Jaguar S Type has classic car charm and was designed to give a tough fight for rival Audi A6

The first generation Jaguar S Type made its debut in 2000, as a luxury model in the sedan category. The S Type was built on the same body as the Lincoln LS, but the former was built in the UK while the latter was built in the US. It was a four door sedan that could seat five people. It came in two versions - a Sedan 3.0 which derived its power from a 3.0 Liter V6 engine designed by Ford and the 4.0 which derived its power from a 4.0 Liter V8 engine produced by Jaguar. Both versions had disc brakes, airbags in the front and side, and 17 inch tires. The deluxe communication package came with a navigation system or an assistance system powered by a cell phone located in the dashboard, a system to monitor temperatures inside the car and music could be turned on or off by giving instructions by phone. In 2001, a system warning people the car was reversing was added, and the 4.0 Version got an expensive stereo system that was now located in the trunk. In 2002, a sports edition of the S Type was added to the lineup.

The second generation Jaguar S Type made its debut in 2003. The S Type came in three models.

The Jaguar S-Type was a mid-sized executive saloon, designed to take on the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. However, it was never as popular as its German rivals, partly because of its retro styling; its lines were directly influenced by Jaguar’s sporting saloons of the 1960s, such as the Mark 2. Reliability could also be an issue; while the car was great to drive, when working properly some cars didn’t give the fault-free service that their owners expected. However, decent packaging, generous equipment levels and class-leading comfort ensured many buyers chose British instead of German

S-Type is a new car with classic car charm. It might not be up there with the class leaders by the usual measures, but it has a plenty of personality and still turns heads long after it was first introduced in 1999. It’s a car you'll buy with your heart more than your head.
The Jaguar S-Type has been on the UK's roads since 1999 and has found favour with motorists looking for classic car looks with modern car sensibilities.
Revised in 2002 and again in 2004 to address reliability niggles and to compete with its quickly-improving rivals, the current car is unlike anything else on sale.
Some argue the Jaguar S-Type looks are slightly contrived to create a direct link with the original S-Type from the 1960s, but others love its retro charm.

The Jaguar S-Type can be specified with one of four engines: a 2.7 diesel or a 3-litre and two 4.2-litre petrol configurations; one with a supercharger.

Standard safety equipment in the Jaguar S-Type range include driver, passenger, side and side curtain airbags with Jaguar's Adaptive Restraint Technology System to ensure they're deployed correctly.
Author : richy

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Jaguar XJ focuses on traditional styling inside and out

The Jaguar XJ is a luxury saloon that competes with Audi’s A8, BMW’s 7-Series and the Mercedes S-Class, although it’s a very different car from any of these key rivals. While the Jaguar focuses on traditional styling inside and out, its German rivals are much more modern. Although the Jaguar may look old-fashioned, it’s more comfortable than anything else in its class, while also offering sublime levels of refinement. Also, despite the traditional design, the XJ packs much of the latest technology, ensuring it’s able to show its rivals a clean pair of heels.

It’s a toss-up between looks, ride and handling. All three are brilliant but given the car generated as many compliments during our week-long loan as most cars attract in a lifetime, we’ll go with that. This car has personality and heritage in spades with a look that’s also bang up to date. Want to turn heads? Buy this car.
The XJ has attracted more compliments and admiring looks during its time on loan to Auto Trader than any other model.

But it ain’t just a pretty face. This big cat beauty also boasts fantastic handling and a silky ride. The fictional stars of hit TV show Life on Mars would have no problem recognising this model. Some think it’s time it moved on while others love the fact it’s one of the most easily recognised cars on the road – for all the right reasons. It certainly got plenty of admiring glances and comments during our week’s ownership, and we love the traditional styling, big cat grille, wide stance, side air intakes and twin exhaust. The latest model has emphasised the car’s sportiness but the changes have been tweaks rather than major.

The diesel model is the most economical, returning 35mpg on average and up to 43.7mpg for motorway cruising. Insurance falls into group 17E and emissions of 214g/km see it currently in tax band F – with an annual bill of £205.

The original Jaguar XJ model from 1968 was the last Jaguar saloon in which Sir William Lyons, Jaguar’s founder, was involved. He retired in 1972.

The 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel engine that has been offered in the XJ since 2006 is essentially the same unit as the one fitted to Land Rover’s Discovery. It was developed in conjunction with Peugeot, which is why it is also offered in that company’s 407 and 607.

The Jaguar XJ has scooped numerous awards, including Best Used Luxury Car 2008, Greenest Luxury Car 2008 (Environmental Transport Association) and Chauffeur Car of the Year 2008 (Chauffeur magazine).
Author : richy

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Choosing a Used Car That's Good on Gas

Buying a car is a major commitment, both for financial and environmental reasons. If you are like many people nowadays, you are searching for ways to save money on weekly purchases like groceries, transportation and gas. You may be searching for a used car that's good on gas, but you are not sure what kind of car to choose. Here are some tips to help you select a used car that's economical on fuel:

Look for enough car for your average daily needs.

