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A Spacious Silverado Pickup

Wed, 28 May 2008 05:03:04 GMT

The Chevrolet Silverado is the latest line of full-size pickup trucks from General Motors. Since its introduction in 1965, the Chevrolet Silverado has been very popular. This full-size pickup begins another year as General Motors' best-selling vehicle.

This is one of the best full-size pickups available today. The new redesign version aims to continue its reputation as the strongest and most dependable truck on the road today.

The 2008 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab 2WD is a 4-door, up to 6-passenger full size pickup, available in 5 trims, ranging from the Work Truck Short Box to the LTZ Short Box.

“The Work Truck Short Box is equipped with a standard 4.8-liter, V8, 295-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway. The LTZ Short Box is equipped with a standard 5.3-liter, V8, 315-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.”

Many reviewers also have positive reactions to the truck's styling. According to them, “the new look is crisp, clean, broad-shouldered and powerful.”

Safety features include driver and passenger front air bags, tire pressure monitoring system and four-wheel antilock disc brakes.

It also has one of the best interiors offered for a full size pickup.

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

Mon, 19 May 2008 08:15:48 GMT

The Chevrolet Cobalt is available as either a two-door coupe with four trims (LS, LT, Sport and SS Turbocharged) or a four-door sedan with three trims (LS, LT and Sport). It ranks 17 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. It is a new option package designed to offer improved fuel economy.

The 2008 Cobalt is available with the SS performance package, which includes a 260-hp 2.0L I-4 turbocharged engine with variable valve timing, rated at MPG 22 city, 30 on highway. “Upon introduction, the LS Coupe is equipped with a standard 2.2-liter, I4, 148-horsepower engine that achieves 24-mpg in the city and 33-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The SS Turbocharged Coupe is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 260-horsepower, turbo engine. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.”

The Cobalt design is good enough although many cars of this class are more stylish and distinctive. Some reviews say that the interior isn't spacious enough and offers inadequate seating comfort. The Motor Trend says that its safety level is as good as, if not better than, most of its competition models on the safety-equipment. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. SS versions have unique styling cues, 18-inch tires, specific suspension tuning, and interior trim. For 2008 the Chevrolet Cobalt has added side curtain airbags and an XM satellite radio as standard equipment on all trims.

The Chevrolet Cobalt is quite pleasant to drive, especially the Sport model.

Honda FCX Clarity

Thu, 15 May 2008 07:30:10 GMT

The Honda FCX Clarity is a hydrogen fuel cell automobile manufactured by Honda. The hydrogen is stored into two separate containers behind the rear seat. This fuel cell-powered FCX concept will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. And limited production of this concept model is to begin in 2008 in Japan and the United States.

This model used first fuel cell developed in-house by Honda called the Honda FC Stack. “Honda is now committed to using pure gaseous hydrogen (not, for instance, reforming methanol onboard), and the FCX's 8.3 pounds of H2 is stored in two 5000-psi (41-gallon total capacity) aluminum tanks robustly wrapped in layers of carbon fiber and fiberglass. But in a major departure from conventional fuel-cell vehicle architecture, Honda's power train includes electricity-storing ultra capacitors instead of the more common battery.”

The interior features curves in the rear fenders that causes smooth rumps. The steeply shaped windshield is not at all very practical, but it adds appeal to the car. Under the hood is a familiar looking radiator and air intake. The speedometer assembly resembles the Eye of Sauron style gauge which also displays the brake and power usage.

I really feel that this car model will sell so well. One reason is because it is a Honda, and no one can name one model of it that doesn't sell. Car companies would be smart to start installing hydrogen filling stations at dealerships. Honda will completely kick ass if this will roll out by this year.

Saturn Plug-In Concept

Wed, 14 May 2008 07:02:29 GMT

A rebadged version of the Opel Flextreme was introduced at the North American International Auto Show as the Saturn Flextreme. It’s been shown as a gasoline and hydrogen fuel cell concepts. The concept is the latest to showcase GM's evolving plug in hybrid technology

The Flextreme features more sculpted surfacing molding, clear style elements such as narrow, boomerang-shaped lights and a sloping feature line in the side graphics. The front grille and rims are covered by lightweight, polycarbonate transparent trim, which improves aerodynamics while maintaining visual aesthetics. It’s very aerodynamic design helps enhance the fuel savings of the electric-drive system. It has a panoramic windshield and butterfly-style rear doors. Adding to the futuristic look of the Flextreme, the windows are polycarbonate and the headlamps are LED.

