The All-New 2007 Civic Si Sedan: Drive and Love It

Wildness and practicality is a weird and rare combination! But in the all-new Honda Civic Si sedan, both of these attributes coexist! Oh yeah, it’s kinda bizarre but it’s the coolest characteristic of a car as far as I can see. Believe when I say that the Civic Si has it all because it does have the quality every practical feature that even the most conservative to the wildest wild buyers are looking for. This is the car worth falling for - drive it and love it!

Let me show you some of the reasons why this car is loveable, practical and pretty wild, too! And by the way, I have compared this car’s parts to Volvo C70 parts and Nissan accessories yesterday, but it seems like the Honda Civic Si sedan’s materials are quite unique from any other car. What can I say? It’s incomparable and I love it! Check this out!

These are just a few of the several features of the Civic Si. Just the appetizer - wait until you get a served with the main course!

• 12-volt power outlet for the front and center console
  
• Air conditioning with air-filtration system
  
• Aluminum shift knob with leather
  
• Beverage holders for the front and rear
  
• Cargo area light
  
• Center console with sliding armrest and storage compartment
  
• Coin tray
  
• Cruise control
  
• Driver's and front passenger's vanity mirrors
  
• Driver's gootrest
  
• Floor mats
  
• Front door-pocket storage bins
  
• Headlights-on reminder
  
• Honda satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition
  
• Map lights
  
• Passenger-side seatback pocket
  
• Perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel
  
• Power door locks with auto-lock feature
  
• Power windows with auto-up/down driver's window
  
• Rear window defroster with timer
  
• Rear-seat armrest
  
• Rear-seat heater ducts
  
• Red ambient console lighting
  
• Remote fuel filler door release
  
• Remote trunk release with lock
  
• Satin-finish door-handle pulls
  
• Steering wheel-mounted controls - Cruise/Audio/Navi
  
• Textured aluminum pedals
  
• Tilt and telescopic steering column

Toyota FJ Cruiser: Definitely the Best SUV of 2007

I never had second thoughts that the Toyota FJ Cruiser will be crowned as the best SUV for this year! According to the votes and survey conducted by ReviewCars.com, the FJ Cruiser is the apple of the eye to almost all car enthusiasts and buyers. And there’s no doubt about that! How I wish my vehicle had the same car parts as the FJ Cruiser. But I still love my Nissan car with its cool Nissan bumper and Nissan steering racks. So here’s the stuff you can get from ReviewCars.com’s SUV of the year 2007!

Exterior features

• 17-in. 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires and full size spare (exterior rear door mount)
  
• 17-in. black steel wheels with P265/70R17 tires and full size spare (exterior rear door mount)
  
• Black bumpers with metallic silver trim
  
• Black overfenders with integrated mudguards
  
• Multi-reflector halogen headlamps
  
• Rear hatch glass window with release lever
  
• Rear window defogger with intelligent timer
  
• Silver painted mirrors
  
• Two full doors and two access doors with silver trim door handles
  
• Two-tone exterior color (color-keyed body with white roof top)
  
• Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers

Interior features

• AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA playback capability and eight speakers
  
• AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA playback capability and nine speakers (includes subwoofer with off switch)
  
• AM/FM CD player, MP3/WMA playback capability and six speakers
  
• Analog instrument meters with backlit white surface area on tachometer, speedometer, fuel, temp and volt meters
  
• Defroster-linked air conditioning
  
• Digital clock
  
• Dual sun visors
  
• Exterior color-keyed center instrument panel trim
  
• Fabric-trimmed 4-way manual adjustable passenger seat with seatback pocket
  
• Fabric-trimmed 60/40 split rear seats with tumble/removable bottom cushion and fold-down seatback
  
• Fabric-trimmed 8-way manual adjustable driver’s seat with armrest
  
• Flat dash panels with pipe-like structure with silver instrument panel trim
  
• Four assist grips (two A-pillars, two above front doors)
  
• Four cup holders (center console) and 2 bottle holders (access doors)
  
• Four map pockets (one per door)
  
