Children & Car Accidents; the Alarming Statistics

By far the most common type of injury accident involving children are those that also involve motor vehicle collisions. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA), nearly 250,000 children are injured every year in car accidents.

This means that on any given day nearly 700 children are harmed due to accidents on our roadways. Of the 250,000 kids injured each year, approximately 2,000 die from their injuries. Children make up about 5% of total fatalities due to car accidents. In fact, for children between the ages of 2 and 14, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death.

Car accidents are also the leading cause of acquired disability (e.g., brain injury, paralysis, etc.) for children nationwide. And approximately 20% of the children who die in a car accident each year are killed in accidents involving a driver who is legally intoxicated. Nearly half of these children were killed while riding as passengers in an automobile driven by an intoxicated driver.

The failure to wear a seat belt or use a child safety seat is a contributing factor in more than half of the cases involving children who die in car accidents. Not only is an unrestrained child a potential distraction to the driver of the vehicle, but also the failure to wear a seat belt dramatically increases the chance that a child will suffer much more serious injury and death.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least 72% of the 3,500 observed child vehicle safety restraints were being used incorrectly. When that happens, the risk that the child will suffer an injury or more severe injury rises even more. NHTSA estimates that a properly installed and used child safety seat lowers a child's risk of death by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers ages 1 to 4.

Every state requires the use of approved child safety seats for children under the age of 5. According to NCSA there is only a 90% compliance rate with respect to using approved safety seats for children under this age. Notably, a recent study found that a key factor influencing the increased risk of harm to children in accidents is when the child is prematurely moved from a child restraint system up to an adult seat and then allowed to sit in the front seat too soon (source: Partners for Child Passenger Safety Fact and Trend Report, 2006.)

Christopher Davis - About the Author:
Christopher M. Davis is a Seattle attorney focusing on personal injury and car accident cases. He is known for his special focus on cases involving children and has written the the book 'Little Kids, Big Accidents' as a resource for parents of injured children. You can learn more about Mr. Davis by visiting his website at http://www.DavisLawGroupSeattle.com.

Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents

The number of car accidents has been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they are usually unexpected. You don’t know accidents are coming. Even if you don’t have a car, you still might be involved in a car accident.

Although car accidents have been increasing, it is surprising to find out that the average accident has been declining due to the policies that the government has implemented. The percentage of fatal accidents has lowered to 50%. This was aided by the car manufacturers, who have invented and added securities like airbags. The use of airbags has been a great help in cases of accidents.

Did you know that drinking while driving is one of the major causes of accidents? It is not surprising to see in the papers and television that drunk driver has been killed on the road. It happens almost everywhere, at any given time. If a driver is drunk, his mind is not working properly. He does not pay attention to the road. Drunk drivers love to drive a car at high speed. Some will even race on the road, endangering other drivers.

Another common cause of accidents is younger-aged drivers. Some young drivers tend to drive wildly on the streets with their friends. Some drive without a license and without insurance. A minor can get a student’s license but they should be accompanied by an elder who is an experienced driver. Minors are not allowed to drive because they are not aware and familiar with the signs and rules that are important in driving. Getting a license will train them to drive safely by following the rules.

If your car is not maintained properly, which includes the wheels and the brakes, you can be prone to accidents. You will never know when your engine or brakes will fail you. So before that happens, you must carefully check if they are running properly by having your car serviced at regular intervals.

Most accidents happen at nighttime. This is caused by poor lighting and impaired visibility. Having good headlights and indicators are very important. You are not safe if your lights are broken. A car ahead may not notice you, especially on a hard dark road. Lights serve as indicators and signals so that you can make your car visible even in the dark.

Some drivers drive without full attention. Stress can cause accidents because the driver may not focus on the road; rather he is thinking of his personal problems. Talking on a cell phone while driving or fiddling with the stereo are all contributing factors to accidents.

There may be many causes of car accidents and these are just the most common causes. What is important is that you should be disciplined while driving and ensure your car is road worthy.

About The Author
Daniel Richards has an interest in Cars. To access more articles on the common causes of car accidents or for additional information and resources on what to do if you have an accident visit this car accident site: http://www.gazettenews.org/

H2 Tail Lights – Give Your Car An Interesting Look

The Hummer H2 was introduced to the market in 2003. The parent company, General Motors intended the car to be something more practical than the H1 which was an outlandish car and have the impression that it was designed to be used only by the military. But the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree and the H2 still stood out on the roads due to its design legacy and large size. It was definitely different from the usual traffic that you would find in a jam on your way to work. It was able to give brilliant off the road performances and could also be easily fitted with accessories to give it an awe inspiring feel. If we were to look only at these points then the H2 would be made to seem the perfect SUV.


But the H2 has certain drawbacks. Its overall design is not very conducive to everyday use. Even though it has shrunk from the H1 but it still is quite large compared to a normal car. The H2 is inspired but it poses practical problems like a weight in the fuel mileage and could land you in quite a spot while searching for a place to park a car that big. But if you know exactly what kind of a car you want and for what purposes then these issues are only a minor drawback. You can exploit its benefits which come in the form of extraordinary outdoor performances. The car is quite unmatched in navigating through tough terrain. And if this is your thing then you can capitalize on the great products that the car aftermarket has to offer.

One such product is the H2 tail lights. The tail lights’ function seems rather obvious but it is one of the most important components in your car’s safety system. They help to communicate with other drivers and give them signals which help them make timely decisions to avoid any accidents. These strong set of lights will also be a boon in bad weather where visibility is low. The latest H2 tail lights can also give your car an interesting look. They are quite affordable and are sure to make themselves useful. To know more you can visit www.ilovebodykits.com.

About The Author: 
Louie Liu has been in the car aftermarket products industry for 5 years. He specializes in body kits, headlights, cold air intakes & other aftermarket products. You can learn more about H2 tail lights, and other tail lights at his site www.ilovebodykits.com.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_3611.shtml

The 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

It was 1969. And what an amazing year it was! The Beatles’ world renowned hit Come Together was at the top of the music charts along with Johnny Cash’s A Boy Named Sue, Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, and the 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS, now a classic muscle car, was born. The Chevy Chevelle SS met the demands of muscle car enthusiasts for small cars with powerful motors. Its sporty fast-back body style which was first concocted in the redesign of the 1968 models gave it a touch of class as did the new design of the tail lights. Chevelles are mid-sized cars meeting the median between small sports cars and large family cars. The 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle line was the first to have the SS 396 option available but it wasn’t perfect as it resulted the 396 became known for poor handling as it required stiffer springs and shocks than earlier models. Later in the year, the 396 option was replaced with a 402 cubic engine, supposedly due to emission standards. Even in light of the minor imperfections in its initial release, the Chevy Chevelle SS was an incredibly popular muscle car in its time and became one of the very best sellers of all times. Limited edition Chevelles were a favorite amongst drag racers due to the powerful engine options, 427s, that could be special ordered. Limited edition Chevelles are few and far between in this day and age, but if you find one, they are worth a pretty penny. Classic car enthusiasts and speed demons alike admire these beauties. Chevelles were first released in 1963 with a standard 327 cubic-inch V8, 300 horsepower engine. However, at that time the Pontiac GTO has a 389 that was unmatched. Chevrolet responded to the competition over the years by gradually increasing the power of their motors. Chevy continued to produce Chevelles until 1973. If you go to car shows where muscle cars are featured, you are sure to see 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS models because collectors absolutely love them. They are fast, high-performing cars as well as being practical size-wise which makes them pretty unique. The 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is a car that is appealing to both classic car collectors and racers. Its got style, its got speed and its incredibly durable making it a muscle car classic that just about anyone would be honored to own. About The Author
Jason Tarasi is a muscle car enthusiast who runs the Muscle Car Monster Website, where members can buy and sell muscle cars for free through the site's online classifieds. http://www.musclecarmonster.com/.