“The hybrid system incorporates a 1.3-liter turbo diesel engine and a lithium-ion battery pack that can power the Flextreme's electric motor for up to 34 miles”. The Flextreme carries on the power-train concept of the original Chevy Volt This vehicle is made to reduce emissions and the automobile’s dependency on petroleum.

I understand that the idea of a concept is to explore new ideas. It’s a really good concept. I just wish the rear seats could be completely removed leaving an enormous flat cargo area. If this car is made real it would be a significant competitor for the Prius. The Flextreme focuses more on its design than anything else, but I think the Flextreme wants to tell everybody that GM is ready for the future.

Avoid Flash Fire At The Pump

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:37:02 GMT

Burnt at the pump. That’s exactly what’s happening to car owners these days when gasoline prices peak. But when I say burnt at the pump, I mean literally.

Yes, fueling your auto the wrong way could lead to flash fires. True, innocent mistake could trigger dangerous aftermath.

“With that kind of fire, there are several thousand gallons of gas that are right beneath the pumps underground,” said Vancouver Fire Department Marshall Greg Wormser. “And that fire can burn as long as that fuel is there.”

Fumes can leak from the pump nozzle and the fuel tank during fueling. Without you knowing it, the vehicle’s static electricity can be transferred to you if you get in and out of the auto repeatedly. What’s more alarming is the fact that static build up can trigger vapors to ignite if you get near to the fumes near the pump.

If enough static is built up, it can cause the vapors to ignite if you come too close to the fumes near the pump. “The fuel doesn’t ignite, but the vapor from the fuel,” Wormser said in an interview with MSNBC.

According to Fowler Associates, about 100 static-sparked fires occur at gas stations annually. To note, most flash fires are caused by avoidable mistakes while fueling. “I’ve worked on these tragic accidents, and have seen cars blow up from static at the gas pump,” said John Fagan, professor of electrical and computer engineering for the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla.

How do you avoid flash fires at the pump? Fagan suggests not getting in and out of your car while pumping gas, wearing shoes with rubber soles that can “ground” you, and discharging static by touching the nozzle tip to a metal surface that’s away from the gas tank before fueling.

“The strongest tool in the prevention tool box is people knowing that these fires do in fact occur, and know the conditions under which they occur,” noted Robin Rorick, a spokesman for the American Petroleum Institute.

Just a word of caution: wrong fueling can cause you and your community great trouble, so be extra cautious. You don’t wanna experience third-degree burn, do you? Or do you want that gruesome death?

Sure, you make sure that every car part is in good working condition. You ensure the quality of your aftermarket parts. But do you consider the innocent mistakes you've been doing over and over again all this time?

Shell Contest Winner Takes Home $10,000

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 06:14:00 GMT

$10,000 is a big amount of money. An ordinary person could not just take home an amount that huge in just a day’s work. You would have to scrimp and save to be able to have an amount like $10,000. But for Cindy Sykora, she did not have to put off buying a couple of performance pulleys so she could have $10,000. See, Sykora was lucky enough to go home $10,000 richer when her name was picked in a Shell’s sweepstakes contest.

Sykora could not actually spend the $10,000 that she won on stuff like clothes and food but she can be assured that she go mile after mile after mile for she won $10,000 worth of gasoline from Shell. The winner was chosen during the Chicago Auto Show and the finalists were there at Shell’s booth. The finalists were given the chance to pick a gas card from Shell and they had to insert it in a card reader. If the card reader works, then, they get to take home the prize.

Although the other finalists did not take home the $10,000 worth of gasoline, they also went home with a smile on their faces for they were also given a gift card which gave them free $100 worth of Shell gasoline.

Chevy Traverse To Win Back Legions

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:44:49 GMT

Quite obviously, General Motors have evaded the minivan segment. But the Detroit automaker finds it opportune to win back family hauler legions by unveiling a 7-seat crossover at the Chicago Auto Show.

From its Chevy brand, GM will introduce the Traverse set to hit dealerships this fall. By far, the new crossover is GM’s highest-profile, family-centered offering in years. The wagon-like ride hits the market as other automakers here touted revamped minivans as still the answer for a utilitarian three-row vehicle, according to DetNews.

The Traverse is GM's attempt to win some credibility from the soccer-mom crowd. The market demand space, elegance and functionality - factors that must all be packed into a safe and reasonably priced vehicle.

"Depending on the pricing and how it looks at the end, it may be a viable force for GM," said Jesse Toprak, chief economist for Edmunds.com. "It's very tough competition and Toyota and Honda dominate the market. You try to get in there and try to capture the segment with what's not quite a minivan."

“Seven-passenger crossovers are today's family vehicle,” said Jack Nerad, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "There is a coolness factor. There are certain families that would definitely not own a minivan."

