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COOL GADGETS

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:57:00 GMT

There are several gadgets that everyone wants to equip their car. These gadgets might be lavish, but it makes a great difference when you have one of these in your ride. This can help you do some necessary task a lot easier. So here it is…

· Bluetooth is a wireless signal that allows phones to be connected to other Bluetooth-enabled cars. With the use of this amazing gadget, you don’t need to have a hard connection. It allows you to receive calls without physically holding the phone. Furthermore, there are features in phones that can be very functional in making transactions a lot better with the use of Bluetooth like multiple calls without the driver ever taking his or her eyes off the road.

· In-Car Media Storage Device. IN some vehicle you can find an in-car hard drive that can be used to store music and pictures. By means of connecting a USB device to these gadgets you can transfer music and other files to your car much easier.

· Real-Time Traffic Information. This is a device that has the ability to display real-time traffic information directly to a screen embedded in your car’s computer system. With this, drivers will be updated of what’s happening in the streets of the nearby towns thus, avoiding to get hooked in traffics. The driver can also pick different route or at least know what to expect on the ride home. Also, the gadget features a system that calculates alternative routes and picks the best way home, taking into account accidents, road/lane closures and traffic volume.

· Lane Departure Waning System. The device use a camera and speed sensor that determines when the car move away from its lane and alerts driver using a buzzer, seat vibrator or a visual cue. Using the turn signals prevents the system from kicking in.

· Premium-Branded Stereo. This gadget produces great sounds like the home stereo components. With the use of this amazing gadget you can ride with your treasured vehicle while listening to your favorite music.

· iPod Connection. In the world today, when almost everyone is updated with the current trends, like the iPod inspired car makers to create a gadget that would connect your ride with this amazing technology. With an iPod-specific connection you can navigate through tracks using the car’s audio system controls. In many cases this means using steering-wheel-mounted buttons and never having to take your eyes off the road.

· Rear Parking Camera this device displays a live video picture on the dash-mounted navigation screen. When the vehicle is shifted into Reverse, the driver can see exactly what’s behind him, significantly lessening the chance of running over something or someone.

· Heated and/or Cooled Cupholders keeps drinks stored in the glovebox cool when the air-conditioner is running. Also, it offers heated and cooled cupholders so your morning latte remains nice and toasty during the winter and your iced mocha can stay chilly.

· Remote Start. The device works by simply press a button on the key fob and the car starts itself, allowing you to warm up or cool down the interior from outside the car as it idles. The system automatically locks the doors, steering wheel and transmission so theft isn’t likely.

There are several gadgets that you can include in your precious vehicle. Just remember that when choosing a gadget that you will purchase, be sure that you’ll have the bets benefit out of your investment. There are several sites where you can check on trendy gadgets, all you have to do is to browse on the net!

ADD UP!

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 08:52:00 GMT

If you are driving with budget-priced cars, you’ve got a lot of options to choose for in order to add the convenience that you are experiencing along your ride. Shopping these days is made a lot easier with the use of the internet. You can find several cool gadgets that you may find interesting to integrate in your ride. Here are some of the gadgets that I find beneficial in every driver and ass some convenience and enhance the functionality of your car. Some of these gadgets may seemed much more like just plain luxurious, it as well give you the convenience you need. So here it is! I listed these gadgets according to my personal choice.

