Infiniti Set to Showcase Tech-Laden EX Concept

The Infiniti EX Concept Car to be unveiled at the upcoming New York Auto Show will be showing the public a look at what’s in store for the brand’s forthcoming luxury crossover when it comes out later this year.

A first glance at the concept car would sneak an intelligent impression that’s also glazed with style and sophistication. Its Infiniti parts have been designed to appeal to most car buyers and Infiniti fans. Its lustrous bodywork is made for ultimate sighting and its interior is primed in tech-heavy but nevertheless comfortable levels. According to Infiniti, the two systems “are expected to be the first production versions in the world when the new Infiniti EX goes on sale in North America.”

The brand remained hushed on specific details about the concept and its production version such as integral components pertaining to its powertrain particulars. Instead, sources gave a head nod on a V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission fitted into the EX Concept’s engine bay.

Key features of the EX Concept also consist of an all-wheel-drive, a vehicle dynamic control with traction control and anti-lock brakes. Its overall wheelbase length is 112-inches which measures 185.2 inches long, 63.2 inches high and 72 inches wide. Owners will be fixated on its impressive, stunning liquid-glass roof panel feature that can change from transparent to translucent in no time flat (yes, I’m thinking of mood rings right now). The glass roof technology is grounds for how technology can be used to change an entire interior atmosphere without compromising the passengers’ view of the outside world.

Its auto body parts are embedded with an Around View Monitor system which includes a front-, side- and rear-mounted cameras to lessen blind spots when parking. It aids in full driving visibility, notable for most drivers.

Another main feature is its Lane Departure Prevention system interacting with the VDC system which utilizes a small camera tucked behind the windshield and an advanced micro-processing unit working with the vehicle’s stability control system to guide the driver maintain its lane position if the car suddenly begins to meander out of the highway.

Other Infiniti vehicles such as the EX35 are perched to line up in the FX series later this year and certainly before the end of 2007.

Most Washable Car: Saturn Aura

For 2007, the Saturn Aura was chosen by the International Carwash Association as the Most Washable Car. I know the name sounds funny but, think again, it’s still an accolade. So, let’s just respect that.

The announcement for this was done just a couple of days ago during the Car Care World Expo which was held in Las Vegas in Nevada.

According to the ICA, this award that they are giving out is something that they do annually. And the vehicle that takes home the award and accolade is that vehicle which operators of car washes believe as the friendliest to wash. Well, this does simply mean that the vehicle likely to be chosen for this award would be that one which is quite easy to clean and without much hassle.

Believe it or not, the Most Washable Car award is one of the most highly regarded awards in the industry. You see, according to experts, car companies do spent billions and billions of dollars just looking into ways so as to win the war over damage brought about by corrosion in vehicles.

And so this award given to the Saturn Aura means that the vehicle is very much likely to stay cool and shiny despite being washed many times over.

Lisa Hutchinson is the director of Saturn’s brand and product development team and she does explain, “The sleek, European lines which give the Aura its visual appeal, also make it easier to keep clean. We took great pride in the attention to detail and quality of the Aura, because we know that Saturn owners take great pride in their vehicles.”

Also, Mark Thorsby, the executive director for the ICA, states, “Keeping your car clean certainly helps its appearance, but it also contributes to its long-term condition and value. Our members recognize the Saturn Aura as a vehicle that washes easily professionally, therefore contributing to its preservation.”

Well, he sure is right. After all, just think about all the dirt and the elements that come in contact with your vehicle. If your vehicle is created with materials that are prone to succumb to corrosion, you may just be fighting a losing battle.

Anyhow, it’s kudos to Saturn!

Eddie Griffin Wrecks Rare Ferrari Enzo

Some celebrities are just notorious for totaling private property just for the thrill of it or just because of indifference to property. Just was the case with Eddie Griffin. He’s the renowned comedian who starred in the 2002 Undercover Brother film and Deuce Bigalow movies. He actually crashed a one of a kind Ferrari Enzo while practicing for a charity racing event recently. The stunning vehicle in full wreckage was worth a whole $1.5 million.

