No more 2007 diesel models from Volkswagen?

Volkswagen of America is forced to drop the diesel versions of its Beetle, Jetta and Golf models for the 2007 model year, due to changes in diesel federal emissions standards.

This event had been quite disappointing for the automaker because this will surely have a great impact to their company. Their TDI-powered vehicles have continued to be in demand as it is the only affordable diesel passenger cars that are currently available in the US.

VW’s fuel-efficient diesel engines have gained positive response from car buyers since it is one of the best options in the market amidst the soaring of gas prices. As a result, their diesel models have been a major factor to their surging U.S. sales. The increasing demand for diesel cars in the US this year accounted for VW’s 20.4 percent increase in sales.

Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Volkswagen is still determined to keep their sales up as they plan to offer a diesel version of its Touareg SUV next year. Seemingly undaunted, they also plan to build extra 2006 model diesel Jettas and it is expected to return in the market for 2008.

As VW is still trying to catch up with changes in diesel emissions standards, many is sure to be waiting in line for their release of new emission-compliant TDI models. Meanwhile, you need not wait long if you need Volkswagen parts because with just a few clicks from your mouse, you can have the best Volkswagen parts from Auto Parts Discount. Their vast array of auto parts passed the stringent quality tests of the industry.

Audi’s new Q5 SUV

‘Better late than never’. That is quite true for Audi in terms of their SUV entry. The Q5 will join the Audi Q7 as the company’s ultra-late entries in the SUV segment.

The all-new 2007 Q5 is designed to compete directly with BMW’s X3. It is sitting on a platform featuring elements from the next A4 and A6. This
SUV’s engines will be mounted lengthwise, not transversely in order to be able to use also the important V8 power plants which are essential for the US market.

The Q5 like the Q7 forsakes heavy-duty off-road gear but offers hill-descent control and air suspension. The Q5's Quattro all-wheel-drive system has a 40/60 percent front/rear torque bias. Likely engines include a direct-injection 2.0-liter four and a 3.2-liter V-6. The 4.2-liter V-8 could power an S-line version. A six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG do the shifting.

The Audi Q5 is expected to be an overtly sporty vehicle that is an exciting addition to the range. It is already confirmed that the Q5 will be built in Audi’s facilities in Ingolstadt Germany with some 1,700 workers that will be involved in its production. This new model is expected to debut at the beginning of 2008.

Less than two years from now is not that long to wait to see if the new Q5 will indeed be BMW X3’s hot rival. Also whether Audi’s $383 million investment for the production will all be worth it, it is still too early to predict.

When it comes to Audi parts one thing is for sure though, Auto Parts Discount has always been the top and reliable provider.

The 2006 Dodge Charger Police Car is up for the Chase

Good news for the law abiding citizens of America and a bad news to law breakers, the Ford Police Interceptor will soon be replaced by a more efficient and faster Dodge Charger squad car.


For us peace-loving individuals, we always hope that police officers are able to respond faster to any unlawful situations and outrun those elusive criminals. What better way for these law officials to perform their job well than to have a much modern, agile and more technologically advanced vehicle to better serve and protect the citizens.

Dodge seems to want a bigger piece of the 70,000-unit police car market, that’s why they made sure that the Dodge Challenger squad car will be every bit of a cop’s dream car.

Dodge has fitted an engine hour meter to the vehicle and there are external oil coolers for the engine oil, transmission fluid and power steering fluid, to allow the Charger to run at extremely high speeds for sustained periods. It also features a heavy duty cooling system and air conditioning is standard for front seat occupants only.

Another proof that the the HEMI-powered police Charger is runs swiftly than the Ford Interceptor is its ability to hit 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds and can actually reach 150 mph. The combined features of Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Emergency Brake Assist, All-speed Traction Control, and four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) will provide balance and control for officers in a variety of road and weather conditions.

It is comforting to know that law enforcers will be more effective to carry out their duties if the Dodge Charger will replace the seemingly ancient Ford police car. On the other hand, you have to join the police force if you plan to have a Dodge Charger Police car for yourself. But if you have the luxury to buy one for a $26,575 value or $28,805 for the HEMI-powered one, then you wouldn’t have much of a problem.

In the meantime, while still fancying over that police car, why not give your own vehicle a tougher look with new bumpers, mud guards and speed sensors from Auto Parts Discount.

The small but cool 2007 Nissan Versa

Small cars seem to be the ‘in’ thing nowadays among car buyers especially that gas prices continue to reach sky high. Opting for a small commuter car apparently is a good and practical option.

To get to the mainstream of small-car scene, Nissan introduced the 2007 Nissan Versa. While the hatchback version already hit dealer showrooms this May, the 4-door sedan version will come this fall. The Versa is said to replace the Sentra as Nissan’s entry-level car.


The name Versa stands for “versatile space” as reflected by the car’s roomy interior and cargo area. Best-in-class interior room is evident with the 94.4-cubic feet for the hatchback and 93.9 for the sedan while cabin length is 72.3 inches. Powertrain refinement is also one of the many things that the Versa boasts of.

The exterior of the Versa hatchback and sedan feature a dynamic look and attention to detail, as seen in the large headlights, signature Nissan grille and large taillights. It is also edgy when it comes to power. Spinning the Versa's front wheels is a 1.8-liter, double-overhead-cam inline four-cylinder. With 120 hp and "over 125" lb-ft of torque, the engine is indeed powerful and responsive. It also delivers excellent fuel economy that is estimated at 38 miles per gallon with its CVT transmission.

Versa’s promise of efficiency and practicality despite that it is a small car, plus the fact that it is stylish and well equipped makes it a strong competitor of Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Kia Rio and Hundai Accent.

For those in the prowl for a small yet spacious and of course a versatile car, the 2007 Nissan Versa is a good choice as it is sure to live up to its name.

Meanwhile, in order for your vehicle to achieve its maximum driving capabilities, it should always be given the pampering and care it deserves. In case you’ll need shock absorbers and bumpers to give your current Nissan vehicle a fresher look, Auto Parts Discount is the right source for you.

Toyota turning to country music for truck campaigns

Looks like Toyota is laying all plans to overpower the Big Three American automakers (Ford Motors, GM and Chrysler Motors) when it comes to distributing full-size pickup trucks in the US. Putting a two-year deal with two best selling country music duo Ronnie Dunn and Rix Brook was one of their recent marketing campaigns in order to avert American truck buyers from their loyalty to the Big Three.

Also as part of Toyota’s effort to further reach and made an appeal to US truckers, they are also sponsoring NASCAR events and professional fishing tour.

"The fact that we are building this truck in America, by Americans for Americans, I think really speaks to the fact that it's genuinely going to reach the true trucker in the United States," said Steve Jett, Toyota's truck advertising manager.

Whether Toyota’s efforts will pay off rests inline with their continued production of quality, functional and fuel efficient vehicles that they are known for. Having that kind of reputation even to their trucks, I bet it is not for long that they’ll be able to achieve their desired market share in terms of American truck demands.

I myself was a proud owner of Toyota Tundra and this truck has never failed my expectations. So I always give it the proper care and maintenance it deserves, like dressing it up with new floor liners that I got from Auto Parts Discount.

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