When choosing a used car, it's important to keep in mind what you will be using the car for on a daily basis. Will you be transporting just yourself to and from work or will this be a family vehicle that requires more room for passengers? If you use your vehicle for your business or you need to be able to carry special equipment around such as for your job or a handicapped member of your family, what kind of vehicle can accommodate these needs? You wouldn't buy a two door sedan instead of a mid-size car just because it was better on gas, then attempt to cram your family of five inside would you? This gives you a good place to start when evaluating used cars for usefulness and economy. Choose a car that will give you maximum usage in an engine and body size that works for your average needs.

Consider the savings now or later.

Before you select a car for your family needs, you may want to consider how saving money on a purchase based on the age of the car versus the longer-term fuel and environmental savings that newer models may have. For example, if you were able to save $5,000 USD now on a used car that's five years old, but that didn't have the features that a one year old used car may have, such as a hybrid engine or a higher mileage rating, is it more important for you to have the immediate savings now or enjoy a greater savings over time? Because you will probably be driving your more economical used car for a few years, you may want to think about the savings over that time period instead of just buying it to save a little money now.

Read the reviews and get more information about the used car.

When you start looking at used cars, you may find that you are overwhelmed with all the features and benefits of the cars themselves. It may be difficult to know which one to choose. One great way to make your decision easier is by reading automotive reviews about the cars that you are considering. Evaluate the different models based on the quality of the materials used to manufacture the car, the user reviews and ratings and then the gas mileage ratings. Just because you can buy a used car with better gas mileage for a lower price, doesn't mean it's a better value. You can save yourself a considerable amount of money if you carefully consider any mechanical or user issues each car may have.
Author:Amy Nutt

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Is It Crazy to Buy a Pontiac Car Now?

Smart buyers would say that it is crazy like a fox to purchase a Pontiac car now. General Motors, backed by its largest and most important shareholder, the U.S. government, will clearly stand behind the warranty so it seems clear that Pontiac is the way to maximize your purchase dollars in a market that is way overcrowded with deals.

Taking a sampling of prices from the internet, Pontiac is offering some of the best deals in the car classes in which they compete. Oddly enough, the consensus opinion in the trade is that the brands that GM has sold, such as Saab and Hummer represent a far greater risk to the consumer than Pontiac.

In addition to the financial benefits of purchasing a Pontiac, there is the additional impact of the nostalgia attached to the final production year.

Collectors of all automobiles are looking forward to the countdown on production of the various Pontiac badged vehicles because it is clear that there will be an instant premium associated with the last few hundred of each model produced.

And of course the rumor mill keeps churning as it relates to General Motors possible alternate plans for the division and some of its key models. There is no doubt of the success of the Pontiac G8 as it clearly follows in the footsteps of the Pontiac tradition for sporty, affordable family cars that can also provide some excitement.

For the true American car aficionado, it is quite ironic that the G8 is manufactured in Australia rather than Detroit but certainly indicative of the overall international nature of the automobile industry these days.

Another piece of advice floating around is to buy any of the last year Pontiacs and put it away in safe storage and reap the benefits seven to ten years down the line. The key to that strategy is having everything be in original prime condition. It is remarkable to see how many current collectible cars are selling at a significant premium (even taking into account the lower value of the dollar) to their original sticker price.

Imagine rolling around town 10 years from now in a pristine 2010 Pontiac G8. The last and best irony is that from all accounts these new Pontiacs have been superbly built to rival anything from Germany or Japan so it is not unreasonable in the least to assume that they will remain in excellent working order for many years to come.

It is clear that there are many advantages to picking up a Pontiac if you have the financial means to do so at this time. As noted earlier, how much better does a warranty get than direct from the U.S. government?

It is anticipated that sales will actually pick up as the date of final production comes closer so it makes sense to begin to do the research to determine which model and which dealer can offer you the best value in this market and make your move now rather than waiting until the deadline next year draws closer.

Author : Dennis Rosenberg

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Lookin for the top used car dealer

If you are looking to buy a Car, one of the used car dealerships is absolutely your best option. If your resource is low to very low, then you should verify the used car dealerships. Why? Why should I alter this to used car dealerships? Yes, you can safe them a lot if you buy a car from used car markets such as. If you are still not certain that going to one of the used car dealerships is the best thought, then you should know that buying a car from the concentrated dealer is far more secure and protected from the buy of used car from private seller.

Here is some helpful information on searching for the top used car dealer.

(i) Reputation: This is the most fundamental in choosing car dealer. Making business deals with fair, truthful and accommodating car dealer is easy as long as you find a trustworthy dealership. You should check with the local Better Business Bureau for car dealers’ reliability report and you could ask relatives and friends for past car dealers they dealt with that guarantee satisfaction.

(ii) Services: Finding the best car dealers should not be the only factor to consider. Make sure the services the car dealers provide are suitable. These services include: a) Car loans, b) Check and check out, c) Service rates, d) Warranty.

(iii) Price range: Most people presume that the price you pay is for the whole vehicle. This is not the box when doing selling with car dealers.

If these extra accessories would be benefit for you, it might be a blessing. However, if you favor to purchase the car alone, check to see the car you wish to buy if it includes add-ons desist from paying additional for each. Additional fees such as dealer handling and pier fees are charged to set up a used car for sale, maintaining the car and preparing wanted documents for the car sale. These additional fees could be negotiating since all of these services would only offer extra profit for the dealer.

