Latest Auto Reviews

Sports Cars: Price Vs. Practicality

2013-05-16T18:59:35Z

Sports cars are designed to offer the greatest speed, light-weight and with a very low center of gravity.

Most sports cars are built with the best engine for power, the likes of Porsche using rear-engine, rear wheel drive for increased traction and increased handling capabilities, whilst others, such as the Fiat Barchetta, use a front-engine and front wheel drive for less weight and decreased transmission power loss.

Fuel Efficiency

Although sports cars have a reputation for being pricey and impractical, in recent years the fuel efficiency of sports cars has increased steadily.

There are many changes that are being made by sports car manufacturers to make the practicality of their cars better, and also to improve their fuel efficiency, which has traditionally been a sticking point when it comes to attracting new customers.

The Nissan 370Z for example, can manage 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the motorway, according to Forbes.com. Not bad for an engine that can take you from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just over five seconds, especially considering the fuel consumption that kind of performance would have taken in the past.

Maintenance costs can still be high for most sports cars, whether for spare parts, specialized mechanics, road tax or insurance. Insurance costs in particular can often spiral.

Sports cars are perfect for a drive in the country during the summer months. However, for couples with children, sports cars are not usually the most practical option.

Most sports cars come with only two seats and although some have incorporated smaller back seats, these should only be used for small children or luggage. By the time the children have grown into teenagers, a sports car is not usually a viable method of transport.

Family Business

For families with a sports car, it is normal to then have a larger, more spacious family car for long driver or holidays, where comfort takes precedence over style. If you’ve got multiple cars, you could save some money by insuring all your cars under one single policy.

By insuring all your cars at once, you need only renew your policies once a year, and you could save money by placing a sports car and a family car under one policy.

There are many car insurance policies that offer the very best deals, especially if you research your possibilities. Although sports cars can reach very high speeds, in a country where the maximum road speed is 70 mph, and not many of us have our own race course to practice on, the speed and agility of sports cars cannot be tested to its true potential.

However, it is undeniable that today’s sports cars are some of the most sleek and sophisticated cars around, with a driving experience that is unparalleled and thrilling. Sometimes cost and practically become meaningless in the face of such a fun and enjoyable drive, though it is also important to keep in mind what exactly you will be using your new car for.

Catherine Halsey writes on a variety of automotive topics for a digital marketing agency.

China’s Favourite Cars Revealed

2013-05-03T18:26:19Z

China’s still a strange place for a lot of westerners.

It’s a mixture of the orient and communism, as well as some counterfeit goods and we all would love to know exactly what goes on there.

The Chinese auto area is one of interest, especially with the likelihood that Chinese manufacturers will soon be sold in Western countries.

So, let’s take a look at the best selling cars in the country and see if we can get a feel for its automotive likes.

Buick Excelle

GM has always had a good time in China and the Excelle, which is based on the Astra or Chevy Volt, is the country’s bestselling car.

The car comes with two smaller engines than the American models – an EcoTec 1.8l and 1.6l engine. GM has held a centre footing in China for a long time now and the Excelle shows its prominence.

This is down to GMs venture with Shanghai General Motors, owned partly by SAIC Motors – a Chinese company.

Chevy Sail

The Chevy Sail comes second in our list and sold 262,000 units in 2012. The model is only available in China and comes with a Daewoo engine of a 1.2l and 1.4l capacity.

It’s a quite unremarkable car, but once again it was one of the first Western brands to really push itself in the emerging and quickly growing Chinese market.

The car is now selling in India, such was its success in China. Chevy also has a second in the top ten with the Chevy Cruze in sixth position.

VW

Volkswagen do very well in China thanks in part to a partnership with two local firms. In fact, VW hold five of the top ten selling car positions in the country.

FAW – Volkswagen and Shanghai – Volkswagen offer a range of cars between them based on the German auto manufacturers models.

All of the cars are produced in China and the bestselling car from the group was the VW Lavida – which is only sold in China. FAW VW has two favorites in the Jetta and the Bora, both of which sell very well in the nation.

Hyundai

Another joint venture rounds out the top ten. Hyundai and Beijing Automotive Group combine to create Beijing Hyundai.