Bluetooth connectivity: Bluetooth is a wireless signal that allows phones to be connected to other Bluetooth-enabled cars. With the use of this amazing gadget, you don’t need to have a hard connection. It allows you to receive calls without physically holding the phone. Furthermore, there are features in phones that can be very functional in making transactions a lot better with the use of Bluetooth like multiple calls without the driver ever taking his or her eyes off the road.
Satellite radio: If you’re a frequent road tripper, satellite radio is a must. With satellite radio, your listening options will always be up-to-date. These satellite radios are found in all trims of the Chevrolet Cobalt and sometimes offered in Mazda 3.
Premium-Branded Stereo. This gadget produces great sounds like the home stereo components. With the use of this amazing gadget you can ride with your treasured vehicle while listening to your favorite music.
Heated front seats: A heated driver seat can be a when you are driving on a cold winter day. It is very good when you are stressed out and want to relax your back and shoulder muscles from a strenuous day of work.
Navigation system: A good navigation system can save you from the inconvenience and embarrassment of getting lost. These systems are useful both on long road trips and in shorter travels around town.
Keyless entry: Not having to fumble for keys when entering or exiting a vehicle adds a whole lot of value when it comes to convenience. With keyless entry, you gain access to your car without removing the fob from your pocket.
Auxiliary steering-wheel-mounted audio controls: Auxiliary audio controls conveniently mounted on your car’s steering wheel. This technology is standard on some trims of the Mitsubishi Lancer.
iPod Connection. In the world today, when almost everyone is updated with the current trends, like the iPod inspired car makers to create a gadget that would connect your ride with this amazing technology. With an iPod-specific connection you can navigate through tracks using the car’s audio system controls. In many cases this means using steering-wheel-mounted buttons and never having to take your eyes off the road.
Air filtration system: Air filtration system can clean the air in your car, ridding it of pollen and helping you to avoid watery eyes and a runny nose. It’s also useful in preventing unpleasant outside odors from making their way into the cabin. This technology gives a lot convenience to people suffering from asthma and other related ailment.
Heated and/or Cooled Cupholders keeps drinks stored in the glovebox cool when the air-conditioner is running. Also, it offers heated and cooled cupholders so your morning latte remains nice and toasty during the winter and your iced mocha can stay chilly.

Note that the vehicle included in the lists isn’t meant to be comprehensive. Rather, they’re intended to offer a sampling of the cars that can be equipped with these useful features.

PICK A LUX O' PICK

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:51:00 GMT

Nowadays, innovations in automotive engineering improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles without directly affecting its performance. According to the author of the review Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Luxury Cars, Jeff Zygmont ” One look at the list of the 10 most fuel-efficient luxury cars proves that good fuel economy isn’t necessarily synonymous with poor performance anymore.” This is evident to the vehicles manufactured from European countries and Japan. European and Japanese manufacturers are the ones leading in the fuel-economy crusade for the luxury sectors. This is because of the economic conditions in those regions have given these automakers major incentives in order to create cars that conserve fuel while giving the amenities and luxury that shoppers want to have.

10. Volvo C30. This vehicle reproduces the classic “econobox” body style of the 1970s and ‘80. C30 placed 10^th in the most fuel efficient luxury car because of its spirited 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine.

9. Porsche Boxster/Cayman. This convertible can conserve fuel while maintaining the high performance on the road. The car is designed to be small and lightweight to become more fuel efficient.

8. Lexus IS 250 features a 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine designed to deliver sporty performance on the road. This Lexus model is sold in different versions that has successfully increased the sales of the company due to its road-breaking performance.

7. Acura TSX the seventh-ranked entry-level of Acura. It boasts a sporting demeanor while efficiently manage fuel in its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

6. Volvo S40 2.4i sedan/V50 2.4i wagon. Another entry form Volvo that delivers better fuel economy than the closely related but smaller Volvo C30. It is employed with a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine that has the capacity to produce 168 hp.

5. Audi A4 2.0T with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder placed 5th in the list. With the powerful engine of Audi, fuel economy is always on top without sacrificing the performance of the vehicle on the road.

4. Lexus GS 450h, is one of the Lexus’ hybrid luxury cars. This hybrid version of the GS sport sedan is about 900 pounds lighter than the long-wheelbase Lexus LS 600h L hybrid. It features a 3.5-liter six-cylinder and electric motor engine that is efficiently managing fuel while traveling in great speeds.

