Autopartswarehouse - Car Reviews

New Chevy Model Chevrolet Lacetti Station Wagon 1.8SX Automatic

nospam@example.com (Keith Bradford) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 01:18:00 +0100

The Lacetti line-up of Chevrolet has been graced with another model which is the Lacetti Station Wagon. What Chevrolet boasts of this model is that the only gear that drivers have to shift is the one thats in the load bay. Chevrolet is known to be one automaker which provides new cars that have great value and it has once again proved just how much true that is. It has now introduced a new 1.8 SX edition for the popular Lacetti Station Wagon which has automatic transmission as its standard gearbox. This model costs about £12,795 on-the-road and it has the same levels of standard equipment that the 1.6 SX has. Aside from that, the Chevrolet Lacetti Station Wagon also has a lot of equipment that would normally only found in expensive models such as the all-electric windows, front and side airbags for protection, smart 15-inch alloy wheels, traction control, , air conditioning system, power door mirrors, leather-covered steering wheel, remote central locking with engine immobilizer, leather0covered gear knob, radio-CD with MP3 capability, and a cooled glove compartment. The 1.8 SX engine installed under the new Chevrolet models hood is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission which comes as standard as whats mentioned earlier. With this, the Lacetti Station Wagon can accelerate from 0-62 miles per hour in 12 seconds and its top speed is 116mph. For its combined fuel economy, it is recorded to cover at least 32.1 miles per gallon of fuel. The Lacetti Station Wagon is actually just the first of many models to come that will eventually join the Chevrolet line up for 2008. With the lot of models still yet to be added, they are further adding to Chevrolets rapidly increasing presence in the UK. It was actually a good year for Chevrolet last 2007 as the automaker celebrated its record sales year in the UK as it was able to increase its sales to up to 27.5 percent. This just proves just how much fast Chevrolets presence in the country is increasing. There will be two other models which will join Chevrolets line up for 2008, following the successful launch of Chevrolets Captiva SUV in UK last year 2007.

A Porsche Hybrid

nospam@example.com (Keith Bradford) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 01:28:00 +0100

Porsche rides are known to be rock star racer vehicles on the race track and may be perceived by others as vehicles that emit a lot of smoke due to its speed. However, considering Porsche rides as such is unfair on the part of the automaker as its vehicles were designed not be air an environment polluters. And perhaps to prove again its environment wellness commitment, Porsche has recently announced that it will be developing a hybrid drive version of its new Porsche Panamera. This Porsche model is a four-door Gran Turismo and its hybrid version will share the already-proven components that were present in the prototype of the Cayenne Hybrid. The Cayenne Hybrid is already set to be launched in the market at the end of the decade, by 2010. the Cayenne Hybrid will have this newly-developed full parallel hybrid drive system and this system will allow the Cayenne to have a fuel economy of over 31 miles per gallon. The Porsche Panamera will actually be the first four-door sports model to be installed with the full parallel hybrid drive technology that provides an impressive fuel efficiency. And as this hybrid drive system is already present in the Cayenne Hybrid, the Porsche Panamera will enjoy the benefits from the experienced gained in developing the hybrid drive of the Cayenne Hybrid. The full parallel hybrid drive system primarily consists of a battery pack that will be located in the luggage compartment, power electronics, the hybrid module which will be situated between the engine and transmission which ahs an additional clutch, and the electric motor. Because of this full parallel hybrid drive system developed by Porsche, the Panamera could be driven in a number of modes such as all-electric drive that is absolutely free of emissions and a sport mode with which one could drive like the sporting style thats typical of a Porsche ride. The Porsche Panamera has a lot of striking features that include a wide and low body which will allow the model to have dynamic proportions and muscular design, giving it an outstanding sporty yet compact look. Inside, passengers will enjoy the benefits of a spacious cabin. There are two sporting and comfortable single seats at the back which allows the adults to relax in a seat with generous headroom and in full comfort. All in all, the Porsche Panamera with the full parallel hybrid drive system is one tempting car to drive with all its features and emission-free drive mode.