Porsche 968

The Porsche 968 simply means the legacy of the Porsche 944 gets to live on. In 1991 the 944 S2 was discontinue but the 968 was waiting in the wings to make its debut. 

Porsche has been busy working on a replacement model for sometime which originally was going to be called the 944 S3 but with so many new features they thought it was better to actually give it an entire new image.

It hit the market retaining all of the great things of the 944 and added all the great new features. If you thought the 944 looked great the 968 is even more impressive with its sleek new lines while still clearly keeping its 944 image.

It has fully integrated bumpers that are actually an extension of the Carrere 2, the air intakes have been rearranged, and it comes with pop up headlamps, red lenses neutral dense taillights, with the 968 lettering on the rear deck lid.

The 16 valve DOHC inline 4 cylinder aluminum block has plenty to offer with an amazing 236 HP at 6200 RPM. It has a compression ration of 8.3:1 and 13.1 lbs per horsepower. You can choose from a 6 speed manual transmission or 4 speed tiptronic.

The independent front has lower control arm, spring struts, and anti roll bar while the independent rear has semi trailing arms, anti roll bar, and transverse torsion bars.

Fuel consumption isn't really great but there are worse. It gets 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. Of course this is the type of car you want to get out on the road and let loose.

You'll get ¼ mile in 14.4 seconds with the 6 speed or 15.1 with the tiptronic transmission. You get 0-60 MPG in 5.9 seconds with the 6 speed or 7 seconds with the tiptronic.

The 968 coupe has the best balance of any of the Porsche bodies and it has more power than the 944 with the 240 HP off the 3.0 liter engine. The increased HP is partially a result of the Variocam which is a camshaft chain drive that has an adjustable tensioner.

The Porsche 968 was produced from 1992 to 1995 and it truly is a classic sports car in both the 2 door coupe and 2 door convertible versions. It was sold in Germany right up until 1995 and when production and sales ceased it really was the end of a Porsche era.

The 968 engine was the second largest 4 cylinder engine that was ever put into a production car and it had the second highest output of power passed only by the Acura.

The 968 borrowed the Brembo 4 piston brake caliper system and you'll find it on all four wheels. You'll also find a Macpherson strut front end, steel unibody structure, and aluminum front A arms.

Now here's something else to think about. How often do you get to put this kind of power on the street and stay legal? Well here's your chance. The 968 CS is street legal but it truly belongs on the track. It's been stripped out to lighten it up and it's got plenty of power to impressive them all.

Porsche is a company that's smart! They keep the great components, have no trouble with innovative changes, and they have a way of putting it all together to provide a performance car that's high in demand.

About The Author

Wayne Treister has been owned and ridden Porsches for 15 years. Visit his Porsche site at http://www.porschesworld.com to learn more about the different models.

8 Facts You Must Know About Lamborghini

Lamborghini, or Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. as it’s officially called, produces some of the most exciting sports cars in the word. Some of the newer Lamborghini models are the Countach, the Diablo, the Gallardo and the Murcielago.

Fact 1: Lamborghini is named after the founder of the company Ferruccio Lamborghini (1916-1993). Ferruccio Lamborghini founded the company in 1963 when he was 47 years old. The factory is located in a small Italian village called Sant’Agata Bolognese near Bologna.

Fact 2: Ferruccio Lamborghini was a successful tractor manufacturer before he got interested in sports cars. His interest in sports cars made him buy many different high-performance cars including both Maseratis and Ferraris, but he was never really happy with any of them and therefore decided to built his own, perfect sports car,

Fact 3: Lamborghini used to be an independent company, but today it is a subsidiary of the German company Audi AG. Audi AG became the owner of Lamborghini in 1998. Lamborghini went bankrupt in 1978 and was sold to Chrysler a long time before Audi AG became the sole owner of the company.

Fact 4: The fastest Lamborghini is the Le Mans version of the Murcielago R-GT model. It has been reported to have a top speed of 370 km/h. The fastest street model from Lamborghini is the Murcielago LP640 with an estimated top speed of 340 km/h. Both of the models have a V12 engine with more than 6000 cc.

Fact 5: Several of the newer Lamborghini models feature the familiar Lamborghini scissor doors that rotate up and forward on a hinge near the front of the door. The Countach, the Diablo and the Murcielago all have scissor doors, but the Gallardo does not. Both the Countach and the Diablo are no longer being produced, so the Murcielago is the only current model with scissor doors.

Fact 6: No Lamborghini have ever been produced with less than a V8 engine. Most of the Lamborghini models throughout the history of the company have come with the legendary Lamborghini V12 engine, but the newest model, Gallardo, only have a V10 engine. No Lamborghini models with a V8 engine have been since production of the Silhouette stopped in 1989.

Fact 7: The first Lamborghini was the 350GTV from 1963. It was extremely fast for its time with a top speed of 280 km/h. In 1964 a smaller version of the 350GTV appeared. The smaller version was called 350GT and had a top speed of 240 km/h. The Countach from 1974 was the first Lamborghini to go faster than 300 km/h.

Fact 8: In 1975 did Walter Wolf, a rich Canadian businessman and F1 racing team owner, persuade Lamborghini to produce three super powered Countach models. The Wolf Countach had the same engine as the orginal Countach prototype and were able to reach a top speed of 315 km/h.


About The Author: 

Mads Phican

Lamborghini must be considered one of the world's most exciting sports cars. If you are in any way interested in Lamborghini, you should go and check out the popular website http://www.lamborghini-wallpaper.com for more information.

Mercedes-Benz And Your Safety

Some car crashes cannot be avoided and serious injury or death can follow. Please read what Mercedes-Benz is doing to help prepare vehicle occupants moments before a crash occurs.

