tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-106008152011-04-21T21:14:59.785-04:00SVnoreply@blogger.comBlogger101100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10600815.post-1114255583844613352005-04-15T07:25:00.000-04:002005-04-23T07:26:23.860-04:00<h3>2005 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe</h3> <center><img src="http://www.fast-autos.net/infiniti/05g355.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></center> <p>Designed from the ground up on the racing-inspired FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, Infiniti G35 coupe expands its performance capabilities for the 2005 model year with the addition of a new Sport-Tuned Suspension Package featuring 19-inch wheels and tires, Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD) and 18 additional horsepower for the G35 Coupe 6MT model with 6-speed manual transmission.</p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&q=2005+Infiniti+G35&amp;sitesearch=&sa=Search&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&forid=1&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&hl=en">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:06 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/infiniti/index.html">Infiniti</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/04/2005_infiniti_g.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>April 14, 2005</h2> <h3>2005 Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary</h3> <center><img src="http://www.fast-autos.net/nissan/350z35th2.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></center> <p>Thirty-five years since its first appearance in North America, the high performance Z sports car returned in 2005 with a special commemorative 35th Anniversary model, along with a number of other enhancements, that continued the Z heritage of design, performance and value that has remained unchallenged since the original Datsun 240Z was introduced as a 1970 model.</p> <p>The 35th Anniversary Z, available along with the 2005 350Z Track model, offers unique features, including enhanced horsepower from the standard Z’s 3.5-liter DOHC V6.</p> <p><a href="http://www.fast-autos.net/nissan/nissan350z35th.html">Read</a><br /><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&amp;q=2005+Nissan+350Z+&sitesearch=&amp;sa=Search&client=pub-6809180329580690&amp;forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&amp;oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&amp;hl=en"><br />Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:03 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/nissan/index.html">Nissan</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/04/2005_nissan_350.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>April 13, 2005</h2> <h3>2005 Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon</h3> <center><img src="http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/7753_image.jpg" /></center> Jaguar has a new addition to its family for 2005 - and it's the kind of addition that's become a standard in the European luxury ranks. The Sportwagon joins in with the compact wagons from Audi, Mercedes, BMW, and soon, Saab, in a sort of battle of the bands where there are no losers - indeed, there's hardly an also-ran in the group. <p>The Sportwagon is based on the entry-level X-Type sedan, which came to North America in 2002. Jaguar hoped that today's X-Type buyer would be tomorrow's customer for its other offerings, from the mid-level S-Type to the top-of-the-line XKs and XJs. And though some 100,000 X-Types have been sold in North America, the smallest Jaguar has needed incentives to keep its sales at decent levels. It's not done much to improve the brand image here, but in Europe it's been a bigger success, especially with the diesel versions now plying the streets.</p> <p>The Sportwagon gives the X-Type some much-needed, mid-lifecycle interest. And the versatility of the wagon body, built around luxury trappings, gives the lineup an appealing entry in the niche dominated by Audi and BMW.</p> <p><b>2005 Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon<br /></b><b>Price:</b> $36,995<br /><strong>Engine:</strong> 3.0-liter V-6, 227 hp<br /><b>Transmission:</b> Five-speed automatic, all-wheel drive<br /><b>Length x width x height:</b> 185.5 x 70.4 x 58.4 in<br /><b>Wheelbase: </b>106.7 in<br /><b>Curb Weight:</b> 3761 lb<br /><b>Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy):</b> 18 /24 mpg<br /><b>Safety Equipment: </b>Dual airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, all-wheel drive<br /><b>Major Standard Equipment: </b>Air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player, power sunroof<br /><b>Warranty:</b> Four years/50,000 miles</p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:08 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/jaguar/index.html">Jaguar</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/04/2005_jaguar_xty.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>April 08, 2005</h2> <h3>2005 Volkswagen Jetta</h3> <center><img src="http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/8691_image.jpg" /></center> Spring is around the corner, and several automakers have already introduced 2006 models. Meanwhile, many 2005 models have been on sale for over a year - so you'd think there would be no more '05s to be introduced. But wait, there is one more - VW's 2005 new Jetta. The word "new" has to be inserted in its name, as the "old" Jetta has also been available as a 2005 model for many months. <p>Confusing? Yes, which is why VW tells us to think of the "new" Jetta as a 2006 model, even if it isn't officially.</p> <p>It should be though, as the all new fifth-generation Jetta is totally different from the previous generation in looks and feel.</p> <p><b>2005 Volkswagen Jetta<br /></b><b>Base price:</b> $18,515 (manual); $19,590 (automatic)<br /><b>Engine:</b> 2.5-liter in-line five, 150 hp/170 lb-ft<br /><b>Drivetrain:</b> Five-speed manual or six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive<br /><b>Length x width x height:</b> 179.3 x 69.3 x 57.5 in<br /><b>Wheelbase:</b> 101.5 in<br /><b>Curb weight:</b> 3230 lb (manual)<br /><b>Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy):</b> 22/30 mpg<br /><b>Safety equipment:</b>Anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake distribution, traction control, dual front and side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners<br /><b>Major standard equipment:</b> Air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, 60/40 split folding rear seat<br /><b>Warranty: </b>Four years/50,000 miles</p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:06 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/volkswagen/index.html">Volkswagen</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/04/2005_volkswagen.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>April 07, 2005</h2> <h3>Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet</h3> <center><img src="http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/382005142525.jpg" /></center> When the first water-cooled 911 appeared in 1998, it represented the ultimate taming of the once wild rear-engined Porsche sports car. With ample cockpit space, benign handling, and greatly reduced engine noise, that model, known as the 996, had very broad appeal. But among Porsche's fervently faithful were many who failed to see the allure of the 996's licked-clean bodywork with the fried-egg look-alike headlights, the fissured interior, and the boredom that sets in during electronically assisted driving. The new 997 911, introduced last fall, has gone a long way toward addressing these complaints, and Porsche has now introduced the convertible version. <p><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=19&article_id=9293">Read</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&amp;q=Porsche+911+Carrera+Cabriolet&sitesearch=&amp;sa=Search&client=pub-6809180329580690&amp;forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&amp;oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&amp;hl=en">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:22 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/porsche/index.html">Porsche</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/04/porsche_911_car.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>April 06, 2005</h2> <h3>Ferrari 430 Spider Makes North American Debut</h3> <center><img src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c453826a.jpg" /></center> After making its world debut a few weeks earlier in Geneva, the F430 Spider hits U.S. shores in New York. <p>The F430 Spider is the newest open-top car from Ferrari, joining the F430 coupe which debuted last fall at the Paris Motor Show. The Ferrari F430 coupe and F430 Spider the new mid-engine V8-powered sports cars from the legendary Italian automaker. The F430 incorporates advancements in design, technology and performance that promise to push it beyond the achievements of the 360 Modena, which it will replace in the Ferrari lineup. </p> <p><a href="http://autos.msn.com/as/minishow/article.aspx?contentID=4023108&s=NewYork2005&amp;src=minishow">Read</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&lr=&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&cof=FORID%3A1%3BGL%3A1%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BT%3A%239e5205%3BLC%3A%23de7008%3BVLC%3A%23ff0000%3BALC%3A%23de7008%3BGALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGFNT%3A%230000ff%3BGIMP%3A%230000ff%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3B&amp;domains=sv.typepad.com&q=Ferrari+430+Spider&amp;btnG=Search&sitesearch=">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:09 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/ferrari/index.html">Ferrari</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/04/ferrari_430_spi.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>April 05, 2005</h2> <h3>Jeep Reveals Commander and Grand Cherokee SRT8 in New York</h3> <center><img src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c454196a.jpg" /></center> The 2006 Commander has three rows of seats and a classic Jeep look; the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the most powerful Jeep ever. <p>Here in New York Jeep rolled into the full-size SUV segment with its new 2006 Commander, the first Jeep with 7-passenger seating wrapped in an exterior package that looks remarkably like the original Jeep Cherokee. The exterior shape is very square and vertical, characterized by an upright windshield, vertical back glass and straight sides, capped off with the signature Jeep seven-slot grille. </p> <p><a href="http://autos.msn.com/as/minishow/article.aspx?contentID=4023107&s=NewYork2005&amp;src=minishow">Read</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&lr=&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&cof=FORID%3A1%3BGL%3A1%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BT%3A%239e5205%3BLC%3A%23de7008%3BVLC%3A%23ff0000%3BALC%3A%23de7008%3BGALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGFNT%3A%230000ff%3BGIMP%3A%230000ff%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3B&amp;domains=sv.typepad.com&q=Jeep+2006+Commander&amp;btnG=Search&sitesearch=">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:06 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/jeep/index.html">Jeep</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/04/jeep_reveals_co.