November 9th, 2011

Nissan Reveals 2012 NV3500 HD Passenger Van; It Carries Up to 12 in Slightly Less Heinous Style

So remember the Titan pickup–based NV commercial van Nissan released last year? Of course you do, because it’s awesome (you can read our review of an NV2500 here). Nissan has just unveiled a new passenger version of the burliest model, the NV3500 HD, and the people-carrier exchanges the cargo van’s metal body-side panels and bare cargo area for giant windows and seats. Lots of seats. If the windowless NV was Nissan’s shot across the bow of trade-fleet mainstays such as the Ford E-series and Chevrolet Express, the passenger version is the automaker’s attempt to shoulder its way into the hotel- and airport-shuttle arena.

The windows make the passenger NV much less awkward to behold than slab-sided commercial versions. (The low roof helps, too, although the taller cap would have made more sense for ingress and egress.) The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter still seems sexy in comparison, but at least the gap has narrowed. Functionally, this new Nissan boasts four rows of seats and can transport up to 12 people, including the driver. Nissan claims there are 324 possible configurations for the chairs, and the second and third rows are adjustable or can be removed entirely. The non-adjustable fourth row features a 50/50 split—rows two and three split 65/35—and each half can be individually removed. A full suite of options is available to make life in any row more pleasant, including a rear HVAC system, reading lamps for all rows, an additional 12-volt power outlet located in the third row, and two 120-volt AC power outlets. For the driver, Nissan offers the same navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and back-up camera that can be had in the NV commercial models.

Mechanically, this model shares all of its underpinnings with the NV commercial van. It’s powered by either a 261-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 or a burly 317-hp, 5.6-liter V-8 (the NV3500 HD cargo van is V-8–only). Both engines route output to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. The passenger NV’s two lowest trim levels are also available on the commercial version, including a base S model and the step-up SV. The people-toting NV adds a range-topping SL spec, however, which carries most of the NV’s available options as standard kit and is available only with the V-8 engine. Nissan hasn’t released pricing, but the lowest-priced cargo model (an NV1500 with the V-6) starts at $25,930, so expect a premium for the additional seats, chassis spec, and safety equipment. The NV passenger van will hit dealerships this coming spring.

November 3rd, 2011

Subaru Set to Debut Advanced Tourer Concept at Tokyo Auto Show

The biennial Tokyo auto show always presents a handful of unique and eye-catching concepts. Few are even remotely feasible, but that just makes the weirdest ones even more interesting. The Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept, however, is one 2011 Tokyo debutant we would love to see make production in some form, in part because it is a wagon and in part because it plain looks good.

Subaru is calling the ATC a “grand touring car of the future,” albeit one that is roughly as “grand” as any Impreza-size car can be. Does it preview a wagon variant of the Impreza, which is currently offered in sedan and five-door forms? Subaru says that, as a company, it “has shown the most strength in the sports wagon category,” and that the ATC “demonstrates Subaru’s direction toward the future.” So, maybe. Hopefully.

Greetings, ATC. Audi You Do?

Bracketed by a pair of slab-sided front fenders is a face that even an Audi stylist could love (and possibly find rather familiar)-hexagonal grille, A3-like LED lights, and all. The concept flaunts its unbridled wagonness with a chunky D-pillar, but we don’t expect the double-gullwing doors on any production Subaru ever, no matter how grand it may be.

An all-glass roof allows ample lighting to the ATC’s four-place interior, which features a wide variety of wood and metal finishes. Among the more frightening interior innovations is a monitor in the middle of the steering wheel with which the driver can adjust audio, climate, and cruise-control settings, as well as view maps, the internet, and even TV. Rather than ponder a future of automotive autopilot, we’ll suggest Subaru put that monitor back in the dash.

Powering the all-wheel-drive ATC is a 1.6-liter, turbocharged, direct-injection version of Subaru’s new boxer-four. Subaru made no mention of power for either the engine or the claimed hybrid system, except to say that the engine’s output is similar to “current leading turbo engines.” To us, that means horsepower and torque in the neighborhood of 180. The third member in this powertrain is a CVT-Subaru plans to replace most (if not all) of its automatic transmissions with rubber bands in the future. Overall, the company says the ATC should better the fuel economy of its existing products by up to 50 percent.

September 8th, 2011

Audi R8 GT Photoshoot in Daytona Grey

My good friends at Audi North Scottsdale recently got in a very rare car – the all new Audi R8 GT, one of just 90 Audi R8 GTs that Audi will import into the US.

What makes this R8 GT even more rare is the color – it was special ordered in Daytona Grey, an Audi Exclusive color.