The leading sellers are the Elantra and the Verna (Accent in the US). The cars are that little bit closer to home coming from South Korea, though there are some tweaks here and there for the Chinese market.

Ford

The Ford Focus, which is manufactured by Changan Ford is also a worthy mention and is often right up there in the top 10 autos sold in the country. Once more it’s a joint venture between Ford and a Chinese company with a number of tweaks for the Eastern market.

China produces a number of its own autos too, with Geely and BYD coming to the fore and beginning to take a chunk of the domestic and foreign automotive market. In fact, Geely is now Egypt’s seventh bestselling car – an interesting movement.

Christopher Rennicks is an automotive writer with a penchant for all things weird and a love of all things on four wheels.

Does Premium Fuel Make a Difference?

2013-05-02T19:27:07Z

With the frequent rise in petrol prices, drivers have been forced to rethink their fuel choices, especially as the gap between unleaded and premium petrol prices continues to widen.

If advertisements are to be believed, premium fuel has certain advantages over regular petrol

However, a closer examination reveals that most of these advantages are not absolute and are contingent on several factors.

Therefore, before you make a choice at the fuel station, you must be aware of whether premium fuel will benefit your car.

Truth be told, there is no single answer to that question since a lot depends on the kind of car you use.

Let’s quickly go through some crucial facts about premium fuel:

Premium Fuel Has A Higher Octane Rating Or RON (Research Octane Number)

Every fuel is classified under a particular octane rating category. While regular unleaded petrol has an octane rating or RON of 91, premium fuel has a higher RON of 95.

So, how does RON affect your car’s performance? Using a high RON fuel decreases chances of engine knock, a phenomenon under which remnants of unburnt fuel can pre-ignite, causing damage to the engine. Engine knock is a relatively rare occurrence in regular, family cars.

However, the same is not true for high performance engines usually found in luxury cars. To prevent any damage to such engines, it would be a better idea to switch to premium fuel as is also recommended by the car manufacturers.

Premium Fuel Affects Performance In Luxury Cars

It makes sense to invest in premium fuel if you have a high-end luxury car like a Porsche, Pajero, Ferrari, Land Cruiser or any other sports car. As mentioned earlier, the engines in these cars are designed for top notch performance and are exposed to extremes of temperature and pressure.

This makes them more prone to wear and tear, particularly through the phenomenon of engine knock. Premium fuel can control engine knocking to a great extent and hence, it is better suited for these cars.

Premium Fuel Can Lower Insurance Premiums

Car insurance providers have been known to offer discounts to people driving fuel-efficient cars. For instance, you can get decreased insurance premiums for hybrid cars.

Similarly, certain insurance providers also offer some discounts for cars driven on premium fuel since it reduces the chances of wear and tear.

Premium Fuel Does Not Provide Better Car Mileage

Contrary to popular belief, premium fuel does not improve a car’s mileage. There is absolutely no relationship between these two factors.

Similarly, it would be misplaced to say that premium fuel is necessarily better for your car since it is more refined – this is a general statement which does vary depending on your individual car.

As noted above, the benefits of premium fuel may be more apparent in a luxury car rather than an ordinary, everyday vehicle. Still, they’re all factors worth considering before you choose between the different fuel options available for your car.

How to Get More MPG Out of Your Car or Truck

2013-02-15T16:56:21Z

With today’s unpredictable economy, acquiring new methods to save on gas are more important than ever. The oil and gas industry is big business. Here are some simple tips to help maximize your vehicle’s fuel economy rating.

Easy Acceleration

Heavy throttle kills fuel economy. Aside from an emergency, there is no need to accelerate like a race car driver. Use a light foot to dramatically increase your gas mileage.

Alignment

A poorly maintained vehicle can cut gas mileage in half. Not only does a tune-up help optimize fuel efficiency; it also revitalizes the engine’s power. A simple replacement of the spark plugs could be just what the doctor ordered.

Tire Size

Over-sized wheels and tires look cool, but they destroy gas mileage. Try to stick as close to the stock size as possible. Also remember to keep the tires properly inflated. Even slightly deflated tires put a dent in fuel savings.