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>April 04, 2005</h2> <h3>Two New Sedans From Lexus</h3> <center><img src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c454204a.jpg" /></center> <p>Lexus takes the wraps off its next-generation IS and the innovative GS 450h hybrid.</p> <p>When Lexus first introduced the IS sport sedan for the 2001 model year, the automaker had the BMW 3-Series in its sights. It seems appropriate that within hours of BMW debuting its next-generation 3-Series, Lexus would show the next version of the IS, too.</p> <p>The new IS is the second example of styling that Lexus refers to as L-Finesse. The first was the new GS, which just went on sale this month. L-Finesse is represented by simplicity in design with a look of understated luxury.</p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&amp;lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&amp;oe=ISO-8859-1&client=pub-6809180329580690&amp;cof=FORID%3A1%3BGL%3A1%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BT%3A%239e5205%3BLC%3A%23de7008%3BVLC%3A%23ff0000%3BALC%3A%23de7008%3BGALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGFNT%3A%230000ff%3BGIMP%3A%230000ff%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3B&domains=sv.typepad.com&amp;q=Lexus&btnG=Search&amp;sitesearch=">Get more info.</a></p> <p>At the top of the IS lineup will be the IS 350. Powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6, the new sport sedan will have more than 300 horsepower. A 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters will be standard. The IS 350 will also feature a revised version of teh Lexus VDIM stability control system that was introduced in the new GS.</p> <p>The IS lineup will also include an IS 250, which will get a new 2.5-liter engine expected to produce more than 200 horsepower, teamed with a 6-speed sequential manual transmission. The IS 250 will be available with either rear-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive. The automaker expects the IS 250 will make up around half of annual IS sales.</p> <p>Sales of the new IS will begin this fall. Pricing information will be made available closer to the vehicle's on-sale date.</p> <p>In addition to the new IS, in the Big Apple Lexus introduced a car that continues the prominence of hybrid vehicles for its parent company Toyota. The Lexus GS 450h will be the first luxury sedan—as well as the first rear-wheel drive vehicle—to feature a gas-electric hybrid powertrain.</p> <p>This new hybrid powertrain is unique to the GS 450h. It features a 3.5-liter V6 engine teamed with a high-output electric motor that, when combined, will produce "substantially" more than 300 horsepower, according to Lexus vice president of marketing Mark Templin. Lexus claims that this hybrid will be quicker than the new V8-powered GS 430, yet it should achieve fuel economy similar to that of a compact sedan with a 4-cylinder engine.</p> <p>Similar to the way Honda has marketed its Accord hybrid, the GS 450h will be at the top of the GS lineup. The new hybrid is expected to go on sale as a 2007 model in the spring of 2006</p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:00 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/lexus/index.html">Lexus</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/04/two_new_sedans_.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>April 01, 2005</h2> <h3>New Concept From Scion</h3> <center><img src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c454288a.jpg" /></center> <p>The newest Toyota division shows off its latest concept vehicle here in New York.</p> <p>Just three years after the introduction of the Scion brand, the youth-oriented division of Toyota debuts an all-new concept called the t2B.</p> <p>Designed at Toyota's Calty Design Studio in Newport Beach, the t2B is purely a design exercise, according to Jim Farley, vice president of Scion at Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. However, the two concepts that launched the Scion brand back in 2002 were very close to the production models that followed.</p> <p>The t2B features an aggressive-looking front end and a somewhat boxy form, similar to the current Scion xB. However, this concept is much more shapely, with side windows that wrap around the front of the vehicle. A large rear window is featured as well, which Scion says is part of a design theme called "demado," which is Japanese for bay window.</p> <p>The wedge-shaped roof allows for the aggressive exterior while retaining a roomy interior. There are no door handles to mar the smooth lines, and a large power sliding door allows easy access from the passenger side to both the front and rear seats. On the driver's side are two rear-hinged "suicide" doors.</p> <p>The interior evokes a "lounge-like atmosphere." In the ceiling are two clear panels running the length of the vehicle. Passengers would have access to movies, games or music via Internet download, and the movies can be shown on the rear glass via a ceiling-mounted projector. This effectively turns the car into an entertainment center. Of course, Farley noted, these features would be used when the vehicle is parked.</p> <p>Built on an all-new Toyota platform, the t2B comes gets power from a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.</p> <p>Scion designers had plenty of other ideas, showing two models of other possibilities for this new platform in New York. The one-quarter scale models feature fastback and pickup designs.</p> <p>All three Scion models currently for sale in the U.S. also began as auto show concepts that quickly made their way into production. It's a fairly safe bet that this successful brand will eventually launch another new model based on this t2B design study. </p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&q=Scion&amp;sitesearch=&sa=Search&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&forid=1&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&amp;hl=en">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:09 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/toyota/index.html">Toyota</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/04/new_concept_fro.html">Permalink</a> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/10600815-111425558384461335?l=autosweek.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>SVnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10600815.post-1114255490845651702005-03-31T07:24:00.000-05:002005-04-23T07:24:50.863-04:00<h3>Shelby Cobra GT500 Returns</h3> <center><img src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c454181a.jpg" /></center> Ford Motor Company and legendary car builder Carroll Shelby team up once again to create this striking high-performance Mustang. <p>With more than 450 horsepower, the new Shelby Cobra GT500 is the most powerful production Mustang—ever.</p> <p>Ford debuted another modern interpretation of an automotive classic, the all-new Shelby Cobra GT500, at the New York International Auto Show.</p> <p>The new GT500 possesses classic Shelby design cues including dual stripes, aerodynamic body parts, and 19-inch wheels. In the performance department, the Shelby Cobra GT500 is the most powerful production Mustang ever built, with a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that produces more than 450 horsepower, a 6-speed manual transmission and suspension tuned by Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT). </p> <p><a href="http://autos.msn.com/as/minishow/article.aspx?contentID=4023097&s=NewYork2005&amp;src=minishow">Read</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&q=Shelby+Cobra+GT500&amp;sitesearch=&sa=Search&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&forid=1&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&hl=en">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:04 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/ford/index.html">Ford</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/03/shelby_cobra_gt.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>March 30, 2005</h2> <h3>What's in a Name?</h3> <center><img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/promos/automobiles/NY/29mazda390.jpg" /></center> Meet the next generation Miata. But don't call it a Miata. With a decidedly more masculine name, the new Mazda MX-5 handles and drives better than its predecessor. <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&amp;q=Miata&sitesearch=&amp;sa=Search&client=pub-6809180329580690&amp;forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&amp;oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&amp;hl=en">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:09 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/mazda/index.html">Mazda</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/03/whats_in_a_name.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>March 29, 2005</h2> <h3>2006 Lexus GS300</h3> <center><img src="http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/38200514913.jpg" /></center> <p>Chief engineer Shigetoshi Miyoshi invoked the "p" word—"passion"—frequently in his preview presentation for the third-generation Lexus GS series, but after a short day of mountain-road driving around Palm Springs, we're not convinced it's the word that really captures the essence of these new sedans.</p> <p>How about "sophisticated"? Hard to dispute that as a descriptor. The inventory of electromechanical enhancements—VVT-i, AVS, EPS, VGRS, EBD, TPM, AFS, VDIM—rivals the alphabetical agencies of the Roosevelt administration. These babies—the GS300 and the GS430—are nothing if not trick. Particularly the GS430.</p> <p><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=19&article_id=9292">Read</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&amp;q=2006+Lexus+GS300&sitesearch=&amp;sa=Search&client=pub-6809180329580690&amp;forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&amp;oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&amp;hl=en">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:20 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/lexus/index.html">Lexus</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/03/2006_lexus_gs30.