The Ferrari Enzo (named after the company’s founder, Enzo Ferrari) is a one car of only 400 of its kind built between 2002 and 2004. It was totally destroyed, way beyond repair but Griffin walked away completely unscratched. Griffin was practicing for a charity race to promote his upcoming film, Redline, when he recklessly blast off too fast around a curve at the Irwindale Speedway.

The owner of the Ferrari Enzo, executive producer Daniel Sadek said he has mixed feelings about the accident. He was actually glad that Eddie Griffin came out of the crash okay but his dream car was destroyed. Kaput. Finito.

Griffin is on the No.62 on Comedy Central list of the 100 greatest Stand-Ups of all time. He’d better make viewers and fans of the Ferrari Enzo laugh about the whole debacle though. When asked by reporters his reaction to the crash, griffin just laughed and exclaimed, “Brother’s good at karate and all the rest of that, but the brother can’t drive.” And yes, the comedian is not a SCCA licensed driver although he has competed in several amateur races.

The 12-cylinder Ferrari supercar (the first of a new generation for Ferrari) will be in most car enthusiasts’ minds: splashed in color red, uses carbon-fiber bodywork technology, sequential shift transmission and carbon ceramic disc brakes. The Enzo Ferrari is found on the list of the ten “Greatest Ferraris of all time” by Motor Trend Classic. Sports Car International named the Ferrari Enzo number three on their Top Sports Cars of the 2000s list.

The Chinese Flybo Electric Car

What is it about electric-driven automobiles anyway? Aside from being embedded with electric motors for propulsion, it’s currently the trend among automotive markets nowadays. Electric cars are propelled from several energy sources.

A Chinese electric car called the Flybo has reached U.S. shores which are sold by a U.S. distributor. Wuzheng North America has made a deal with another Chinese company to sell electric vehicles in the United States. The Wuzheng Company is also known for delivering Chinese-made pickup trucks in its domestic and foreign markets.

The Jinan Flybo Motor Company (a subsidiary of Shandong Pioneer of the China Qingqi Group, the oldest and leading motorcycle manufacturer in China) is the one that Wuzheng hooked up with for the distribution of their manufactured electric vehicles. Jinan Motor Co. connects buyers to Chinese suppliers and manufacturers and its partnership with Wuzheng is attributed to make good deals for their range electric vehicles.

The flagship is dubbed as the XFD-6000ZK. It’s kind of futuristic sounding, the name almost longer than the vehicle. It is categorized as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) which has a 71-inch wheelbase length measures up to 102.3 inches. Its profile looks singular enough to the Smart coupe. According to the Jinan Company, the XFD-6000ZK is “100 percent legal for on-road use”.

The electric vehicle’s powertrain parts blasts a top speed of 45 mph (with the 25-mph limiter removed) and it has a range of 70 miles on a charge. Its engine bay is powered by a 48V electric motor.

The XFD-6000ZK and two other lower-end electric cars will be lining on the auto market. These low-priced Chinese cars will be ensconcing on your doorstep soon. For complete vehicle specifications, click here.

Aston Martin: A 700 hp DBX could be coming soon

Things are certainly looking up for recently-sold Aston Martin nowadays.

In the news: Aston Martin is reportedly considering building a new range-topping supercar to go head to head with the Mercedes SLR, and, to a lesser extent, the Bugatti Veyron. The report comes from U.K. magazine AutoExpress, which also claims that the high-performance coupe goes by the codename DBX.

According to the reports, the DBX, with its top of the line performance parts, is set to offer a top speed in excess of 205 mph, and a zero to sixty time in the mid-three-second range. Power, speculates industry insiders and watchers, would likely come from a 700 horsepower 6.0-liter V12 engine.

The DBX says the Leftlane news would be a “spiritual successor” to the 1986 Aston Martin Zagato, which was built to hit 300km/h (186mph). The DBX will use a version of Aston's versatile vertical horizontal (VH) aluminum/composite platform, with technology from the new DBS sports car.

And the price? Most probably a nifty $450,000 – at par with the Mercedes SLR.