Volvo has long been attributed with being the number one automobile manufacturer when it comes to vehicular safety and rightly so. As an inventor of “crumple zones” and “safety cages” to protect passengers, Volvo set the tone for worldwide auto building for the next several generations. Indeed, the auto industry owes much to Volvo’s many safety contributions. Not to be lost in all of this is the work that Mercedes-Benz has been doing to improve passenger safety too. Taking the Volvo concept one step further, Mercedes now incorporates several technological advances with their vehicles in order to provide the safest riding experience available. Let’s take a look at Mercedes’ PRE-SAFE system and how it can protect you and your passengers.

I must admit that the first time I heard about Mercedes’ new safety system I had thought that it was something that was still years away from becoming available. How wrong I was! The PRE-SAFE system, as it is called, is a terrific way to enhance passenger safety and one that should be adopted by other automakers. Yes, I am sure that it isn’t a cheap system but as it is with so many technological advances the price is bound to drop and the system or something like it will become widely available across the board.

Introduced with select Mercedes models in 2003, the PRE-SAFE system automatically kicks in moments before a collision. All it takes is a panic stop or a skid and the system is set in motion; here is what occupants can expect moments before a crash occurs:

Snug in place. Passenger seat belts automatically tighten to prepare occupants for a crash.

Snug in place, part two. Along with the seat belts, air cushions on the sides of the seats inflate to keep people in position.

Seat movements. Headrests and seats automatically move to predetermined positions that provide optimum protection for occupants.

Close it up. Windows automatically shut to offer the best support for side-curtain air bags and cars equipped with a moon roof will find that it has closed up in the event of a rollover.

Since its introduction, PRE-SAFE has been expanded to additional Mercedes models and the original technology is constantly being tweaked and improved upon.

New technology being developed by Mercedes includes the development of a radar sensor to track vehicles running a red light and slamming into your car. Once this technology has been readied, it will take the PRE-SAFE system one step further and offer occupants one more way to avoid serious injury.

So, is Volvo behind in the development of crash preparation technology? Not a chance. Volvo released its Whiplash Protection Seating System in 2000 that prepares passengers for a rear hit by adjusting the seating position to minimize impact. In addition, the company is working on a radar system that can detect when a driver drifts out of his lane. This feature will also utilize an electronic eye to keep an eye on blind spots not seen through the side mirrors.

Ultimately, a defensive driver is the best driver, but there are times when situations are completely out of your control. Mercedes’ PRE-SAFE system is certain to be a big help and is likely to reduce serious injuries and even prevent some deaths. Technology at its best!

About The Author:

Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is The Auto Writer covering topics from performance auto parts to new car reviews. 
To find genuine car parts: http://www.autopartswarehouse.com including reliable 
Gibson Exhaust: http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/exhaust_-and-_mufflers~pop.html and 
Premium Borla products: http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/shop_brands/borla.html

Wow! 250 MPH in a car

Is this crazy? Or does it make sense? Bugatti, a small car company bankrolled by Volkswagen (VW), has brought out the Veyron 16.4 with a top speed of 248 mph – and the car was tested at the speed on the fastest track Volkswagen could find in Europe!

Nowhere else would allow the car to get to that speed and be timed for long enough to say it actually could do this. The previous record for a production car was 242 mph round the Nardo track in Italy – and that required a great deal of skill by the driver to keep the car on the banked track!

This sort of speed – and the power to get there - are pretty much off the planet, but since then, other companies - with a fraction of the resources of Bugatti – have decided they should aim for 250 mph. ‘What for?’, you might ask. I guess it is a bit like saying the moon is there so let’s go there.

W-16, 1,001 bhp engine

The Bugatti Veyron is a very impressive car, powered by a W-16-cylinder 8.0 liter engine developing 1,001 bhp. The ‘4’ stands for the four turbochargers needed to boost the engine to that amount of power. The whole Bugatti project was the idea of Dr Ferdinand Piech, then chairman of the VW Group. He wanted VW to build a car to showcase technology and to move the goal posts so no one could get close. Evidently, during testing this engine was proved to be reliable when producing 1,200 bhp.

The car does showcase technology. The engine is similar to the W-12 installed in the Audi A8 and S8, and in turbocharged form in the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur.

The gearbox is also based on VW Group technology. It is a seven-speed sequential box with automatic or manual shifting. It has a dual clutch arrangement so that when you change gear the power continues to be transmitted all the time, one clutch disengaging exactly at the moment the other engages. Stunning technology that really delivers benefits.

The same concept is available in six-speed form in the VW Golf, Audi A3 and S3. It is called DSG. Of course, the Bugatti has a special version of this concept, made by Ricardo, a powertrain specialist in the UK.

The Bugatti has a carbon fiber structure, suspension like a racing car, and two large air intakes in the roof to keep that huge engine cool. Of course, the engine is mounted behind the driver and passenger but forward of the rear wheels.

Most exotic cars have rear-wheel drive, but the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 has so much power that it has four-wheel drive. Actually, some Audis, including the 450 bhp RS4, and all Lamborghini s - also in the VW Group - now have four-wheel drive. Again, the Bugatti is showcasing group technology 

If you are wondering why four-wheel drive is needed, just think about it. With two-wheel drive there would be 500 bhp going through each tire! Most makers of supercars and exotic cars think that 300 bhp per tire is plenty.

Ok, so the Bugatti was timed at 248 mph, and reaches 60 mph in less than 3 seconds. Did the other makers of exotic cars give up, and say: ‘Well, we can’t match that’?

No, Pagani, produced the 650 bhp Zonda F with an option of 700 bhp. Saleen upped the power output of its S7 to 750 bhp, while Ferrari produced a few FXXs with 850 bhp, and Maserati also has a version of the MC-12 developing 750 bhp or so.

On the other hand Koenigsegg decided not to pursue the power race for the time being at least. After all its CCR has a 806 bhp engine, and was timed at 242 mph. Instead, Koenigsegg has introduced the CCX which is designed to meet US regulations and is a more practical street machine.

Others have decided to go for maximum power including one of the tuners of Porsche 911s. Then, a small British company is introducing a car with a turbocharged 7.0 liter V-8 with a power output of 1,000 bhp. They say that the engine could be tuned to 1,200 bhp.

More will follow down this route to madness. Me? I’d go for the 500 -600 bhp myself in a car that really handles and is very, very responsive. Like a Pagani Zonda or an Ascari KZ1.


About The Author
Paul Cooper is an automotive and technical writer who specialises in high-performance cars, and runs a web site about exotic cars, http://www.1st-exotic-supercars.com, where you can learn more about exotic cars.

paulcooperpub@yahoo.com

All-new 2007 BMW X5 SAV: Third row option and many firsts for an SUV

It will be BMW’s first ever car to be made available with the option of a third-row seating, to welcome up to seven passengers.

of a third-row seating, to welcome up to seven passengers.

That's the all-new, second-generation BMW X5 SUV, to be launched soon in Europe.

SUV or... SAV for Sports Activity Vehicle, as BMW called it since its launched its first generation in 1999, lifting its image - and specifications - above the more utilitarian attribute of Sports Utility Vehicles.