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>March 28, 2005</h2> <h3>Renault chief sees 4m car sales by 2010</h3> <p>BOMBAY (Reuters) - Renault aims to sell 4 million cars globally by 2010, up from 2.5 million now, its chief executive Louis Schweitzer has said, as the French car maker expands its operations to newer countries such as India.</p> <p>Sales will be boosted by its no-frills Logan cars, Schweitzer said on Monday in Bombay, where the company signed a joint venture with Indian utility vehicle and tractor maker Mahindra & Mahindra to make the sedan.</p> <p>"India is a major growth country and could become the most populated country in the world in this century, which means a huge opportunity for us," Schweitzer told a news conference.</p> <p>Renault is also in discussions with China's Dongfeng Automobile, which already collaborates with its Japanese partner Nissan in China.</p> <p>"We are still discussing with them. It's moving ahead but there is no specific deadline," Schweitzer said.</p> <p>China and India are the world's fastest expanding major economies, and offer huge potential for growth.</p> <p>Renault said earlier this month the company could "decisively" beat its target of selling 1 million Logan cars by 2010 through expansion outside western European market.</p> <p>The French car maker has already raised its sales target for Logan from an original 700,000 to 1 million by 2010 after a strong debut and deals to manufacture the car in a number of other countries, including Iran and Russia.</p> <p>Renault will build a new 50,000 unit per year manufacturing plant in partnership with Mahindra in India, which is expected to go on stream by the middle of 2007.</p> <p>The French firm will hold 49 percent in Mahindra Renault, with Mahindra holding 51 percent.</p> <p>The Logan will be launched in a number of new markets in 2005, including Syria, Slovenia, Poland and western Europe, with production slated to start in Russia, Morocco and Colombia.</p> <p>The new markets are becoming increasingly important to Renault, as demand in its traditional western European base shows no sign of recovery with cut-throat pricing putting pressure on margins.</p> <p>Renault will also look at India to make some of the components for its joint venture with Nissan and set up a technical centre for its global operations. </p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:17 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/news/index.html">News</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/03/renault_chief_s.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>March 25, 2005</h2> <h3>BMW Z4 3.0I</h3> <center><img src="http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/1272005154148.jpg" /></center> <p>The word “strange” comes instantly to mind when you look at the BMW Z4. What else could anyone think of the odd collection of lines, bumps, and creases woven throughout the body of this roadster? It’s not pretty, nor is it ugly.</p> <p>BMW did a complete redo of its simple Z3 roadster in 2003. Along with the sheetmetal changes came a new multilink rear suspension from the 3-series that made the sports car a much nimbler handler in the corners than the skittish Z3 it replaced. We decided a long-term test would be a good way to see if the Z4, unlike the retro Z3, was a true premium sports car, and if we might grow fonder of its unconventionally designed exterior.</p> <p><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=17&amp;article_id=9150">Read</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&q=BMW+Z4+3.0i&amp;sitesearch=&sa=Search&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&forid=1&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&hl=en">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:06 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/bmw/index.html">BMW</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/03/bmw_z4_30i.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>March 24, 2005</h2> <h3>Bricklin’s spin dizzying</h3> <p><img alt="Chery Sedan" src="http://www.weblogsinc.com/common/images/7932616626215795.JPG?0.7492628177540004" align="top" border="0" height="268" hspace="0" vspace="4" width="425" /><br />He’s armed with pictures, stats, lofty claims and six potential dealers. The Chinese cars Malcolm Bricklin showed photos of are aimed at Lexus and BMW with a 40 percent price cut. Six dealers viewed his $15 million dealership plan and according to him, all want to sell the cars. One-third of 3,000 people surveyed said that they would consider a Chinese car for their next purchase even if quality was below average. With quality ratings front-page news, we can hardly believe that one. Bricklin did have the best quote about the Chery QQ, a direct copy of the Daewoo Matiz. He said that the two cars were “similar” or “they copied the damn thing 100 percent.” At least he’s shooting from the hip on that one. Oh, and Nissan might have something to say about this sedan design.</p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&lr=&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&cof=FORID%3A1%3BGL%3A1%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BT%3A%239e5205%3BLC%3A%23de7008%3BVLC%3A%23ff0000%3BALC%3A%23de7008%3BGALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGFNT%3A%230000ff%3BGIMP%3A%230000ff%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3B&amp;domains=sv.typepad.com&q=Malcolm+Bricklin&amp;btnG=Search&sitesearch=">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:02 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/malcolm_bricklin/index.html">Malcolm Bricklin</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/03/bricklins_spin_.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>March 23, 2005</h2> <h3>2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06</h3> <center><img src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c451564a.jpg" /></center> GM took the wraps off of the highly-anticipated Corvette Z06 at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. <p>The Corvette Z06 is powered by the largest displacement small-block V8 engine ever from GM, a 7.0-liter V8 that produces 500 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, with a redline of 7000 rpm.</p> <p>It’s no coincidence that the 7.0-liter designation translates to a 427 cubic inch displacement—the same engine size as one of the most famous engines from Corvette history. The new engine is sure to make its own history as the powerplant for the fastest, most powerful production Corvette ever produced which is also the fastest production car ever from GM. </p> <p><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/futuremodel.aspx?familyid=879&amp;pictureid=&usage=Image&amp;src=future">Read</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&lr=&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&cof=FORID%3A1%3BGL%3A1%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BT%3A%239e5205%3BLC%3A%23de7008%3BVLC%3A%23ff0000%3BALC%3A%23de7008%3BGALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGFNT%3A%230000ff%3BGIMP%3A%230000ff%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3B&amp;domains=sv.typepad.com&q=Chevrolet+Corvette+Z06&amp;btnG=Search&sitesearch=">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:09 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/chevrolet/index.html">Chevrolet</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/03/2006_chevrolet_.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>March 22, 2005</h2> <h3>How Motorsports Affect Our Cars</h3> <p><img src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/News%5Cn453112a.jpg" align="left" hspace="5" /></p> <p>You don't have to be a rabid race fan to appreciate the features, designs and components that are making their way from racetracks to today's new cars.</p> <p>It doesn't matter if you love car racing or hate it. Chances are, many parts of your new car have been influenced or even engineered with the help of racing.</p> <p>From the aerodynamic details in the 2006 Dodge Charger to an intake valve in the V8 of the <a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Chevrolet&amp;model=Corvette&src=news">2005 Chevrolet Corvette</a> and the Tiptronic transmission in the <a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Audi&amp;model=TT&src=news">2005 Audi TT Coupe</a>, automotive design, development and components are pushed along, in part, by the competitive spirit of racing. </p> <p><a href="http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4023028&amp;src=Home&pos=Edit1">Read</a></p> <p>Get more info.<br />- <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&amp;q=2006+Dodge+Charger&sitesearch=&amp;sa=Search&client=pub-6809180329580690&amp;forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&amp;oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&amp;hl=en">2006 Dodge Charger</a><br />- <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&lr=&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&cof=FORID%3A1%3BGL%3A1%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BT%3A%239e5205%3BLC%3A%23de7008%3BVLC%3A%23ff0000%3BALC%3A%23de7008%3BGALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGFNT%3A%230000ff%3BGIMP%3A%230000ff%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3B&amp;domains=sv.typepad.com&q=+2005+Chevrolet+Corvette&amp;btnG=Search&sitesearch=">2005 Chevrolet Corvette</a><br />- <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&amp;lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&amp;oe=ISO-8859-1&client=pub-6809180329580690&amp;cof=FORID%3A1%3BGL%3A1%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BT%3A%239e5205%3BLC%3A%23de7008%3BVLC%3A%23ff0000%3BALC%3A%23de7008%3BGALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGFNT%3A%230000ff%3BGIMP%3A%230000ff%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3B&domains=sv.typepad.com&amp;q=+2005+Audi+TT+Coupe&btnG=Search&amp;sitesearch=">2005 Audi TT Coupe</a><br />- <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&lr=&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&cof=FORID%3A1%3BGL%3A1%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BT%3A%239e5205%3BLC%3A%23de7008%3BVLC%3A%23ff0000%3BALC%3A%23de7008%3BGALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGFNT%3A%230000ff%3BGIMP%3A%230000ff%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3B&amp;domains=sv.typepad.com&q=+Chrysler&amp;btnG=Search&sitesearch=">Chrysler</a><br />- <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&amp;lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&amp;oe=ISO-8859-1&client=pub-6809180329580690&amp;cof=FORID%3A1%3BGL%3A1%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BT%3A%239e5205%3BLC%3A%23de7008%3BVLC%3A%23ff0000%3BALC%3A%23de7008%3BGALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGFNT%3A%230000ff%3BGIMP%3A%230000ff%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3B&domains=sv.typepad.com&amp;q=+Cadillac&btnG=Search&amp;sitesearch=">Cadillac</a><br /></p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:06 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/audi/index.html">Audi</a>, <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/cadillac/index.html">Cadillac</a>, <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/chevrolet/index.html">Chevrolet</a>, <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/news/index.html">News</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/03/how_motorsports.html">Permalink</a> </p> <h2>March 21, 2005</h2> <h3>2006 Honda Ridgeline</h3> <center><img src="http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/127200517828.jpg" /><</center> <p>For its next swipe at market share, Honda reinvents the pickup truck.