BMW M3 New V8 Powertrain

BMW is really meticulous when it comes to its BMW parts, especially when it comes to its powertrain parts. Just before they released its M3, they carefully unveiled some of the vital information and specifications of the power source of this vehicle. Soon after the new coupe got its new exterior shape, the German auto company released further details about its V8 engine.

Imagine how powerful the new M3 will be with V8 under its hood. And just imagine the added power that the monstrous V10 will be able to produce once it is available on the BMW M5. The company thinks that if both would have the same six-cylinder power engines, there will be no difference. So the company decided to reduce the engine by two making the V8 sufficient for the M3.

So now the new M3 shall be running on its new V8 power plant. Isn’t that nice? Although lopped off by one engine bank, the 4 liter V8 is capable of producing 420 horsepower adding up a 295 pound feet of torque running at a 3,900 rpm. Powerful, isn’t it?

The 2,000 rpm on its 85% torque is just enough to run the M3 on 60 mph/ 6 sec. but we still need to wait for the BMW to release more information about it.

What other car parts do you think make the new M3 more exciting? Well, just a few like double VANOS valve lift system, up rated engine management control and variable camshaft control. Impressed? Don’t be impressed as the new engine only weighs 445 lbs. Not that bad at all.

Chevrolet Impala – Speeds Off As New NASCAR Entrant

In the racing grind, GM’s Chevrolet has replaced its Monte Carlo coupe with the four-door Impala sedan for its version of the so-called Car of Tomorrow.

The Monte Carlo is dubbed as one of the most successful nameplates in NASCAR history, grazing the NASCAR tracks with lots of automotive zip. The Chevrolet Impala and its brand new Chevrolet parts will substitute the Monte Carlo when the new-generation car becomes obligatory for all races next season. Chevrolet has taken initial steps with a series of ads and television advertisements to endorse the Impala brand.

NASCAR vehicles have been purpose-built for several decades with body styles that resemble production automobiles. Well, the Nextel Cup Series instigated in 1949 featuring new-model passenger cars. Although there are no alterations were made in the series’ first year, Chevrolet’s been making the most out of its change of equipment. But the upcoming designs have more intriguing features than the current models.

The Chevrolet brand is currently undergoing a product restructuring in North America along with all other GM brands in order to fit into the parent company's turnaround efforts.

The NASCAR racing car of the future will make its debut in this weekend's Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Tune into NASCAR for its Impala debut.

Seoul Motor Show: More Cars, Less Women

Aside from cars and vehicles, most car shows would also be showcasing the best and the prettiest women in the planet. And this is not a secret anymore. Where the cars are displayed, that’s also where the women are showing off their best smiles.

However, it does look like some car makers are not so keen on this. And it has been reported by Reuters that auto manufacturers from South Korea are now saying that it would be best for auto shows to have more cars and lesser women being set on display. After all, these car makers are also saying that women who are part of car shows sometimes do come scantily clad.

So what these South Korean auto manufacturers are saying is that they are going to show off more cars and use lesser women models. That way, the attendees would be better interested in the cars on display rather than focus their attention on the women. And they are going to start such a scheme in the upcoming Seoul Motor Show. The Seoul Motor Show is going to open its doors starting this April.

Jake Jang is the spokesperson for the Hyundai Motor Company and he expresses, “We would rather have the spectators' attention on our cars than the attractive ladies.” He also did further mention that the company would be showcasing a lot of new vehicle models as well as a new concept car which goes by the name Hyundai QarmaQ. The latter is going to come using lightweight plastics. And in showcasing these vehicles, they would be employing a lesser amount of women models than the usual.

It has also been reported that Kia, another South Korean car manufacturer, is going to do the same.

However, as for the Renault Samsung Motors, they would be doing another tactic. Instead of lessening the amount of women models, they would be changing the attire of the models. They would be having them wear business suits rather than miniskirts and revealing clothes. An official from the company shared, “When we look at motor shows overseas, the foreign brands did not have models with provocative clothing.”

Daihatsu’s Cohen: Cuteness Overdrive

Cute just got cuter.