3. Audi A3 2.0T another entry form Audi. This sporty hatchback features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a combined rating of about 20 mpg, it uses considerably more fuel than the base model.

2. Audi TT 2.0T. Like the two other Audi models that make this list, TT delivers its best fuel economy when equipped with Audi’s widely used 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine

1. Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec. The most fuel efficient luxury car E320 boasts a sophisticated diesel engine that provides the torque of a large V8 engine but the fuel economy of a compact four-cylinder. Mercedes features controls emissions, a longtime drawback of diesel engines with an approach that combines precise combustion with a multi-stage exhaust treatment.

As you can see, seven of the top 10 most fuel-efficient luxury cars sold in the U.S. come from European manufacturers. This because most are versions of models developed for Europe, where high gas prices make efficiency a higher priority than it is in the U.S., as stated by Mike Omotoso, senior manager of global powertrain forecasting for J.D. Power and Associates in Westlake Village, Calif. On the other hand, Japanese luxury-car companies Acura and Lexus make the remaining three models on our list.

The top 10 most fuel efficient luxury cars are currently available in US. In order to identify them, the ratings published in the EPA’s 2008 Fuel Economy Guide are used. The cars are ranked according to combined city/highway mileage using a formula provided by the EPA and carrying out the calculations to two decimal points.

All-new Porsche Carrera GT

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:42:00 GMT

I am a car enthusiast, but I don’t know why am not that eager to own a new car… i guess… i haven’t found the car that will suit my taste and preference… LOL! Well, how can I be looking forward to owning a vehicle if my bank account is not enough for it? maybe that's the better reason. But something happened that really changed the way I look about these things; and even made up my mind to seriously save.

I was with a friend yesterday, he keep on telling me how amazing his car is. Since i am not that interested of what he’s talking about, i just managed to listen to his story all day long. I wan not able to come with him later that day. Actually, I did not believed him so there is no reason to come for a ride.

It was this morning, as i am surfing the net, I happened to browse this picture of Carrera GT ( the one my friend is talking about)….and I am really stunned!! I can't believe he really have one so I called him up and asked him if he could fetch me up for a cool ride? He's busy!!!

WWHHHOOOAA! I wanna own this car! my mind shouted. I immediately look for the make and model of this car in the net…. It is a Porsche Carrera GT…. hmmmmm nice! I’ve search for further information about this car.. well.. kinda expensive… hehehe but it worth everything!

Porche Carrera CT is among the rare breed of supercars… whew… amazing! It showcases amazing speed and handling. With its utra-lightweight, high-tech design every one in the road would surely shout a big “WOW!”

Here are the VITAL STATISTICS i’ve found in the review made by Jeremy Clackson about the Porsche Carrera GT..

Model: Porsche Carrera GT
Engine type: V10, 5733cc
Power: 612bhp @ 8000rpm
Torque: 435 lb ft @ 5750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Suspension: (front and rear) Double wishbones, pushrod links, coil springs with horizontal gas dampers
Weight: 1,380kg
Dimensions: Tyres (front) 265/35 ZR 19 (rear) 335/30 ZR 20
Fuel/C02: 15.9mpg (combined)/429g/km
Top speed: 205mph
Acceleration: 0 to 62mph: 3.9sec
Price: £330,000
Verdict: As good as it gets

The Pitts on Karting too!

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:02:00 GMT

Guess who’s on karting, too? 44 years old Hollywood hunk Brad Pitt played a doting dad on his son’s, Maddox, 7^th birthday. The family was seen so happy together while the pair goes head on karting near their $70 Million French Chateau. Knowing Brad as a natural vehicle lover, this track and the availability of go karting might be one of the main reasons why they finally settled in the Chateau.

Maddox is the eldest adopted son of Brad Pitt, while he and partner, Angelina Jolie, had also their first twins last month: Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline. They also had three more adopted kids: 4 years old Pax, 3 years old Zahara, and 2 years old Shiloh. Because of the partner’s growing family, they also have a lot of vehicles in their garage like the Audi Q7 that’s just right for the family’s adventure and the recent BMW 7 Hydra that Brad Pitt arrived with in the premier of the Ocean 13’s premiere.

