Archive for April, 2010

Mercedes Wheels – Give a Sportier Look by Changing Wheels

Posted by admin on April 28, 2010

Mercedes name is enough for knowing its quality and class. Mercedes are one of the most stylish and comfortable car makers of the world. There is no comparison with a Mercedes. In today world we know that nobody is perfect but we can proudly say that Mercedes cars are perfect vehicles on this earth. Mercedes is a joint venture of style, luxury and power. Mercedes car’s look is just superb but it is said that you can always add something to a thing.

What if you want to add some sportier features in your car? The easiest and the most effective change which can be done is the change of wheels. Mercedes wheels are perfect but changing it with some aftermarket Mercedes wheels can give it a sporty look. In aftermarket Mercedes wheels you will find lots of options to choose the perfect one which will suit in your vehicle perfectly. Some of the most popular Mercedes wheels are:

- Mercedes 16 Inch Chrome AMG Steel Wheel –Type AMG16 — $1,340 – $1,350.

- Mercedes 17 Inch Chrome Wheels – Type MBZ-423-CHR — $940 – $950.

- Mercedes 18 Inch Gunmetal Wheels – Type MBZ-530-18 — $1,190 – $1,200.

- Mercedes 19 Inch Chrome AMG Style Wheels – Type MBZ-550 — $1,340 – $1,350.

- Mercedes 19 Inch Silver Wheels – Type MBZ-570-19 — $1,090 – $1,100.

- Mercedes 19 Inch Chrome Wheels – Type CHR-3W — $1,330 – $1,340.

All these aftermarket Mercedes wheels are just made to give extra sporty look and a powerful drive. It is very important to choose the perfect Mercedes wheels for your Mercedes car. You may have experienced that many times when you are going on your side and then suddenly a car passes and you think that his wheels are better than yours. Stuffs like these always happen. But if you want to avoid it, you can do it just by taking your time while choosing the Mercedes wheels for your own vehicle. There is nothing in this world which is ugly, the only thing is needed a final touch. You can make your car’s look ultimate by just choosing the perfect wheels.

Mercedes wheels are very strong and durable because of the metals used for making them are of high quality. The overall strength of the wheels is very high and the reason behind this is the use of alloy materials which are enhanced with the stainless steel. One more thing of this wheel is important and that is its fittings, which are perfect. These wheels are made with so much perfection and precisely that there is no chance that it will not make up. Before launching these Mercedes wheels in the market, they are checked and tested hundreds of times. So no one should worry about the quality of the Mercedes wheels. Some more popular Mercedes wheels are:

- Mercedes 19 Inch Gunmetal Wheels – Euro 23 — $1,290 – $1,300.

- Mercedes 18 Inch Chrome Wheels – Type MBZ-580 — $1,040 – $1,050.

- Mercedes 18 Inch Silver Wheels – Type Monarch Mesh — $1,110 – $1,130.

Mercedes are high standard cars and they deserve best and high standard wheels also. These Mercedes wheels should be made up of high quality alloys and metals. It is not necessary that you should buy only expensive wheels. Who tells that expensive things are only good? These aftermarket Mercedes wheels are not expensive even then they are high standard wheels. These Mercedes wheels are cheaper than factory made wheels because the factory made wheels gets expensive advertising cost and this makes them expensive. And it is not a wise action to buy the same thing by giving extra money only for name and brand.

abicarsy
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/mercedes-wheels-give-a-sportier-look-by-changing-wheels-739372.html

A Closer Look at the All-new 2008 Infiniti G37

Posted by admin on April 25, 2010

The 2008 Infiniti G37, Nissan’s newest sports coupe that is expected to replace the Infiniti G35 will make its world premiere at the upcoming 2007 New York International Auto Show early this April. Available in three model trims – G37 Coupe, G37 Coupe Journey, and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT, the sports coupe will roll out in Infiniti dealer showrooms all over the United States beginning in August.

According to Nissan’s Infiniti division, “The all-new 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe combines the exhilarating performance, stunning styling and modern, sporty interior of the original Infiniti G Coupe, accelerating each to new levels.”

