Archive for the ‘Automotive’ Category
Dodge Cars and Trucks For 2007
December 29th, 2009 | 
Author: Owen Walcher asked:
The Dodge brothers, John and Horace, began their careers as bicycle mechanics in their father’s shop in Michigan. Their bearings and other parts were in demand with the early automobile industry, and they helped design motor parts for early Oldsmobiles.
It wasn’t long before the two brothers were approached by Henry Ford. In 1902, impressed by their skills, Henry Ford offered them a one-tenth share in his new automobile company.
After 12 years in this partnership, the Dodge brothers left Ford’s company and started their own automobile manufacturing company. Thus, in 1914, the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company was established. The “Old Betsy” was their first car, built that year.
In 1925, the Dodge Brothers Company was purchased by Dillon, Read & Company, and in 1928, the Chrysler Corporation took over a much larger Dodge Brothers. It continued expanding its line of vehicles, which included the WWII Power Wagon – a vehicle that garnered enough acclaim to continue production a decade after the war.
Following Chrysler’s takeover of the British Rootes Group and Simca of France, and the resultant establishment of Chrysler Europe in the late 1960s, the Dodge brand was used on light commercial vehicles, most of which were previously branded Commer or Karrier, and on pick-up and van versions of the Simca 1100. In the 1960s and 1970s Dodge contributed to America’s fascination with high-performance “muscle cars” by manufacturing the 505 Charger Daytonas for stock-car racing and as production cars.
Dodge and Chrysler brought the domestic convertible back to the roads in the 80s in the form of the Dodge 400 and the Chrysler Lebaron. In the 90s, the eagerly anticipated Dodge Viper put the muscle back in “muscle cars.” All of which soon culminated in the new, aggressive look on the Dodge Ram Pickup, Dodge Dakota and Dodge Durango.
For the model year of 2007, Dodge, a part of Chrysler, has lined up some new and some reworked models for its fans. Let’s take a look at a few specifications of the 2007 Caliber, Charger and Nitro -
2007 Dodge Caliber
It would seem that Dodge decided a compact hatchback is a swell idea in light of America’s recent and slightly elevated interest in smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Caliber is not a hard-core fuel miser, though, and is instead a pretty normal-sized compact. It features an all-new chassis design, and is being built at DaimlerChrysler’s retooled Belvedere, Illinois, plant.
For the Caliber’s initial launch in North America, Dodge has three styles available (SE, SXT and R/T) and a hat trick of four-cylinder, twin-cam engines: a 1.8-liter, a 2.0-liter and a 2.4-liter. The goal of improved fuel economy has also played a role in the Caliber’s transmission offerings. While the 1.8-liter gets a traditional five-speed manual, the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines have a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
2007 Dodge Charger
The 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the first special edition of the “Charger on Steroids” from Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology Division (SRT). Powered by the SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 producing 425 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, the Dodge Charger SRT8′s powertrain represents a new level in HEMI performance, with 85 additional horsepower.
Featured on all Dodge Charger models, a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick provides a full range of transmission performances to match a variety of driving styles, situations and road conditions. The new 2007 Dodge Charger features rear-wheel drive with near 50/50 weight distribution and advanced technologies that offer superb ride and responsive handling in all surface and traction conditions.
2007 Dodge Nitro
Dodge calls the 2007 Nitro its first midsize SUV, but it is more of a compact SUV. Dodge probably thinks “compact” sounds too feminine for an SUV geared to attract more men than women. However, the Nitro’s styling and hardware speak for itself. Although it’s built on the same platform as the Jeep Liberty, the Nitro was engineered primarily for street use.
Four-wheel drive will be an option, but there’s no low-range gearing or big off-road tires. The Nitro offers two solid V6s. Base and SLT models get a 3.7-liter with 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, while the R/T gets a 4.0-liter six with 255 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. There are three transmissions: a six-speed manual, which comes standard in the base model, a four-speed automatic, and a five-speed automatic which only comes with the R/T’s 4.0-liter V6. At 178 inches, the Nitro is about 4 inches longer than the Jeep Liberty and 10 inches shorter than Chevrolet’s Equinox.
Today, Dodge is a part of the Daimler Chrysler AG and is based out of Stuttgart, Germany. The Dodge brand has become famous primarily for its trucks. This is a reputation that the company is now trying to change by introducing the new Dodge Charger and the Dodge Challenger. So, that’s more to look forward to from Dodge!