Selling more than 580,000 units of the first X5 generation was a respectable figure for a luxury priced SUV, considering in particular that it was the first step for the Bavarian brand into the SUV market as such. Having well over half a million people trust the brand with its first step in SUV land, especially in the elitist premium price brackets, can be safely qualified as an achievement.

The all-new X5 will be available then in standard 5- or optional 7-passenger configurations, and in any case, with more power, lower emissions, better fuel consumption, an all-new six-speed automatic gearbox and several new technologies in the segment such as the head-up display, run-flat tyres, adaptive drive suspension management.

Back in 1999, t he first generation BMW X5 was the first SUV-type vehicle to offer a genuinely sporty car-like drive, thanks to its crossover structure with a unitary body construction rather than a traditional truck-like body-on-frame architecture.

Hence the German automaker Sports Activity Vehicle phrase to underline its dynamic attributes over the rather utilitarian construction of many traditional SUVs.

Seven years after its 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show debut, the all-new X5 mission will be to reconfirm, once again, its premium status with a new list of firsts for its category. The Bavarian carmaker describes it new X5 as the world’s first SAV (OK, we'll read it as crossover SUV) to be offered with Head-up Display, an active suspension system - BMW’s adaptive drive package, active steering and run-flat tyres.

For a brand often described as the ultimate driving machine, description starts from... the engines, naturally. And the new BMW X5 is powered by the latest, most advanced engines.

A choice of three units will offered at launch, two petrol and one diesel, all of which feature increased power compared to the engines in the outgoing model, while also posting more economical consumption figures and reduced emissions.

In the UK, the biggest seller is expected to be a 2,993cc six-cylinder diesel but, for those preferring petrol power, the X5 can also be specified with a 2,996cc six-cylinder or a 4,799cc V8 engine.

Starting from the most frugal between the three choices, the BMW X5 3.0d uses a diesel engine with high-precision piezo crystal injection technology for better economy and emission figures. This advanced technology, combined with the introduction of an all aluminium crankcase that saves 25kgs in weight compared to the former 3.0-litre diesel engine, sees the new X5 record improved performance figures. It is now seven per cent more fuel efficient with a combined fuel consumption figure of 32.5 UK mpg (27.08 US mpg), or 8.69 litres per 100 km, while also emitting eight per cent less CO2. The 3.0d engine records 231g/km.

Although more economical, the new BMW X5 3.0d comes with increased power. Output is 231hp, up six per cent compared to the previous model, and maximum torque is 520 Nm, up four per cent. Peak torque is available from 2,000 to 2 ,750 rpm offering near swift yet refined motoring, powering the BMW X5 3.0d from zero to 62mph (100 km/h) in 8.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 134 mph (215 km/h), or 130 mph (209 km/h) for the non-Dynamic Package equipped model.

Based on the world’s lightest production inline six-cylinder petrol engine, the BMW X5 3.0si comes equipped with BMW’s Double Vanos and Valvetronic variable valve technologies for high performance, yet economical motoring. In simple terms, Double Vanos determines when the engine’s valves open (timing), while Valvetronic determines by how much they should open (lift).

The net effect of both systems is that the engine is operating constantly at its optimum efficiency with only the exact amount of fuel needed being used. Hence, the X5 3.0si has a combined fuel consumption of 25.9 UK mpg (21.58 US mpg), or 10.9 litres per100 km, an 18 per cent improvement compared to the previous X5 3.0i, and an emissions figure of 260g/km.

Developing 272hp at 6,650rpm, the engine peak torque of 315 Nm is reached at 2,750rpm, with zero to 62mph dispatched in 8.1 seconds. Top speed for the new BMW X5 3.0si is 140mph (225 km/h) when fitted with the Dynamic Package, or 130mph (210 km/h) without it.

With its 355hp engine, the BMW X5 4.8i is the flagship of the range. It is faster from zero to 62mph and has a higher top speed than the supercharged Range Rover Sport or a Mercedes Benz ML500 Sport. The 4,799cc V8 powers the X5 4.8i to 62mph in 6.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 150mph (241 km/h), when fitted with the Dynamic Package. With this performance, fuel consumption is 22.6 UK mpg (18.83 US mpg), or 12.5 litres / 100 km on the combined cycle and emissions are 299g/km.

The new BMW X5 comes with an all-new faster-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. It features a new torque converter with enhanced software resulting in gearshift times up to 50 per cent quicker than the previous automatic gearbox.

A new design of gearstick also creates more space on the centre console for additional storage space and cupholders, while the use of an electronic parking brake (EPB) in place of a conventional handbrake aids ergonomics further.

The BMW X5 intelligent xDrive four-wheel-drive system transfers power between front and rear wheels depending on available grip for optimum handling, and it can now be specified with Adaptive Drive and Active Steering - two advanced systems never offered before on a BMW X model.

Adaptive Drive uses active hydraulic anti-roll bars to counteract the cornering forces of the car to keep the body from leaning too heavily and unsettling the occupants. In addition, the system incorporates an Electronic Damper Control system that uses sensors to continuously adjust the damper setting for the optimum comfort.

Active Steering - To make parking effortless at slow speeds, active steering uses an electronically operated planetary gear intersecting the steering shaft to add more lock than inputted by the driver. Steering becomes more direct. When driving at speed, the opposite occurs for a smoother, more composed ride.

The new BMW X5 can be optionally specified with Head-up Display – a first for its category. For enhanced safety, the system projects speed, navigation and check control messages into the line of sight of the driver who can keep his /her eyes on the road ahead while still being made aware of important instructions.

Another safety benefit comes from the standard fitting (UK specs) of run-flat tyres – again a first for an SAV or SUV. Run-flat tyres allow a driver to continue the journey in the event of a puncture for up to 90 miles (145 km) at speeds of 50mph (80 km/h).

Run-flat tyres also provide the best stability in the event of a blowout.

The BMW X5 comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels and run-flat tyres as standard with optional 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels offered.

With the latest in traction control technology, Dynamic Stability Control+, comes also standard (UK specs), with four unique functions for added safety and comfort:

- Brake Pre-tensioning shortens stopping distances during an emergency stop by priming the brakes should it detect the driver lifting off the accelerator sharply in reaction to an incident ahead.

- Brake Drying improves braking performance in the wet by periodically applying the brake pads to scrub away the film of water that can build up on the brake discs.

- Hill Start Assistant allows a car to pull away smoothly on a steep gradient without rolling backwards, courtesy of the brakes being held for the short time it takes the driver to apply the accelerator after releasing the foot or handbrake.

- Brake Fade Compensation applies additional braking without any extra effort from the driver should sensors detect that the brake pads are starting to lose ‘bite’ due to heat build up.

With the new X5, the driver will also be able to select the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function of DSC+. DTC allows for a greater degree of wheel slip for more spirited driving without the main traction control system safety net intervening. This option can be selected via a button on the centre console.