• Power windows and door locks
  
• Rubber-type floor and deck mat
  
• Tilt 3-spoke steering wheel with silver trim
  
• Water-resistant seats with adjustable headrest in each position

Safety features

• 3-point Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) seatbelts in all outboard and second-row center seating positions (driver’s belt is ELR only)
  
• Center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL)
  
• Child Restraint System (CRS) top tether anchors and ISO-FIX lower anchor points
  
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
  
• Driver and front passenger dual stage airbags
  
• Driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and front- and second-row side curtain airbags
  
• Driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
  
• Driver and front passenger seatbelt warning with buzzer
  
• Rear Intuitive Parking Assist
  
• Side-impact door beams
  
• Star Safety SystemTM - includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) + Traction Control (TRAC), 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist

Engine

• 239 hp @ 5200 rpm
  
• 278 lb.-ft. @ 3700 rpm
  
• Drivetrain Rear-wheel 2WD or part-time 4WD for automatic transmission models; full-time 4WD for manual transmission models; automatic limited-slip differential (2WD model)
  
• Engine: 4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve SFI VVT-i V6
  
• Ignition Electronic, with Toyota Direct Ignition System(TDIS)
  
• Transmission 5-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive (ECT); 6-speed manual (full-time 4WD model)

2007 Toyota Sienna: Sanctuary of Interior and Exterior Elegance

I’ve got nothing to work on today. I just finished fixing my Nissan spark plug wire. And it’s too easy studying Nissan engines and all other stuff that’s why I had some spare time studying some of Toyota’s latest models.

From their selection of latest vehicles, I tried to evaluate the 2007 Sienna. And you know what, that vehicle surprised me a lot! I mean, I never knew such car would have anything so special on its features. Try to check out its awesome exterior and interior features, and I’m sure you’ll be amazed too. The Sienna is one of Toyota’s variants that embody the real meaning of sophistication, practicality and space - all in just one family minivan. A perfect fit for all families in today’s modern world.

Here are the complete exterior and interior features of the 2007 Toyota Sienna:

Exterior

• 16-in. 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P215/65R16 tires
  
• 16-in. steel wheels with full wheel covers with P215/65R16 tires
  
• 17-in. 7-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P225/60R17 tires
  
• Aerodynamic multi-reflector headlamps with auto-off feature
  
• Auto on/off headlamps
  
• Chrome accents on front grille, rear license plate garnish and body side moldings
  
• Color-keyed bumpers, door handles and body side moldings
  
• Color-keyed power folding, memory, heated outside mirrors with puddle lamps and turn-signal indicators
  
• Color-keyed power heated outside mirrors
  
• Color-keyed rear license plate garnish
  
• Dual power sliding doors with power windows and power rear door
  
• Dual power sliding doors with rear door electronic locking system
  
• Dual sliding doors with power windows
  
• Fog lamps
  
• Foot pedal parking brake
  
• Heavy-duty rear window defogger with timer
  
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with manual level control
  
• High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass on windshield and driver and front passenger windows
  
• Passenger-side power sliding door with driver-side sliding door and rear door electronic locking system
  
• Power black outside mirrors
  
• Power front disc/rear drum brakes
  
• Power heated black outside mirrors
  
• Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
  
• Privacy glass
  
• Rear bumper protector
  
• Rear disc brakes
  
• Remote keyless entry system with confirmation tone
  
• Roof rack
  
• Tow Prep Package [4] -3500-lb. towing capacity with heavy-duty radiator, heavy-duty fan, 150-amp alternator and power steering oil cooler
  
• Washer-linked variable intermittent front and intermittent rear windshield wipers

Interior

• 60/40 Split & Stow 3rd RowTM seat
  
• 6-way adjustable driver's and 4-way front passenger captain’s chairs with armrests and height-adjustable headrests in all seating positions
  
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s and 4-way front passenger captain's chairs with height-adjustable headrests
  
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s and 4-way front passenger power seats with height-adjustable headrests
  
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 2-person memory function and way front passenger power seat with height-adjustable headrests
  