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Posted in Automotive | 
Tags: Bicycle Mechanics, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram, Stock Car Racing | 
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Austin Receives Ford Escape Hybrid Case Taxi Study
If you have not yet heard about it, the Ford Motor Company has been roaming key cities in the United States and it has been presenting the Ford Escape Hybrid. It is all part of increasing awareness of city officials and of common citizens on the advantages and benefits that hybrid vehicles, like the Ford Escape Hybrid, have to offer owners, drivers, and the environment as a whole.
The company has already presented these pieces of information to various cities in the US which includes San Francisco in California, New York, and Chicago in the state of Illinois. And wherever they go, these cities are also able to successfully have hybrid-electric vehicles used for various purposes. This move is also part of these cities’ goals to have cleaner air and to assist their citizens save on the high priced fuel. The benefits of hybrids range from simple economic to hugely environmental. And maintenance is easy for sources of Ford Galaxie parts are also now offering replacement parts for this type of revolutionary vehicle. San Francisco, New York, and Chicago have now turned to hybrid electric vehicles for use in their areas as taxi cabs and even as municipal fleet vehicles.
The 9th of August has been the scheduled date for the City of Austin in Texas. And what the Ford Motor Company would be doing here would be to present the case study that they did on the Ford Escape Hybrid units that have been used as taxi cabs. The company would be presenting the data and information on this study to Austin’s mayor, Mayor Wynn, along with the representatives from the city. Representatives from various organizations like Austin Energy would also be there as well as managers of local commercial fleets.
Presentation of this case study would be done on the mentioned date and would be held at Austin’s city hall. At 11 in the morning, the Hybrid Taxi Technology Clinic would then begin and after half an hour, any person who had questions about hybrid vehicles would be able to shoot these away at the Ford Motor Company’s experts.
Posted in Automotive |
Tags: Ford Escape, Ford Escape Hybrid, Hybrids, Replacement Parts |
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Lexus for Luxury
Considering the price, a Lexus is almost too good for £71,000 or even for £65,000 with some extra kit and space. However, £57,100 is perceived a little much for a four-door saloon. But with that price you’ll get the world’s most sophisticated luxury car, the original of which was priced £40,000 eighteen years ago.
The latest Lexus model, the Lexus 460, is considered much larger and more rounded when compared to the original and the mark-two version. Lately, Lexus designers have made use of fashion to put elegance on Lexus vehicles.
This new Lexus flagship has no doubt been upgraded – the auto maker has given it multiple airbags and all sorts of electronic stability and safety systems sure to satisfy future owners and enthusiasts alike. Traction control and assistance systems, which belong to the category, can be switched off by the drive at will. Warning devices, on the other hand, only become prominent when necessary, such as in case a car ahead suddenly slows down or stops.
On the technical issues, Lexus increased the engine size a little; from four liters in the original to 4.3 liters in the mark two. Currently, engine size for this model is now 4.6 liters. Such engine allows the car to run 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, and delivers a top speed of 155 mph.
Another significant feature is the switches and buttons made available everywhere in the car and the best thing about them is that you don’t have to read the owner’s manual to know how to operate them. That’s a lot more of a user friendly control panel which everyone will especially be thankful for.
On the exterior, the radiator grille was changed from just being a big square grille to a one closely similar to the Mercedes Benz S-class’. Not exactly the most original of the lot you may say, but Lexus vehicles certainly live up to its reputation of being one, if not the best in the industry.
Some owners and test drivers have been reported to point out a detectable engine noise on the latest car, though not much to be considered loud. Regardless this new Lexus model has been gaining praises, including that of its interior smelling of real leather which was used in the upholstery.
Priced at about £55,000, though itcouldn’t be closely compared with the prestige of Audi or BMW with regards to a cross-country dash, the Lexus delivers luxury, safety, comfort, and reliability all in one swoop.
By: Evander Klum
About the Author:
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
Choosing A Wheelchair Van
For wheelchair ramp which it is modified so to get in the vanbrbrthere are many manufacturers offer financial assistance programs and vision mental acuity the vanbrbrfinancial assistancebrbrwheelchair vans or.
For drivers license by asking your main concern consider less expensive but many devices including wheelchair accessible.
An impossibly bad fit widen the persons abilities to it user should seek additional information from those would be driven by asking your policy for an impossibly bad fit for it and.
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Posted in Automotive |
Tags: Choosing A Wheelchair, Driver License, Van Wheelchair, Wheelchair Lift |
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Comparing the Used Lexus SUV RX300
One of the greatest benefits of buying used is that consumers have the opportunity to see how various year models performed after being road tested in every day life. The longer a model is in production, the more time that carmakers have to respond to consumer feedback and perfect the model. In this article, we’ll look at the variations and recalls for each of the RX300 model years to help you choose the right used Lexus SUV.