2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

nospam@example.com (Keith Bradford) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:58:00 +0100

Porsche has always been known as one of the greatest sports/race cars makers of all time with its race cars winning here and there in different racing events. Naturally, all its vehicles, even those not intended for the race tracks, promise power and performance beyond the drivers imagination. I am, of course a little bit exaggerating, but you know what I mean. Our Porsche car of the moment which has a promising combination of performance and luxurious utility is the new 2008 Cayenne GTS. With these characteristics, it is being dubbed as the best-handling sports utility vehicle on the globe. Theres no doubt about the 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS offering great performance. Why wouldnt it be? It has a 4.8-liter V-8 engine installed under its heavy bonnet which promises to provide a whooping 405 horsepower and this engine is mated to a six-speed Tiptronic S transmission. Naturally, its powerful performance lets it dash from 0-62mph in just 6.5 seconds and reach 100mph in approximately 15 seconds. But as this is Porsche were talking about, its performance and acceleration speed are not even its icings on the cake. It is not being dubbed as the best handling SUV for nothing. Its handling ability is its greatest asset which makes it stand out among other Cayenne models. This is thanks to the Active Suspension Management combined with steel springs instead of with air suspension. This is actually the first Cayenne model to do such and to have that Porsche sports car practice. But since US federal ride-height regulations classify the Cayenne as a light truck, 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS models coming to the land of opportunities will have PASM combined with air suspension. But even with that, the models arriving in the US will still benefit from the 0.79-inch stance that offers stiffer suspension algorithms from its three-mode electronic shock controls and the 21-inch running gear. The visual goodies and features of the ever good-looking Cayenne come from the blackout pillars, wider wheel arches, Turbo-sourced front and rear fascias, and optional twin-roof spoiler.

Sexy VW Viseo

nospam@example.com (Keith Bradford) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 03:47:59 +0100

Sleek, sexy, out-of-this-world design these are the words the VW concept car dubbed as Viseo should be properly described with as these are just fitting for the VW concept car.

The concept car looks so out of this world that it seems it would be a long time before the concept car is realized. Or perhaps it shall remain as just a concept car. That is the hanging question of people who were able to take a peek at this VW beauty.

The design of the VW Viseo has been conceptualized by Marc Kirsch. The architecture of the VW Viseo had been inspired by Santiago Calatravas dynamic balance as Kirsch wanted to have a car that sport ergonomics for comfortability and is also ecologically friendly. The VW Vieseos being ecologically friendly is from its electric engine.

VW Viseo is a three-seater and was conceptualized in an attempt to make vehicles have higher level of comfort but also improves driving experience.

For a sleek look, the VW Viseo has been designed to have a large part of its surface covered in a flexible OLED film. This way, drivers can be sure to have innovative safety and communication concept for the vehicle to easily communicate externally.

The Land Cruiser Invincible

nospam@example.com (Keith Bradford) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:01:00 +0100

Toyota is making its Land Cruiser even more legendary than before as its Land Cruiser has been given new levels of luxury of style and design. This autumn, we will be witness to the introduction of a new and revised Land Cruiser Invincible grade. The land Cruiser Invincible has been placed at the top of the range as it offers drivers and passengers with better and more upgraded specifications than other models in the lineup.

This new Land Cruiser Invincible will now become a mainstream instead of just being a plain special edition. It will be replacing the LC5 Land Cruiser and to prepare it for being a mainstream model, Toyota has decided to equip it with a number of contemporary features that are necessary. These must-have features include a rear parking monitor, black wood trim inserts, a leather and wood multi-function steering wheel, and a Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free operation.

The exterior styling that the Land Cruiser Invincible has makes it a whole lot different than the other land Cruiser models in the lineup, that is to say, the exterior styles sets it apart from the rest. This now-mainstream model sports a rear privacy glass and a subtle dark finish to its headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and front grill. But since it is a replacement for the LC5, some key features of the Invincible are the same with the LC5. These features include the full map satellite navigation with Electronic Traffic Avoidance, dual-zone climate control with independent front and rear controls, Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension or TEMS, and nine-speaker sound system with six-disc CD changer.

The powertrain options for the Land Cruiser Invincible are a 3.0-liter D-4D diesel and 4.0- VVT-I V6 petrol engine. A choice of six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission comes with the 3.0 D-4D while the V6 has a standard automatic transmission.

Prices for the Land Cruiser Invincible are the following:

Land Cruiser Invincible 3.0 D-4D (6 M/T) £37,795

Land Cruiser Invincible 3.0 D-4D (5 A/T) £38,995

Land Cruiser Invincible 4.0 VVT-I V6 (5 A/T) £39,495

Volvos ReCharge PHEV Concept

nospam@example.com (Keith Bradford) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 04:55:00 +0200

Japanese car maker Toyota has initiated the move on producing a plug-in hybrid with its Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid and now Swedish car maker Volvo follows suit. What Volvo has in store is its Volvo ReCharge PHEV Concept vehicle. This is based on its Volvo C30 and it is a plug-in hybrid car that brings together a flexible-fuel 1.6-liter engine and it is linked to an auxiliary power unit or APU. This APU is the one that powers the in-wheel motors.