• Airbag, seatbelt, low-fuel level, door ajar, battery, maintenance, check engine, oil pressure, brake and ABS warning lights
  
• AM/FM with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, satellite radio capability, MP3/WMA capability, six speakers and mast antenna
  
• AM/FM with single-disc in-dash CD player, MP3/WMA capability, six speakers and mast antenna
  
• Auto-dimming electrochromic power outside mirrors and inside rearview mirror
  
• Automatic door locks
  
• Auxiliary input jack
  
• CD compartment
  
• Chrome-accented transmission shift plate
  
• Chrome-trimmed door handles and driver and front passenger air vents
  
• Coin pocket and sunglasses holder
  
• Cruise control
  
• Day/night rearview mirror
  
• Defroster-linked CFC-free front/rear air conditioning with separate rear control panel and air filter
  
• Digital quartz clock
  
• Door-mounted armrest storage compartment
  
• Driver and front passenger sun visors with vanity mirror
  
• Driver’s seat with manual adjustable lumbar support
  
• Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors
  
• Dynamic Laser Cruise Control
  
• Electric soft-touch rear door release
  
• Five assist grips and four coat hooks
  
• Folding tray table between front seats
  
• Four bottle holders
  
• Four map pockets
  
• Front passenger seat under-seat storage bin
  
• Front passenger seatback with fold-flat function
  
• Garage door opener storage bin
  
• Heated driver and front passenger seats with adjustable temperature control
  
• Illuminated entry -includes front and rear personal lights located on all outboard seating positions, cargo area light and courtesy lights for front and sliding doors
  
• JBL Synthesis® AM/FM with 4-disc in-dash CD changer, satellite radio capability, MP3/WMA capability, DVD navigation system [12] with backup camera, Bluetooth®, wireless technology, two in-glass antennas with FM diversity reception and ten speakers
  
• JBL Synthesis® AM/FM with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, satellite radio capability, MP3/WMA capability, ten speakers and two in-glass antennas with FM diversity reception
  
• Leather-trimmed interior
  
• Leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel with integrated audio controls
  
• Leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel with wood-grain-style trim and integrated audio controls
  
• Manual second- and third-row window sunshades
  
• Optitron meters with speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature and fuel level gauges with light blue illumination; LCD odometer and twin tripmeter
  
• Overhead console multi-information display with outside temperature, compass, current and average fuel consumption, fuel range and HomeLink®, universal transceiver
  
• Overhead console with conversation mirror
  
• Power folding/adjustable 60/40 Split & Stow 3rd RowTM seat
  
• Power front and sliding door windows with retained-power feature
  
• Rear privacy glass with power-operated rear quarter windows
  
• Removable center console with storage
  
• Removable second-row indexing seats with armrests (7-passenger models only)
  
• Removable second-row modular seating with Front and CenterTM middle-seat feature (8-passenger models only)
  
• Speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature and fuel gauges with light blue illumination; LCD odometer and twin tripmeter
  
• Steering wheel-integrated audio controls
  
• Ten cup holders
  
• Three 12V power outlets
  
• Three-zone automatic climate control with push-button controls, individual temperature settings with air and odor filter for driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers
  
• Tilt/telescopic steering wheel
  
• Two 115V outlets
  
• Unique CE fabric-trimmed interior with silver-tone trim
  
• Unique LE fabric-trimmed interior with silver-tone trim
  
• Unique XLE fabric
  
• Upper glove box and lockable lower glove box
  
• Wood-grain-style interior trim

Miami Tops Rude Driver List... Again

On its second year, Miami once again tops the chart of the Top Rude Drivers List. on this list, you would find Los Angeles and Boston also ranking high. Too bad - the rude Miami driver has the taken the state again to a worse reputation. The report was completed as part of a survey done with motorists as respondents. The completed report was released last Tuesday.

Motorists clearly informed that in Miami, some drivers are violently slamming their Chevy EBC brakes. Some even disclosed observing Miami drivers running the redlight and using their mobile phones while driving. This was according to an automobile membership club located at the Connecticut, the AutoVantage, that offers travel services and curb assistance.