In a first for a BMW, the new X5 can be specified with an optional third row of seats allowing up to seven occupants to be transported in comfort. An increase of 19cms in overall body length and an increase in body width of 6cms, combined with innovative design, has made it possible to introduce a brace of seats in the rear, while still retaining luggage space.

With all seven seats in place, there is 200 litres of boot space (half the average of a family car boot / trunk volume). The two extra seats, complete with three-point seat belts and head restraints, are stowed under the boot floor when not in use. BMW X5 owners who do not specify the third row of seats benefit instead from an additional 90-litre storage compartment situated below the boot floor.

In a standard five-seat configuration the boot measures 620 litres – up 155 litres (33.33%) compared to the outgoing X5. For sizeable objects, luggage capacity increases to 1,750 litres with all the rear seats stowed - a figure greater than that of any other BMW.

While being one of the most practical cars BMW has ever made, the new X5 still has, as expected from the brand, with its premium prices too, a luxurious interior feel and a dynamic and sporty exterior shape.

A drag coefficient as low as 0.33 places the BMW X5 at the top of its segment as the most aerodynamically efficient large SUV. This low figure is partly achieved by a rear tailgate that incorporates a roof spoiler and a near flat underbody to aid airflow.

In the UK, nine exterior colours will be offered initially (from next spring) alongside four levels of trim and seven upholstery colours.

BMW’s iDrive control system also comes to the X5 for the first time. A new ‘wave’ style of dashboard houses the colour display while the iDrive controller sits on the centre console adjacent to the new style of gear selector. The controller is complemented by eight buttons integrated as system short cuts for ease of use.

Supplementing the standard fit front and rear Park Distance Control , X5 customers can optionally order a rear camera for added parking convenience. Automatically activated when the reverse gear is selected, the driver is presented with a wide-angle colour image on the iDrive display in the centre console.

Additional photos and specifications can be found with the article at:
http://www.motiontrends.com/2006/m09/BMW/BMW_X5_SUV.shtml
http://www.motiontrends.com/2006/m09/BMW/BMW_X5_SUV_engines.shtml


About The Author
Bechara Aboul-Nasr: Automotive editor and publisher of Motion Trends car magazine and media services. Based in Toulouse, France, since Oct. 2000. Previously, automotive editor of Al Hayat International daily newspaper in London, UK (1988-2000).

Think Your Car is Safe from Thieves? Think Again

Every time you park your car, you're taking a risk.

Just ask David J. of Stanford, Conn., whose 1998 high-performance Acura Integra Type R was stolen right under his nose just one month after he installed a top-of-the-line security system for $1,500.

Mother's Day is a long-held tradition of revering the woman who gives the gift of life.

"Mothering Sunday" is another early Mother's Day tradition that has shaped the way we celebrate our mothers today. This English holiday dates back to the 1600s, and involved young servants who pampered their mothers with fine delicacies. While we continue to celebrate the mother figure in modern America, it is most often with traditional gifts of flowers and cards. But if Mother's Day is indeed about the most personal sentiment and respect for a mother, a gift of gratitude should warm their hearts forever.

car was tire tracks in the newly fallen snow.

"They found it three weeks later, stripped clean," he added.

David's experience is not unusual, says James Cooper, CEO of Ultimate Security Systems Corporation of Irvine, Calif. Despite manufacturers' claims to the contrary, most security systems are easy to overpower and hardly even slow down a professional thief, said Cooper, whose firm created and markets the PowerLock anti-theft system.

Every 25 seconds: 

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (www.nicb.org) reports that 1.1 million vehicles are stolen nationwide each year. That's one vehicle every 25 seconds in what has become a $7.5 billion-a-year-industry, according to the Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org), a trade organization. It's an industry, moreover, dominated by organized auto-theft rings that steal cars to fill contract orders. And no wonder: A $20,000 stolen vehicle can be stripped and sold into $30,000 worth of parts, insurers say.

Your car doesn't have to be a high-performance vehicle like David J's to be an attractive target for a thief with a list of parts, or with orders for a particular make and model of a car. Different models of the popular Toyota Camry and Honda Accord swept eight of the top 10 list of cars reported stolen in 2000, according to an annual study conducted by CCC Information Services Inc., a Chicago-based supplier of software and communications systems to auto insurers. Chevrolet and Ford pickups captured the other two slots.

Brett Ploumen didn't have a security system on his 1992 Chevrolet Astrovan. But he thought he was taking appropriate precautions by parking in well-lighted, high-traffic areas and locking his vehicle's doors and windows.

Ploumen found out differently when he went to dinner with friends at a busy neighborhood strip mall in Santa Ana, Calif. "When we returned, the Astrovan wasn't there. There was broken glass on the ground and another vehicle in the parking place," Ploumen recalled.

"Three days later they found it, wrapped in a tarp on a side street," he said. The entire front end of the car was gone - it had essentially been turned into a trailer, and a beat-up trailer at that. When he saw it, "I was sick to my stomach instantly," Ploumen said.

Some popular devices: 

Cooper describes some of the most popular auto security devices, and the drawbacks that allow thieves to get around them:

1. Bar or wheel locks: Steering wheel bars lock up the steering wheel; wheel locks prevent the theft of wheels and tires.

How to get around them: All it takes is a pair of bolt cutters or a hacksaw. "They saw through the steering wheel, slide off the bar lock and hot-wire the car. It takes anywhere from 15-30 seconds," Cooper said.

2. Audible alarms: Known in the industry as "nuisance alarms," these alerts are intended to scare thieves away.

How to get around them: Audible alarms are almost universally ignored. Additionally, a professional thief can cut a wire and silence the alarm in seconds.

3. Pedal locks: This device locks the brakes.

How to get around them: They can be bridged or cut in 15-60 seconds.

4. Electronic immobilizing devices: These devices are designed to disconnect all power from the starter, preventing thieves from bypassing the ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle. They can be installed at the factory or purchased as an aftermarket item.

How to get around them: Seasoned thieves dismantle these systems or wire around them in seconds, usually by cutting two wires. Additionally, thieves easily find override or valet switches used by owners to disarm the systems.

5. Tracking systems: These devices transmit a radio signal to locate the car.

How to get around them: Tracking devices can be removed at a chop shop before a theft is reported. Or the car can be stripped and dumped before the owner finds out it's been stolen.

6. Solenoid immobilizer systems: Although categorized as an immobilizer, this kind of system is based on a different principle than most electronic security systems. PowerLock is one example. It attaches permanently to the vehicle's starter motor, where it effectively prevents hot-wiring. Once installed, such a system is impossible to remove, bypass or disable.

How to get around them: It can't be hot-wired, says Cooper. "A system like this is virtually impossible to circumvent," he says. The only way to steal a car protected by such a system is to tow it away.

Personal Security: 

Cooper also warns consumers to be aware of the capacity of their security system. "A lot of so-called security systems consist of remote entry and flashing lights. A lot of people think of that as automobile security, and it really isn't: It's a convenience feature. Some manufacturers are beginning to recognize that, and label it as 'personal security.'"