Swedish car maker Volvo informs that when its plug-in hybrid concept vehicle is fully charged, it can run for over 60 miles. Its charging time takes approximately 3 hours on a standard power outlet. Also, regenerative braking while driving can also help in charging the battery pack. The battery pack that Volvo installed in its ReCharge PHEV Concept is a lithium-polymer battery thats made and designed to last longer than the operating life of the car.

One good thing about the Volvo ReCharge is that drivers can opt to just make use of the back-up combustion engine to save on the cars battery charge. Also, when the battery charge becomes insufficient for driving, the APU steps up to distribute power to the in-wheel motors when it detects the batterys insufficiency of charge. The combustion engine also only fuels the APU, thus, it can operate in the best possible operation, both for the regulated emissions and CO2, according to a press release from Volvo.

Volvo elaborates more the specs and how its Volvo ReCharge PHEV Concept works more in its press release:

An electric motor at each wheel

The Volvo ReCharge Concept combines a number of the latest technological innovations into a so-called "series hybrid" where there is no mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels.

The battery pack of the PHEV Concept of Volvo makes use of the lithium-polymer battery technology. The ReCharge model also has four electric motors that are located in each of its wheels for independent traction power. Aside from the battery, there is a 4-cylinder 1.6-liter Flexifuel engine. This was equipped in the model for use when the battery has been depleted as this propels an advanced generator which will then power the wheel motors.

"There is a considerable difference between the Volvo plug-in hybrid and today's hybrids. Today's hybrids use the battery only for short periods to assist the combustion engine. Volvo's solution is designed for most people to run on electric power all the time, while providing the extra security that comes with having a combustion engine as a secondary source of electrical power," says Ichiro Sugioka, project manager for the Volvo ReCharge Concept.

Nissan Mixim Concept Targeting Computer Kids

nospam@example.com (Keith Bradford) — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 07:33:00 +0200

The recently concluded Frankfurt Auto Show saw the emergence of Nissans latest concept car the Nissan Mixim Concept. This vehicle is an all-electric mini car which hopes to attract the future buyers. The Mixim has a hatchback design, rakish styling, gull-wing doors and with these, Nissan hopes to attract gamers and other young people who are more into computers than cars. Its also Nissans way of showing that electric cars can also be quite attractive.

The Mixim has a 3+1 seating arrangement, making the driver sit right up front the cabin in this svelte coupe. This electric car is also fronted with a wrap-around windscreen which aims to imitate a helmet visor. Gamers can also feel at home with the dashboard thats specifically designed to be familiar to them. This has the newly-developed Super Motor electric generator/motor rated at 82 horsepower to make it more appealing to young people. One propels the front axle and a second the rear axle, thus making the Mixim an all-wheel drive vehicle. The automakers spokesman said that the Mixim has an unusually rapid performance for an electric runabout combined with a usefully extended range. Top speed is given as 180 kilometres an hour (112 miles per hour) and the Nissan can travel for 250 kilometres before its lithium-ion batteries need recharging. As of the moment, the Japanese car maker has no plans yet of putting the Nissan Mixim into series production model but the development is in line with the desire of Nissan to make the mobile society a more sustainable one.

Lamborghini releases $1.4 million car

nospam@example.com (Keith Bradford) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:08:04 +0200

The Italian automaker for luxury sports car has released it most expensive car yet, the Reventon, during the recently concluded Frankfurt Auto Show. This is a very limited edition Lamborghini model that looks like that of an arrow because of its very sleek form. The Italian automaker decided to produce this to add more prestige than what it already has to its models. Though very expensive it may be, the automaker has already sold 20 units of Reventon that it plans to build. Chief Executive Stephan Winkelmann said, As soon as the word got out, we sold out in four days. He also added that they could have easily sold another 20. He added that most of the buyers of the Reventon were from the United States, the Italian automakers biggest auto market. Some of the buyers of the Reventon already have Lamborghinis of their own. We have among our customers movie stars, sports starsbut the majority of our clients are businessmen. Men. Lovers of luxury goods, Winkelmann said. Lamborghini has always been known to associate the names of its vehicles to aggressive images and so it named this car after a bull that ended the life of matador Felix Guzman back in 1943. This model is based on the automakers Murcielago LP640 model but it is after a fighter jet that auto engineers designed the car after. They just reworked the composite carbon body filter to emphasize the models sleekness and the angular edges that are usually associated with its vehicles. The engine is the same as the LP640: a 12-cylinder rocket that can propel the car from zero to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. When it is compared with the coupe version of the LP640, the LP640 costs relatively more around 219,600 euros.