Jan

Top Picks

Posted by Brian Published in Top Picks

Snyder Creates Website
Just The Ticket
Introducing the Gate Game VU
2009 Yamaha Vino Classic
SOLiCharger for iPhones

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Jan

2009 Kia Magentis

Posted by Brian Published in Kia

Gauging by the looks and the features that the Kia Magentis has in its class, you can generally say that it is a car worth considering to have. It has a four-cylinder which produces 175-horsepower and 169 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, providing a lot of power to a car that promises to give its class competitors a run for their money.

Magentis is not as advanced as its nearest competitors as far as power is concerned but. But it’s just as capable as any of them in terms of highway passing, and it never feels like its struggling with a car full of passengers.

The Magentis actually gives off a surprisingly sporty feel when you’re sitting behind the wheel. Its steering feels tighter than that of a lot of competitors and besides some expected body roll around corners, it’s more fun than Camry and Malibu.

Price: $25,995.00

(Source) Autonet

Tags: Camry, fuel economy, horsepower, KIA, kia magentis, Malibu

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Jan

RoadTrip with SmartScan FM Transmitter

Posted by Brian Published in Cars, car audio

Cars on the move are susceptible to frequency breaks, particularly if you are driving your car out of a coverage area. Antennas are normally reliable but today, you have to invest in more than that to get good signals. Such is the SmartScan FM Transmitter. It does the DC outlet charging, it offers good sound quality, and a little something extra that makes it a true in-car entertainment hub.

Additionally, the RoadTrip with SmartScan will work with just about any iPod that uses the now-standard dock connector. A variety of cradle adapters are included in the package, accepting everything from the iPhone and iTouch to the iPod nano and iPod classic.

With a flexible steel neck, auxiliary output jack, SmartSound Plus technology, and clever design, the Griffin RoadTrip with SmartScan is probably one of the best iPod FM transmitters you can consider getting for your car.

(Source) HTLounge.net

Tags: antennas, car entertainment, Cars, fm transmitter, griffin roadtrip, ipod nano, smartsound

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Jan

2009 Mazda6 I Grand Touring

Posted by Brian Published in 2009 Vehicles, Mazda

Breaching and penetrating the fine lines of the mid-size sedan markets, the new Mazda6 i Grand Touring possesses an impressive list of features starting off with a preppy engine and cabin tech features.

When viewed from the front or rear quarter, bulging fenders, a low nose, and sweeping roofline makes this midsize car look absolutely sporty.

However, when viewed from the side, its slab-sided profile belies its newfound size. No longer can detractors complain about its diminutive size compared with the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima in the midsize sedan segment, because the Mazda6 has grown in nearly every dimension.

Standard Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming are big plusses as well for drivers and passengers who put premium on in-car entertainment.

(Source) CNet Review

Tags: car entertainment, mazda6, Nissan, nissan altima, Toyota, toyota camry

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Jan

Kia Cerato Forte Launched in Singapore

Posted by Brian Published in 2009 Vehicles, Kia

After the Kia Soul now comes the Cerato Forte. Though it was launched only locally in Singapore expect this model to go global some time soon. The Kia Cerato is available in EX and SX models.

It measures 4530mm long, 1775mm wide and 1460mm high with a wheel base of 2650mm, making it slightly longer than the Hyundai Avante by 30 mm. It is also lower in terms of height by about 30mm which helps give it a sportier stance. Wheelbase is similar with the other Korean car. The Forte is also 30 mm longer, 40 mm wider and 10 mm lower than its predecessor.

Price wise, the EX with a 1.6 liter engine starts from S$ 41,000 (for manual) and S$ 44,000 (for automatic) while the SX starts from S$ 44,000 (for manual) and S$ 47,000 (for automatic). The 2.0 liter on the other hand starts from S$ 50,000 (for manual) and S$ 53,000 (for automatic). The Cerato Forte will be available at Cycle & Carriage Kia showrooms after February 20th.

(Source) Cars Singapore

Tags: Hyundai, hyundai avante, KIA, kia cerato, korean car

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Jan

The “Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Act” Sucks

Posted by Brian Published in Cars, Law

If you are a truck owner, you are bound to be among the many people to complain about this latest news on lawmakers wanting to crush certain trucks that that obtains less than 18 miles per gallon. Under the plan, the Federal government would pay a premium for 1999 and newer cars.

Thank God that there is a body trying to bar this from happening. SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, is opposing an effort by some Washington lawmakers to include a national car crushing program in the upcoming economic stimulus package.

Vehicles targeted for the scrap pile will likely include Chevy Blazers, Chevy Silverados, Chevy S-10s, Chevy Tahoes, Dodge Dakotas, Dodge Rams, Ford Explorers, Ford F-Series, Jeep Cherokees, Jeep Wranglers and any other SUV or truck that obtains less than 18 miles per gallon.

If all goes well, this may be academic. But if not, you can just imagine a lot of angry consumers losing their trucks soon.