<br />BY DAVE VANDERWERP<br />March 2005</p> <p>In the past four years, Honda has become well equipped on the SUV front, redesigning the small CR-V and introducing the full-size Pilot, boxy Element, and upscale Acura MDX. But strangely enough, until now the company has never tried its hand at a pickup truck. For 2006, Honda is introducing the first H-badged alternative, the Ridgeline, which represents a new generation of truck with a unibody chassis, a four-wheel independent suspension, and even a trunk.</p> <p>Honda’s truck is targeted at a narrow portion of the small-pickup market. There is no two-wheel drive, two-door model; and neither a manual transmission nor a low-range transfer case is available. This makes Ridgeline options typical Honda-simple. All trucks have the same spacious four-full-doors cabin, 3.5-liter V-6, five-speed automatic, four-wheel drive (Honda’s on-demand VTM-4 system), and five-foot-long bed.</p> <p><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=19&article_id=9144">Read</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&amp;q=Honda+Ridgeline&sitesearch=&amp;sa=Search&client=pub-6809180329580690&amp;forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&amp;oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&amp;hl=en">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> Posted at 06:05 AM in <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/honda/index.html">Honda</a> | <a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/03/2006_honda_ridg.html">Permalink</a> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/10600815-111425549084565170?l=autosweek.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>SVnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10600815.post-1112029390718072452005-03-18T00:02:00.000-05:002005-03-28T12:03:10.730-05:00<h3>Ford GT</h3> <center><img src="http://www.verdictoncars.com/features/GT_wp0_400.jpg" /></center> <p>Introduction:</p> <p>Although clearly inspired by the original 1960s Ford GT40, the latter-day GT is, underneath its retro styling, a thoroughly modern supercar. The original concept appeared at the 2002 Detroit motor show and was not intended for production. Widespread popular acclaim, and the neat coincidence of the company's approaching centenary celebrations, saw a production car commissioned shortly afterwards. It features a mid-mounted supercharged V8 engine that gives 500 bhp and 500 lb-ft of torque, ensuring massive performance is available at almost any speed. The entire project was developed from show concept to production car in just 16 months, the first examples going to customers late in 2004.</p> <p><a href="http://www.verdictoncars.com/jsp/vocmain.jsp?lnk=701&featureid=17&amp;description=Ford%20GT">Read</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&q=Ford+GT&amp;sitesearch=&sa=Search&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&forid=1&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&hl=en">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Thursday, Mar 17, 2005 </h2> <h3>Spied: New Astra Cabriolet</h3> <center><img src="http://cars.msn.co.uk/pidl/88889301/OpelAstraCC0011.jpg" /> </center> <p>Astra Coupe Cabriolet</p> <p>Vauxhall’s Astra has already impressed in the style stakes in three and five-door forms, but its desirability is certain to be raised even further with the introduction of the Coupe Cabriolet models. On sale in 2006 the Coupe Cabriolet follows the market trend for folding hardtops, competing against models like the Peugeot 307 CC, Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet and the forthcoming Ford Focus version.<br />With three roof sections compared to its French rival’s two the Astra’s roof should fold faster and take up less bootspace when stowed. It also allows the Astra to offer seating for four, at a squeeze. Engines are likely to be offered from 1.8-litres upwards, with turbocharged models offering pace to go with its obvious style.</p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&amp;lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&amp;oe=ISO-8859-1&client=pub-6809180329580690&amp;cof=FORID%3A1%3BGL%3A1%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BT%3A%239e5205%3BLC%3A%23de7008%3BVLC%3A%23ff0000%3BALC%3A%23de7008%3BGALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGFNT%3A%230000ff%3BGIMP%3A%230000ff%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3B&domains=sv.typepad.com&amp;q=Astra+Cabriolet&btnG=Search&amp;sitesearch=">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Wednesday, Mar 16, 2005 </h2> <h3>Spied: Next Jaguar XK8</h3> <p>Design and development of new car models is a highly secretive process, but inevitably these future models need to be tested in the real world. Manufacturers use ‘mules’ and disguises to try and hide their future models, to some success, but combined with insider knowledge we can bring you information on the cars that the manufacturers don’t want you to hear about - At least not for a few years. </p> <p>Jaguar XK8<br />Confirming that <a href="http://cars.msn.co.uk/Carnews/DetroitJan05Jaguar">Jaguar’s concept at Detroit</a> is more than a flight of fancy these heavily disguised test cars have been snapped around Jaguar’s research facility at Whitley, Coventry. Built on a modified version of the XJ’s lightweight aluminium platform the new XK will be powered by the same 4.2-litre V8 that features in the rest of the Jaguar range. It’ll be offered in either normally aspirated or supercharged forms - developing either 300bhp or 400bhp.<img src="http://cars.msn.co.uk/pidl/88889301/JaguarXK0021.jpg" align="right" height="134" hspace="5" width="220" />A heavily-disguised Jaguar coupe Talk of a 3.0-litre version, using the XJ6’s V6 have been denied, though such a car would undoubtedly increase sales by being able to be sold for less than V8 versions. Due to be officially unveiled in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show the XK8 will go on sale in Spring 2006. If you want one early, get down to your Jaguar dealer and get your name on the waiting list.</p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&q=Jaguar+XK8&amp;sitesearch=&sa=Search&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&forid=1&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&hl=en">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Tuesday, Mar 15, 2005 </h2> <h3>Spy Shots: 2006 Audi RS4</h3> <p>Developing a maximum output of 420 bhp, the V8 revs up to a speed of 8250 rpm. With its displacement of 4163 cc, this outstanding engine exceeds the magical barrier of 100 bhp per litre truly outstanding in a production saloon. Maximum torque of 430 Nm comes at 5500 rpm in this very compact engine, with 90 percent of the engine's torque consistently available between 2250 and 7600 rpm.</p> <center><img src="http://www.discountpartcenter.com/photos/03-01-05-01-2006-Audi-RS4.jpg" height="320" width="500" /></center> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&amp;lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&amp;oe=ISO-8859-1&client=pub-6809180329580690&amp;cof=FORID%3A1%3BGL%3A1%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BT%3A%239e5205%3BLC%3A%23de7008%3BVLC%3A%23ff0000%3BALC%3A%23de7008%3BGALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGFNT%3A%230000ff%3BGIMP%3A%230000ff%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3B&domains=sv.typepad.com&amp;q=2006+Audi+RS4&btnG=Search&amp;sitesearch=">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Monday, Mar 14, 2005 </h2> <h3>Spy Shots: Ferrari Superamerica</h3> <p>The Ferrari Superamerica is a convertible based on the 575M Maranello. Ferrari claims that with a top speed of 199 mph, it will be the fastest drop-top production car on sale.</p> <center><img src="http://www.discountpartcenter.com/photos/02-04-05-01-Ferrari-Superamerica.jpg" height="320" width="500" /></center> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2><br /></h2><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/10600815-111202939071807245?l=autosweek.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>SVnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10600815.post-1111527864777937652005-03-11T04:44:00.000-05:002005-03-22T16:44:24.786-05:00<h3>2005 Audi A8</h3> <center><img src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c442569a.jpg" /></center> <strong>Introduction</strong> The A8 debuted as Audi's flagship sedan for the 1997 model year, replacing the Audi V8, which was discontinued in North America after the 1994 model year. The A8 3.7 was dropped after the '99 model year, and in 2000 Audi added the extended-length A8 L to the lineup. The second-generation A8 debuted in the 2004 model year. <strong>New for 2005</strong>The A8, intially only available in the L extended-length version, is available in a standard wheelbase for 2005. The 4.2-liter V8 receives a slight horsepower increase for the new model year, and the A8 is available with a 450-horsepower W12. <strong>Specifications</strong> Engines 4.2L 335 hp V8 6.0L 450 hp W12 Transmissions 6-Speed Automatic Overdrive <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&lr=&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&cof=FORID%3A1%3BGL%3A1%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BT%3A%239e5205%3BLC%3A%23de7008%3BVLC%3A%23ff0000%3BALC%3A%23de7008%3BGALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGFNT%3A%230000ff%3BGIMP%3A%230000ff%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3B&amp;domains=sv.typepad.com&q=2005+Audi+A8&amp;btnG=Search&sitesearch=">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Thursday, Mar 10, 2005 </h2> <h3>2005 BMW X5</h3> <center><img src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c445251a.jpg" /></center> <p><strong>Introduction</strong><br />The X5 represents BMW's first foray into the popular sport-utility-vehicle marketplace. Billed as a "Sports Activity Vehicle" by its maker, the X5 is designed to handle like a true BMW. The X5 was unveiled in Detroit at the 1999 North American International Auto Show. By the end of its second model year, the X5 became BMW's second best selling series.