After his nightmare experience, Ploumen is an evangelist for adding a security system to your car. "Look into some kind of aftermarket security system," he advises consumers. "Find something you feel comfortable with - and that's proven."

Ploumen has researched the security field thoroughly since his van was stolen. He briefly considered a brake lock, but decided it wasn't practical. He chose Ultimate Security Systems' Powerlock after a friend told him about it.

David J. also purchased a Powerlock system after replacing his Acura Integra Type R. "I came across it on the Internet. It was not expensive, so I thought, 'Why not give it a try?'" He added three additional layers of security with brake and pedal locks, plus a tracking system.

David became a would-be victim again a few months later. This time, though, his story has a happy ending. The thieves pried the door open with a "Slim Jim," bent the clutch pedal sideways to circumvent the AutoLock, then broke the ignition switch in an attempt to hot wire the car. When PowerLock circumvented that effort, they tried rolling the car down a nearby hill to pop the clutch. That didn't work, either, so they abandoned the car. The tracking system helped authorities recover the car a short time later.

For more information, contact USSC, 17173 Gillette Avenue, Suite 5, Irvine, Calif. 92614; (800) 231-7131, or visit www.powerlock.com.

About The Author:

Courtesy ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com 
EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information, contact Emily Curci, Hilary Kaye Associates, (714) 426-0444, ecurci@hkamarcom.com.
This article was posted on January 17, 2002

Ford Crown Victoria: The Classic American Car

The Ford Motor Company is yet again behind one of the superb vehicles – the Ford Crown Victoria. This vehicle is a full-size car that had its history of production dating back to the 1950s, and relived again in the 1970s. It had quite a mediocre sale in the general public’s market, however, it gained much popularity among the ranks of those in uniform. This is a full-sized sedan, and is more often known as “Crown Vic”. It is more known to be a top-of-the-line sedan among the Ford’s creations. Its predecessor was the Ford LTD. And just like the Ford LTD, the Ford Crown Victoria is also usually used as a taxi cab, fleet vehicle, and police car.

The very first of the Crown Victorias had its humble makings starting in the year 1955. It made its way down the streets as a two-door six-seater hardtop coupe. It differed from the regular Victoria model through its having a stainless steel band that ‘crowned’ the roofline, passing right over the car, as an extension of the B-pillar line.

People talking about a traditional American are more often than not talking about vehicles like the Ford Crown Victoria, or its twin the Mercury Grand Marquis. The Ford Crown Victoria is a large car with a V8 engine under the long hood and a body separate from its steel frame. Furthermore, it has wide bench seats, soft suspension, a relatively large trunk, and poor fuel economy. The police have liked the Ford Crown Victoria because the engine makes it fairly quick, along with its rear-wheel drive that provides predictable handling, the interior can handle and take in the officer and all the police gear, plus the simple mechanicals are durable. Overall, the vehicle is not expensive.

This vehicle has been made available in three trim levels which comprises of the Standard, the LX, and the LX Sport. The Standard is plain, which is what most fleets like. The mid-line LX has alloy wheels, making it exude the look of more like a civilian machine. The LX Sport has slightly larger alloy wheels. Ordering it in dark red, gray, black, or silver birch means that it comes with a color-matched monochrome trim. The black LX Sport looks a lot like an unmarked police car.

As for the Ford Crown Victoria’s interior, it is currently one of the few remaining cars that are sold in the U.S. that still offer a bench front seat. The seats are soft, however for longer drives, it could get uncomfortable for passengers since it lacks support. The controls found inside this vehicle are fairly simple and straightforward.

Ford Crown Victoria owners can shop for discount car parts and accessories from http://www.carpartsmax.com auto parts catalog. In stock are thousands of Ford Crown Victoria parts for all enthusiasts. From engine and radiator parts to lights and hoods and wheels, customers can find everything to repair and maintain their Ford Crown Victoria.

Although the Ford Crown Victoria has squishy seats, a mushy handling, and modest V8 engines, these are overpowered by the vehicle’s huge trunk. Also, one plus for this is that because it is often mistaken for a cop car, the Ford Crown Victoria receives respect when on the road. And, this vehicle is certainly a full-size, rear-drive Americana.

About The Author:

Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has inside knowledge on the auto parts industry.

Ford Parts Discount http://www.carpartsmax.com/Ford_Crown_Victoria_Parts.html

jay@carpartsmax.com

Muscle Cars: How To Rebuild And Modify Your Muscle Car

After the World War II, muscle cars became an instant hit, as motorists and car buyers aimed to acquire vehicles that would showcase and show great power and speed. The term was basically a name description of what the car was to the industry.

Muscle cars were considered the instruments to bring back the glory and profitability of the global car industry. Muscle autos were hugely popular in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

With the emergence of many other car brands and more superior car models, muscle cars are now nowhere in the map of global cars. However, there are still some of those vehicles that are in circulation within the market.

Those muscle autos are now considered novelty and collectors' items. If you happen to own one, it surely would be your interest to improve and revitalize the look and performance of your old car. Thus, you would certainly find ways on how you can rebuild and modify your muscle auto.

Here are some suggested procedures on how you can rebuild and revitalize the look and feel of your muscle autos. Take note that some auto detailing techniques may already be familiar to you, especially if you are into regular auto detailing.

1. Plan the restoration process ahead of time. Muscle cars are important and are sensitive cars. Any error or mistake on the rebuilding and auto detailing procedure could greatly harm and alter the overall appearance of the exterior of the car.

Thus, it would be advisable if you would do a research and ask experts on what to do right about your muscle auto. Make a simple list of things to do and do a checklist to serve as a guide as you do the rebuilding and modifying process.

2. Spend time and more effort rebuilding the body of the muscle cars. Pay particular attention to details. The overall body of the car should be given more care and proper treatment. Do you need to modify and do little changes at the engine and the overall system?

If you are not too familiar with it, just leave it to the experts. Just tell them what you want, what you aim and what you intend to do and let them do the rest.

3. Settle to do a major auto detailing. When the insides of the muscle autos are modified and improved, take time to do a major auto detailing process.

When you auto detail muscle cars, you aim to revamp and overhaul the total exterior and physical package of the vehicles. Repaint. Spend to repair damaged parts. Check the wheels. In no time, the muscle autos would look as awesome as new again.

4. To wrap things up, check the overall electrical system of the muscle autos. Pay attention to the electrical wirings responsible for the proper functioning of lights and horns. Make sure the battery is functioning well.

5. There is no need to change the overall physical appearance or the assembly of the body packaging, not unless you want to remodel your muscle autos. If you do so, your muscle cars would cease to be muscle cars and should be called through other names.

As your muscle cars take a new rejuvenation and look, always remember that muscle cars would not ever function like the modern powerful cars. During their time, muscle autos were the most powerful vehicles on the road.