Aside from a deferential, dignified & sincere car dealer, consider these factors in choosing the top car dealer. You may be buy a used car, but by looking for the best person to assist you, it will lead to a good investment.
Author : Andrewseo

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Top four advantages of buying luxury cars

Luxury cars are the favourite cars when the markets are strong when the markets are high on demand for cars. The entry of new car makes in the luxury segment has ushered an era competitiveness and better marketing. Young affluent Indians are most benefitted by the new car launches. These cars boast of elegant design and sumptuous interiors and great electronic gadgets.

But people do not go for luxury cars only to showoff their wealth. There are a host of advantages attached to buying luxury cars. We shall looks into the five most important advantages of buying luxury cars.

Admiration

Luxury cars are head turners and are a statement to the owner’s luxurious lifestyle. It attracts attention wherever it goes. Their scintillating beauty of luxury cars suggest a sense of power and prestige in every soul that it passes by.

It is also a statement that the car owner has arrived. Extravagance has always been associated with the pleasure of owning exquisite items that everybody cannot afford. It is not like everybody can afford to buy BMW, Mercedes and Audi brand of cars.

Manufacturers also offer accessory to enhance its looks. The high level of customisation is tempts many young car enthusiasts to go for them there is nothing as special as flaunting a personal style statement among peers.

Beauty par excellence

Luxury cars are perfect blend of beauty and brawn. They guarantee the owner, a performance not seen anytime before and beauty that can hold the breaths of onlookers. These cars are designed by ace designers of the world. They combine the artistically designed machine with passion and high quality engineering. Every design cue is expected to be unique, stylish and visually appealing. They are given the most amazing aerodynamic design that boosts their performance by leaps and bounds. They powertrains come with the latest technological innovations like the VVT, multijet injection and turbocharger. In the interiors, all efforts are made to make the journey comfortable. State of the art features in the in-car entertainment, air conditioning, handsfree communications and iPod connectivity. Genuine wood inlays and high quality craftsmanship are seen only in luxury cars.

High Level of Safety

Safety is high priority in luxury cars. In fact it was Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo and several other luxury car brands that introduced new safety technologies. These were later adapted into small cars. Things like the airbags, antilock braking system, traction control and pedestrian safety technologies are some notable ones. The latest cars in India will always feature some exclusive piece of safety technology. Some of these may include the adaptive cruise control, brake assist, four wheel anti-lock brakes, driver assist, adaptive headlights and so on and so forth.

Complete Maintenance

Luxury cars come with a high price tag. Hence they come with longer warranty periods compared to other cars. Most of these manufacturers even offer free comprehensive roadside assistance, free check up and maintenance for the first four years of its manufacture. Car owners are guaranteed to receive maintenance by trained technicians. They know that these luxury cars will attract quality attention and satisfactory services from manufacturers.
Author:Mohanty

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The modern Honda Civic has won buyers owing to its looks

The current Civic has become much more luxurious with air conditioning, power locks, and power windows, plus options like leather upholstery, satellite linked navigation, and a six speed manual transmission.

Honda Civic has everything in it to make the most attractive car. The beauty of this car as revealed outside continues inside. The rev counter and digital speedometer arrangement is a great example – an excellent balance of futuristic style with intuitive, comfortable ergonomics.

The Honda cars are innovative. The falling rear seats bury themselves somewhere in the floor of the car and leave a surprising amount of room, which means good practicality. The Civic should be commended for the huge amount of leg, head and shoulder room.

There is a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel. The 1.4 and 1.8-litre petrol units produce 80bhp and 138bhp respectively. The handling taut is very responsive and has good grip for sharp turns. The suspension soaks the harshness out of bumpy surfaces while giving the user enough of a feel of how the car is moving and reacting. Reliability wise, civic has three years warranty.

The 2009 Honda Civic received a slight face lift, including a slight redesign to the front and rear. The interior looks more classy with leather wrapped steering wheel and Bluetooth compatibility. On the road, the Civic feels firmer and sportier than previous models, which is probably a good thing for most drivers. With good reliability and strong technology, the Civic’s superior looks have no catch. It definitely does attract young generation.

The latest Honda Civic has brand new eye-catching look and a mission to attract younger customers. They are having some success – the average age of Civic buyers has dropped by almost a decade.
Author: richy

"honda civic accessories"

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Know More About the History of BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series cars were produced as a replacement to the BMW 3 Series Compact model. These cars are the lonely contenders in the line-up of BMW to offer the vehicle in affordable price range. They were launched as a successor to the 3 Series E90 and built based on its own E87 platform.

Though the vehicle was manufactured on its own platform, it shares some of the features of E90 platform, such as struts at the front side of the car and rear axle with trapezoidal links.


According to the sources from the BMW, it was stated that more than 60 percent of the features were included in the present E90 BMW 3 Series. On 27th of June, 2007, BMW officially stated the release of 1 Series Coupe. The Coupe 1 Series in the countries of Europe is available in three types of engine specifications namely 120d that produces 204 horse power of power, 123d with the generation 306 horse power and 135i with turbo engine.