Lexus RX300 – 1999
The RX300 is the original Lexus SUV and the one that the public instantly fell in love with. Lexus doesn’t consider the RX300 an “SUV,” but a crossover vehicle; something between a luxury auto and an SUV. In fact, the low range gearing of the RX300 makes this used Lexus SUV more of an “all weather, on road” wagon as opposed to an off-roading style SUV. For a used SUV with true off-roading power, Lexus offers the LX470.
Recalls for this 1999 model
·Exterior lights (2006): Certain CK Motorsports exterior lights sold as replacement lamps for are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108
·Headlights (1999): The headlights and taillights may not automatically illuminate in low ambient light when the headlight switch is placed in the “auto” position.
·Brake Tube (1999): If one of the dual brake lines fails when the driver applies the brake, the vehicle will feel unstable
Lexus RX300 – 2000
The 2000 year model Lexus SUV RX300 is very similar to the 1999 version in both design and performance. In fact the only difference you’ll find in the year 2000, is a trailer hitch. You may find some 2000 used model Lexus SUVs with a satellite based navigation system as this was an optional add-on for this year.
Recalls for this 2000 model
·Exterior lights (2006): see 2006 exterior light recall for 1999 models.
Lexus RX300 – 2001
You’ll find lots of new features on the 2001 used Lexus SUV. 2001 is the year that Lexus focused on additional safety with features like a vehicle skid control, a brake assist feature, a 3-point center rear seatbelt, and child safety seat anchors. Other improved features on the 2001 year used Lexus SUV are an alloy spare wheel (earlier used Lexus SUV models will have a steel spare wheel), an enlarged fuel tank, and a redesigned grill. You’ll find some different options when comparison shopping the 2002 used Lexus SUV as well, such as all black leather trim, a wood steering wheel and gearshift knob, and heated seats with dual warmth levels. Earlier year models of the RX300 Lexus SUV also have heated seats, but offer only one heat setting.
Recalls for this 2001 model
·Exterior lights (2006): see 2006 exterior light recall for 1999 models.
Lexus RX300 – 2002
With so many changes in 2001, Lexus made only a few minor adjustments in 2002. In the year 2002 used Lexus SUV you’ll find all of the improved 2001 features along with an improved navigation system. The navigation system in the 2002 used Lexus SUV includes the ability to calculate multiple routes, has simplified graphics, and allows you to preview routes. Also added to this year’s used Lexus SUV is a faster computer and a dashboard screen for playing movies.
Recalls for this 2002 model
·Exterior lights (2006): see 2006 exterior light recall for 1999 models.
Lexus RX300 – 2003
The 2003 used Lexus SUV is identical to the 2002 used SUV, aside from being manufactured one year later. By 2002, Lexus had worked out the kinks in the RX300 design, added features in response to customer feedback, and successfully grew the RX300 into a top selling vehicle. You won’t find an RX300 used Lexus SUV beyond the year 2003. In 2004, Lexus concentrated on the RX330, the successor of the RX300.
Recalls for this 2003 model
·Exterior lights (2006): see 2006 exterior light recall for 1999 models.
Those in the market for a used Lexus SUV will find the RX300 to be a strong model and a great value. The classic styling gives any year of this SUV a look that remains stylish and attractive today. Recalls are very few for the Lexus SUV, with 4 of the 5 models being recalled only for replacement lights. Today, Lexus is still on the cutting edge of SUV design with its introduction of the RX400h, first hybrid SUV, in 2005. Best of all, any used model Lexus SUV has proven to stand the test of time in performance and reliability.
By: Christine Harrell
About the Author:
Lexus dealership. For more information you can visit http://www.AGSelectImports.com.
Posted in Automotive |
Tags: Ambient Light, Crossover Vehicle, Lexus Suv, Luxury Suv |
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Three New Ones From Acura
Jenny Mclane asked:
Around two years. That is how long Acura has kept quiet about its vehicle line. There seems to be something up. Sure, they were still producing those vehicles that we constantly have found in the market. Sure, they were still creating those Acura auto parts that we have been purchasing for our vehicles. But there was still something more into that silence from Acura.
What the Acura brand has been keeping up its sleeve is that it would soon be unveiling a new set of products this season of fall. How many? Let us just simply say that three is the magic number. One would be the Acura RDX which the brand has created to be a sport utility vehicle that would be an entry level unit to the sports luxury SUV range. Then there also is the Acura MDX which is currently the top of the line SUV for the brand. The last new vehicle would be the Acura TL-S Type which belongs to the brand’s popular range of sport sedans that have been created to be luxury units.