I’m already thinking of what gifts Zahara, Pax, and Shiloh will receive from their dad for their birthdays. Will it also be a karting session, or a drive on any of the coupes, sports, utilities, and family adventure vehicles of their choice? What I have in mind is that the boys might expect the same gifts while the girls will have a shopping spree with their gorgeous mother. Maybe a lunch or diner with the entire family, too in one of the most known restaurants or fine dines in the land. Who knows what they can provide and offer their growing kids? If they can donate millions, they can as well give away that much for each kid’s birthday.

Well, what about buying each one of them vehicles this early Brad?

Who's on this year?

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:11:19 GMT

J.D Power and Associates, a leading marketing information services company, has recently released its much-awaited 2007 Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI). With regards to the result summary, celebrations are very much in order, as the automotive industry garnered an overall improvement rate and was able to achieve a record-high evaluation for the second consecutive year now.

For those not in the know, this industry satisfaction study has already been around for 21 years, ceaselessly tackling and analyzing the new-vehicle acquisition experience for consumers. The criteria for coming up with such an overall consumer satisfaction grade involves the study of five factors, namely vehicle price, sales team, dealership facility, paperwork process and financial matters, and the delivery process.

Among the world’s car brands, it is Lexus that attained the highest commendation in satisfying consumers relative to the new-vehicle sales practice. In fact, Lexus was able to attain a total SSI score of 897 points on a 1,000-point range, a 10-pt increase if its present score is to be compared from last year’s appraisal. Trailing behind Lexus are the brands of Hummer, Jaguar, Lincoln, and Mercedes-Benz, respectively. And as mentioned, it is already the second year in a row that automotive industry has reached a record-high overall satisfaction assessment of 852 points, beating the used to be record-high score of 847 points set in 2006.

Tom Gauer, J.D. Power and Associates Senior Director of Automotive Retail Research, commends the Lexus brand for its praiseworthy and still-improving sales process: "Lexus improves by four rank positions from 2006, which is a gain driven primarily by increased customer delight with the dealership facility, salesperson performance and vehicle price. For example, Lexus salespeople show particular concern for helping customers stay within their budgets, choosing the right vehicle for their needs, as well as for making the negotiation process clear and understandable. Hummer receives a score of 895, up by 21 points from 2006, and improves notably in the vehicle price and paperwork/finance process."

Unfortunately, Lexus’ budget-friendly prowess is yet to be fully applied by other car brand dealerships. As it goes, the study discovered that 44 percent of new-car buyers have reported spending more than their actual budget plan for a new vehicle. As a result, these budget-exceeding consumers keyed in 67 satisfaction points less than those consumers who stayed within their finance arrangements. Nevertheless, this slash in scores can be remedied quite easily if only the salesperson will be engaging and meticulous enough to explain the vehicle’s features relative to its monetary value.

As Gauer puts it, "While all new-vehicle buyers hope to get a good deal, customers are receptive to spending more than they originally budgeted provided that the salesperson does a good job of educating the customer about the features and benefits that they are receiving. Customers are looking to the salesperson to help them buy a vehicle that fits their budget, but they are certainly open to spending more if the salesperson can successfully convey the value of the vehicle."

Furthermore, the SSI finds that consumers with exceptional purchase experiences will most likely go back to the dealership for the necessary series of paid service. Indeed, it was charted that about 61 percent of consumers, whose expectations were greatly exceeded, will definitely return to the car dealership for customer-paid service work.

The J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Sales Satisfaction Index Study is wholly based on the responses of 38,654 new-vehicle consumers who registered their respective vehicles in May 2007. For more details and information regarding the study, please visit: http://www.jdpower.com/corporate.