In my opinion, this could be the most perfect color combination for this car. The Daytona Grey compliments the matte carbon fiber so nicely, resulting in a subtle yet beautiful marriage of several shades of grey.

 

This car is currently for sale, so if you’re interested give Brian McCauley at Audi North Scottsdale an email at bmccauley@penskeautomotive.com or call him at 480.538.4036 if you’re interested.

Audi R8 GT Front

The R8 GT takes the standard R8, subtracts weight, adds power, and improves aerodynamics through a number of ways. The result is a quicker, lighter, better sounding and better looking version of the R8 that only 333 owners worldwide will be fortunate enough to experience.

Let’s start with the aerodynamics…

The aerodynamic changes are both immediately noticeable and easy to overlook. Some changes, such as the rear wing, you’ll notice right away. Some things are more subtle, like the rear view mirrors  - they are flat on the top (as opposed to standard R8 mirrors which are curved) to be more aerodynamic at high speeds:

Audi R8 GT Mirrors

The other aerodynamic pieces include front splitters, a front air dam, rear diffuser, rear wing, rear brake venting, and revised side intakes, just to name a few. Most of these pieces are also in carbon fiber, which make them all the more stunning.

Audi R8 GT Rear

Weight savings include the extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the car, a lighter battery, lighter carpeting, a carbon fiber reinforced plastic rear hatch, and even a lighter rear windshield, adding up to a total weight savings of 180 pounds in the US (and 220 lbs in Europe).

An added benefit of the carbon fiber diet is the sheer beauty of the carbon fiber Audi used – instead of a glossy finish, the carbon is in a matte finish for that authentic race car vibe:

Audi R8 GT Gas Cap

Next, Audi added power – an additional 35 horsepower was achieved through a more free flowing, louder & more amazing sounding exhaust as well as a more aggressive tune on the engine, allowing that V10 FSI to really shine, especially since it has less weight to move around. The air intake system was also revised. The result is the sound of a truly exotic car.

Audi R8 GT Engine

To accommodate the extra power, the car’s aerodynamics help keep the car glued to the pavement, creating up to 6x more downforce than the regular R8. The car also has a different suspension that the standard R8, opting for an adjustable coilover setup that can be fine tuned & corner balanced to the owners preferences. Audi also equipped the R8 GT with massive Audi ceramic brakes, which match the GT fender emblem quite nicely:

Audi R8 GT Ceramic Brakes

Moving to the interior, the driver is surrounded by alcantara and yep, you guessed it, more matte carbon fiber. It’s beautiful, and I’m sad to say my pictures don’t do it enough justice.

Audi R8 GT Interior

The door panels, dash trim, and even the gear for the shift knob are all in alcantara. The flat bottom steering wheel is super thick and my guess is it would be a thrill to grip while driving the GT at a track:

Audi R8 GT Steering Wheel

Perhaps my favorite detail of the R8 GT’s interior is the shift knob, custom etched with the vehicle number, reminding you just how rare the car is you’re about to drive:

Audi R8 GT Shift Knob

June 21st, 2011

Buying a Used Porsche Boxster Online

The Porsche Boxster is a convertible which was introduced approximately 20 years ago, and is more affordable than other Porsche models. To this day, the Boxster line of automobiles remains one of the best-selling vehicles in its class.

Since introducing its first vehicle over 100 years ago, the Porsche automobile company is known for speed and lavish sports vehicles. Unlike other car manufacturers, it produces almost all its vehicles in its home country, from factories in Leipzig (eastern Germany) and Stuttgart (in the west). It also provides consulting services about the manufacturing of cars and engines to a variety of other manufacturers.

Browsing classified ads online when shopping to purchase used cars for sale is popular because it can be done from the comfort of your home and for a price that is generally much cheaper than you will find at a car dealership. Finding a Porsche Boxster available for sale in your area can be accomplished by searching online classifieds sites such as Gumtree or eBay Motors. You can refine your results to specific Boxster models available near you, contact the seller to discuss the vehicle in further detail, and arrange to see the car in person once you find one you like.

Before pursuing the purchase of a used Porsche Boxster, you need to do some research to find information regarding the current bluebook value and history of the car. The bluebook value is important to know so that you can negotiate the best price – if you’re searching for used cars in South Africa or even Australia, RedBook is a good place to go for car pricing data.