Cities like Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Boston and New York also joins the list where rude drivers are located. According to Erik Pinto, a resident of Miami, he had seen several motorists doing their bad habits on Miami’s road. "You don't want to know what I've seen. I've seen everything. I'm from L.A., and we don't see the crazy drivers that you see here,” according to the resident.

Both St. Louis and Portland, Ore., drivers are not noted to be abusive on the road according to the survey. But Minneapolis-St. Paul was the only noted city in the US to be the most courteous city in 2006.

The usual cause of rage in the survey is impatient motorists. But mostly are drivers who have poor skills in driving in a fast lane. However, there are also those whose rudeness come from driving while stressed, angry and frustrated.

"The best piece of advice is to take a deep breath. Slow down, be aware and be careful," Todd Smith from the AutoVantage said. This is maybe the best advice the spokesman will tell.

Here is the complete list of the cities where you can find the most rude drivers. Check it out:
1. Miami
2. New York
3. Boston
4. Los Angeles
5. Washington, D.C.
6. Phoenix
7. Chicago
8. Sacramento, Calif.
9. Philadelphia
10. San Francisco
11. Houston

Cigarette Smell - A Turn Off For Car Buyers

Cigarette smoking is banned in most places of the US, we all know about it, right? And now, English smokers will also join Scotland and Wales on the No Smoking in Public advocacy. But before thinking about the environmental and health risks of smoking in public, cigarette smoking in a vehicle also affects the value of the car when it is sent out on sale.

The British Car Auctions (BCA), a leading auction company known to be the best seller of used cars and cars in auction, had warned most of the motorists that buyers are turned off by cigarette smell on cars. It literally devalues the car when it finally is put on sale.

The BCA’s PR Manager, Tim Naylor, said, “We have conducted research amongst a representative sample of top professional motor trade buyers on the main factors that influenced the price of used cars. While specification remains the strongest price indicator, presentation is the next most important factor.”

“Presentation is not just about how it looks, but how it smells! It’s another good reason for smokers to avoid lighting up in their car. This will avoid the lingering smell of cigarettes hanging in the interior as well as eliminate the risk of discolouring and leaving scorch marks in the ashtray or on upholstery. All of these things will put buyers off, even if they smoke themselves,” he also discloses.

Car buyers will always look for car with a clean and nicotine free interior. I mean if your head linings are stained with nicotine, car buyers might not choose the car you are trying to sell. Car buyers favor cars with an interior that looks like new and interiors that are in good condition. Of course, who would choose a car with Husky liners but yet is filled with nicotine stain? Or maybe a vehicle with Husky BMW floor mats as well as Weathertech mats that smells like an ash tray?

He also added, “With the smoking ban already in place in Wales and Scotland and soon to come into force in England, there are now thousands of ex-fleet vehicles in the marketplace that have never been smoked in. It means any car that has been heavily smoked is potentially at a disadvantage when it comes to be sold.”

Millions of cars are handled by the BCA every year, and from the large number, some cars are from fleets as well as leasing companies. Most of the owners are banning smoking inside the car. The rule was performed over the recent months.

Naylor continues, “Professional business sellers realised that they were losing money on vehicles they were selling that had been smoked in. At the end of the day, motorists buying a used car don’t want to be reminded of the previous owner every time they get behind the steering wheel. With smoking banned in enclosed spaces across Scotland and Wales, smokers would do well to maintain the ban in their car too. Keeping the car clean and fresh can help sellers boost the final sale price of their vehicle dramatically.”

Honda CR-V is top-selling SUV in the U.S.

Looks like Honda is milking what it can from its very profitable small sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment.

Because many customers are now realizing that they can get by with something a little smaller and lot more fuel efficient than big SUVs like the Tahoe and Expedition, small SUV and crossover sales in the U.S. grew 15.2 percent through April to 893,441, while mid-size and large SUV sales fell 8.8 percent to 564,417 (according to Autodata Corp.)