<br /><strong>New for 2005</strong><br />Automatic climate control and Dark Poplar wood trim are both now standard on the X5 3.0i, with Light Poplar and Maple Anthracite optional at no additional cost. Park Distance Control is now standard on the X5 4.4i.<br /><strong>Specifications</strong><br />Engines 3.0L 225 hp I6<br />4.4L 315 hp V8<br />4.8L 355 hp V8<br />Transmissions 5-Speed Automatic Overdrive<br />6-Speed Manual Overdrive</p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&amp;q=2005+BMW+X5&sitesearch=&amp;sa=Search&client=pub-6809180329580690&amp;forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&amp;oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&amp;hl=en">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Wednesday, Mar 9, 2005 </h2> <h3>Insane vans</h3> <center><img src="http://www.topgear.com/content/fun_stuff/carbage/carbages/31/03/image_01.gif" /><br />In Japan, it's not always wise to specify a bodykit...<br /><img src="http://www.topgear.com/content/fun_stuff/carbage/carbages/31/03/image_02.gif" /><br />...in case you end up looking like a twat<br /><img src="http://www.topgear.com/content/fun_stuff/carbage/carbages/31/03/image_03.gif" /><br />Apparently reverse parking assist puts three grand on the used value<br /><img src="http://www.topgear.com/content/fun_stuff/carbage/carbages/31/03/image_04.gif" /><br />Clearly this guy couldn't afford the paint job too</center> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Tuesday, Mar 8, 2005 </h2> <h3>Gibbs Aquada</h3> <center><img src="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/aquada-4.jpg" /></center> <p><a href="http://auto.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=aquada.htm&url=http://www.gibbstech.co.uk">Gibbs Technologies</a> has developed <b>High Speed Amphibian</b> (HSA) technology that could transform cars into amphibians. To showcase this new technology, Gibbs built the Aquada, an amphibian vehicle that<br />debuted in late 2003. While the British company eventually hopes to license the HSA technology to large automotive manufacturers, they are currently focused on selling the Aquada at a cost of £150,000 ($271,318.90). </p> <p><a href="http://auto.howstuffworks.com/aquada1.htm">Read</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&amp;q=Gibbs+Aquada&sitesearch=&amp;sa=Search&client=pub-6809180329580690&amp;forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&amp;oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&amp;hl=en" target="_blank">Get more info.</a><br /></p> <center><img src="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/aquada-7.jpg" /></center> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Monday, Mar 7, 2005 </h2> <h3>Importing Your Car into the U.S.</h3> <p> This page provides information for importing a vehicle into the U.S., including requirements of the U.S. Customs Service and those of other agencies. Since requirements are subject to frequent changes, contact information has been provided for the agencies mentioned. Be sure to contact these agencies (particularly EPA and DOT) before importing your vehicle.</p> <p>Imported motor vehicles are subject to U.S. safety standards, bumper standards, and air pollution control (emission) standards. Most vehicles manufactured abroad that conform with U.S. safety, bumper, and emission standards are exported expressly for sale in the United States; therefore, it is unlikely that a vehicle obtained abroad meets all relevant standards. Be skeptical of claims by a foreign dealer or other seller that a vehicle meets these standards or can readily be brought into compliance. Nonconforming vehicles entering the United States must be brought into compliance, exported, or destroyed.</p> <p><a href="http://www.foreignborn.com/visas_imm/entering_us/7importingyourcar.htm">Read</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&lr=&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&cof=FORID%3A1%3BGL%3A1%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BT%3A%239e5205%3BLC%3A%23de7008%3BVLC%3A%23ff0000%3BALC%3A%23de7008%3BGALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGFNT%3A%230000ff%3BGIMP%3A%230000ff%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3B&amp;domains=sv.typepad.com&q=Imported+cars&amp;btnG=Search&amp;sitesearch=" target="_blank">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2><br /></h2><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/10600815-111152786477793765?l=autosweek.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>SVnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10600815.post-1110713721682666442005-03-04T06:34:00.000-05:002005-03-13T06:35:21.693-05:00<h3>Did You Know That....</h3> <div class="content"><li>The Chevrolet 490, launched in 1915, owes its name to its price?<br /> It was pitched directly against the Ford T model and - like its<br /> competitor - could be bought for just 490 US dollars. It was built<br /> at various factories linked to the Chevrolet Motor Company through<br /> a franchising system.<br /> </li><li>The first subcompact car manufactured in the U.S. was a<br /> Chevrolet? It was the Vega, launched in 1971. It was followed by<br /> the Chevette in 1976, the smallest Chevrolet ever at that time.<br /> This model, a representative of General Motors' T-Car world car,<br /> was initially sold with 1.4 and 1.6-litre engines.<br /> </li><li>The Powerglide transmission of 1950 was the first automatic<br /> transmission to be offered in a vehicle below the full-size category?<br /> Chevrolet built more than 300,000 of these transmission units in<br /> the first year alone.<br /> </li><li>Louis Chevrolet left the company in 1914 because he had<br /> an argument with his partner Billy Durant about the positioning<br /> of the company? Chevrolet wanted to build exclusive vehicles, Durant<br /> was in favour of popular cars. Who actually won the dispute is no<br /> secret because the name Chevrolet has since become synonymous with<br /> good-quality but inexpensive cars and trucks.<br /> </li><li>Chevrolet became part of the General Motors Group in 1918?<br /> </li><li>The value-brand strategy was featured as early as 1929 in<br /> the advertising slogan "A Six for the Price of a Four"?<br /> In the then new "Stovebolt Six", the customer really got<br /> the smoothness and acceleration of a six-cylinder engine for the<br /> price of a four-cylinder unit.<br /> </li><li>The first GM plant outside of North America was built in<br /> Denmark in 1923? The then head of production of GM, William Knudsen,<br /> (1879-1948), emigrated from Denmark to the US in 1899…<br /> </li><li>Chevrolet planned to change from water to copper cooled<br /> engines (an air cooled engine using copper fins) in 1921? The revolution<br /> failed due to durability problems, and only about 800 copper cooled<br /> cars were built in total.<br /> </li><li>The failure of the copper cooled engine led to the first<br /> dedicated proving ground for testing automobiles? To this day, GM’s<br /> Milford Proving Ground opened in 1924 is the biggest of its kind<br /> in the world.<br /> </li><li>The founder of both Chevrolet and General Motors, „Billy"<br /> Durant (1861-1947) had to leave the company after financial quarries<br /> three times in all. Durant, who at one time amassed a fortune of<br /> $ 120 million died as a manager of a bowling alley.</li> <p> And Today<br /> </p><ul><li>1 car in 16 sold in the world is a Chevrolet<br /> </li><li>A Chevrolet is built every 7 seconds<br /> </li><li>Over 175 million Chevrolets have been sold to date<br /> </li><li>Chevrolet will sell in 90 countries in 2005<br /> </li><li>The Chevrolet Aveo (Kalos in the UK) is the best selling small<br /> car in North America</li></ul> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&q=Chevrolet+&amp;sitesearch=&sa=Search&amp;client=pub-6809180329580690&forid=1&amp;ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&amp;cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&hl=en">Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Thursday, Mar 3, 2005 </h2><h3>Citroen C4 - Now Available With Automatic Transmission</h3> <p>Citroen is opening up the recently launched C4 range to a whole new set of UK customers with the addition of two five-speed automatic models - a 1.6i SX Auto and a 2.0i Exclusive Auto - both of which offer high levels of driver convenience and comfort at prices that start at just over £13,000*.</p> <p>The new C4 offers a mould-breaking blend of eye-catching styling, innovative new technologies, class-leading aerodynamics and impressive levels of equipment, including ABS with EBD and EBA, cruise control, speed limiter, CD player and six airbags as standard across the entire range.</p> <p>The two new 5-door models also represent great value for money, with the £1,100 cashback offer* further lowering the already competitive recommended retail prices of £14,195 for the 1.6i SX Auto and £17,495 for the 2.0i Exclusive Auto. Insurance ratings of 5E for the SX and 10E for the Exclusive, together with 20,000 mile service intervals, also help to keep ownership costs right down.</p> <p>Powered by a 110hp 1.6 litre petrol engine, the C4 SX Auto returns 37.2 mpg fuel economy on the government combined cycle and offers a top speed of 118 mph. With 143hp and 148 lb.ft of torque, the 2.0 litre Exclusive Auto boasts a top speed of 128 mph, can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 10.1 seconds, yet still returns 34.9 mpg on the combined cycle.</p> <p>Both models offer high levels of practicality and refinement with cruise control, speed limiter, the C4’s revolutionary fixed-centred controls steering wheel, air conditioning and an in-built air freshener all standard. Laminated side windows for improved security and reduced noise intrusion, dual function directional Xenon headlamps, rear parking sensors and a 5-cd autochanger add to the top-of-the-range feel of the Exclusive Auto.</p> <p>Both C4 Automatic models come with six airbags and ABS with EBD and EBA, while ESP with traction control is standard on the 2.0i Exclusive Auto. In fact, in the latest Euro NCAP awards, the C4 was named one of the safest cars around - with five stars for occupant safety and a remarkable three out of four stars for pedestrian safety, it outscored the new Ford Focus.</p> <p>"The Citroen C4 has already enjoyed a winning start to its life, with Top Gear naming it Best Hatch of 2005 and Auto Express readers voting it their Car of the Year. These two new automatic models will help build on this success and broaden C4’s appeal still further," said Alain Favey, Managing Director, Citroen UK Ltd.