Daihatsu is pulling the punches by giving its ultra desirable little roadster, the cute and timeless Copen sports car a new 1.3 liter engine, higher gearing to enhance refinement and a sharp new price of only £10,995 on-the-road. The new price is a full £2,500 less than the original model introduced for the 2004 model year -- a little machine that rapidly became a magnet for enthusiasts who fell in love with its youthful good looks, effortless electric metal folding roof and nimble handling.

For 2007, the Copen's newly transplanted engine will be producing 86 horsepower, a 19hp increase over the outgoing 660cc turbo engine, plus an extra 15 lb-ft of torque. The new engine is mounted transversely up front and features the world's first self-regenerating catalyst that has temperature-sensitive palladium crystals.

This new innovation effectively extends the life of the catalytic converter, enabling the owner to spend less on the car's maintenance as well as contribute lesser to environmental pollution as it keeps the catalyst 'healthier' over a higher mileage -- meaning the already low 140 g/km does not increase as the engine becomes older.

Because of the upgrading of auto body parts the revised sports car now has a 112 mph top speed (up 6 mph), 0-62 mph time of only 9.5 seconds instead of 11.7 seconds with stronger, more responsive throttle response throughout the rev-range.

For the environmentally-inclined, you'll be happy to note that the roadster's fuel economy is outstanding at 36.7 Urban, 56.5 mpg Extra Urban and 47.1 mpg on the Combined Cycle (was 35.8/50.4 and 44.1 mpg). Meanwhile, CO2 exhaust emissions drop from 151 g/km to 140 g/km.

The highly-advanced engine of the new Copen is shared with the Daihatsu Sirion supermini, which featured the world’s first self-regenerating catalyt through the introduction of the new Sirion 1.3 litre engine in 2005.

First displayed as a concept car at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, the Copen car appeared again in 2001 before officially going on sale in Japan in the spring of 2002. Originally conceived for the Japanese Kei-car market only, the UK's importer, Daihatsu Vehicle Distributors Limited, has persuaded the factory to re-engineer the tiny 660 cc turbo petrol engine to comply with European Whole Vehicle Type Approval. Today’s Copen has virtually remained unchanged in appearance from the original car.

Standard equipment for the new Copen includes alloy wheels, rear spoiler, electric retractable hard top that opens or closes in only 20 seconds, air conditioning, electric windows to name a few.

Infant Car Seat Crash Tests Misconceptions

Of course, safety automotive programs offer various free car safety seat checks as well as low-cost rentals of infant car safety seats. But infant car seat safety is compromised with misjudgments and miscommunications (the core of the problem), as Consumer Reports have confirmed in their anticipated conducted review of their previous infant car seat crash erroneous tests.

The magazine lists ten of the 12 infant seats that were tested provide poor protection in simulated crashes. Even if how much your infant is strapped on its seat, it’s likely that impact hurtles can’t be avoided when the vehicle serves minimal safety protection for kids.

The controversial report generated considerable anxiety among parents because of poorly protected passenger seats. The report was made public last January 4 but has withdrawn two weeks later.

The magazine succinctly stated that the report is, “strengthening internal policies and procedures to prevent similar mistakes from happening." It blamed "methodological errors with misleading results" for the flawed tests. Consumer Reports says it does not plan any further side-impact simulations “until there is greater consensus among experts about how to do them.”

The magazine will be placing its trust with outside experts when developing complex tests and refine its processes for using outside labs. If called for, then a second retest at a second lab will be in the works, especially when these test results are unusual or don’t line up with factual information.

The report is not confounded as a safety encyclopedia of bad news but the review of the flawed report was conducted by two expert outsiders, Kennerly H. Digges, former director of vehicle safety research at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Brian O'Neill, former president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Well, along with your vehicle’s auto body parts, the standard mandatory child safety seat law requires that you have a crash-tested, federally approved infant car seat to take your baby home sans consulting incorrect checklists.

More Tests For The Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE

The new Mazda RX-8 is the latest revolutionary rotary engine that possesses dual-fuel systems which allow the drivers to choose which fuel type to use - from gasoline to hydrogen gas. And when they have decided, they can start using it in just a flick of a switch.