About The Author: 
Alex Baumm. Find more tips at our car forum http://www.CarClubTalk.com

Extra Income Opportunities For Auto Mechanicd

If you are an auto mechanic there are plenty of money making opportunities available to you. 

Do not believe that the only way you can make extra money is to work in a garage. This is just not the truth. Like any other job, you have the ability to turn your skills into other money making opportunities.

This may be something that you are interested in. Take a look at the available opportunities. Extra income can relieve financial hurt.

A fine way for an auto mechanic to earn extra money is to do work on the side. This can easily apply for other trade professions as well. We just write about auto mechanics here though.

There are many people who hate to take their car into the dealership for service. Their reasons will be high costs for repairs. This fear includes expensive repairs that are not necessary. There have been many cases of further damage being done to your car. Some people have to go in several times to get a repair done finally and correctly.

If people know that you will do good work for them, outside of the dealership, they will be more than happy to pay you for it. Especially if it is done for a lower price. For this reason you can market yourself to your area as an independent auto mechanic. This can bring in a bit of extra income for you in no time at all.

Another option that you may consider is as a mechanic that inspects used cars as a third party. In other words you would help people who are in the market for a used car. They can come to you when they have found a car that they like. Then you will check it out for them so they will know what condition the car, they are considering, is really in.

This is a very big satisfaction market that has yet to be seriously tapped into. This is very similar to becoming an independent mechanic like an entrepreneur. Instead you will be specializing directly in the purchase of quality used cars. Of course, if you are an auto mechanic, you are good at what you do.

In other words you know how to fix up and judge cars and make them run better. This trade specialty can open up new avenues for you.

You can fix up junk cars, needing various repairs and resell them for a profit. Think about how much extra money you could make if you put in all the work yourself.

You will never have to pay any money except for the original purchase of the vehicle and parts that you will need for repairs. Most of the labor can be done by you. The profit you can make doing this can be quite large.

You can deduct business expenses from this off your income tax. Your repair shop you work at will sometimes let you use the lift and tools at your work for a fair fee. I know because my personal mechanic does this, this way, for me.

There are some, trade friendly, unique ways that auto mechanics can earn extra money. The most important thing is to not think that there are no options available to you. In the process, of doing this work, you will become a better mechanic.

Even if you do not want to earn any extra money at this point, you should keep your options open. You never know when the urge is going to hit you! If your job work load slows down, at work, you will have this extra income opportunity to fall back on. You can also cover other personal expenses easier, and with less stress.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ - Free Articles Directory

About the Author
James M. Lowe writes original articles, press releases, e-books, blogs and websites about home business opportunities. http://www.contenttomarket.com/ArticleWriters/

top 5 most luxurious and expensive cars in India

Bugatti Veyron:

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the most expensive and even the fastest car on Indian roads. Tagged with a price of about Rs 18 Crore, this super-luxury car is crafted with unmistakable design and extraordinary engineering. It was manufactured in 2005 by Volkswagen AG, subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles.

India's most expensive car is powered by a W 16 engine mated to a seven gear clutch transmission. With this powerful engine and efficient transmission, the car delivers an awesome power of 1,001 bhp and a top speed of 400 km/h. It is also equipped with electronic stability program(ESP) that ensures flexibility and maneuverability of the Veyron at extremely high speeds. It is also adorned with a bunch of luxurious and elegant car features that enhance the visual appeal and even complement the ambience of the car.

Mercedes-Benz Maybach: 

Mercedes-Benz Maybach is the second most expensive cars in India with a price tag of about Rs 5.5 Crore. This high-end luxury car is an epitome of Mercedes brand that symbolizes luxury, elegance, and prestige. Though the number of Maybach owners are rare, there are about two million ways to customize the design and appeal of the high-end luxury sedan.

In India, it is imported in two variants: 57 and 62, both of which are creatively designed with detail and perfection. High-grade leather upholstery, subtle chrome finish, and soft-touch materials supplements the awe-inspiring interior. In addition, the responsive 5.5-litre, V-12, twin-turbo engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission adds value to the car. It generates about 550 bhp and delivers an estimated top speed of 250 km/h.

Bentley Azure: 

Bentley Azure is designed and manufactured by an England-based car manufacturer, Bentley. The Azure is a creatively designed two-seater coupe with a starting price tag of about Rs 3.8 Crore.

The car is superiorly rich in aesthetic integrity, technical beauty, and high-end performance. The manufacturer has employed host of traditional techniques for designing and producing a masterpiece with a blend of exquisite design and cutting-edge technology. It is powered by a powerful 5.9-litre engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission that generates 552 bhp and delivers an estimated top speed of 317 km/h. It is also equipped with the advanced active and passive car safety features.

Rolls Royce Phantom:

Rolls-Royce Phantom is an ultimate car with extraordinary design, style, and engineering. The manufacturer blends the traditional style and cutting edge technology to create a technological marvel bearing a price tag of Rs 3.5 Crore.
It is powered by a highly responsive 6.75-liter V12 all-aluminum engine that is further linked to direct fuel injection, fully variable valve lift control and variable valve timing. All these technologies together generate an awesome power output of 453 bhp and deliver a top speed of 240 km/h.

Lamborghini Murcielago:

Lamborghini Murcielago is one of the most glamorous and awe-inspiring car with brilliant styling and state-of-art technologies. The car is available at a starting price of Rs 3 Crore.

It is structured with a high-strength tubular frame composed of steel alloy and carbon fibre. Under the hood the car is powered by a 6.5-litre, 12-cylinder, engine that generates a peak power of 631 bhp and reaches a top speed of 340 km/h.

(ArticlesBase SC #729449)

Carazoo.com - About the Author:
Carazoo.com is India’s first car portal that provides 360 exterior and interior car animations of New Cars and Used Cars or Second Hand Cars for all car models available in India.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/top-5-most-expensive-cars-in-india-729449.html
Article Tags:
indian-car,new-car,super-luxury-car,expensive-car

Tips for Buying an Imported Car

Tips for Buying an Imported Car:

Imported luxury sports cars are longed for by many car buyers and collectors. The US is one of the many countries who love to import luxury vehicles like sports cars. There are new ones but there are also used luxury cars that are sold in the car market.

Brand new imported luxury cars are very expensive so many buyers are turning to used luxury sports cars as an alternative. Although per-owned, many buyers still wish to buy them to be part of their collections. Others purchase these used imported luxury cars to lift their public images and add class and prestige when driving.

Here are some tips that need to be considered when buying used imported luxury sports cars:

1. The real cost of the imported luxury sports car should be determined. It is not advisable to buy the used car without having it appraised. Many car sellers price the imported cars very high because most buyers are not familiar with their true cost. It is important to determine the value before buying a car whether it is new or per-owned.

2. Buyers of these cars should research the car before purchasing. It is important to remember that they are imported cars and you should be aware of, and informed about the car's capacity, gas mileage, speed, and engine performance.