In fact, according to a report by Bloomberg Honda Motor Co. is now seeking to boost supplies of its CR-V following a sales spurt that propelled the small sport-utility vehicle past Ford's Explorer to become the top-selling SUV in the U.S.

During the 1990s and into the first part of this decade the Ford Explorer dominated SUV sales charts with sales of 445,157 in 2000. In the last couple of years, however, Explorer sales have dropped from first to fourth on the sales charts. Last year, sales dived to 179,229 and it doesn’t look like there’s anything to stop the bleeding. This year, the numbers are down another twenty-three percent.

Compared to the seemingly dismal future of the Ford Explorer, things are definitely looking up for Honda as sales of the redesigned Honda CR-V are up forty-two percent so far this year. Not only that, the Honda CR-V has also jumped to the number one spot on the chart, followed by the Toyota RAV-4 and Ford Escape, with the new Ford Edge coming on strong as well. All are built on car chassis.

Now for the first time, Japan’s second-largest automaker has started importing extra units from Japan to supplement the main production facility in East Liberty Ohio.

Honda ``hit the market with pinpoint accuracy with the new CR-V in terms of design, styling, powertrain and fuel economy,'' said Michael Robinet, an industry analyst at CSM Worldwide Inc. in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

The CR-V is 15 inches shorter than the Explorer, 2 inches narrower and about 1,000 pounds lighter. The Honda averages 26.3 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving; the Explorer gets 17.5. Add to that -- the CR-V is also priced less, with a base model ranging from $20,600 to $26,000, depending on options such as two-wheel- or four-wheel-drive. The Explorer's base price ranges from $25,995 to $32,400.

If the current pace holds, CR-V sales may exceed 180,000 this year, Honda spokesman Sage Marie said. That would be 13 percent more than Honda had planned and a record for an SUV made by an import brand.

Since March, Honda's East Liberty plant has built an average of 180 CR-Vs a day. It also assembles Element wagons and Civic cars, as well as other Honda Civic performance parts.

Honda also announced plans in March to assemble 50,000 CR-Vs a year in El Salto, Mexico, from kits made at East Liberty. Mexican production starts in September, Honda's Marie said. Half of the plant's output is to be sold in Mexico, with the rest destined for other Latin American markets and the U.S.

CR-Vs stay on a dealer's lot an average of just 12 days, compared with 28 days for a RAV4 and 68 days for Ford's Escape, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

Online Consumers Love the 2007 Lincoln MKX

It is considered that online marketing and advertising is one of the most powerful and influential media. Pre-selling and marketing of products is easier and it helps consumers pick the right product suited for them or it helps them to further evaluate a certain product and see its advantages and disadvantages.

Seventy seven percent of new car buyers depend on online resources in search for their aspired vehicle. Just like what I did last year when I planned to buy a new car. I looked for help from the net and it gave me the chance to pick the best car suited for me!

In the 2007 Lincoln MKX’s case, online consumers has discovered beauty and elegance in this vehicle making it a hit on new car buyers online. Who could resist the charm of this car? All of them gave their compliments and praises for the MKX and I myself is convinced that it’s a superb vehicle! I discovered this when I was purchasing Volvo plugs and Volvo shocks online yesterday.

Here are six out of hundred comments posted by online consumers about the gorgeous 2007 Lincoln MKZ. You can view all posted comments and forums on Yahoo! Autos or log in to http://media.ford.com for more information.

Great Style, Ride and Price - “I have had Infiniti sedans for over 10 years and was extremely satisfied with all of them but wanted a SUV. I have been looking since last December at crossovers. I looked at the (Infiniti) FX35, Lexus, Acura and Cadillac, in addition to the MKX. Lincoln has the best by far. Price is outstanding and it is very comfortable to ride in and drive. There is a lot of room in the back seat and it is easy to access. We finally bought a MKX today but have to wait for it to come in from another dealer. My local dealer can't keep them on the premises more than a day or two.” Shared by Tallielassie from FL.