JARI is working with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) on the Establishment of Codes & Standards for a Hydrogen Economy Society project. The new Mazda car will be used and to under go several tests under the R&D activities in order to identify whether hydrogen-running vehicles are safe by the establishing examinations and evaluation techniques and creating proposals for the international standards.

JARI will supply all the hydrogen needed on the tests and evaluations coming from its hydrogen station in the Tsukuba City.

With the high demand of eco-friendly cars, Mazda is developing the hydrogen cars with the rotary engines independently. This car is filled with Mazda parts like catalytic converters that help the car to have cleaner emissions. It also attained approval to test the RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle on public roads in Japan from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) in October 2004.

Mazda supplied six vehicles to the government and private enterprises for use in various events and initiatives since March last year. And just recently, Mazda collaborated with the MLIT’s Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau (HRDB) to conduct cold weather tests on its RX-8 Hydrogen RE in Muroran City, Hokkaido Prefecture starting Feb 19 to 23 this year.

JARI accepted the seventh Mazda car which was the RX-8 Hydrogen RE.

Twingo gives some genius loving to the Tech-lover

This is one of those ideas you wish you’ve thought of first.

Autoblog is reporting that Renault is offering this ingenious bright idea in its redesigned Twingo: an option called "Grass-mat" dashboard trim. If you’re a big gadget fan you are going to love this feature – think your tootbrush or hairbrush turned bristles up, imagine it extra large, enough to fit a part of your car’s dashboard. Then imagine putting your precious gadgets in this giant toothbrush. Pretty neat, huh?

Believe it or not this dashboard feature – a rubber tray designed to grip your iPods, mobile phones, those little widgets you just can’t do without – tight while you’re rounding the corners (for some reason you love hearing your wheels screech), stepping on the brakes or generally moving your car around. So no more bending over and digging around the car to find the phone that fell, no more ugly Velcro sticking out like a sore thumb on your dashboard, and yes, say hello to easy access to spare change when it’s time to pay at the toll booth. Perfect!

But wait, there’s more.

The New Twingo also offers a “TunePoint Audio Connection Box” which allows you to hook up music-laden USB keys, MP3 players and the like to the stereo and control the tunes through the steering wheel-mounted controls. And, happy, happy, happy --- the integrated Bluetooth lets you take phone calls without lifting your hands off the wheel. How totally cool is that?

The New Twingo is the first of its kind that will be launched in a right-hand drive version, so UK motorists will be able to get behind the wheel before long.

Add this one to your wish list and hope it comes true.

The “Possible” Return of the Vector Supercar

Few of the supercars existing are seen on the road and burning the highway with its powerful powertrain parts and hot wheels. At present, existing supercars include the Maserati MC12, Bugatti Veyron, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, Ferrari Enzo, Lamborghini Murcielago and the Porsche Carrera GT not to mention the one-off Ferrari P4/5, which was custom produced by Pininfarina for James Glickenhaus.

You might just be one among those who are dying to have one of them. Well, count me in. But don’t you just miss the Vector Supercars?

Do you still remember the Vector Supercars? What about the original aerospace-inspired Vector domestic supercar? If I tell you about the W2, the W8, WX-3 and the swan song of the M12, would you remember? Ah, ok so you can’t? Well, these super cars are the most famous exotic cars that conquer fame during the year 1980’s and late 90’s in USA. Well, of course, aside from the Chevrolet Corvette.

These supercars had been so out of the market for many years, but the net is filled with rumors that these Vector Supercars will soon be back to kick some trunks and let other vehicles eat their dust. Yes, the founder Gerald Wiegert is said to be working on a new supercar model that will surely make up with its absence for many years.

I don’t know if the news is true of not, but on my research I found this Vector V8 Biturbo concept on a Romanian car website.

Just like any other super car, the Biturbo concept will also have the powerful V8 under its hood matched gorgeous scissor doors and the Vector signature below-the-beltline ancillary side windows. Can you figure that out? At least it should contain the Fram filters for better emission. Right?

Soon: a Bentley Hybrid?

So how about a hybrid Bentley eh?

The Leftlane News, citing a report by German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung has just informed us of this very interesting news that British luxury car maker Bentley is considering offering hybrid and diesel versions of its vehicles.