Know the depreciation rate and how the cars are sold in the market. By so doing, the research will help the buyer obtain some tips to use when buying imported luxury sports cars. The way to research is to use the INTERNET or seek the advice of other car owners/buyers who are familiar with these types of cars.

3. When shopping for a car, it is recommended that you enlist the assistance of an experienced car mechanic that is not employed by the dealer. The mechanic should be an expert in checking the engine and other parts of the used car. This is to ensure that the car is in good shape and that it will not make the dream of the buyer become a nightmare.

Take time to think about the purchase before making the final decision. The same applies when buying an imported luxury sports car. All things must be considered before buying so that you will not regret buying the used car. When purchasing an imported car it is imperative that you ensure that you receive all the required paperwork - this could save you form some nightmares in the future.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ - Free Articles Directory

About the Author
For more Automobile Articles by Ian Williamson please visit http://www.real-articles.com/Category/Cars/145

The New Sport Cars:

For a great many people there are certain cars that can confer on the driver the status of being a really great driver to be around. There are a few cars that have this ability. New sports cars are found to be in this category. You will find a variety of these cars being produced every year. Of the many different cars you will find are the roadsters, coupes and some exotic cars are even capable of being called spots cars.

The main criterion for a car to be known as a sports car is the sleek aerodynamic body that allows the wind to flow around the body of the car. The traction of the wheel will keep the car from flying all over the place as the car moves down roadways at a high velocity. The new sports cars also have the ability to move from a standing point of zero to a hundred plus in a few seconds.

You will find that these new sports cars can be affordable or they may be expensive in price range. For these new sports cars the target audience in most cases are those of well to do young adult drivers and young men. For this segment of the population having the ability to drive a sports car is the next best thing to driving their dream car.

While many people prefer to drive four wheel drives the sports car lover will look for cars that have a rear wheel drive. These new sports cars will be built with an aggressive and sleek look to the body. These sports cars are designed for two people to hit the road. To make the handling of these cars easier there is a fantastic braking and superior handling of the new sports cars.

The great maneuvering that you will find in these cars is known to be the hallmarks of true sports cars. To make sure that these cars keep up with the technological advances that is constantly being made there are some interesting performance modifications. These modifications are built with a racing style of driving in mind.

To keep to the current road rules these new sports cars will allow you to feel the power as they roar through the streets. The companies that manufacture these new sports cars have built these cars with a background in race cars. Their knowledge and experience allow them to make cars that go vary fast yet have the safety margins which are needed by the public.

These are all great reasons to buy any of the new sports cars in the market. The real reason is very simple however. This is the feeling of being free of society's constraints and free to go anywhere you can imagine.

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About the Author

If you want to have more information about cars and other gadgets, please visit the blog http://danmarpowercats.com

Special Tips That Help You To Donate A Car

Special Tips That Help You To Donate A Car:

Are you thinking that you want to donate a car? Get informed on how to do it. Do it wrong and you will lose your tax benefits. You also need to choose the right charity. Make sure you get all the required paper work done. Read this article, if you want to donate your old car.

To donate a car is probably the easiest way for you to get rid of your car for various reasons. People who do not have time to sell their car and those who could not get their car's worth also prefer automobile donation. 

You surely deserve to be congratulated, if you have the noble intention of donating your car to a charity. But the process to donate a car to a charity is not as easy as you might think. It can be a tedious process.

There are many things you need to consider before you can actually do anything to donate a car. Here are some essential things you need to do, if you have decided to donate:

Find a Charity That Accepts Car Donations - It is important to choose a charity that accepts cars without charging a large removal fee.

Do a little research, and don't simply give your automobile away to any charity. Remember you are making a charitable donation, so find a high-performing charity. Make sure it is a registered 501(c)(3) charities that does the kind of work you like, in the region you wish to target, and does that work well.

Find Out the fair market value of your car - If your car is worth $5,000 or more have it appraised by a certified professional. You can also use IRS publications. You can try either "Charitable Deductions” or "Determining the Value of Donated Property". The Kelley Blue Book also comes in handy.

Transfer the Car Correctly - Follow state regulations in getting a tax receipt with the charity's name and federal tax ID number. It must also include the donor's name, date of donation, as well as the year, and make and model of the donated car. You also need to notify your insurance company that you no longer own the car.

Complete The Paperwork - Keep all the completed transaction papers and have them ready for tax time. It is really important to keep these documents for your own good. You need to remember that if you do not have the complete document for the automobile donation, you could be held responsible for any parking tickets that are subsequently incurred. Worst, you will also be liable, if the car you donated is used in a crime.

Find the right time to donate a car - It is true that the biggest winner in the car donation game is usually the donor, and not the charity recipient. But we can all emerge victorious if you take your time. Thus you need to find a high-performing and a reputable charity that will make the most of your donation. Thus, you need not be impulsive in order for you to have a real good automobile donation.

You need to have all these in mind if you are planning to donate your vehicle. These are just a few of the essentials things you need to consider if you have finally decided to donate a car.

About The Author: 
Are you thinking to donate a car to charity? Come to http://www.songsoflove.org . Our non-profit organization is helping sick kids. Our foundation provides personalized songs for kids facing tough medical conditions. Do you want to help us with your car donation? Visit us at automobile donation, so can help you with the paperwork for donating your car.

Article Source:


http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_3783.shtml.

2007 Audi S4 4.2L Avant Quatro Review

2007 Audi S4 4.2L Avant Quatro Review
 

One of the best high performance vehicles available for the new model year is the 2007 Audi S4 4.2L Avant Quatro.

These four-wheel drive vehicles come as sedans, convertibles, or wagons and have powerful 340-hp V8 engines that can take them from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.3 seconds when combined with the standard six-speed manual transmission.

The vehicles are also available with the six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. An even more powerful version of the S4 offers the 414-hp V8 and is available for those who really want to burn up the road.

These luxurious, beautifully styled vehicles are more powerful versions of the Audi A4 and in the case of the sedan and wagon models are larger than the A4 counterparts.

The2007 Audi S4 4.2L Avant Quatro comes with the same standard safety features as the A4 line. Its four-wheel antilock brakes are combined with the latest version of the electronic stability and traction control system to improve safety and handling.

The upgraded springs and stabilizer bars and shocks further improve handling. The front and side-curtain airbags are also standard features.

Options for the2007 Audi S4 4.2L Avant Quatro include high intensity headlights that can pivot and assist in illuminating the road when the vehicle goes around curves. Systems controls can also be easily managed with the addition of the Multi Media Interface Navigation feature.

The combination of safety, handling, and luxury styling make the S4 one of the more desirable vehicles for those who want a comfortable interior and sporty design along with some awesome power.

The S4 has clearly put Audi on a course to compete with its better-known competitors.



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About the Author
http://www.autocarreview.com/2007-Audi-S4-4.2L-Avant-Quatro.html