On 30th June, 2007, BMW officially announced the 1 Series coupe as a model vehicle for the year 2008 and it was the first model in 1 Series in the United States. The E82 1 Series Coupe was displayed at an International Automobile Ausstellung in the year 2007, and started the company selling the vehicle from 24th of November, 2007.

Now, we're looking at the 2009-2010 BMW 1 series cars, which will add more charm to the line-up and BMW is also considering another revamp in terms of design too. As of now, you can just sit back, take a look at some cool BMW 1 series car wallpapers and wait for the latest ones to hit the market, before drawing any further conclusions.
Author: Geof Ryan

"bmw accessories"

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Audi - New Cars For 2009

AUDI AG is a German based company with its production units in five major countries: China, Hungary, Belgium, Italy and Germany itself. It is a manufacturer of exquisite cars which are attractive, sophisticated and technically perfect in every aspect.

In fact it is one of the few leading car manufacturing companies that constantly strive to lead the way through constant innovation and setting new standards that define Vorsprung durch Technik. Starting from 1899, the company has always produced some of the best car models that gained world-wide acceptance. After traveling a long journey from its inception the company is once again set to create new milestones with new car models. Here are some of the leading and few upcoming Audi car models of 2009 that are featured with advanced technology, styling and performance

Audi S4 - Featured with superior interior and unique exterior, this sporty car assures to provide world-class performance. This car is not for the average consumer. With the quattro four-wheel drive and V8 engine, this car has power output of 253kW. Besides this, the model also features a Manual transmission and All Wheel Drive strain on the base. Moreover, the drive select function provides the facility to adjust throttle response, shift points and steering determined by setting modes - comfort, auto or dynamic using dash-mounted buttons. Among other features of the new S4, also offer better fuel efficiency.

Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI - Attractively styled wagon built on the A4 platform and boasting some off road capability, the new Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI is a crossover that is acceptably competent for the daily grind. The New Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI combines the energy of a sports sedan with highly variable interior and offer comfort seating arrangements. There is plenty of room for four adults and still room for 540 liters of luggage, which is virtually trebled with the rear seats down.

A perfect paradigm of superior technology package it contains strong and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear for both on and off-road driving. It has four-cylinder and feature single-zone climate control, aluminum decorative trim, manually-adjustable front seats and 'Leatherette' seat trim. Apart from this, standard 17-inch alloy wheels in a seven-spoke design are fitted to the two base-grade variants and are shod with 235/65 tyres.

Audi A4 2.0 TFSI - There are some cars that are known for all their 'mod cons'. Such is the case with Audi's A4 2.0 TFSI. It has a sporty look and its engine features the newest version of the patented Audi Valvelift Technology (AVS) and offers up 265 horsepower. As fare as comfort is concerned, the new addition to the A4 range comes equipped with 17-inch Alloy Wheels, Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, electric driver and front passenger seat with lumbar support and multifunction sports steering wheel.

Audi R8 V10 - There are few car manufacturing companies in world that have the constant habit of coming up with best car models and Audi is one of those. In comparison to any other sports car the Audi R8 V10 gives you the sensation of perfect control over incredible levels of power. And it does this with such directness and intensity that you will feel completely at one with the technology.

The design of the Audi R8 V10 is definitely an extraordinary evolution of the performance principle. You can feel its enhanced power at the very first glance through its exclusive-look radiator grille along with eye-catching chrome-look lamellae that sends out a clear message of sporting dominance. Its state-of-the-art FSI® technology propels it from 0 to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds. Moreover, its broad engine-speed range is instantly on tap and a beefy 530 Nm of torque drives the Audi R8 relentlessly forward. Certainly, this model is technology equipped to face every challenge.

Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet - Audi's dazzling new A5 and S5 convertible twins are expected to launch by late 2009. Like the outgoing A4 and S4, these new models will feature retractable soft-tops instead of the newly popular retractable hardtops. However, the move allows for 11.3 cubic feet of storage volume with the top down. The major difference between the new convertibles and the coupes is the engine in the S5 Cabriolet; instead of the V-8 in the S5 coupe, the S5 Cabriolet gets a supercharged V-6 that makes 333 hp. Like every Audi, the A5 and S5 Cabriolet have an extremely rigid body. They have precise, sporty handling, better ride comfort and high crash safety. In addition to this, its ultra-high strength steels and selective reinforcements of the body further ensure high rigidity. You can barely feel any oscillations or vibrations not even at the steering wheel or on the front seats.

Audi Q7 V12 - It is the first in the series of passenger car that features twelve-cylinder diesel engine. It produces a colossal 500 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque. With this engine Audi has opened a new chapter in diesel history. The car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, and has an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h.

Although the Audi Q7 V12 belongs to the Audi V-engine family, but the model features a special cylinder angle of 60° which is perfect for this engine type. The new six-speed tiptronic gearbox, which features extensive reinforcements, shifts quickly and comfortably. It transfers the enormous power to the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. Apart from the light and highly durable crankcase, a new chain drive assembly is its new highlight.
Author: Manoj Tiwari

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Patrick BMW dealership test drive of BMW 750i

The 2009 BMW 750i reminds me of a girl I had a crush on in college. It’s smart, elegant and beautiful, but despite my admiration, I’ve never taken it out. That all changed this week. At least as far as the 750i is concerned — Katie still does not return my calls.