The all-new 2008 Infiniti G37 sports coupe features an all-new exterior body styling and design with aggressive appearance highlighted by flowing front fender lines, wave-from hood, double arch grille, and integrated fog lamps. Other key exterior features found on the all-new 2008 Infiniti G37 include standard Infiniti signature L-shape High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon headlights; available Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS); LED Infiniti G-style taillights; standard rear underbody air diffusers; large diameter dual exhaust; available sliding glass moon roof; available heated outside mirrors; and standard 5-spoke 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels with 225/50VR18 all-season tires. In addition, Infiniti also offers an optional exterior package for the all-new G37 Coupe called the Sport Package. This package includes unique front fascia, side sills, and rear spoiler for the Infiniti G37 Coupe Journey and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT. New 10-spoke 19-inch front wheels and 225/45WR19 front all season tires and 19-inch rear wheels with 245/40WR19 rear tires are available as an optional feature.

Inside, the all-new 2008 Infiniti G37 is equipped with a host of standard interior features and other luxurious amenities for customers. The Infiniti G37 comes with standard interior features including Infiniti signature “double-wave” instrument panel and Infiniti-signature analogue clock; full-length centre console with a leather and aluminium-clad shifter; 7.0-inch color monitor display, leather-appointed seats; 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 4-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat; and hand-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel with steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control switches. Moreover, the new G37 Coupe is equipped with quality infotainment systems including premium audio system featuring in-dash CD player with Radio Data System (RDS), auxiliary audio input, MP3 playback capability, 6 speakers, and XM Satellite Radio.

Optional interior amenities include magnesium automatic transmission paddle shifters, RearView monitor, and Sport Package with sport-styled seats with thigh extensions, driver’s power adjustable torso, thigh bolsters, and aluminum pedals, Infiniti Navigation System with available XM NavTraffic real-time traffic information, voice activation for navigation, and audio and HVAC functions, 11-speaker Infiniti “Studio on Wheels” audio system with 24-bit Burr Brown DAC, 3-way door speaker arrays with 10-inch woofers; and Bluetooth® hands-free phone system.

For Infiniti luxury cars, safety for occupants is the main priority. The new G37 features a wide array of standard safety components like the Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor; front-seat and roof-mounted front and rear curtain side-impact supplemental air bags; front seat belt adjustable upper anchors with pretensioners and load limiters; and front seat active head restraints. In addition, the G37 Coupe’s body is made of Zone Body construction with energy-dispersing side structure to further ensure driving safety.

Infiniti offers a single power plant for the new G37 Coupe. All models are equipped with a new 3.7-litre VVEL 24-valve DOHC V6 engine under the hood delivering 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of peak torque, with Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) intake camshafts. The engine is combined with either a 5-speed automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching and quick-shift DS mode and ASC (Adaptive Shift Control), or a 6-speed manual transmission. The G37 Coupe also features quality clutch parts like its competitor, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class models with Mercedes pressure plates.

Dwyane Thomas
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/a-closer-look-at-the-allnew-2008-infiniti-g37-123786.html

Information You Should Know Before Getting Your Model Train Track

Posted by admin on April 23, 2010

Most people will say when getting started as a model railroader, the most important piece to buy is the train itself. While this is an important component to be sure, it does you no good without the right model train track to put it on. Buying the right track will mean the difference between having something that is fun and something, which simply won’t work. Factors to keep in mind when buying model train track is the size of the train, what you will be doing with the train, where the train will be, and the realism of the tracks.

Buying the right size model train track will allow you to be able to properly send your train around the track with ease. Keep in mind; the wheels of the train should fit snugly against the track in order to be able to roll correctly. The general rule is to match the scale of the train with the gauge of the track. An example of this would be to have a G scale train on a G scale track. While there might be slight variations in the actual size of the trains, the wheels should be standardized enough to be able to fit on the track. Buying the wrong size track will make it impossible to operate your train correctly.

Some model railroaders believe the only way to properly display a model train is to lay the track themselves. There are model train track kits available, which will include rails, wood ties and railroad spikes. This will allow you to lay your own track as you see fit and have a high degree of realism in your tracks. The biggest factor to keep in mind is the process involved in laying your own track. There is a lot of precision required in laying your own track if you do not want for the train itself to jump track while it is speeding around the track. This is recommended only for professionals, or train clubs.

Where you will be running your train is something you will want to keep in mind when buying your model train track. If you are running a G scale train outside, you will want to avoid an aluminum track. While the track is inexpensive, it is highly vulnerable to corrosion and unsuitable for use on an outdoor track. You are better suited to use the more popular nickel-silver alloy as your track. Being the most popular type of track, you should be able to find it most anywhere you will be able to find model train supplies. Another good suggestion for an outdoor track is stainless steel. While it is more expensive, it resists rusts and corrosion very well.