(Source) Press

Tags: chevy blazers, chevy silverados, chevy tahoes, Dodge, dodge dakotas, dodge rams, economic stimulus package, ford explorers, Jeep, jeep cherokees, jeep wranglers

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Jan

Genesisautoparts.com Offers Aluminum Radiators

Posted by Brian Published in Business, Cars

Cooling solutions for cars are important. Engines and optimal vehicle performance thrive on the right cooling components and among the latest things you can do to improve car performance would be to check out your radiator.

This is not to say that radiators have to be replaced frequently. But for the people who fail to do the right preventive maintenance measures, radiator replacements would normally ensue. If that is the case, check out what Genesisautoparts.com has to offer. They emphasize on providing quality cooling solutions for vehicles starting off with niche aluminum radiators.

Each ALL ALUMINUM RADIATOR is hand crafted with aluminum tanks and aluminum cores hand welded just like the ones used by professional racing teams. ALL ALUMINUM RADIATORS combine heavy duty construction and maximum cooling capacity all in a lightweight package.

Many of the radiators are available in heavy duty 2 row construction and super duty 3 row construction for most demanding cooling needs. Genesisautoparts.com offers ALL ALUMINUM RADIATORS for all types of cars including Ford, GM, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.

(Source) Press

Tags: aluminum radiator, aluminum radiators, aluminum tanks, Chrysler, chrysler dodge, cooling solutions, GM, gm chevrolet, preventive maintenance, radiator replacements

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Jan

NISSAN X-TRAIL 20GT Lauded

Posted by Brian Published in Nissan

Thanks to its clean diesel engine, the NISSAN X-TRAIL 20GT has been awarded the ANRE (Agency for Natural Resources and Energy) Director-General’s award at the 19th annual Energy Conservation Prize. Apparently this serves notice that the X-Trail 20GT is continuously thriving in the development for cleaner diesel-vehicles to do its part on the growing carbon emission problems the world is facing today.

Under the Nissan Green Program 2010 mid-term environmental plan, the company aims to develop and introduce new technologies, products and services that lead to real-world reductions in CO2 emissions, cleaner emissions to preserve the air, water, and soil, and recycling of resources.

This is the second consecutive year that Nissan has won the prize awarded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(Source) Nissan

Tags: carbon emission, co2 emissions, emission problems, Nissan, nissan x trail, recycling

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Jan

Tata Nano

Posted by Simon Published in 2009 Vehicles

Tata Nano

The Tata Nano is India’s answer to Germany’s Volkswagen or “people’s car.” The Nano will retail for only about $2,000 and will be sold only in India at first, with later worldwide distribution an inevitable outcome. Tata expects to sell one million of the little cars each year in India alone, with production set to start sometime in the coming year. The Nano is constructed of components that can be built and shipped separately to be assembled in a variety of locations. In effect, the Nano is being sold in kits that are distributed, assembled, and serviced by local entrepreneurs.

Built to carry four passengers (though perhaps not comfortably), the tiny Nano has a two cylinder engine, a four speed manual transmission, and a top speed of 68 MPH. The car is geared more toward India’s narrow streets and congested conditions and less to the demands of highway driving, but the fuel efficiency is respectable at 47 MPG in the city and 58 MPG on the highway. Even so, environmentalists, imaging a third world clogged with combustion engine vehicles, are not as excited about the Nano as Indians are.

Tags: Nano, Tata

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Jan

2009 Saturn Astra – Will Not Be Released To US Market

Posted by Simon Published in 2008 Vehicles

Saturn Astra

GM has confirmed it will not release the 2009 Saturn Astra in the United States due to a current glut of 2008 models clogging American dealerships. Saturn, which is widely believed to be one of the first brands that GM will cut as part of its retooling plan, has not turned a profit for 19 of the past 20 years. The Saturn Astra was first released in the United States in January of 2008, and has seen slow sales since its inception.

Most of Saturn’s limited marketing dollars target the Vue, its small crossover vehicle, and the Astra, its economy sedan. Saturn estimates that currently a 139 day supply of the sporty Astra is wasting away on Saturn lots, but incentives will not be offered due to the already low price of the car. A spokesman from Saturn said that when incentives are factored in on the Astra, the vehicle has to actually be sold at a loss. MSRP on a 2008 Saturn Astra starts at only $16,000.

Tags: Astra, GM, Saturn

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Jan

Tata Nano Release Delayed

Posted by Simon Published in Business

Tata Motors Ltd unexpectedly lost money in its third fiscal quarter which ended in December of 2008. Sales of Tata vehicles fell 32 percent from a year earlier. Tata is India’s top truck and bus maker. In June of 2008 Tata bought the Jaguar and Land Rover brands from Ford Motor Co RaviKant, Managing Director at Tata said jobs were being cut because of falling demand for both Tata and Land Rover products.

Tata has still not announced at release date for the long awaited Nano, which is to be the world’s cheapest car and is expected to have an MSRP of only $2,000. The Nano will not be cleared for release in the United States, but has been awaited eagerly in India for a long time. Initially set for launch in 2008, the Nano was delayed by labor problems at a West Bengal factory. Tata representatives estimate it will take at least another year to gear up production and begin selling the economical cars.

Tags: Cars, Nano, Tata

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Jan