Meanwhile, below is the list of chronological scores acquired by the industry’s automotive brands:
Sales Satisfaction Index Ranking
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Lexus - 897        HUMMER - 895            Jaguar - 893
Lincoln - 892        Mercedes-Benz - 888     Buick - 887
Cadillac - 885         Saturn - 880                Porsche - 879
Mercury - 878       Land Rover - 873           BMW - 872
Pontiac - 870         GMC - 866                     Saab - 866
Volvo - 866            Acura - 862                   Audi - 861
Chevrolet - 861    Ford - 859                    Infiniti - 856
MINI - 852              Volkswagen - 851          Chrysler - 850
Honda - 849           Kia - 848                    Toyota - 847
Subaru - 841        Scion - 840                   Hyundai - 838
Dodge - 835        Jeep - 825                    Mazda - 824
Nissan - 817        Suzuki - 812                Mitsubishi - 810

Now, who's gonna take the lead this year?

Jaguar and Land Rover enjoy women-friendly work environments

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 06:41:58 GMT

For career women looking for great opportunities (this is not a job ad, by the way), Jaguar and Land Rover has been given recognition as an exemplary place to work for women scientists and engineers. The award giving body is the UK Resource Center for Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology (UKRC), which gave the two automakers a Gold Standard Quality Mark at the Jaguar and Land Rover internal diversity awards a couple of weeks ago.

The Quality Mark of the UKRC focuses on an organization’s level of commitment and achievements in terms of equality, gender, and diversity. Companies are thereby assessed and measured in eight essential criteria: people involvement, leadership and management, policy development, strategy and planning, processes, people involvement, external stakeholders, working environment, and performance.

Annette Williams, Director of UKRC, said: “The scheme aims to not only assess employers’ current status in relation to gender equality, but to support them in developing future action plans and measuring year-on-year progress and impact. Ultimately, the Quality Mark will provide organisations with a tool against which they can benchmark their own performance with others in their industry and Jaguar and Land Rover are certainly setting a positive example.”

“Diversity is driven from the top at Jaguar and Land Rover. The Chief Executive presented the company’s own diversity and inclusion awards and diversity policies are implemented by top personnel.”

Geoff Polites, CEO of both Jaguar and Land Rover is very happy with such recognition: “Diversity is high on our list of priorities. Creating a fair and supportive business ethos, with behaviours that acknowledge and value the mix of people that make up our business is essential for delivering positive results. Our view of diversity extends beyond our employees to our dealers, suppliers and customers – in doing this Jaguar and Land Rover really do value and respect people's differences in every element of our operations. Receiving the gold standard Quality Mark from the UKRC is a testament to our continued hard work in this area and demonstrates that we are fulfilling our goal to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment for all.”

For more details on information on the UKRC’s Quality Mark, please visit the following site: www.setwomenresource.org.uk/.

MAKE WAY FOR THE ALL-NEW LAMBDA ESCALADE

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:51:00 GMT

Maybe the Lambda platform has been over used among General Motors’ (GM) marquees and models; but still, it is the most nominated platform for the new 2009 Escalade of Cadillac. Although it is yet to be confirmed, but the trend clearly shows that the speculation is relevant enough. Look: with General Motors canceling a V-8 Enclave Super, it has to be Lambda Escalade to package a powerful V-8. Only this time, it will be in a smaller block since the Northstar that was supposed to power the Enclave Super was also cancelled.

The luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) full-size division of GM is trying its luck to be practical amidst the opulence; and having Lambda platform will be the first effective move. Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and now, the new luxury 2009 Cadillac Escalade will be based on it. This fusion will be edgy and distinctive, which is what Cadillac wants in the first place. As early as now, full sized SUV fans are looking forward to it and hope it will not be cancelled just like what happened to Enclave Super. On the side of is manufacturer, it is expected to be another blockbuster in terms of production and sales.