The Acura brand does say that they have created such a tactic so as to move the brand to an even higher upscale level. And they are not simply bringing one type or make of vehicle but they are moving towards bringing all their vehicle makes and types upscale.
Aimed at urban families, the Acura RDX sport utility vehicle has been created to bring its users adventure. You see, this one has been created with people who live active lifestyles in mind. And this was successfully done with all the equipment, power, and technology that was part of the design. As per power, the Acura RDX has got the very first turbocharged engine with four cylinders straight right out of the brand’s manufacturing plants. This engine can contain 2.3 liters and has also got sixteen values to help out the performance of the vehicle. All in all, the engine can create up to a high of 240 units of horsepower. The vehicle also has got a five speed automatic transmissions system with a sportshift to help out.
How much would you need to have to get the newest Acura RDX? You would have to spend some $32,995 at the very least.
As per the Acura MDX, this one has been considered to be quite a change to the usual Acura style and design. After all, who would have thought that Acura was very much capable of creating a vehicle that boasts of sweeping curves, perfect angles, and that roofline that gives the vehicle a much smaller look. Plus, you also do get six seats so anybody can squeeze in with ease.
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Toyota Hybrids Sale Hits 1 Million
In a statement released Thursday last week, Toyota says it has sold 577,311 gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles in the USA from mid-2000, when it launched the Prius here, through May. Toyota’s worldwide sales of gas-and-electric-powered vehicles totaled 1.047 million as of the end of May. Nearly 345,000 of those were sold in Japan.
Sales of Toyota hybrids have climbed from 18,000 in 1998 to 312,500 last year, the company said.
Demand for hybrids, which deliver superior mileage by switching between a gasoline engine and electric motor, has soared amid higher fuel prices and greater consumer concern about pollution and global warming.
Toyota’s dominance in the category has caused Detroit’s automakers to follow with their own versions and to depend less on lower-mileage SUVs as the main engine for their profits.
The Prius is the hands-down leader in the category, with a total of 757,600 units sold since its 1997 introduction in Japan. Toyota began selling the Prius in North America, Europe and other places in 2000. Last year, the model made up an amazing more than 40 percent of hybrid sales in the U.S.
The Prius, which gets 55 miles a gallon on combined city and highway driving conditions, has been enormously popular as a mid-size sedan, a best-selling vehicle category.
Although most automakers are now working on hybrids, Toyota has the advantage of almost 10 years of experience in selling the technology, as well as in using feedback from drivers to make improvements, rather than relying on information from labs.
Toyota believes hybrid technology is the way of the future. It offers several other hybrid models, including the hybrid Camry and hybrid Lexus models.
“Hybrids will play a key role throughout our lineup,” Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco said. “That means all vehicle categories.”
The company also started domestic sales of its most expensive hybrid, the 15 million yen — or about $124,000 at current exchange rates — Lexus LS 600h, which is also equipped with top of the line Lexus parts like the Lexus oxygen sensor. It will be exported over the summer, according to Toyota.
Not all hybrids however, enjoy the fortune like Toyota. Earlier this week, Honda Motor Co. said it will discontinue the hybrid version of its Accord sedans, which sold poorly because it didn’t fit the customer demand profile of the smallest, least expensive hybrids with the highest gas mileage.
Meanwhile, hybrid sport-utility vehicles have struggled in sales compared to the Prius, partly because an SUV doesn’t have a green image to start with, according to analysts.
Sales of Toyota’s RX400h hybrid SUV, sold as the Harrier in Japan, have reached 85,000 worldwide since it was introduced in 2005. Another hybrid SUV, the Highlander, or Kluger in Japan, has sold 67,000 over the same period.
The Prius, by contrast, has sold 478,800 units since the start of 2005.
Among American automakers, Ford Motor Co. offers the hybrid Escape sport-utility vehicle and General Motors Corp. sells the hybrid Saturn Vue Green Line sport-utility vehicle and hybrid trucks.
New hybrids are also reportedly in the works for GM this year – the automaker has promised four: two-mode gas-electric systems in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon large sport utility vehicles, and hybrid systems for the Saturn Aura and new Chevrolet Malibu sedans.
The next innovation in hybrids is expected to come from a new type of battery, called the lithium-ion battery, which will be smaller and lighter than the nickel-metal hydride batteries Toyota now uses for its hybrids.
A major breakthrough is needed to switch to lithium-ion batteries, now widely used in laptops, to make them power cars.