Those looking for a model train track, which will truly represent how the track would look in real life, should consider using flexitrack. This track is able to be positioned into almost any position you need in order to create a more realistic appearance for your layout. You can create curves, which will be very gentle, or extreme in nature as the choice is yours to make. The track comes in standardized lengths, but snaps together with other lengths giving you more control over how long your final product will be.

David Blackburn

Volkswagen’s New R32 to Debut at the Chicago Auto Show

Posted by admin on April 20, 2010

In Chicago: Volkswagen of America, Inc. has recently announced the return of its motorsports-inspired R32 that will be presented at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. It should be noted that the R32 was first introduced in the year 2004 to an enthusiastic crowd of car aficionados. This vehicle was said to deliver the ultimate in Volkswagen sports performance with its dynamic handling, and refined road manners.

The R32 is powered by a 3.2 L naturally aspirated 15-degree narrow angle V6 engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 236 ft-lbs of potent torque. And with such power the R32 is undeniably a muscle car. The standard 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system of the R32 transfers at least seventy-five percent of available torque to the rear wheels. Volkswagen’s popular DSG® transmission equipped in the R32 allows for seamless gear changes and sudden acceleration from 0 to 60mph in a matter of 6.4 seconds.

Moreover, the R32’s fully independent, multi-link rear suspension that sits wider and lower than its GTI sibling gives this vehicle a meaner and authoritative look inside and out. Its twin chrome exhausts, 18 inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights, uniquely shaped front grille and badging distinguished it from the anything else that moves on the road. Its rear roof spoiler and deep front spoiler, coupled with body-colored bumpers, side bump strips, door handles, especially design Volkswagen muffler and door mirrors, add to the streamlined, sporty look of the vehicle.

Aside from its remarkable exterior, the R32 also boasts a long list of safety features which include Electronic Stabilization Program that reacts to critical driving situations in a matter of milliseconds by controlling the speed of individual wheels and a confidence inspiring Anti-Lock Braking System that helps to prevent wheels from locking under heavy braking. Its Brake Assist also helps in boosting brake pressure especially during emergency braking situations. And that’s not all! The state-of-the-art Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution of the R32 automatically varies the amount of force applied to its brakes depending on the road and driving conditions.

The inside of the R32 takes its inspiration from racing with its aluminum-look foot pedals and deep front sports seats. It also showcased other features such as the automatic climate control or Climatronic™, ten speaker premium CD stereo system, rain sensing wipers, automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror, heatable front seats and heated washer nozzles, anti-theft alarm, cruise control and trip computer are standard luxuries that complement this performance-driven victor.

Natalie Anderson
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/volkswagens-new-r32-to-debut-at-the-chicago-auto-show-103133.html

The Jeep Patriot – From Action Man to School Run…

Posted by admin on April 17, 2010

Most young males of my generation grew up with the identical toys to one another. There was the obligatory He Man doll (I mean Action Figure of course), Transformer merchandise and Star Wars figurines. There was, however, one toy that inspired almost fanatical devotion rivalled only by the opposite sex’s love for Barbie. The toy in question was of course Action Man.

Some of my peers enjoyed the sheer wealth of Action Man’s weaponry, some were amazed by his gadgets and gizmos. One rather strange boy was even entranced by the feel of his short afro-like hair. For me, the attraction was the vehicle that Action Man drove; a huge Jeep.

It wasn’t any ordinary Jeep either. It had huge rubber wheels, some kind of roll-cage structure and was adorned with rocket-launchers and other projectile weaponry. Much to my chagrin, as I grew older I realised vehicles of this nature were merely the stuff of fantasy. However, the enduring image of the Jeep has stuck with me since childhood.

The Jeep Patriot is the model in question today and it is very far removed from the image I had of this vehicle as a child. Gone is the roll-cage and windowless vehicle of my youth (there are also no weapons to be seen). What is evident is a disturbing amount of…well…class. These days the Jeep seems to fit more in with the middle-class, aspirational lifestyle rather than the rough and ready all-terrain conquering behemoths that these vehicles were initially designed for.