To tout the Traverse even more, the manufacturer of Chevy Parts is pleased to announce that the crossover will be the first vehicle in its lineup to offer XM NavTraffic as a factory- installed feature.

"XM NavTraffic is certain to save drivers of the all-new Chevy Traverse precious time and money," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet’s general manager in an interview with CNN. "We think we have a great-looking family vehicle with lots of utility in the Traverse, and NavTraffic just adds to that."

"XM is pleased with Chevy's commitment to providing the best in entertainment and technology by making XM NavTraffic and XM Radio available on the 2009 Traverse," said Joe Verbrugge, senior vice president, automotive partnerships and international operations, XM Satellite Radio. "2009 Chevy Traverse customers will benefit from the experience of real-time traffic data and more than 170 channels of entertainment."

Women's Choice

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:45:33 GMT

Choosy. That commonly describes women. In all of life's aspects, we tend to set standards that suit our taste and personalities. In choosing clothes. In choosing partners. And you guessed it right, even in choosing cars.

Agility, visibility and efficiency - these are the basic standards most women look for in a car. For married ones, space for family members and safety becomes additional key points.

The 2008 Ford Focus has all these qualities. Having an aggressive styling, redesigned cabin, ambient interior lighting and durable leather seating, it would make it to every woman's dream car list. Bearing the promise of a "second home on wheels", its engine offers an improved smoothness and efficiency. It also boasts of a responsive powertrain whose quality can match an Acura Integra window motor.

Everything's new with this 2008 Ford Focus. A four-door and a two-door with a trunk that replaced what used to be a three-door hatchback. The best thing about this car is Sync, a connectivity system that would allow car drivers to connect any phone, MP3 player, iPod or any device using Sync’s MP3 jack, USB port or Bluetooth technology.

Undoubtedly, it would make a great family car. It comes with a decent look but with a price lower than that of Mazda or Civic.

A quiet, comfortable ride plus contemporary style, the 2008 Ford Focus will surely capture women's choosy character.

New Honda For Helpful Awardees

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:01:02 GMT

Last year, the Southern California Honda Dealers Association started out this search for the most helpful citizen in California. You may have even read about this one or heard it on the news if you are from SoCal. Anyway, the group is now ready to name the three recipients of the Honda Helpful Awards according to The Auto Channel.

The winners of the said search will be given a spanking brand new 2008 model year, shiny as a silver spoon Honda vehicle. That's a great way to start the New Year right? Anyway, the winners of the said awards will be announced on the 22nd of this month at the Santa Monica Pier. The awardees will receive the vehicle that Honda think will help them become more helpful. There is no word yet what the vehicles will be but they would surely not come with Acura Mirrors even if Acura is Honda's luxury division.

Patrick Adams, managing director of Secret Weapon Marketing said: "We were blown away by all of the nominees' stories and the passion of the people who took the time to submit a nomination. We are really proud to extend Honda's helpfulness beyond the media and day-to-day activities of the Helpful Guys and Girls in Blue. The winners' stories are truly inspiring -- we're excited to honor each of them at the 1st annual Honda Helpful Awards, and hope this event is the first of many to come in the future."

Secret Weapon Marketing by the way is a creative agency. For the Honda dealers, Secret Weapon enlisted the aid of Helpful Guys and Girls in Blue to spread the word around that the association of Honda dealers is looking for the most helpful citizens.

2008 NAIAS Registration Continues For Automotive Education Day

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:18:04 GMT

How I wish I could add up more automotive knowledge in my head, but I guess my time is over. Anyhow, I’m pretty much satisfied with the automotive education I had before. At least I’m familiar with the basics like radiator, calipers, etc.

Today, high school students are fortunate to have an advanced automotive education courtesy of some automotive groups. One of the upcoming automotive education affairs to take place this year will be supported by the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Registration for the event is still open for secondary education students. According to NAIAS.com, the program is presented by State Farm Insurance and will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cobo Center in Detroit.

"Over the last three years, the response to Automotive Education Day has been tremendous. Students come away from this experience with a strong understanding of how a good education leads to many opportunities within the automotive industry and related fields, while having fun, too. There's also the added bonus of an up-close view of amazing exhibits and incredible production and concept vehicles," says Carl Galeana, the NAIAS 2008's senior co-chairman.

Thousands of students from several schools across southeast Michigan, nearby states and Windsor, Ontario (Canada's border city) are expected to partake in the said program this year.

"The NAIAS stimulates the metro Detroit area with a sense of excitement. It is good for students to see that kind of excitement and buzz generated by an industry that continues to have strong ties to the southeast Michigan region," says Joe Serra, a NAIAS 2008 co-chairman.