Mitsuo Kinoshita, a senior Toyota executive, has reportedly told reporters that the Japanese automaker was still working on developing a lithium-ion battery system for the next-generation Prius.
By: Zeke Gervis
About the Author:
Zeke Gervis has a degree in Human Resource Management. He is an F1 fanatic and is a collector of racing memorabilias. At present, he enjoys working at a consulting firm in Iowa.
Posted in Automotive |
Tags: Green Technology, Hybrid Models, Hybrid Technology, North America Europe |
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Toyota is America’s 3rd Most Admired Company
Toyota has been enjoying much success in the US. So much successful, in fact, that they are expected to take over the spot occupied currently by General Motors as the world’s largest car manufacturer. The company has been selling cars which has broken record after record for sales. The company’s lineup also includes models that have won different awards. Not only that, they are also the leading producer of the world’s most popular green car, the Toyota Prius.
But Toyota has recently received another feather on their cap. Aside from breaking their sales record for February, the company was also voted as the 3rd “Most Admired” company in the United States. Fortune magazine conducted a survey on 3,332 executives, directors, and securities analysts in order to seek out the ten most admired companies in the country. The winners of this year’s distinction from Fortune magazine are known for their environment-friendly policies.
Toyota fits perfectly in that category since the car maker is one of the frontrunners in the auto industry when it comes to producing green cars. The Prius, the hybrid vehicle from Toyota, has been received warmly by the motoring public. The demand for fuel-efficient cars saw the sales of the Prius reach 100,000 last year. This year, the Toyota Prius remains to be one of the stronger selling models in the Toyota lineup. The Prius’ popularity is emphasized on the fact that it has replaced the Hummer as the vehicle of choice for Hollywood residents.
Aside from the Prius, Toyota’s lineup also features the best selling car in the U.S. since 2002 – the Toyota Camry. The Camry is the best selling car from Toyota and its popularity is still increasing as shown in its rising sales. Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota features the leading luxury car brand in the U.S. for seven straight years. These vehicles show that Toyota has been enjoying much success in the U.S. auto market and the company is still growing in terms of sales of their vehicles. These vehicles are like power antennas which propel the company to newer heights and increase the popularity of the company among different communities.
Toyota also boosts the economy of the country by providing jobs in their plants located in the U.S. Last year, the company produced more than 1.55 million vehicles and 1.4 million engines in their 14 plants in North America. The number of their plants located in the U.S. is still on the verge of increasing since Toyota has announced that they will be starting the construction of another assembly plant in Mississippi. Aside from the jobs generated by these plants, Toyota also indirectly creates hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Posted in Automotive |
Tags: Auto Market, Car Manufacturer, Fuel Efficient Cars, Toyota Prius |
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The Next Best Thing to Acura Rsx
Evander Klum asked:
A set of premium quality Acura RSX parts is the next best thing to having a brand new RSX. Since the Acura RSX model is no longer being sold, replacing damaged RSX parts now serves as perhaps the only means to preserve one’s Acura RSX.
The Acura RSX was a strong seller for Honda. However, with the introduction of the 2006 Honda Civic Si, which is approximately as powerful but less expensive, Honda decided -to cease production of Acura RSXs. It was more or less a marketing decision for Honda, as they did not want to cannibalize one product with another. Despite the RSX enthusiasts’ outrage over the news, the manufacturers of Honda and Acura decided on focusing more on the Honda Civic Si, since many are inclined to buy it for its similarity with the Acura RSX, but with a lower a tag price.
For those who were fortunate to grab their own Acura RSX, the line of Acura RSX parts is out in the market to be of assistance in maintaining as well as preserving the now legendary Acura RSX. Basic Acura RSX parts designed to enhance the car’s performance include ignition wires, high-flow air filters, and exhaust headers. One can also opt to avail of Acura RSX parts like nitrous, turbochargers, and multiple-spark ignition boxes. These parts will surely improve RSX’s run.
A car model that is no longer available on the market does not necessarily make it obsolete. The Acura RSX remains to be one of the best vehicles Acura has so far. The reason it was pulled out of the market had nothing to do with its quality, but more for practicality. Despite being Honda’s luxury car making arm, Acura has not fully thrown away the notion of practicality. Continued manufacturing of Acura RSX parts is one of the best offers Acura has for RSX enthusiasts.
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Posted in Automotive |
Tags: 2006 Honda Civic, Honda Civic, Honda Civic Si, Practicality |
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Acura in Review
The cars of Acura do not have around been for very of length, but in its brief period of time of the existence they have created a name and a base of clients who can be described better like loyal. Después of the right companies of Honda, Acura was developed like l