The phenomenon of the 4X4 school-run has annoyed a large proportion of the population, purely because the whole exercise seems incredibly wasteful. Picture the scene, a huge gas-guzzling MPV with just a mother and a small child in, coughing out CO2 all over the place. Now multiply this effect by 500, slam it down in a traffic jam and you have the average school run at just one of the thousands of schools in this country. It’s no wonder people get annoyed. But let’s not get bogged down in semantics; we should judge these 4X4s on their own merits.

As I alluded to earlier, the Jeep Patriot is a much classier affair than the Jeep name suggests. It seems to have had all those rough edges smoothed down to make it more palatable for modern tastes, but has lost none of the vim and vigour associated with the Jeep brand. In fact, I was not expecting such a sprightly ride from a vehicle of the Jeep’s sheer magnitude.

Amongst the Jeep Patriot’s arsenal of gadgetry is ABS, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Panic Brake Assist, Side Curtain Airbags, alloy wheels, Halogen headlamps and Air Conditioning. This would suggest that this particular Jeep is going to be a comfortable and safe vehicle to drive. The handling is accurate and feels light for the size of the Patriot. Combine this with the eager engine which manages pretty much any off-road task you can throw it at with considerably more grace than many of its direct competitors.

In summary, the Jeep deserves to be used off-road as this is what it is primarily designed for. The tragedy is that it will spend the majority of its working life sat either in car jams waiting to drop off the kids, or parked in a supermarket car park waiting to be filled with Pâté foie gras and exotic coffee blends. Justice can only be served if you break through a farmer’s fence and razz the Patriot around like a banshee. Then (and only then) will you witness what this machine is truly capable of.

Pete J Ridgard

Suzuki Makes a Splash

Posted by admin on April 13, 2010

Remember Daryl Hannah before she started wearing an eye patch and chain smoking cigarettes? Not to mention killing anyone who got in her way. She used to be such a nice girl too most notably in that movie Splash which she starred in with Tom Hanks. The boy meets mermaid story might have seemed a little implausible but who knows, it might just happen I mean stranger things have.

Take Suzuki for instance, we all know they make awesome superbikes and very capable marine engines but as for their car making skills, well let’s just say they have been a bit below par in recent years.

There would appear to have been a seed change at Suzuki though as they have recently started to offer us some really exciting new models that have impressed the motoring press and the car buying public alike. They have enjoyed great success with the critically acclaimed Swift which has all the fun of a BMW Mini at the fraction of the cost. The Grand Vitara has shrugged off its bad image as a mobile hairdressers car and is now all restyled and sophisticated

The good old Jimny is still pretty much the same cheap, no frills small 4×4 vehicle. It has received a few modern creature comforts but still does what is says on the tin. I have an enduring image of this guy I used to work with who drove a Jimny. Originally from Zimbabwe he was a man mountain and was always useful in the care home where I worked with him especially when one of the service users got rowdy as his physical presence was enough to subdue anyone.

I would say goodbye to him at the end of a long shift and watch with amusement as he attempted to force himself into this tiny little Suzuki Jimny and once in he would be pressed up against the windscreen even with the seat pushed right back . He gave me a lift once and it was so comical the pair of us squeezed in together as if we were in a place normally reserved for children.

The Suzuki Splash has proved to be a popular addition to the Suzuki range it is similar to Vauxhall’s Agila but is priced very competitively with little compromise on quality.

Buyers can choose from two engines. The 85bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine or the 74bhp 1.3-litre diesel which is nice to drive and a bit more flexible, but it’s pricier. The Splash is based on the Swift, so it’s no surprise that there are some similarities in the way they drive. Direct steering and immense grip give the Splash a surprising amount of ability in the corners, and although the tall body leans over a bit more than the Swift’s, it’s not too excessive and there’s a firm edge to the ride, especially at low speeds.

The Splash’s cabin plastics are hard to the touch, but a textured finish makes them look smart. They’re sturdy, too, and should prove to be very hard-wearing. The tight panel gaps should give you confidence about how carefully the car is made, and being a Suzuki you can be confident that it should be trouble free mechanically. The Splash is positively brimming with safety kit when compared with many cars in this class, and Suzuki should be applauded for it. All versions get twin front, side and curtain airbags, and even better, stability control is standard on all models. It’s not bad on the security front either as all versions come with an engine immobiliser and deadlocks.

Suzuki has aimed the Splash at the higher end of the supermini market, so it has plenty of kit to shout about. All cars have electric front windows, remote central locking, air-conditioning, a CD stereo and a leather-covered steering wheel with audio controls. Higher-trim cars add alloy wheels, front foglamps and rear privacy glass. I reckon your average mermaid would love it although with that tail she would probably need an automatic!