<br /><a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sv.typepad.com&amp;q=Citroen+C4&sitesearch=&amp;sa=Search&client=pub-6809180329580690&amp;forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&amp;oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23E0AD12%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23CC6600%3BVLC%3AFF0000%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3ADE7008%3BLC%3ADE7008%3BT%3A9E5205%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&amp;hl=en"><br />Get more info.</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Wednesday, Mar 2, 2005 </h2><h3>Spy Shots: '07 Volvo S80</h3> <p><a onmouseover="window.status='zoom in'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;" href="javascript:zoom('/images/gallery/9117_image.jpg');"><img src="http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/9117_image.jpg" align="right" border="0" /></a>Volvo is preparing an all-new replacement for the company's top-of-the-line S80, for release sometime in 2006. The current S80 underwent a restyling in 2003. These photos show for the first time a prototype during cold-weather testing on a frozen lake in Scandinavia. The car is still disguised, yet the new styling is clearly visible. The next S80 is again a four-door sedan but with a much rounder and more V-shaped body than its predecessor. It is again front-wheel drive and is expected to get power from a variety of four- and six-cylinder engines, as before. According to rumors from Sweden, it could also be available with Volvo's new eight-cylinder engine.</p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Tuesday, Mar 1, 2005 </h2><h3>Saab Future Debated</h3> <p><img src="http://www.verdictoncars.com/news/saab9-3050221.jpg" align="left" border="0" hspace="5" />General Motors is close to deciding what to do with Saab, its perennially loss-making Swedish subsidiary. </p> <p>Bob Lutz, GM Vice President and so-called "product czar" of GM has said in an interview, "We like the brand and we want to retain it [but] you cannot make a business case under 200,000 to 250,000 annual volume - that is almost impossible," Saab production is now around 120,000 cars per year.</p> <p>It seems likely that Saab will no longer design unique models. Instead, it will have to take GM models and modify them to inject some Swedish character. The Saab factory, if it is to survive, may become a GM assembly plant making both Saabs and other GM brands. Already, a small Cadillac, called BLS, is planned to go into production at the Saab factory.</p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Monday, Feb 28, 2005 </h2><h3>Kia Launches Diesel Sportage</h3> <p><img src="http://www.verdictoncars.com/news/kiasportage050221.jpg" align="left" border="0" hspace="5" />Kia has announced prices for the diesel versions of its new Sportage off-roader.</p><p>Prices range from £15,695 for the XE manual to £18,195 for the XS Auto. Paul Williams, MD of Kia UK said, "Although we do not see the existing 4x4 competitors as our primary targets, the motorists who will choose to buy Sportage have told us it is the cost of these vehicles that keeps them out of SUV ownership."</p><p>Kia was the fastest growing car company in Britain last year and the competitively-priced Sportage diesel will help to maintain momentum this year.</p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/10600815-111071372168266644?l=autosweek.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>SVnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10600815.post-1110134359874876212005-02-25T13:38:00.000-05:002005-03-06T13:39:19.886-05:00<h3>Noble M12 GTO-3R</h3> <center><img src="http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/126200516611.jpg" /></center> Last fall we were breaking in a new road warrior and testing the Noble M12 at the same time. The car was very quick, and as we were at the staging area checking out the acceleration results, the 20-something new guy got a look. “Damn—that thing’s stupid fast!” he blurted. <p>What was funny was how well that summed up the Noble. On one hand, it is a little, well, silly, since it’s a South African–built $76,400 car of questionable lineage that doesn’t pass U.S. emissions or crash regulations and gets registered for road use as a home-built kit. But on the other, it is one of the most satisfying cars we’ve ever driven, and it is ferociously fast, snapping to 60 in a minuscule 3.3 seconds, the same as a Ford GT.</p> <p>“Actually, it’s a component car,” clarified Dean Rosen, the president of 1G Racing and importer of the Noble kit. “The car comes in two crates—one with the completely assembled car, and the other with the powertrain. You can join the two in about 40 hours.” Maybe we were being a little harsh, since a lot of kit cars we’ve driven feel pretty good. But still, here in the U.S., the Noble is an obscure machine.</p> <p><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=26&article_id=9148">Read</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Thursday, Feb 24, 2005 </h2> <h3>It’s-All-About-Me Roadsters</h3> <p><strong>The jury deliberates over four new convertibles on our most-selfish list.</strong><br /></p> <center><img src="http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/1312005104634.jpg" /></center><br /> We haven’t officially put Ayn Rand on our must-read list, but we have been lately mulling a few of her principles, particularly the one about the virtue of selfishness. Should you suddenly be handed a fistful of dollars, for example, would you buy a new bus for the church or head straight to the nearest Porsche dealer? <p>No hands, please, it’s a secret ballot. Those of you in the latter category—and you know who you are—may want to divert some of your overtaxed attention to the following pages. Upon them we have lashed down and dissected four of the newest, fleetest, it’s-all-about-me convertibles in the $45,000 to $60,000 range, a group we regularly check in on for reasons that are, of course, selfish.</p> <p>Featured in This Comparo<br /><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?article_id=9157&amp;section_id=15&page_number=5">Chevrolet Corvette</a><br /><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?article_id=9157&amp;section_id=15&page_number=3">Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6</a><br /><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?article_id=9157&amp;section_id=15&page_number=4">Mercedes-Benz SLK350</a><br /><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?article_id=9157&amp;section_id=15&page_number=6">Porsche Boxster S</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&amp;article_id=9157">Read</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005 </h2> <h3>Driving Porsche's Supercar</h3> <center><img src="http://images.forbes.com/images/2004/03/05/3_0308feat.jpg" /></center> Along with Ferrari's Enzo, the long-awaited Porsche Carrera GT is an amazing start to a new era of supercars. The Enzo may have beaten the Carrera GT to market--the Porsche only went on sale this past January--but Porsche clearly wanted to take enough time to develop the $440,000 GT and show the other car makers how it's done. Called Project S1 internally, the new Carrera GT was to be Porsche's next factory effort for Le Mans in 2000. Then race plans were dropped, but S1 went forward as a street car. The Carrera GT production version was unveiled at last in March 2003 in Geneva. <p>Cut to the Gross Dölln, an ex-Russian Army base in the German hinterlands along the Polish border. Runway No. 1--the one I am to use for high-speed runs--is two miles long. Russian Tu-95 bombers and MiG fighters used these runways up to and for a while after the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989. Today, here on the tarmac are parked three shimmering, $440,000 Porsche Carrera GTs--one red, one black and one silver. </p> <p><a href="http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2004/03/08/cx_md_0308feat.html">Read</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Monday, Feb 21, 2005 </h2> <h3>The High-Efficiency Jetcar</h3> <p><img src="http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/images/jetcar.jpg" height="166" width="276" /><br /><br />The Jetcar isn’t jet-powered, but it is a freaky-looking, high efficiency concept with a mandate to achieve 100km per liter of fuel (around 285mpg). The latest prototype, Jetcar 2.5, sports a light steel frame, a body fashioned from epoxy glass resin and a three-cylinder <a href="http://www.swedespeed.com/news/publish/Features/printer_272.html">common-rail diesel</a> engine, chosen after electric-battery and hydrogen powered versions had proven uneconomical. It also employs an aerodynamically efficient design only an engineer could love. More pics ahead.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/images/jetcar_testing.jpg" height="195" width="291" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/images/jetcar_front.jpg" height="231" width="283" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/images/jetcar_rear.jpg" height="158" width="278" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jetcar.de/english/jetcar_eng.htm">Jetcar 2.5</a> </p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2><br /></h2><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/10600815-111013435987487621?l=autosweek.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>SVnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10600815.post-1109162630890003502005-02-18T07:43:00.000-05:002005-02-23T07:43:50.896-05:00<h3>Spy Photos: 2007 Cadillac CTS-V</h3> <p><img src="http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/images/Cadillac_cts_new.jpg" align="left" height="99" hspace="5" width="261" />It’s not technically a spy photo, but this shot of what may be the 2007 Cadillac CTS-V gave us a cheap thrill nonetheless. We like the direction Cadillac is taking its entry-level luxury coupe, and future 330i beater. We’re not guaranteeing anything, but, as someone once <a href="http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/news/new-cars/motor-trend-editorinchief-optimistic-about-gms-future-025893.php">predicted</a>, Cadillac may have legs as a global sport-luxury brand. As if we needed another thing to bet on.</p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Thursday, Feb 17, 2005 </h2> <h3>How Much Should You Spend?</h3> <p>It's easy to overspend your budget on a new car or truck. Here's how to avoid getting in over your head.</p> <p>It's always a good idea to start the car-buying process with a preliminary budget planning session to help you determine how much car or truck your money can buy—and how much money you feel comfortable about spending—on what is typically the largest consumer purchase after a house.</p> <p>Experts told MSN Autos it's all too easy to buy or lease a car you really can't afford—even if you're normally a levelheaded consumer. By overextending yourself for the sake of a new car you face more than just giving up vacations and nights out. You could be putting your financial security at risk.