot more.

This information would cost you a ton if you were to do it on your own. All of the information is right there for you. Who wants to have 3000 news papers delivered to their house every week so they can look for the Sheriff Auctions? And when are you going to have the time to open and look thru all of them? With a money back guarantee, how can you go wrong? I know I'm not. I will be doing an online auction in a few hours and I plan on getting my bike there. An O.C.C. that has been listed in a small area of the US. Not a lot of bidders, so I should make out. Take care and be safe!

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Mercedes Benz Introduces C 63 AMG

The German automaker Mercedes Benz introduces the newest C-Class model with design cues and performance features from the company's AMG sports tuner.

The new Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG will roll out in the market with two variants: sedan and estate models. Both variants are equipped with a monstrous AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine capable of pumping out 336 kW / 457 hp and 600 Nm amount of peak torque. This naturally aspirated engine allows the Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The car is equipped with a continuous dual-flow AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin oval tailpipes with large cross-sections to reduce back pressure, according to Mercedes Benz. Along with high performance catalytic converter, the C 63 AMG complies with almost all of the emissions standards including EU 4 and LEV-II. According to the NEDC, the new Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG achieves a fuel consumption of only 13.4 l/100 km and emits a mere amount of CO2 of 319 g/km. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is coupled with AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission to complete the powertrain package.

Like all other Mercedes Benz AMG models, the C 63 AMG comes with a wide array of interior and exterior components. Outside, the C 63 AMG features AMG bonnet with power domes, distinctive AMG radiator grille, flared front wings, AMG rear apron with a black diffusor insert, AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, AMG spoiler lip, EASY PACK tailgate and load-securing kit, headlamp Assist, and bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function and headlamp cleaning. The C 63 AMG also comes with various wheel and tire combinations. These include the new 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design wrappe3d with tyres in size 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear). A 19-inch AMG titanium grey light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design is also available as an optional feature. These high-gloss finish wheels are covered with 235/35 tyres (front) and 255/30 R 19 tyres at the rear.

On the inside, the Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG offers the distinctive AMG sports seats with integrated head restraints, AMG performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design with a 365-mm rim diameter, flattened lower section, tubular-design AMG instrument cluster with AMG main menu, aluminium trim panels on dome, doors and centre console, armrest with roller-top compartment, AMG lettering and brushed stainless steel sports pedals, 1/3:2/3 split-fold rear seat backrest (saloon), /3:2/3 split-fold rear seat backrest (estate), AMG carbon-fibre trim, AMG velour floor mats, and Nappa leather upholstery, just to name the few. Safety feats include ISOFIX child seat attachment points in the rear, THERMATIC two-zone automatic climate control, knee bag on the driver's side, airbags for the driver and front passenger, and Mercedes Benz's PRE-SAFE system available as an optional feature.

Technical features include improved multi-link independent rear suspension with increased track width, fade-resistant AMG high-performance brake system, and new 3-stage ESP with Sport function.

The company said the Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG will roll out in selected markets in Europe early in 2008 carrying a base manufacturer's suggested retail price of 67,235 Euros ($95,782) for the sedan variant, and 69,853 Euros ($99,512 USD) for the estate. Probably this model will also roll out in the US market. Mercedes Benz lovers should watch out for this model instead of upgrading their auto parts (like Saab OEM parts).

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

BMW Unwraps the All-New BMW 1 Series Convertible

BMW has finally unveiled its 1 Series Convertible three months after announcing that it would build a coupe version of its small family car.

The new BMW 1 Series Convertible is the fourth offshoot of the 1 Series after the three and five-door versions and the Coupe. The new 1 Series convertible will have a fabric roof that opens and closes in 22 seconds at speed of up to 25 mph.

In terms of engine, the BMW 1 Series Convertible will have five engine options---one diesel and four petrols. The 120d diesel is a 175bhp common-rail unit producing 258lb ft of pulling power. Meanwhile the petrol versions include 141bhp 2.0 liter 118i, a 168bhp 2.0 liter 120i, a six-cylinder 215bhp 3.0 liter 125i and a twin-turbo 302bhp six-cylinder 3.0 liter 135i.

The new BMW Convertible also possess new features such as an air-conditioning system derived from the 3 Series convertible which is recognizable once the roof is opened and change to its Convertible mode. The retracted roof of the Convertible triggers the ventilation system to respond less to the interior temperature and more to the outside temperature including the sunlight in order to determine the intensity of the ventilation required.

To enhance safety, two rollover bars extend from behind the rear seats in a fraction of a second once sensors detect a possible flip over. This action will protect the occupants in the event of rollovers.

BMW has also launched a program called "Efficient Dynamics" that would ensure that all of its 1 Series Convertibles are fuel efficient and eco-friendly. Part of the program is the regenerative braking which make use of an intelligent alternator and a unique type of battery that recovers energy lost from the engine especially during braking or when using the engine to slow down the car.

There is also a so-called stop-start technology that saves fuel by stopping the engine like for instance when the car is put to stop at traffic lights. A gearshift indicator is also available and informs the driver of the most fuel saving gear to use.

Another new feature is the new clutched air-conditioning pump in which the pump decouples therefore requiring only 10 percent of the normal power used to drive the pump. This best thing about this pump is that it prevents fuel from being wasted.

And lastly, all models excluding the 135i were given electronic power steering which operates only when needed unlike the conventional hydraulic power steering systems therefore reducing its consumption of energy which is usually sourced from the engine.

The German automaker and producer of high quality BMW brakes, BMW AG has not yet made any announcement regarding the price of the new BMW 1 Series Convertible. There are also no schedules yet onto when the car will reach UK showrooms.