Watch Out, Lexus - “I compared the ( Lincoln) MKX to Lexus, Mazda CX-9, GMC’s Acadia, and Toyota’s Highlander and found this vehicle clearly superior. Its style, features, drivability, and appearance are top notch. Craftsmanship is on a par with any high end vehicle. Never thought I (would) own a Lincoln but this is more than an excellent switch from our Tahoe. Love the tailgate, heated and cooled seats, panoramic sun roof and the awesome sound system.” Shared by Bill from SC.

Overall Best Value Compared to (Infiniti) FX35, Lexus RX - “I have no problem running errands or the hour commute to the office now, kick back select a SIRIUS jazz station and relax! I have 450 miles on the car now and no issues! My wife drives a Honda and is now asking for my keys all the time!” Shared by Randy from Alpharetta, GA.

American Luxury That’s Affordable and Looks HOT - “If this is the direction of the new Lincolns then I’m impressed. The MKX is very smooth and powerful compared to the other crossovers. The option that caught me was the reclining rear seats that are heated. I thought I was in an (Infiniti) Q45 (minus the leg room). Wow! I hope this trend of ‘HOT’ vehicles continues from Lincoln.” Shared by George from Philadelphia, PA.

Never Thought We Would Buy a Crossover or SUV - “We are not a fan of SUVs but the value and drivability caught our attention when we test drove one. Both my wife and I had the same thoughts: The MKX drives like a car, gives us a feeling of safety and is extremely comfortable. Of all the comparator vehicles in the same price range, none offered a ten-way power adjustable passenger seat. Passenger seat comfort is a big complaint of my wife when we take road trips. Good visibility and handling add to the feeling of security. No complaints.” Shared by Rob from Abingdon, VA.

Lincoln is BACK! - “I have put just over a 1,000 miles on my new Lincoln MKX and love everything about it. The first time that I saw the vehicle I knew that I had to own it. I purchased the premium package option with the Vista Sun Roof. I live in a cold climate but still love leaving the shade open and having all the additional light throughout the cabin. I have also been impressed with the engine performance. The 260+ horsepower is more than enough to move the vehicle down the road and very quick off the line. The engine is accompanied by a strong 6-speed automatic which has very good shift points and makes the vehicle fun to drive. It has been well received by others in my town where they have even flagged me down to take a look at the vehicle. Often many think that it is a Lexus or BMW. The interior fit and finish is top notch for Lincoln. The seats have to be the most comfortable I have ever owned in a vehicle. The heated seats are quick to heat and the cooled seats are a must for warmer climates. In my comparison shopping, the Nissan Murano and the Toyota Highlander/RAV4 couldn’t provide the look and ride that I fell in love with in the MKX. I also liked the Ford Edge but opted for the higher line MKX. Ford Motor Company has hit a homerun with this vehicle. If you haven’t considered a domestic in a while I would put this on your list!” Shared by Matt of WY.

It’s a Green Light for Toyota’s FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept

At this year’s Detroit Auto Show Toyota debuted what easily became the stuff of teenage (and of the young at hearts too) boys’ dreams: the FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept — a two-door sports coupe claimed to be the Supra’s next-generation successor.

The stunning concept sports car boasts of a powerful V6 3.5L engine which is coupled with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® to deliver a target power output of approximately 400 horsepower and a projected zero-to-60 acceleration in the four-second range; while an electric motor reportedly used in the GS 450h will provide fuel-efficiency.

Sporting a strikingly aggressive styling, the concept had a sculpted front and rear remove mass around key functional auto body parts, while the roof has a distinctive scooped-out section designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and provide head room at the key areas.

Inside the concept is a driver’s dream: there’s a cross-car instrument panel structure and delta-wing driver pod while an integrated instrument panel surrounds the driver, creating an enclosed pod effect. Armrests flow seamlessly into the door and surrounding interior. Seating is optimized for a lightweight appearance and function: the seating accommodates four and then turns into a two-seater when the roof retracts. The Toyota FT-HS has a perfect weight distribution and is similar in size to the Lexus SC430 convertible.