According to the Leftlane News, the British automaker for the uber wealthy would no doubt be able to borrow diesel technology from the Volkswagen Group, such as the twelve-cylinder diesel powerplant used in Audi Q7 V12 TDI. Producing 510 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, the powerplant was sourced from the R10 Le Mans racing car. VW is also reportedly planning hybrid power for its Touareg SUV.

Bentley, a Volkswagen subsidiary, currently sells a number of sedans, coupes, and convertibles under the Continental, Arnage and Azure nameplates. The company also plans to add the Brooklands coupe to its lineup for the 2008 model year.

Well it would sure be interesting to be looking at a Bentley with hybrid auto body parts, if ever this rumor turns out to be true.

Why Falling In Love with the MINI is easy

How lovely are these MINIs?

I just had to post these pictures, even if these beauties graced the Salone Internationale del Mobile in Milan way back in April 13th 2005. MINI presented itself in the exclusive outfit of the Italian lifestyle label Bisazza, with four of our beloved little car sporting mosaic surfaces made up of thousands of coloured glass stones.


Bisazza craftsmen have encrusted each MINI with over 30,000 colored glass stones, creating four “artomotive” masterpieces in the themes of a Zebra, Summer Flowers, Tartan plaid and a Dama. The glass, each one-half inch by one-half inch in size were used to transform the vehicles, with 31,700 glass stones laid on each convertible and 37,004 on each coupe.

Meanwhile, MINI parts are still available in your trusted online auto parts stores.

Honda FCX Goes to a 17-Year Old Customer

A production model of the Honda FCX fuel cell vehicle has been given to its new owner. American Honda Motor Co., Inc gave the keys to 17-year old actress Q'orianka Kilcher, the newest and youngest owner of the Honda FCX. For those of you who don't know who she is, Q'orianka Kilcher was the young actress who portrayed the role of Pocahontas/Rebecca in the film "The New World" released in 2005.

John Mendel, Senior Vice President of American Honda Motor Co., Inc commented:
"The best way to demonstrate the importance of next generation vehicles like the Honda FCX is to put the next generation of drivers behind the wheel. Q'orianka Kilcher will be driving around Hollywood in the ultimate environmental status symbol, literally and figuratively driving the change toward a hydrogen future."

Q'orianka Kilcher was excited in having her new car and said:
"As a young person today, I feel it is important to take initiative toward seeking positive solutions and stepping up the quest toward clean energy and environmental preservation. "When I first started pursuing my dream of a zero emissions vehicle as my first car, it seemed like a pretty unrealistic dream. With Honda's innovation and support, my dream of helping the environment became a reality!"

The first Honda FCX concept made its debut at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show with the newly developed compact and high-efficient fuel cell stack called the Honda FC Stack. The fuel cell stack functions as the storage room for hydrogen fuel. The Honda FCX is also equipped with a lithium-ion battery for additional energy storage. The production model still retains this powertrain parts but the overall appearance of the Honda FCX was changed. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified the Honda FCX as a zero emission vehicle, and approved for everyday use. Honda aims to mass produce the FCX fuel cell vehicle in the worldwide market and introduce it as the next generation vehicle.

VW At Darpa Urban Challenge

This year’s DARPA Urban Challenge starts off on the 3rd of November and yet as early as now, Volkswagen of America, Inc. has already shown much interest in this automotive happening. In fact, the company has already announced that it would be working with the Stanford University and together, they would be joining in the challenge.

The two would be sending off a robotic 2006 VW Passat wagon that would be coming with tail lights as eyes. Well, of course, that is just a joke. You see, VW has yet to give more details about the vehicle although they did say that their new robotic VW Passat would be coming in using diesel as its source of power.

So as to be successful in conquering the DARPA Urban Challenge, this robotic VW Passat would have to go through 60 miles of a mock urban course. The whole route may seem simple to you but the organizers of the event do say that the whole urban course would be coming complete with traffic, circles, and even busy intersections that we may have all come to hate. Plus, there would be some new rules that would need the contenders to actually follow traffic rules and regulations.