</p> <p>Control Your Emotions<br />"Don't overbuy," advises Bob Litwin, Director of Creditor Community Relations for the Houston branch of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS), part of the nonprofit National Foundation for Consumer Credit, headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland. "All too often, emotions overrule logic and people get into trouble. If you can't afford it, don't buy the car."</p> <p>One way many consumers get into trouble is by not understanding the difference between qualifying for a loan and being able to afford one. </p> <p><a href="http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=9274&amp;src=finance">Read</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Wednesday, Feb 16, 2005 </h2> <h3>Insurance Tips</h3> <p>Buying insurance can be confusing. Here are some ways to reduce your premiums while still getting the coverage you need.<br />* Shop around, and do it regularly. Insurance is a competitive industry, and insurers change their rates over time. Make sure you have the best deal you can get each and every year.<br />* Put multiple vehicles on the same policy. Many insurers offer family discounts for insuring multiple vehicles on the same policy.<br /> * Check out defensive driving courses. Some insurers provide discounts if drivers brush up their skills.<br />* Buy vehicles with safety devices. Some insurers provide discounts for airbags and anti-lock brakes because statistics show they help mitigate the occurrence of crashes and/or the severity of injuries.<br /> * Check on security savings. Alarms or anti-theft devices may qualify for insurance discounts.<br />* Stay on the good side of the law. Insurers look to see if you have a blemish-free driving record and reward you with lower premiums if you do.<br />* Assess your deductible. Raising it to $500 can result in a lower insurance premium. Just be sure you can afford that $500 deductible if you're in a crash.<br />* Take public transportation when possible. Taking the bus or train, or even carpooling, lowers the annual mileage on your vehicle and can result in a lower insurance premium. </p> <p>Common Mistakes<br />The excitement of buying a new car can often lead to mistakes when insuring it. It pays to be just as prudent when buying insurance as you are when buying the car. Don't make these common insurance shopping mistakes:</p> <p class="extended"><a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/02/insurance_tips.html#more">Continue reading "Insurance Tips"</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Tuesday, Feb 15, 2005 </h2> <h3>2006 Dodge Charger</h3> <center><img src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c452216a.jpg" title="2006 Dodge Charger" /></center> While the original Charger was a two-door coupe, the 2006 Charger is designed to look like a coupe in silhouette, but is actually a 4-door. <p>The current version of the legendary HEMI will be offered in the Charger, producing 340-horsepower with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The standard engine is the 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and, like the original Charger, the 2006 is rear-wheel drive.</p> <p class="extended"><a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/02/2006_dodge_char.html#more">Continue reading "2006 Dodge Charger"</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Monday, Feb 14, 2005 </h2> <h3>2006 BMW 3-Series</h3> <center><img src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c450763a.jpg" title="2006 BMW 3-Series" /></center> BMW will move the 3-Series into its fifth generation next spring with its world debut in Geneva, followed by its North American debut at the New York Auto Show. <p>Two inline 6-cylinder engines will be available, the larger 3.0-liter version producing 255 horsepower—an increase of 30 horses over the current generation. This engine is also the first 6-cylinder to use BMW VALVETRONIC. With infinitely variable valve lift in place of the traditional throttle butterfly, this system improves both throttle response and fuel efficiency. Like previous BMW VALVETRONIC engines, the gains in both horsepower and fuel economy are impressive. In the case of the 330i, horsepower increases by 13 percent, while fuel consumption decreases by 12 percent.</p> <p class="extended"><a href="http://sv.typepad.com/auto/2005/02/2006_bmw_3serie.html#more">Continue reading "2006 BMW 3-Series"</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2><br /></h2><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/10600815-110916263089000350?l=autosweek.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>SVnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10600815.post-1108213389962014492005-02-11T06:02:00.000-05:002005-02-12T08:03:09.976-05:00<h3>The Mercedes Hot Seat</h3> <p><img alt="Ford Focus 2000-2002" src="http://www.weblogsinc.com/common/images/8277396751773717.JPG?0.7637109977586485" align="right" border="1" height="133" hspace="4" vspace="4" width="200" />Have you ever turned on the heated seat and started to sweat? How about getting the seat so hot you received second degree burns? Sounds like a painful way to get burned, trapped in a speeding car, ass on fire, literally. The mental image is pretty bad but that’s what happened to one Mercedes Benz ML320 owner as their SUV’s driver’s side seat overheated. Two other owners reported the same problem without the burns. The problem is with the 2003 model year vehicle according to the NHTSA. Ouch in related news DCX has another investigation going into its 2001, 2002 minivans for faulty headlights. And to top the day off, Dodge had to recall 26,000 Durango SUVs for fuel tank valves not fully closing, causing potential gas leaks.<br /></p> <p>But none of that seems as bad as <a href="http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2005/02/07/ap1808929.html">Ford’s day.</a> The company has to recall 360,000 Ford Foci for rear doors that may not latch properly. There are 33 complaints about the problem in 2000-2002 four- and five-door vehicles.</p> <p><a href="http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2005/02/07/ap1810337.html">Read</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Thursday, Feb 10, 2005 </h2> <h3>Jaguar Group C Wind Tunnel Models Amongst Automobilia Attractions For Stoneleigh Park</h3> <center><img src="http://www.carpages.co.uk/jaguar/jaguar_images/jaguar_jaguar_27_01_05.jpg" title="H&H at the International Historic Motorsport Show" /></center> Automobilia collectors will have a unique opportunity to acquire a Jaguar Group C wind tunnel development model at H&amp;H’s sale at the International Historic Motorsport Show, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on February 25th. <p>Two of these beautifully-engineered models are on offer:</p> <p>* A 1986 Jaguar XJR6, in sprint configuration. Two ‘real’ sprint cars were manufactured, but were both converted to XJR8s for the 1987 season, so there is no longer an XJR6 remaining in racing form. (One of the XJR8s was destroyed at Le Mans in 1987, with the other now believed to be residing now in Japan.) Estimate £1,500-2,500.</p> <p>* A Castrol XJR9 GTP racer, developed for the USA IMSA or Daytona series. An identical model is also displayed by the Jaguar Heritage Trust. Estimate £1,500-2,500</p> <p>Both models are contained in their original wooden travelling crates, and are in very good condition.</p> <p>The automobilia sale also includes a superb collection of Brooklands members’ and guests’ badges from 1907 (the first year of issue) through to 1942 and missing only 1916. They are mostly in very good condition, and many have matching numbers. A large number of pre-war Brooklands programmes have also been consigned to the sale. All are being sold without reserve.</p> <p>Another fascinating lot is a collection of original sketches and drawings by Peter Kirwan-Taylor, most famous for working closely with Colin Chapman in the early days of Lotus. This includes both individual sketches and full sketch books featuring drawings and designs for Lotus, MGA, Triumph TR2 and Swallow Doretti chassis’. Estimates range from £50-£80 to £300-400.</p> <p>Full details of the lots in the February sale, which also includes some 3,000 models from the private Portuguese Queiroz collection, can be obtained at www.classic-auctions.com</p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Wednesday, Feb 9, 2005 </h2> <h3>Motorised pram</h3> <center><img src="http://www.topgear.com/content/fun_stuff/carbage/carbages/81/01/image_01.gif" alt="Motorised pram" border="0" /></center> <p>Meet 'Bumblar' - a state-of-the-art design, we think you'll agree. It's comprised mainly of plywood, has a tasteful crushed-velvet interior (or is that exterior?) and has a pant-soiling top speed of over 70mph…</p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Tuesday, Feb 8, 2005 </h2> <h3>Alfa Romeo - Brera concept</h3> <p><img src="http://www.topgear.com/content/cars/cars/A0/ZY/this_car.gif" align="left" hspace="5" />For now, only one Alfa Romeo Brera exists. It's the latest embodiment of all that the design studio, concept car builders and engineering trouble-shooters Gruppo Italdesign Giugiaro are capable of - the people who bought us the original VW Golf, Alfasud, Fiat Panda, Maserati 3200GT and, ahem, Daewoo Matiz, amongst plenty of others. As well as being a motorised advert for the company's talents, the Brera is a near-production-ready test of the public's reactions to the prospect of Alfa Romeo offering a direct rival to the Porsche 911...</p> <p>The highlight of the Brera's visual treats is its incomparably startling bodywork, crafted entirely from carbon fibre. It's a low, very wide 2+2 coupe, painted in the loudest imaginable shade of metallic scarlet. At each corner are whopping 20-inch 'telephone dial' wheels sporting Michelin run-flat tyres, near-bald at the back because Giorgetto Giugiaro's son Fabrizio has been practising his doughnutting technique in the car.</p> <p><a href="http://www.topgear.com/jsp/individualRoadTest.jsp?carType=used&mCode=A0&amp;rCode=ZY&mDesc=Alfa%20Romeo&amp;rDesc=Brera&amp;roadTestNumber=01.html">Read</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Monday, Feb 7, 2005 </h2> <h3>Meet the new face of VW </h3> <center><img src="http://www.topgear.com/content/features/stories/137vwpassat/01/bigImages/img01.gif" /></center> <p>The Passat was always the sort of car that sent out subtle messages, and in the process spoke volumes. Not flash like a 3-Series, not dull like a Mondeo. So what's all this about? Judging by the surprise appearance of the new model, Volkswagen is hoping to inject a spot of luxury into the midrange saloon sector. Gone is the blink-and-you'll-miss-it styling, replaced by looks a lot more in keeping with the Phaeton übersaloon than the solid family workhorse it replaces.