Oxygen Sensors

Regularly scheduled replacement of the oxygen sensor is often neglected. They normally require a replacement interval of around 100,000 miles. Keep in mind that most vehicles have at least two oxygen sensors.

Check Alignment

Many car owners drive for thousands of miles on a misaligned vehicle. If you notice that your vehicle strays away from its intended path, then a trip to an alignment specialist is recommended. Abnormal tread wear on the tires is another tell-tale sign of bad alignment.

The recommended oil type in the owner’s manual is the best for efficiency. Thick oil causes increased friction inside of your engine. The harder your engine has to work, the more gas that is consumed.

Remove Clutter

There is no need to carry around excess junk in your car. The extra baggage could begin to weigh down your vehicle. You could unknowingly be throwing your fuel economy down the drain.

Bad Gas Cap

Some drivers may not realize the importance of a gas cap. Gas caps help keep the gas from evaporating from the tank. Replace missing or faulty gas caps as soon as possible.

Cruise Along

There is no need to rush to a stoplight. Idling vehicles are known to produce horrendous fuel economy. The next time that you encounter a stoplight, let the vehicle cruise toward the light under its own momentum.

These are all helpful tips in getting the most MPG out of your car or truck. We all know how painful it can be to keep filling up your car at the tank. Just remember these helpful ideas and don’t drive around like your in NASCAR. Please be safe and responsible out there on the road.

19 Engines in BMW-Designed Race Car

2013-02-15T16:49:51Z

A 4 year olds’ dream car (as expressed by him to his uncle) has actually been designed by BMW. His uncle posted on the auto enthusiast website Jalopnik asking if design-savvy members of the site could draw up Eli’s dream car.

This dream car has 19 engines (Eli wanted Porsche Boxer engines, but they didn’t make it to the final rendering), 42 wheels, 3 steering wheels, and of course the 3 steering wheels are controlled simultaneously by 3 drivers. Another feature that was very important to Eli was the trunk for toys and BMW added a decent-sized one complete with an air vent.

The 4213ELI (custom vanity plate) also comes with a rear engine bay, massive air intakes, a front bubble top for the third driver, a front engine bay, and 3 wheels per axle.

If you’re interested in seeing a picture of Eli’s dream car, or reading a bit more about it, check out a great picture here or take a look at the article from Yahoo Autos found here.

Review of the 2014 BMW X3

2013-02-13T04:16:37Z

SUV crossovers have become popular in recent years as motorists seek out a vehicle with the driving performance of a car combined with the ability to haul a little more cargo.

The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover that has several features that should appeal to upper end consumers.

Debuting in 2003, the BMW X3 has received a few updates nearly every succeeding year. The 2013 model received a variety of mechanical upgrades, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, that transfer to the 2014 version.

The vehicle does a nice job of combining safety, performance and fuel efficiency.

The Engine – The four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic base engine has nearly the identical power the older six-cylinder did but with improved fuel efficiency.

There is an optional six-cylinder available. The engine is one of the most powerful in the class, generating 240 horsepower. The turbo models go from 0-60 in 5.5 seconds.

Gas Mileage – The BMW x3 gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Interior – The cabin of the x3 is spacious and comfortable, even for taller drivers, and the rear seating also offers plenty of room. It comes standard with faux leather seats. The front seats are adjustable eight ways and the driver’s spot has a memory function.

There is 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space available when the second row of seats remains in place. That area expands to 56.6 cubic feet when all the seats are folded down. The opening is wide, making it easier to load items into the cargo area. One negative is that the rear seats do not slide forward or back.

Exterior – The headlights will have a sleeker design and the side mirrors are slimmed down a bit and will appear les box-like. The bumpers will also be updated in the front and back. Some reviewers have stated the exterior design somewhat limits the visibility in the rear. A one-piece tailgate provides access to the rear cargo area.

Safety – There are a number of safety features standard on the BMW X3 that makes it a leader among crossover vehicles. The X3 comes standard with driver and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, child safety locks, electronic stability control, daytime running lights and traction control.

The X3 also rates is rated good by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety when it comes to side impacts, rear crashes and roof strength. The good rating is the highest available.

For consumers looking to find a car with a powerful, yet fuel-efficient engine, lots of interior space and excellent safety rating, the BMW x3 is a luxury crossover vehicle with a lot to offer. It is highly competitive with others in the class and can be very appealing to families.