I slipped into the driver’s seat of a black 2009 750i at the Patrick BMW dealership and felt at home. In previous years the 7 Series has received some criticism for its design. Anything that was wrong with this model in the past isn’t wrong now. I could not have felt more at home cruising through traffic in this essence of luxury.

One of the major problems critics had with the 7 Series, and any BMW for that matter, was the iDrive system, but now that has been adjusted to be more user friendly. The reconfigured iDrive system is more intuitive and simpler to use. Plus BMW added a plethora of tech features, like active suspension damping, rear-wheel steering, night vision with pedestrian detection (I wish my test drive had been at night.), lane-change warning, and side-view cameras. The 2009 7 Series also moves the seat controls back to their proper place on the outboard side of the seats and correctly puts the gear shift back to its rightful place in the center console.

Oh yeah, and this thing really moves. The V-8 at 400 horsepower can take this car to 60 mph in just more than five seconds. I never felt more powerful behind the wheel of a car than I did sitting in the cabin of the 2009 BMW 750i. Despite clear evidence to the contrary, I at least felt very important within the elegant confines this auto. Pulling back up to Patrick BMW (a dealer nice enough to trust me with this car), I was tempted to zoom away once the sales representative closed the passenger door. But I didn’t, because the police would find me quickly. All they would have to do is look for the coolest, most luxurious car on the road being driven by the guy who is obviously not sophisticated enough to be driving it.

The 7 Series has been improved on its outside as well, losing the raised trunk lid. I found the profile very sleek and confident, made almost menacing by the line and contrast of its window trim. Its rear remains distinctive but wraps around more-agreeably through its shoulders to create a unified appearance that pushes more attention toward the car’s profile and prominent, edgy wheels. The front fascia features a more open grille design and a straight-across air intake that leads the eyes all the way to the ground, giving the 7-series a very imposing, low-standing head-on view.

While I was at the dealership, I also took a look inside a 750Li, which adds five inches of extra length to the car, most of which is applied to rear seat leg room. Otherwise, it’s the same performance sedan, filled with luxury and packed with driving enjoyment.
Author: J Curtis

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Clearing Out Misconceptions on Auto Pollution

Similar to all other technology-based industries, the automotive industry has been charged of largely contributing to environmental pollution down from biohazardous or corrosive factory waste materials to a simple refrigerant leak in the AC Condenser to the outlaying gas emissions their autos are conveying to the neighborhood streets. While it is true that such gas emissions in heavily-trafficked and well-populated areas have immediate visible effects on the surroundings, the increased focus on caring for the environment has also lead to a massive proliferation of indoctrination of threats and hazards pointing to the automotive industry.

Making an auto involves several major decisions about the design of the auto, how it will be built, and how it will be sold. Managers must also coordinate factory production, purchase materials, and train workers—all within a budget. Marketing teams must then sell the auto and project returns on shareholder investments. New models are introduced yearly, but a single auto design can take several years to get from the drawing board to the showroom floor. A typical company will therefore have several new designs in various stages of development at any given time.

Auto manufacturers like Honda Motors are actually eager at providing ways to reduce auto pollution such as finding alternatives for the Freon to circulate in the Honda AC Condenser and are also discovering more ways to reduce gas emissions. And contrary to popular belief, indications of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization studies suggest that environmental risk of autos is way minimal as compared to organic waste’s contributions:

“Worldwide, livestock burps are responsible for 18 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions - more than produced from all forms of transport combined. Methane accounts for the bulk of ruminant green house gas emissions, one tonne of the gas has 25 times the global warming potential of the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide. Eight per cent of the energy expended by a ruminant's metabolism goes on producing methane. If livestock stopped making this gas, the energy saved could be diverted into making more meat.”

Researches and test drives are continuously being conducted around the world for these prototype autos in the hope of being able to create the most convenient, energy-saving, and environment-friendly automobiles. Meantime, automotive manufacturers encourage patrons to adapt proven easy pollution-reduction measures and cost-effective procedures, such as maintaining a healthy AC Condenser and having a regular oil tank checkup.
Author:Colleen Hensley

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All New Mercedes-Benz GLK 350

There are some vehicle that tell us in one look that they are ordinary and not the greatest vehicle that we would desire to be seen driving in. Yet, there are other cars that exude an atmosphere of grandeur and the instant you look at it you understand it is the car that you have always dreamed of. One of these cars is the brand Mercedes-Benz GLK 350.

This is the first premium compact crossover SUV that Mercedes has ever created. Though the GLK 350 might be a bit boxy it does not disappoint at all. The platform for this model was developed on the standard C-class sedan.

Why did Mercedes-Benz choose to construct an SUV? "We needed a car like the GLK 350," sales representative Mark Leonard said. "It's designed to go head-to-head with the BMW X3 and it is doing a fantastic job."

The SUV was shown to the public earlier in the year and is projected to be a 2010 model version. It has already gathered much media attention because of its peculiar design and the starting price that Mercedes-Benz has set for it. Some individuals were expecting to see a high number - but were astonished when the company set it at a low $33,900. This will most definitely be in the running for the inexpensive SUV on the market and might very well overpass the X3 in price alone.