Of course talks were rampant whether something so dreamy would and could really make it to production. But it appears that the gods were listening to our fervent prayers – as the latest word of the FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept is pointing to the direction of the green light.

The June '07 print edition of Automobile is reporting the palpitatingly good news that Toyota has given the FT-HS hybrid sports car the green light for production. The Calty-designed production version will reportedly make its debut in 2009. Pricing for the production version is still a mystery but has been previously estimated at somewhere between $30,000 and $40,000 when it was first unveiled.

I say bring it on Toyota!

Prices Of New 2008 BMW 5 Series Revealed

Showrooms are now displaying the new 2008 BMW 5 Series. We have waited for this moment, right? I mean, when it was first announced, we wondered what kind of car parts and BMW exclusive parts will be used on the vehicle. And now, the car we all have been waiting for is finally revealed and is now set out on display in different dealerships.

However, the new cars were nothing much different than then outgoing 2007. The two new car models were the new 535 and the 528 models. These two new car models received upgrades and some tune ups to get that perfect look and real time great car performance.

The BMW 528 is a four door sedan and its 528i version is a rear-wheel drive as compared to its all wheel drive version - the 528xi. There are also two sedan trims which are the 535xi and the 535i under a sporty image, plus an all wheel drive 535xi sports wagon.

A powerful new 150 horsepower is the new strength of the outgoing 525 while a larger 230 horsepower is given to the 525. 300 lbs-ft of torque plus 300 units of horsepower is produced from the twin-turbo six-cylinder which is going to be part of the 535’s new power plants.

The top of the line 550i will still have the V-8 engine which is capable of producing 360 horsepower which has improved its automatic transmission but still thrives on the same price.

Sales Increase for Chrysler Group Outside North America

Chrysler Group's Jeep brand was the best gainer for the month of April 2007. The brand recorded a sales growth of 40% at 41,200 compared to April 2006 with only 31,885 units sold.

This time, Chrysler Group continued their sales growth with the announcement of a 17% increase of their total April 2007 sales outside North America.

According to Thomas Hausch, Vice President - Chrysler Group International Sales:
"The expansion of the Dodge brand has been a catalyst for the growth we've seen in both mature and emerging markets outside North America. In both Western and Eastern Europe, as well as the Middle East, Dodge vehicles have been the top-selling Chrysler Group products, telling us that there is increasing demand around the world for this distinctly American-styled brand. But Dodge is only one part of the sales success story. We have also seen strong sales for new Chrysler and Jeep vehicles that have been developed from the ground up for global customers, and they are helping to boost sales and profitability."

Hausch added: "The growth potential and importance of markets outside North America have been identified as key factors in Chrysler Group's Recovery and Transformation Plan. We will continue to put energy behind strategic growth in these markets and find ways to reach customers whose needs identify with the vehicles that we have available. We have also worked to ensure that once a customer purchases a Chrysler Group vehicle, that their experience with both the vehicle and the dealership service is a positive one. This will remain a priority as we develop new vehicles, expand our operations and evaluate new opportunities and potential business partners."

For the month of April 2007, Chrysler Group recorded 70,859 units sold. The leading market is in Russia where the Auburn Hills automaker obtained a 93% sales increase compared to last year's sales results. Other key markets outside North America for Chrysler Group include the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Western and Easter Europe. Top selling models include the Dodge Caliber equipped with quality Dodge parts. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Chrysler 300C also performed well in terms of sales for Chrysler Group outside North America.

The Ferrari 612 by Hamann

Somebody has sure been busy these past days.

German tuner has been tinkering with the most popular and fiercest cars for as long as we can remember, turning BMWs to Ferraris into more mouth-watering works of art than they already are. Recently the German tuner has showed off packages for the Murcielago LP640 and the BMW X5.

Well here’s a third: Hamann did some tinkering with the Ferrari 612, too.

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (don’t we just love saying those Italian monikers) by Hamann features new exhaust parts -- sport mufflers made from V2A stainless steel for left and right, each with double exhaust pipes (Ø 90mm). Now the sound of the Ferrari’s 12-cylinder pipes has become even more special.