As soon as the use of Lambda platform to the new generation of Cadillac Escalade is confirmed, it is going to be a major shift for this luxury brand of SUVs of GM. Besides the new look and size as it will turn out to be a cross over SUV, Escalade has already become a social status symbol as well as a recognized model name in the automotive industry. Most buyers and vehicle enthusiasts will have the more reason to get one for themselves and even for their loved ones. It is therefore a very wise move for the Cadillac Escalade new generation.

Toyota Swears To Dominate NASCAR 2008

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:36:02 GMT

The juggernaut car maker from Japan has just had enough of eating humble pie. Toyota has finally shed its modest stance and is now vowing to win the NASCAR 2008.

The bold declaration was made by Toyota Motor Sales’ Vice President for motor sports, Jim Aust in the company’s official blog, Open Road. Aust proclamation refers to a NASCAR-specification built Camry that will vie to bring home the gold for Toyota. The racer is said to compete in the Sprint Cup 2008.

The prediction isn’t far fetched. “Keep in mind that Toyota posted just two top-five finishes and 11 top 10s in 2007, the brand’s first in NASCAR’s premier series,” read Toyota’s official blog.

Toyota entered the inaugural Cup with three teams composed of seven cars. Two of these teams are greenhorns. The brand is guaranteed two spots in the first five races. This leaves the remaining team the task of battling it out for a qualifying position. Consequently, the brands focus was just to make the grade.

The tiger brand has also announced its line-up of drivers in the person of Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin and Kaye Busch. These fine men and women will be manning the Camrys in the 2008 series. The three already have guaranteed spots for the first five races. Renowned former Joe Gibbs driver, J.J. Yeley is also set to ride the Camry. Yeley is now with Hall of Fame Racing. All in all, Toyota has a maximum of 11 cars (and a minimum of five) in the field.

Toyota’s V-8 which powers its Tundra entries intended for the NASCAR Craftman Truck was only allowed to enter the Busch franchise. The Tundra is also required modification for Nextel Cup eligibility.

It seems that Toyota is on the road to greatness, even managing to bump off Ford Motors in the second place for the most units sold in 2007. Toyota even managed to “out produce” GM, making the Japanese brand the largest automaker in the world.

Toyota’s Aust admitted that it doesn’t expect to “compete head to head” with established racing giants Ford, Chevy and Dodge in this year’s cup. However, these brands should watch out for 2009.

Camaro 2010 sport coupe, unleashed

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:07:00 GMT

The long wait for the much talked about Chevrolet sport coup is finally over as its prototype hits the road! Although there are still on-going tweaks on some of is specifications as well as final tests, the all-new Chevrolet Camaro V6 sport coupe 2010 is to look 99% as this for its grand launch sometime in March. Also, there will be a V8 version to follow n the next two months. These new launches ensure that General Motor fans will have something to look forward to.

The Chevrolet Camaro V6 2010 will sport a double overhead camshaft (DOHC), 24 valves 3.6 liters V-6 engine. This high powered power maker will be outfitted with variable valve timing and direct ignition to unleash as much as 300 horsepower (hp) output. At its present state, it is expected to deliver Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) city and highway fuel economy rating of 18/26 miles per gallon (mpg). Still, engineers are looking forward to have a 19/27 mpg result when it finally comes out in the market by March 2010. Outside, there will be a variety of colors and finish to expect; but it will be in the same rough around the edges-awful paint just as the prototype embodies in its shakedown run.

The continued pursuit of Chevrolet to build vehicles of stunning performance and grandeur has already paid off with the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 sport coupe. Premium engine hardware and sophisticated chassis movement that every General Motors fan wants is now made available with this new launch. On top of that is the gorgeously shaped shell with perfect area so as not to compromise the more important convenient features in it. Among these are the surgically precise steering and bourbon-smooth six speeds transmission, which have become a standard to every Camaro. These features are more known as the Camaro OnStar turn-by-turn route guidance.