Mercedes Powers Up For the Geneva Motor Show

2013-02-07T22:15:56Z

The new version of the C63 AMG (called the Edition 507) is heading to the Geneva Motor Show with the reveal being planned for March 2013.

Sales in the US market are slated to begin in the summer of 2013, and the car will be available as either a coupe or a sedan.

Mercedes borrows the forged pistons from its supercar SLS, and then combines them with new connecting rods as well as a lightweight crankshaft.

This combination gives the Edition 507 model 56 more horsepower than the base C63 (507 horsepower for the Edition 507, and 461 horsepower for the base C63).

Additionally, the Edition 507 offers 450 lb-ft of torque as opposed to the base C63’s 443. Top speed of the Edition 507 is a blisteringly fast 174 miles per hour.

If you’re interested in more details about the new Mercedes Edition 207, check out this article from MSN.com for all the facts and figures.

Convertible Lamborghini Hits Top Speed of 217

2013-02-07T22:10:49Z

For the 50^th anniversary of Lamborghini, the iconic carmaker has been pulling out all the stops.

First there was a parade of five Aventadors – Lamborghini’s newest convertible — blasting down a Miami International Airport runway at 210 mph per hour (just 7 miles shy of the top speed of this convertible roadster).

Speeds were tracked by the Miami-Dade police (and it’s probably the first time ever that a meeting between a Lamborghini and the cops ended up with nobody getting a ticket!).

The next trick up Lamborghini’s sleeve for their 50^th anniversary celebration was a parade of 50 Lamborghini’s (both vintage and new) along South Beach’s Collins Avenue.

The V12 engine under the Lamborghini’s hood delivers 691 horsepower and 509 pound-feet of torque, unchanged from the hardtop version. However, half the cylinders in the engine will shut down under steady cruising which will cut fuel consumption by about 20%.

One of the major perks of owning an Aventador is showing it off to other people, and this see-and-be-seen vehicle delivers a bang for the buck.

If you’re interested in more details about this fantastic convertible roadster, check out this great article from Yahoo Autos!

Used Car Sales Benefit From Uncertain Economy

2013-02-07T21:56:54Z

In 2012, nearly 41 million used cars changed hands.

This is a 4.4% increase over used car sales in 2011, according to CNW Research, an analyst firm that estimates private, fleet, commercial, and retail sales of used light-duty vehicles.

The increase in sales of used cars is most likely attributable to the uncertain economy with its resulting tightened spending.

Another factor in the increase of used car sales is the wobbly job market that is currently being faced by most Americans.

The top-selling used cars models mirror the top-selling new cars. For example, used Ford-F Series pickup trucks have been the leader in used vehicle sales for 13 year (new Ford-F Series are also the best-selling new cars) and over 1.1 million Ford-F series changed hands in 2012.

The Toyota Camry is the best-selling new passenger car, as well as being the best-selling used passenger car (more than one million used Camrys went to new owners in 2012).

If you’re interested in learning more about the current used car market, check out this article from MSN.com for the facts and figures.

Review of the 2013 Toyota Avalon

2013-02-07T20:52:59Z

The Toyota Avalon has traditionally attracted an elderly clientele, due to its focus on quiet luxury and easy handling.

Toyota says that the 2013 model is getting a major face-lift to go along with improved handling, in hopes of attracting younger buyers.

Even with all the changes that Toyota has planned, the 2013 Toyota Avalon will not be a sports sedan. It will however get a new design that Toyota states will bring bold, aggressive luxury and a stronger look to the nearly 20-year old model line.

The Avalon is offered with a 3.5 liter V6 engine or a new hybrid model with a 4-cylinder power-train There are 4 trim packages when choosing the V6 engine, and 3 trim packages to choose from if you opt for the hybrid.

Seats are soft and comfortable, the upholstery is made of leather, and the interior appointments (dashboard, door panels, armrests, and the like) are soft touch. Both front and back seats offer plenty of leg room and head room, and the trunk has 16 square feet of cargo space.

If you’re interested in learning more about either the hybrid or the standard Avalon, check out this article from MSN.com.