</p> <p>A shallow-angled windscreen and heavily-sculpted body panels have hauled the Passat into the 21st century design league. And that distinctly shaped chrome grille is destined to feature on all forthcoming VWs.</p> <p>But it's not just a case of laser-whitened teeth and a stint on the sunbed for the Passat. This is a serious redesign inside and out. Following the general motoring trend, the car is bigger in every direction. Unoriginal that may seem, but it means more cabin room and 90 litres more loadspace. The look of the interior has been given a full rethink too, with cleaner lines and a more driver-focused layout. VW's reliable blend of quality and simplicity remains, but with a greater hint of sportiness. 115bhp 1.6-litre and 150bhp two-litre FSI petrol engines will be available from launch, with a 246bhp 3.2-litre V6 in the pipeline. 105bhp 1.9-litre and 140bhp two-litre TDI diesels will also feature, both being offered with a DSG dual-clutch semi-automatic gearbox.</p> <p>There's plenty of new hightech jiggery-pokery too. An electronic parking brake is a first-in-class, as is automatic distance control, first seen in the Phaeton. Working in conjunction with the cruise control, this system applies the brakes if the car in front looms too close, then accelerates back to the original speed when the road is clear. VW's own version of keyless ignition also debuts, alongside those increasingly ubiquitous round-the-corner headlights.There's still no hatchback option on the Passat, but first UK models of the saloon and estate will be on sale by the summer.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/10600815-110821338996201449?l=autosweek.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>SVnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10600815.post-1107610863477695732005-02-04T08:40:00.000-05:002005-02-05T08:41:03.476-05:00<h3>2005 North American International Auto Show</h3> <p><img src="http://www.fast-autos.net/features/05naias/naias2.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.fast-autos.net/features/05naias/naias6.jpg" /> <br /></p> <p>Coming off an incredible 2004, the automotive world had high expectations for the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The anticipation increased in the weeks before the show as manufacturers gave hints, sketches, and preliminary specifications to the cars that would be introduced at the show. Models that had already made their international debut, like the 997 911 Carrera and BMW M5, made their North American debuts. Dozens of cars were introduced, and Drew Phillips and Nathan Leach-Proffer were there to capture all the excitement. Here are some of the highlights from this year's show:</p> <p>General Motors</p> <p>The most anticipated car introduced at Detroit this year was the Z06 version of the C6 Corvette that Chevrolet introduced a year earlier. While photos of the car had leaked from GM nearly two months earlier, everyone wanted to get a more detailed view of the car and its 7.0 liter small-block V8 engine. The C6-R was introduced alongside the new Z06, and the visual similarities between the two cars can be seen instantly. This is because the two cars were developed together, with much of Chevrolet's racing knowledge carrying over to the street car. "The new Z06 is the dividend from competing so successfully in endurance racing," said Corvette's chief engineer Dave Hill. "It combines the strong attributes of the new, sixth-generation Corvette with the spirit, technology and know-how from the race program to form an American supercar with outstanding credentials." Along with the increased power of the new LS7 engine, weight was kept reasonably low with an all-aluminum body structure and the use of lightweight materials like carbon composites and magnesium. To handle the increased power, the brakes Z06 also received a stiffer suspension and larger brakes. Performance should be on par with current supercars with a price tag under $70,000. The C6-R is scheduled to make its debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March. </p> <p><a href="http://www.fast-autos.net/features/05naias/index.html">Read</a></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/10600815-110761086347769573?l=autosweek.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>SVnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10600815.post-1107443309137370832005-02-03T10:07:00.000-05:002005-02-03T10:20:11.216-05:00<h3>How Car Insurance Works</h3> <p><img src="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/car-financing-intro.jpg" align="right" hspace="5" />If you own your own car, you probably already know a little about car insurance. You may have heard the words deductible or premium. But, do you truly understand the different parts of an auto insurance policy and do you know how to choose the best coverage? </p> <p>Forty-seven states require that you have at least some kind of car insurance, so it's a good idea to know what the law requires you to have and what additional or optional coverage will help to protect you in the event of an accident.</p> <p>Before purchasing auto insurance, you must consider a variety of factors including what kind of car you have, your driving record and the amount of money you are willing to pay. Understanding the simple basics of auto insurance will make you confident that the car insurance policy you choose will take care of your needs in the event of an accident.</p> <p>In this article, we will walk you through the types of coverage that insurance companies offer and discuss possible insurance needs. Additionally we will look at what affects the price of auto insurance, how to bring the costs down and how to understand the components of your policy. </p> <p><a href="http://ibs.howstuffworks.com/ibs/houwx/car-insurance.htm">Read</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Wednesday, Feb 2, 2005 </h2> <h3>How Hybrid Cars Work</h3> <p><img src="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/hybrid-car-insight-front.jpg" align="right" hspace="5" />Have you pulled your car up to the gas pump lately and been shocked by the high price of gasoline? As the pump clicked past $20 or $30, maybe you thought about trading in that SUV for something that gets better mileage. Or maybe you're worried that your car is contributing to the greenhouse effect. Or maybe you just want to have the coolest car on the block. </p> <p>The auto industry now has the technology that might answer all of these needs. It's the hybrid car, and a few manufacturers are selling their versions in the United States. You're probably aware of hybrid cars because they've been in the news a lot. In fact, most automobile manufacturers have announced plans to manufacture their own versions -- you can even expect some hybrid SUVs to hit the streets this year.</p> <p><a href="http://ibs.howstuffworks.com/ibs/houwx/hybrid-car.htm">Read</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Tuesday, Feb 1, 2005 </h2> <h3> C6 Corvette Z06, Ferrari F430 Spider spied</h3> <center><img src="http://www.weblogsinc.com/common/images/9028248613636671.JPG?0.709026364054572" height="140" width="265" /></center> <p>Well maybe not so much right there— they probably just know people who know people who have the right kind of cameras, designed specially for capturing preproduction cars invisible to your regular tourist-variety lenses. AW’s best snag here is the Z06, which seems to feature a removable hardtop, lightweight wheels, Brembo binders, and, since these spy photo cameras double as portable X-ray machines, a 500-hp 7.0 liter V8. Regarding the the Ferrari F430: zoinks Scooby, it looks exactly like the coupe, but it has a black canvas top and is hardly disguised otherwise— although those red mirrors really threw me for a loop. AutoWeek also stakes a late claim on the new Toyota sports car (codename TXS) we posted about last week, which they think could possibly be the next Supra even though it’s rumored to sticker for over $100K. If that’s true (which I’m pretty sure it isn’t), offering a $100K+ Supra could be the biggest worst-est most horrible-est mistake of Toyota’s life.</p> <p><a href="http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101005">Read</a></p> <p class="posted"> </p> <h2>Monday, Jan 31, 2005 </h2> <h3>Top Value Holders for 2005 According to Kelley Blue Book</h3> <p>Here are the top ten 2005 vehicles likely retain value the best:* <br /></p> <div class="content"><li><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Acura&model=TL&amp;src=LP%20luxury">Acura TL</a></li> <br /><li><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=BMW&model=5-Series&amp;src=LP%20luxury">BMW 5-Series</a></li> <br /><li><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Infiniti&model=G35&amp;src=LP%20luxury">Infiniti G35 Coupe</a></li> <br /><li><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Lexus&model=GX%20470&amp;src=LP%20luxury">Lexus GX 470</a></li> <br /><li><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Mazda&model=RX-8&amp;src=LP%20luxury">Mazda RX-8</a></li> <br /><li><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Mercedes-Benz&model=CLK&amp;src=LP%20luxury">Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 Cabriolet</a></li> <br /><li><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=MINI&model=Cooper&amp;src=LP%20luxury">MINI Cooper</a></li> <br /><li><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Nissan&model=350Z&amp;src=LP%20luxury">Nissan 350Z</a></li> <br /><li><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Porsche&model=Cayenne&amp;src=LP%20luxury">Porsche Cayenne</a></li> <br /><li><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Volvo&model=XC90&amp;src=LP%20luxury">Volvo XC90</a></li> <p>2005 vehicles that will hold value the best by category:* <br /></p><li>Sedan: <a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Honda&model=Civic&amp;src=LP%20luxury">Honda Civic</a></li> <br /><li>Coupe: <a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Infiniti&model=G35&amp;src=LP%20luxury">Infiniti G35</a></li> <br /><li>Convertible: <a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Nissan&model=350Z&amp;src=LP%20luxury">Nissan 350Z roadster</a></li> <li>Luxury: <a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=BMW&model=5-Series&amp;src=LP%20luxury">BMW 5-Series</a></li> <br /><li>Pickup: <a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Toyota&model=Tacoma&amp;src=LP%20luxury">Toyota Tacoma PreRunner</a></li> <br /><li>Sport Utility: <a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?make=Volvo&model=XC90&amp;src=LP%20luxury">Volvo XC90</a></li> <p>* Over the first five years.</p> <p><a href="http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4022645&amp;src=LP%20luxury">Read</a></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/10600815-110744330913737083?l=autosweek.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>SVnoreply@blogger.com0