The GLK is outfitted with a 3.5 liter V6 engine and merged with a seven speed automatic transmission. Together the two work in harmony and achieve a smooth but powerful drive. It is simpler then ever to accelerate the car and it has the ability to reach 60 MPH in only 6.9 seconds.

If you want to pick out the premium package you will be given a panorama sunroof, power liftgate, media upgrade packet, heated seats in the front, and memory settings for mirrors, steering wheel, and the driver’s seat. You will also receive some of the more favorite features that include power assist, dual zone automatic climate control, eight CD sound system, and a trip computer. Mercedes-Benz also supplied the standard safety features to every model.
Author: Naomi West

"mercedes-benz technical companion"

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Living With a Classic Car

There seems to be as many reasons for owning a classic car as there are owners. For some owning a classic can simply be an investment, whilst for others it provides a gateway to the nostalgia associated with days gone by. Whatever the individuals reasoning, owning and driving a classic car certainly makes a personal statement.

A lot of people will agree on the fact that they don't make cars like they used to, and driving a beautifully restored classic car provides an escape to the days of motoring bliss, if only for a short while. These same people naturally congregate and form the various clubs, rallies and shows that appear around the globe. All of these provide the enthusiast with a much needed medium with which to vent their enthusiasm, and it's a much needed outlet for a very absorbing hobby. It keeps them from driving their families mad! Clubs in particular are very important to the classic car owner, as they provide a forum through which they can discuss technical problems and gain otherwise hard to come by sage advice.

On a lighter note, whatever your reasons for owning a classic car, there are a couple of notable side effects which you should be aware of. For instance, you may have gotten by living next door to the same families for 20 years or more with only the occasional hello, but as soon as you bring your classic out for a some detailing you will suddenly find them flocking towards your driveway for a chat. Those decades of tactful avoidance squandered! Secondly, it is worth noting that all classic cars have an innate Crowd Appeal, and in a way this is what makes them a classic. If the sun is shining and you do feel like taking your classic to the shops, bear in mind that it will take at least twice as long. You'll find this out on your first trip as your waving through the crowds to stick your bags of groceries in the boot whilst having ten or twenty questions fired at you!
Author:Matt Coughlan

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Learn the Car Dealership Tricks Before Buying a Car

What if you had the ability to learn the car dealership tricks and tactics that almost every salesperson deploys once you walk into the dealership showroom? Knowing each and every loophole, psychological technique and financing secret the dealer is prepared to use to sell you a car would give you a decided advantage. What if it was possible to anticipate the salesman's every move, know how to respond and come up with a few tricks and tactics of your own? Think you could walk away with a great deal on a new car? Absolutely!

The first step in buying or leasing a new car is to be prepared. Purchasing a car requires careful planning. Careful research is the key to getting the best possible car for you. If you are planning to buy a new car in the near future, don't just go to the nearest car dealer and talk to an agent. It is best to be familiar with the many car dealership tricks and tactics you are certain to face. If you can also learn your own car buying tips and tactics, you can protect yourself from unscrupulous agents that are just after your money. Buying a car is like going to war, you must be armed and you must be well protected with the different sales strategies that car dealers use.

If you will go to a car dealer unprepared, then you might end up being pressured into buying a car that you do not really like or is not ideal for you. The best thing that you can do is to arm yourself with the knowledge of the car dealership tricks and to employ effective car buying tips and strategies of your own to make sure that you get the best deal in buying a car.

The majority of car buyers are often unprepared to face the salesperson when buying that new car. Before walking into the showroom, do your research and learn as much as you can about the car you are thinking of buying. The best thing that you can do is to learn the car dealership tricks and tactics you are about to face and employ effective car buying tips and strategies of your own to make sure that you get the best deal.

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Buying a Car From Overseas

There is a huge demand for used vehicles from Japan in the American Market. Japanese car importers are having a great time, since the demand is high and their business keeps expanding. Importing cars and buying them from Japan saves you a lot of dollars. By importing cars from the country, you can own a high quality ultra modern car for an incredibly lesser price.

Japanese car importers are much sought after by people today, since they can grab a worthy bargain. You can save up to 30% of money on importing cars from Japan compared to buying the same from America. The money you saved can be used for repairing, modifying and reselling the car for a better price tag. Buying used vehicles from Japan has become a flourishing business across the globe.

In Japan, everyday numerous cars are sold through online auctions, the Japanese car importers make optimal use of this opportunity to buy and import dozens of cars daily. This makes them exhibit an impressive lineup of cars made in Japan that is otherwise non-existent locally. The local showrooms offer limited collection of Japanese cars compared to the ones directly imported.

Used vehicles from Japan which are imported to America are well known for their quality. The Japanese used cars are known to be high performance automobiles. Cars made in Japan are equipped with the latest technology. Buying a latest model car may be expensive in America. So, many people prefer new model used cars from Japan that enhance their image and build their confidence.