Once you have found a vehicle that fits your requirements, make arrangements with the seller for a test drive. Additionally, request that the car be checked by an auto mechanic of your choice. If a seller declines to allow this, do not pursue the deal. Unwillingness to disclose information or allow you to have an unbiased report of the car’s mechanical state may indicate that the seller is running a scam. You should also walk away of the seller asks for a deposit or upfront payment first. While most online sellers of expensive vehicles such as the Boxster are usually genuine, there are some deceitful individuals out there who will take advantage of you.

May 16th, 2011

Trick for a Car

There are many young people out there that hold onto hip-hop music as a guideline for their lives. It is perhaps no different than generations before that the music of their youth became the anthem of their lives.

This contest offered by Trick Trick and many auto insurance companies is a great opportunity for hopefuls and classic car lovers to have a chance to study the “Big Body” and then make a video of themselves. It is not a totally free contest with the purchase of a $1.99 download of “Big Body” but to win a classic car or some of the secondary prizes seems worth the price of the purchase. The competition should be stiff and fierce. It will also be that they have to please Trick Trick in order to get any place in the competition.

The contest is a promotional idea to further Trick Trick’s career but it does not seem to have any underlying, belying motivation hidden inside its details. No foul play or no screwy clause not to make the contest a legitimate thing. The classic cars are an amazing prize offering with another plus that it could give the winners a chance to further their own musical careers if that is what they desire.

The odds of winning are always too high and too unpredictable for anyone to really place their firm hopes on but if the contestants go at it with the idea that it could be a fun experience and put enough effort and thought into their entries, then they should have a good shot.

March 29th, 2011

Buying a Used BMW 5 Series Online

The BMW 5 Series of vehicles has been manufactured for nearly 40 years and is responsible for nearly half of the profits of the BMW Company. It is available in two styles: sedan and station wagon. A sedan car, also known as a saloon car in British English, is a vehicle with “two rows of seats and adequate passenger space in the rear compartment for adult passengers” according to Wikipedia.
Bavarian Motor Works is a world famous German manufacturer of luxury and performance vehicles. BMW has been producing automobiles for close to 100 years. The latest BMW 5 Series, the F10 and F11, are powered by what is known as a straight six engine. The design of the straight six engines is believed to deliver a smoother operating experience than a traditional six-cylinder engine. BMW 5 Series models have topped many top 10 lists and won ‘car of the year’ awards – BMW takes great pride in luxury, performance, and the aesthetic appeal of its vehicles.

If you’re looking for used cars in Sydney, it’s a good idea to check Gumtree.com.au for cars on sale in your neighborhood. Gumtree lists used cars in Brisbane, Melbourne and thousands of cities across Australia. It’s cheaper and faster to check online than tour local dealerships for buying opportunities. From this point, you can contact the seller to discuss the vehicle in further detail or arrange a test drive if it sparks your interest. You should have a few things in mind before beginning your search, such as price range, features you want, and insurance costs of the models you are interested in.

Buying a car is a big investment. It’s a good idea to visit websites that provide information on the history of a vehicle to make sure you spend your money wisely. Sites, such as Yahoo Auto, often list the bluebook values of used vehicles to give a better idea of its current worth. This can help you negotiate a fair price. When you’ve found a vehicle you like, make arrangements with the seller for a test drive, and ask to have the car looked over by an auto mechanic. If the seller refuses, don’t pursue the deal any further – it could well be a scam. Never give any money up front to have the vehicle held for you. Although the majority of online sellers are legitimate, there are some unscrupulous folks out there who make a living taking advantage of others.

March 7th, 2011

When you can get discounts for auto insurance?

Auto insurance aids in protecting you and your family against any monetary loss in case of an accident or due to any other reason. It provides coverage for damages and injuries caused during an accident which you can legally claim including the replacing and repairing costs of the vehicle if stolen or broken. But with pilling expenses over your backs, you need to look for discounts for your auto insurance ad find out a company that provides good deals and quotes for insurance with maximum coverage. There are a number of factors that account for calculating premium rates and you need to take care of all of them if you want lower rates or discounts on the insurance premiums.

If you have some theft device installed in your car, you can easily get discounts on your auto insurance. You can even ask for the multiple car discounts if you own more than one car. Seeking for group discounts can also help you in saving a lot of your hard earned money. If you have a sound financial condition and can afford to pay the complete premium of the year in a lump sum, you can easily become eligible for discounts over the auto insurance quotes. If you are a student with a driving license then you can look for discounts from your auto insurance company.

It is common sense that less time you be behind the wheels, less are your chances of meeting any accident, so it if better to take up public transportation, wherever possible, which can draw you discount over your car insurance. Apart from these there are many possibilities that help you in finding low insurance premium rates, the only thing you need to do is to search and investigate a little.