Jon Barlow
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/suzuki-makes-a-splash-673456.html

How to Give Your Vehicle a Sporty Appearance?

Posted by admin on April 4, 2010

Car rims:

Car rims, also known as wheel rims, are available in different types such as chrome rims, truck rims, customs rims, American racing rims and spinning rims. These rim types differ in price, sizes, design, mounting options and weight.

The weight of a rim may affect the overall performance of your vehicle on roads either positively or negatively, for instance, if the weight of a rim is light, then the performance of your vehicle will be better. 

Different styles of car rims are available, ranging from common five-spoke alloy rims to advanced chrome spinning rims. Moreover, many vehicle owners use custom rims that enhance the appearance of the vehicle and increase the ratings of their vehicle.

Earlier rims were made of steel and were heavy, which added needless weight to the vehicle that reduced the performance. The latest car rims are aerodynamically designed and are sleek.

Chrome rims are very popular because of their glossy appearance. They enhance the look of your vehicle in an unparalleled way. Many vehicle owners prefer the appearance of painted chrome rims to match their vehicle.  

Tuner Wheels: 

You may include tuner wheels to give your vehicle a sporty appearance. Tuner wheels are extremely light in weight. Thus, the engine will be able to rotate these wheels easily.

Moreover, your vehicle will have a better suspension, as the shock absorbers will react quickly according to the condition of roads. In addition, your vehicle’s acceleration will improve. Tuner wheels are made of highest grades of magnesium and aluminum to protect them from extreme pressures, when the vehicle corners.

You may find many different styles and finishes of tuner wheels to match your needs such as silver, chrome, black, bronze, gunmetal and many others. Tuner wheels will completely upgrade the appearance of your vehicle, transforming your vehicle from a common machine to a mean machine.

Marcia Henin
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/how-to-give-your-vehicle-a-sporty-appearance-699727.html

Dodge Viper Srt-10 Mopar Concept

Posted by admin on April 1, 2010

During the 2007 North American International Auto Show, Dodge, maker of quality Dodge parts once again shocked the world with its new 600 horsepower Viper. The beast of a car attracted all the press people present at the show–it was like a flame attracting so many moths. The Dodge Viper SRT-10 concept’s look was courtesy of Chrysler Group’s aftermarket performance division Mopar.

The impressive 600-horsepower figure that the new Viper has is made possible through addition of extra 90 horses over the old model. Viper’s engine is a monstrous 8.4-liter V10 from where Mopar tapped an additional 75 horses made possible through better cooling — giving the all-new Viper a monstrous 675 horsepower.

“With 600 horsepower – 90 more than before – and 0-to-60 performance in less than four seconds, the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 sets a new benchmark for the ultimate American sports car,” that is according to Kipp Owen, Director-Street and Racing Technology (SRT) Engineering Chrysler Group.

To further complete the power of the beast, Mopar fitted an adjustable suspension and blacked-out 19” lightweight alloy wheels with accompanying Michelin rubber. The Mopar Viper was also displayed in a stunning anthracite-gray paint job with an offset neon-red stripe running up the front, over the roof extending on to the giant rear wing.

The new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 have more of what performance aficionados crave: kick-in-the-pants, throw-back-in-the-seat power, combined with benchmark braking, world-class ride and handling, a race-inspired interior and bold exterior styling.

Mopar

Mopar is an acronym used in place for Motor Parts. It is an automobile parts and service arm of the DaimlerChrysler American brands formerly owned by the Chrysler Corporation. Mopar was first used by Chrysler in the 1920s and from then has been continuously used.

But as time passed by the term Mopar was given a broader usage among car enthusiasts and was used for any Chrysler-owned brand namely Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, or DeSoto and later was also used for AMC and Jeep vehicle. The reason for this is that the Chrysler name refers to both the parent company and to one its brands. Say for instance if one wanted to refer explicitly to the parent company, another word was needed which is Mopar.

Chrysler Corporation is not the only one engaging in the naming game. Ford Motor Company is also in a similar situation. Ford enthusiasts often use the abbreviation FoMoCo to refer to the generic Ford-brand parts. General Motors enthusiasts on the other hand do not have to deal with such confusion since an unadorned GM always means the corporate parent.

Correy Putton
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/dodge-viper-srt10-mopar-concept-96437.html