The resale value of the used vehicles from Japan is high in the U.S. market this trend proves advantageous to the Japanese car importers. Buying a Japan made car ensures quality, savings, durability and profitability. These critical factors make Japanese used cars widely preferred, in America.
Author:david hobson

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Porsche 914 Modifications, Suggestions and Alternatives

The Porsche 914 is an extremely adaptable sports car. Introduced in 1969 the model was produced until 1976. The mid engine two seater is a small car and very nimble. The only down side with the 914 is that it was slightly underpowered. I believe this was done to keep the 914 from cutting into the market share of the Porsche 911.

The engines available in the stock 914 during the run were the 1.7L (flat-4), 1.8L (flat-4), 2.0L (flat-4), and 2.0L (flat-6). this is where the modification of the Porsche 914 begins. It is most common to rebuild one of the stock original stock engines and with the vast availability of Porsche aftermarket parts and OEM parts you can put together a very snappy 914 with acceptable horsepower increases. Where the fun is is in the installation of more productive Porsche 911 engines. The most popular engine change is the 2.7L, next on the list in popularity is the 3.0L both produce excellent horsepower and are extremely reliable. The king of the hill however is without a doubt the 3.6L which will give a Porsche 914 enough horsepower to drive just about anything off of the asphalt. When changing out the stock engine with one of the more powerful Porsche 911 flat-6 engines it is necessary to install stiffening kits into the 914 because of the increase in torque and horsepower these engines deliver.

The next natural step in the modification of the Porsche 914 is the suspension. The stock 914 used a 4 lug bolt pattern for the wheels which doesn't leave much room for change. The stock suspension should be upgraded to the 911 in the front for the 5 lug bolt pattern which is more responsive can be upgraded easier and carry larger wheels and tires. Also the rear of the car must have 914-6 hubs installed and the trailing arms reinforced, this will also allow the use of 5 bolt pattern wheels. Changing to the 5 bolt pattern also allows you the option of using any of the Porsche fuchs wheels of the appropriate size.

Finally, the last of the Porsche 914 modifications is the body. Without taking away the original look of the 914 there are a variety of body kits available from fender kits in steel to fiber glass to Porsche 916 look alike kits. The ultimate body modification kit for the 914 is the 1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS Coupe. Modifying the body of the Porsche 914 will absolutely change the dynamics of the car. Everything from aerodynamics, to overall weight will create a different feel in the car which is to be expected.

When modifications to the 914 are being considered it is a personal thing. I have attempted in this short space to give you a picture of just what can be done with the versatility of the Porsche 914. Mechanical changes to effect overall performance, suspension changes to increase stability and driveability and body modification to personalize the exterior of the car. As for the interior that is where I stop. There is just to much that can be done to make the interior space of the 914 a reflection of the owner.
Author:LeVier Byrem

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Fog lights – what's that?

There are some parts of your car that you use every day. You will be very familiar with these and know a lot about them. However the car that you buy is expected to serve you all days of the year. That means it has to be able to do its job of getting you from A to B on days that are not routine at all. On such days some parts of the car that you are less familiar with reveal their importance.

For example fog lights. Even amongst products that are not used everyday fog lights are one of the least used parts of your car. However on the day that they are needed, they are very useful.

Fog lights are useful for two reasons. One they give out a light that has better penetrative power. This means the beam from a fog light will reveal objects deeper into the fog than would lights from standard lights. Usually fog lights have a yellow beam which has good penetrative power.

The second reason is that fog lights are mounted in such a way that they throw light on the most important part of the road when the visibility is poor. This is the area immediately ahead of the car where the car is about to reach. That means they light up the road the way a low beam lights up the road. This orientation reveals object or edges that the car is about to reach and suitable action can then be taken by the driver.

As is obvious one needs to drive slowly during poor visibility conditions. Some times this can mean driving very slowly. How fast one can drive will be determined by how far one can see in the poor visibility conditions.

Although fog lights are installed for the purpose of being used when the visibility is poor they do enhance the looks of the car and make it look like a professional performance car. Therefore often fog lights are bought to enhance the visual appeal of the car along with products such as car body kits.

There are though restrictions about switching on fog lights when they are not required. One should familiarize oneself about the laws of using fog lights so that one does not unintentionally break a law.
Author: Louie Liu

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The perfect way to sell dilapidated cars

There is this friend of mine facing a problem that is causing him many a sleepless night. It is to do with his car; the car in question has been with the family for a long time. It has served well for many years and as of now, it has started showing signs of aging. The gears do not work properly and the engine takes a lot of time starting every day. After a lot of deliberation, my friend realised the futility of keeping the vehicle with him. He surveyed all the different options available and decided on car salvage.

What my friend did was nothing exceptional. A lot of car owners in different parts of the world are also disposing their salvage cars in scrap yards and getting paid for the same. This act is beneficial to different categories of people – albeit in different ways. First and foremost, the scrap cars or salvage cars are disassembled and that too without polluting the environment in any way. Secondly, the salvage car owners are paid their due depending upon the condition of their scrap cars. Also, the spare parts and auto parts that are in working condition are separated from old and dilapidated salvage cars and refurbished to be sold later on.

While helping my friend in the process, I too discovered several facts about car salvage and scrap yards . Many of these entities offer tow away services so that you do not need to bring your battered car to the area where it is to be dismantled. The best junk yards are those that come with the proper licenses and work according to the local law of the land. In the UK, to take a specific case in point, the scrap yards need to follow a well laid out process when it comes to dismantling used cars. The scrap cars are disassembled without effecting the environment in a harmful manner. People in the UK would be better of by selecting authorised treatment facilities having valid licenses for transfer of wastes, when it comes to selling their scrap cars.