Dr. Carlo Rummel is the executive director of the VW of America’s Electronics Research Laboratory and he says, “After our victory at the last DARPA Grand Challenge, Volkswagen is excited to join the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge. We see an opportunity to further advance intelligent technologies for use in passenger vehicles of the future. The features developed for the Urban Challenge will ultimately make driving safer and more enjoyable in today's increasingly dense traffic.” He even further adds, “With the fuel efficient Passat, we have the perfect vehicle for the job; just like our Touareg 'Stanley' was for the desert race in 2005.”

What’s in Your Car?

Forget about the powerful 3.5-liter V-6, 28 kW, 306 HP SAE @ 6,400 rpm; 277 ft lb, 376 Nm @ 4,800 rpm and whathaveyou numbers under the hood. Or the spiffy wheels and rims. Or the clean and green emission parts. Customers are now more inclined to go oooohh-ing and aaahh-ing over a car’s heated cup holders, in-dash voice-command system and other technological gizmos.

This is what people now get excited about: dashboard electronics – also called “telematics” – which include technological perks like heated cup holders, air-conditioned glove compartments, rear-facing cameras, voice-activated navigation systems and keys that automatically unlock your car as soon as you're within three feet of it. What’s more, “pimping” your ride no longer requires one to be a celebrity, or an heir to some big time business. Telematics is now being made available in even modestly priced vehicles. Automakers like General Motors Corp. and Honda Motor Corp. have offered the technology into low-end models, delivering some of the gadgetry previously available only through aftermarket installers.

Take the auxiliary jacks for portable music players and Bluetooth wireless for handsfree cell phone calls, as well as gizmos like 10-speaker, 360-degree surround-sound stereos with active noise cancellation in DVD-A and CD formats. These are now often factory-installed standards. And how about the beloved can’t do without IPods? Oh well, IPod integration kits are now within reach for $150 to $200 extra and allows drivers to control the portable player from steering wheel buttons while keeping the gadget hidden in a glove box or center console. Very nice huh?

According to the Consumer Electronics Association, U.S. factory-to-dealer sales of in-vehicle technologies are estimated to grow to $9.6 billion in 2007 from $8.5 billion in 2006.
Telematics Research Group analyst Phil Magney also estimates that Bluetooth handsfree systems will be available in 37 percent of 2007 models, up from 28 percent last year; voice-recognition controls will rise to 59 percent from 39 percent; and iPod-integration will jump to 47 percent from 12 percent.

Offerings for built-in rearview cameras will double to 18 percent in 2007, while ultrasonic parking assistance, which signals with beeping noises the proximity to an object behind the car, will grow to 45 percent, up from 38 percent. In-dash navigation systems will be available in 69 percent of the car models in 2007, up from 60 percent the previous year, according to the research firm.

One of the industry's more advanced systems will be Ford's Sync, which connects digital music players to the car's voice-control communications system and reads aloud cell-phone text messages and has 20 preset text-message responses.

So what new tech perks can we look forward to in the near future?
One is Ford's Sync, reportedly the industry’s more advanced systems. Sync connects digital music players to the car's voice-control communications system and reads aloud cell-phone text messages and has 20 preset text-message responses. To be made available later this year in a dozen 2008 models (including the Ford Focus, the Mercury Milan and the Lincoln MKX) Sync will allow users to continue a cell phone conversation when they enter the car, automatically switching to handsfree mode without the need to hang up. The flash memory-based system, controlled through voice commands and buttons on the steering wheel, is based on a Microsoft Corp. operating system for cars. The price? Less than $1,000, if Ford officials are to be believed.

On the other hand, Sebring models will reportedly soon also offer an "infotainment" voice-activated navigation system that has a 20-gigabyte hard drive and a USB port for downloading and storing directions, maps, music, photos, and other digital data, including voice memos. If the car is parked, you could also use it as a DVD player. The price tag: an extra $1,700. Note that Chrysler's 2007 Sebring already offers a cup holder that can either keep drinks cold or warm, as well as a key-chain ignition -- a feature that's allows you to start your vehicle from inside one's home (very useful especially in those cold, cold mornings).