The sports car designed by Pininfarina also receives a front spoiler while a pair of side sills provides an impression of lowered suspension. At the back, the rear spoiler ensures optimal downforce on the rear axle, bringing a more sporting look to the rear view without disturbing the basic design.

Also featured are specially-developed “Edition Race” wheels designed in three-part, ultra-light, forged rim with cross-spoke design and black rim-star and characterized by the nine main spokes, which each branch out to form two more.

Inside, Hamann makes sure the driver travels in both style and comfort with features like an exclusive foot mat set in black in the Ferrari's cockpit. The 612 Scaglietti can of course be modified according to the whims of the customer, e.g. with lavish leather fittings in different colors or extensive multimedia configurations involving a DVD player, TV or PlayStation.

Parking Your Car In A Big, Crowded City

Looking for a car park in a big city is maybe a little hard to some, especially if the driver is new to that certain urban jungle. It takes patience and a strong spirit to really get a parking place for your car. Anyway, everything is simple when you know how to do it and if you have the knowledge on the proper steps of walking (or driving) towards your goal.

First thing you need to do before you go out for an adventure out in the big and crowded city is to read these tips first. This will help you park your car in a nice and safe place. Read on and learn more.

Tips and tricks:

1. Think about how far you may need to walk to get to the place you want to go.
   
2. If you are value your car that much, paying a car garage to park your car can be a nice suggestion but if you are saving enough money and you think it are safe to park it anywhere, you can park it in a safe place.
   
3. Park the car near the place you are going to. Avoid corners, places without people and dark places. Park the car in a well lighted area.
   
4. During nighttime, look for a loading zones.
   
5. If you are looking for a quick parking lot, you can go to a restaurant, auto body parts shop or a video shop. People there leave quickly.
   
6. If you are caught up in traffic and there is a potential parking area, park your car there. You will get to the place much better and quicker than driving your car.

Now, keep you car closed and locked to avoid losing some of your car parts. Parking your car near a police station is also a good venue. Now, you are secure that your car is in safe place before you go to the place where you are supposed to be.

New Holden Epica: Price and Features

General Motor's Holden division has recently announced the availability and the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSPR) of the all-new Holden Epica mid size car. Unveiled at the 2007 Brisbane International Motor Show last February, the Epica is now on sale in GM Holden dealerships carrying a base MSRP of $25,990.

Available in two model trims, CDX and CDXi, customers can choose between the two power plant options for the Holden Epica models: 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter in-line six cylinder engine. Both engines are coupled with either a 5-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

During its launch last February, Denny Mooney, GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Denny Mooney said: "Epica’s in-line six cylinder engine delivers a very refined and smooth ride and returns better fuel economy than some of the four-cylinder rivals in the mid-size sedan segment. It has generous interior space, excellent standard specifications and stylish fit and finish. We believe Epica will suit the value end of the mid-size sedan segment but will also be a great alternative to vehicles right throughout that segment."

Check out the MSRP and features for Holden Epica models below.

2.0-litre Holden Epica CDX sedan (M/T) - $25,990
2.5-litre Holden Epica CDX sedan (A/T) - $27,990
2.5-litre Holden Epica CDXi sedan (A/T) - $30,990

The Holden Epica CDX comes with standard features including front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, front and rear power windows, cruise control, air-conditioning, six-speaker CD audio system with MP3 compatibility, antilock brakes (ABS), traction control, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Meanwhile, highlights of the Holden Epica CDXi model include 17-inch alloy wheels, exclusive sports body kit, curtain airbags, electronic driver information display, 8-speaker six-disc audio system, front fog lamps, and leather-wrap steering wheel and gearshift.

"This offer is a unique and differentiated marketing tool to launch the new nameplate in this highly competitive mid-size sedan segment. We believe Epica stacks up incredibly well against the opposition for specification, value and fuel economy. Adding the money back offer into the mix will be a further attractive incentive for private customers considering this car." said Alan Batey, GM Holden Executive Director Sales, Marketing and After sales.