There are quite a few scrap yards in different parts of the world that have a web presence and come with vehicle collection service. As car owners, you can approach them for car salvage, vans, or vehicles that have been damaged in accidents. Typically, you would have to fill in certain details pertaining to the vehicles that you are bringing in for sale. The price is then negotiated upon and once a consensus is reached on this, the scrap yards would make arrangements to collect the vehicle in question.

So, all you people out there who are burdened with old and worn out cars and do not know what to do, now have help at hand. You can approach a scrap yard that is located where you live and sell your car to these people after of course checking out their credentials. To know more about auto salvage, scrap car removal, and other services delivered by scrap yards, you can visit sellusyourcar.
Author: Jon Marsh

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Used Cars Under 1000 Dollars

Can you really get used cars under 1000 dollars? Well, you're going to have to do your homework, but it's really true that you can get used cars under 1000 dollars. What are some places to look for these types of inexpensive cars?

Online or newspaper classified ads

You'd be surprised, but a lot of online classifieds have used cars under 1000 dollars. Many old cars (more than 10 years old) are often available for sale for about 1000 dollars or even less. Now, be advised that for 1000 dollars or thereabouts, you're probably going to have to do some work on the car, but if you're handy with cars, this is really a steal. Be prepared to put some elbow grease and perhaps a little cash into a car that you get for under 1000 dollars. That said, though, you can still come out far ahead as compared to making car payments on a much more expensive car. These types of cars are much less expensive to insure, too.

There are some cautions with these types of private sales, though. You have to be really, really careful that number one, the car isn't stolen, and number two, that everything wrong with the car (and there will be something wrong with a car that's being sold for under 1000 dollars, most likely) has clearly been laid out to you by the previous owner. If it's something you can handle, great.

To make sure the car you want hasn't been stolen (especially if it's a really nice car and it's still being sold for 1000 dollars or so), it's a really good idea to run the car's vehicle identification number on one of the many online services you can find that do this type of thing. If a stolen vehicle report has been filed, it will be found. Of course, you know you should stay away from these types of things.

Auctions

Here's the real steal when it comes to getting cars for under 1000 dollars. City, state and police auctions all sell cars, many of them used cars under 1000 dollars. What's great about these types of auctions is that number one, the vehicle damage or other difficulty is clearly disclosed so that you know what you're getting into. And number two, a lot of these vehicles are very high mileage (for example, unmarked police cars are often sold at these types of auctions), but they're still relatively new looking and run very well, because they can be as little as a year old.

Dear old mom, dad, uncle, grandma

Finally, don't be afraid to ask around and see who among your friends, neighbors or relatives might be wanting to sell their car for a little cash. Especially if you've got relatives who are pretty well-off, a lot of times, they want to upgrade their cars after a couple of years and have a perfectly good one sitting there that they don't want anymore. Offer to take it off their hands for about 1000 dollars and maybe a little yard work or something else they want done, and you've got yourself a really good set of wheels for not much money at all.
Author: FredR

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The Uses of the GPS

The GPS is used to help you find locations so that you will not get lost. This is pretty much the simplest definition to describe a GPS. There is much more to a GPS than just finding the destination of your location and that is why many people enjoy the GPS. These are some examples of the uses for a GPS:

1. When you are traveling you can find hotels, restaurants, emergency stations and other important places while on your journey.

2. Obviously you can find a direct route to where you are headed and get exact instructions on how to get there.

3. When there are things that cause your route to be changed such as road work or roads closed then the GPS will let you know and give you an alternative route.

4. Many times people who are traveling in bad weather appreciate knowing the condition of the highway ahead of time.

5. The GPS will give you warnings on weather conditions, road conditions, and often will help you select an alternative route or advise you to get off the highway for safety sake.

6. The GPS was first used by the military to help keep the unit on the right route during desert storm so it is capable of helping a caravan of people who are traveling to stay together and not get lost.

The GPS is guided by satellites that are placed in the sky for the convenience of the user to enable you to be able to keep up with directions no matter where you travel.

Now that you know what the top 6 reasons are when it comes down to the uses of a GPS, I’m going to show you can find the best deals when it comes to buying a portable GPS navigator for your automobile.

With so many GPS devices on the market today, it’s hard to pick out the one you want. I made it easy and put together a top 10 list, which you can find at the end of this article. I was able to put together this list by reading reviews, getting opinions from others, and factoring in the price. Some many GPS devices out there have different options, sizes, and colors. It’s going to be hard to choose one.

The first thing you want to do is consider the options. What kind of options do you want? Do you want a luxury one that shows you traffic and more? Do you want one that just tells you where to go? If you want something simple, I would get a simple one that just shows you where your final destination is. It’s never smart to get one that’s cheap, because you’re going to get what you pay for.

When it comes down to your final decision, make sure you look at options, the size, and reviews online. If the GPS is too expensive, look at a lower end unit, but always make sure it gets good reviews. Without the reviews and good support, you may buy a dud.
Author:Tom Tessin

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