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer: Specs and Features

Mitsubishi Motors has just released the details and the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the much-awaited all-new 2008 Lancer models. With a starting price of $13,990, you bring this rally-inspired compact sedan right in your garage.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is available in three model trim levels – Lancer DE, the well-equipped Lancer ES, and the sporty Lancer GTS. All models are equipped with exclusive features and standard components like advanced safety equipments, in-car electronic technology, and other quality Mitsubishi parts. Special packages are also offered. All 2008 Lancer models comes with Mitsubishi's MIVEC 4-cylinder engine under the hood, coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox to complete the powertrain package. For fuel efficient oriented drivers, an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available for the DE and GTS models.

Get your pen and paper ready for the starting MSRP and features of all 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer models. Here they are:

Lancer DE with 5-speed MT - $14,615; CVT - $15,515
- 16-inch wheels
- Power windows and side view mirrors
- Anti-theft engine immobilizer
- Auto-off headlamps with daytime running lights
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and power door locks
- AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability

Lancer ES with 5-speed MT - $16,615; CVT - $17,515
- 5-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels,
- Color-keyed door handles and mirrors and a chrome grille surround.
- Split folding rear seats, center console box with armrest, map lamps, floor mats, and power locks.
- Anti-theft alarm system

Lancer GTS with 5-speed MT - $18,115; CVT - $19,115
- 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels
- Front and side air dams, fog lights, rear spoiler and chrome tailpipe tip.
- Exclusive sport-tuned suspension
- 215/45R18 tires
- Steering wheel mounted sportronic magnesium shift paddles
- Sport bucket front seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Bluetooth(R) hands-free cellular phone

Something About Lamborghini

Lamborghini sold an enormous 2,087 units of luxury cars last year. Just lately, two among its hottest special edition models were released. These two models are the Murcielago and the Gallardo. They also gave the almost regular Murci to LP640 an upgrade and turned it into a powerful LP640 roadster version. And on the upcoming Geneva show, they will release a new super lightweight version of the bread-and-butter Gallardo. What other new things are to come from Lamborghini?

Well, aside of course from the highlight that the first Murci Roadster was shown in the movie “Batman Begins”, Lamborghini got a lot of new stuff to tell about. As I remember, the playboy superhero Bruce Wayne drove the bull with a pair of lovelies to dinner and made a most dramatic exit after an impromptu dip in the fountain. In upcoming movies, Uma Thurman will also drive the small Gallardo Spyder at the silver screens in Pirelli's mini feature "Mission Zero". Does it mean more Lamborghini cars are going to be zooming all across the big screen in the future?

Truly, Lamborghini is marking a good name in both the car industry and movie industry. But no matter how impressive the Lamborghini is, the VW might want to shed its supercar brand. The luxury car brand marked more than 2,000 sales in 2006, which was less than half of archrival Ferrari's U.S. total. However, the German car brand is keeping the Lambo and Bugatti for that matter and maybe a sales boost may help. Keeping the VW parts on both brands will also maintain their popularity possibly.

On the recent North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) held last month in Detroit, it was undeniable that the Murcielago Roadster LP640 starred at the car show. And now, the luxury car will be seen again in the next Batman movie which will make it even more famous internationally.

And another one bites the dust

Say goodbye to the Monte Carlo.

Citing supplier sources, Inside Line reports that the Chevrolet Monte Carlo will end production in the 2007 model year, meaning that the last Monte Carlo will roll off the line sometime this summer. Autoblog rang up the folks at GM and got a confirmation that indeed, it is The End for the aging Monte Carlo. May 4th will reportedly be the last day you can order a Monte Carlo and production of the car at GM's Oshawa plant in Canada will cease on June 20th.

Autoblog says that production of the Monte Carlo is being cancelled to make room for all those extra Malibu orders the GM is expecting when the new 2008 model sedan begins production in October.

The first Monte Carlos were produced in 1970 and have subsequently survived six generations. The axe finally fell after Monte Carlo sales dived to 64.2% in January of 2007 with only 1,639 units being sold.

Owners of the Monte Carlo can still get quality fuel parts and cooling parts at trusted auto parts stores online.