January 28th, 2011

What’s the largest thing you have every recycled?

When asked this question, most people would probably answer ‘a bottle’ or ‘a stack or newspapers’ – However it is actually now possible to recycle something MUCH bigger than just about any other household item! – Your Car!

That’s right. Many people don’t realise that if you take your old, unwanted car to an authorised scrap yard, you are in many ways recycling it. Sometimes the whole car will be sold off as is, going to a new home, other times various parts of the vehicle will be stripped off it for reuse, and the carcass will be crushed, and recycled.

It is very important to ensure you choose the right scrap merchant to dispose of your car with, to make sure you are not taking part in polluting the environment.

When looking for a car disposal expert, you could go far wrong than using giveacar.co.uk – Giveacar will arrange the disposal of your car, and will even have it collected from you for free! What is more, giveacar will also donate most of the money raised from the scrapping of your car to charity!

So this way when you scrap a car, not only do you get rid of your unwanted vehicle in a way that won’t cost you anything at all, but you also get to make a donation to the charity of your choice – again at no cost to you! If you want to help the environment, help a charity AND all at zero cost to you, then call giveacar on: 020 0011 1664

January 7th, 2011

Porsche Cars – the Rich Men’s Toys

If you want to flaunt on the road, then Porsche car is the right bet for you. Porsche is one of the most respectable car manufacturers of the world. It is known all over the world for the beautiful and high-speed machines it designs since decades. All the Porsche cars have launched till date have come at the cover page of the all leading sports magazines of the world. Along with that all the car related blogs like car news blog also gives special priority to the new launches from Porsche.

You just go to a bank driving a Porsche car; the manager will come down to you with a red carpet along with him. That is the specialty of Porsche cars. But be sure of one thing if you want to have a Porsche car, then you have to loosen your wallet. After all, luxury always comes with a price.

December 18th, 2010

Buy a Used Car – they make them a lot better Today than they used To

Growing up, I always heard my parents and their friends complain that nothing was made the way they used to be when they were young. I always doubted the truth of that, but never had a way to prove it; until I thought of something. Back in the day, if you had a car that you could run for 100,000 miles, that was considered a supreme achievement. By the time the car did a that kind of mileage, it would be practically scrap metal. Going along in this day and age with that in mind as a standard for car reliability though would be an expensive and unfortunate mistake. A modern car today can easily go twice as long with regular maintenance, and could do even better than that. People using the old frame of reference quickly give up a 100,000 mile car at a low price and trade it in for new car. And that puts you, someone in the market for a great bargain in a used car, in a great place to be in. You know something the sellers don’t. You could expect great value when you go to buy a used car – $5000, and if you aren’t a cross-country travelling salesman or anything, you could probably keep it forever.

Certainly, a pre-owned car is nowhere near as exciting to own – you can’t park it in the driveway and have your neighbors look approvingly over, and you can’t go out for a celebratory drive immersed in that new car smell. What you will get in return for giving that up for the first three months the car stays new though can be pretty great too. For little more than the down payment you would put down on a new car, about $5000, a good find would last you far longer than many human organs last. If buying a used car won’t help you keep up with the Joneses, it’ll certainly help you keep down with Adamses – proving oneself frugal certainly has its cachet today in any social circle.

Let’s add up what you save when you choose to buy a used car instead of a new one. In the US, your average midsize sedan sells for about $30,000 new, and it is financed for about five years at about $400 monthly. If you actually spent only $5000 on a car and socked away that $400 every month for those five years, you would have about $25,000 at the end, with interest. In addition to that, you would save about $2500 on sales tax (as opposed to $500 when you buy a used car), you save about $300 on registration, you would save about $500 a year on insurance, and what it does for your peace of mind not trying to protect the finish every time you park it on the street is something you can’t put a price on.

When you make your decision and go out to buy that $5000 car, make sure first that you know a good mechanic who can help you maintain a used car for a good long while. Without a trusty mechanic at your side, this might be a troublesome experience. Since you don’t have the manufacturer’s warranty when you buy a used car, you want to go to an inexpensive mechanic, not the dealership workshop; and you would do well to know something about car repair yourself. And once you’ve found the perfect well-maintained used car, you need to make sure you have the time and patience to maintain it. When you actually go out shopping, try to look beyond the Accords and the Camrys. Think about finding a Mazda 626 from 10 to 12 years ago, a Mazda Miata that is reliable, and easy to maintain, or a 10-year-old Taurus or Impala.. And while you’re out there, make sure that you don’t buy a car like the Dodge Intrepid that even the used car dealers are wary of.

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