Posts Tagged ‘automotive’
“Motor Klassik” readers choose Audi R8, the classic car of the future from 168 models in seven categories
More of these articles and much more automotive news can be found on: Automotive News
With its win in the sports car category of the readers’ poll “Classics of the Future 2009,” the Audi R8 mid-engine sports car underlines just what a positive impact it has on the Audi brand’s image, as perceived by classic car fans. Most of the participating readers of classic car magazine “Motor Klassik” chose the R8 as the current sports car with the greatest potential becoming a classic car in the future.
The German trade journal has staged this readers’ poll for the fourth time. Alongside 78 models from 1979, some of which have already become genuine classics, readers were also able to choose from 168 current models in seven categories. “This endorses our decision to follow up the Audi TT with a particularly emotion-stirring mid-engine sports car. In keeping with this special prize, the Audi R8 can now also be ordered with another classic, a 10-cylinder engine,” says Michael-Julius Renz, Head of Sales Germany at AUDI AG. Renz thanked the readers and editorial team of “Motor Klassik” as he collected the prize yesterday evening in an appropriate setting at the historical automotive location in Stuttgart.
With its third place, the Audi A6 scored a further success for the brand with the four rings in the category “full-size car of the modern age.” The “Classics of the Future” prize is awarded every two years.
Click the link above this article for more automotive news, iCar is an independent webzine for a daily fresh input of automotive news. When your are interested in classic cars then we could recommend Auto Motor Klassiek, thousands of classic cars for sale when you click on Classic Cars for Sale Auto Motor Klassiek is a magazine for Classic Cars.
Interested in classic motorcycles or fan of special bikes? Have a look at: Classic Motorcycles Oldtimer Motoren
BMW remains to grow in China
More of these articles and much more automotive news can be found on: Automotive News
The German car brands still keep to grow, though the automotive world in general is in recess. The car producer is not only doing well in Germany. In the first quarter of 2009, BMW Group continued to register growth in the Chinese Mainland market with a total of 16,580 BMW and MINI cars delivered to the customers, representing 13.over the same periode last year eight percent growth.yr.: 14,574 units). Automotive expectations in the east are good, and Chinese people still are buying cars. But just 10% of the Chinese public is driving or owning a car. One could predict the environmental issues if all Chinese own one or two cars. Luckily the Chinese government is trying to get people to buy only clean cars and reward it with half the taxes as would be payed normally.
Sales of the BMW brand automobiles in the Chinese Mainland increased by 14.four percent to 15,850 units, which includes 8,402 units BMW 3 Series and 5 Series cars are build in China. Sales of MINI cars rose by 1% in the Chinese Mainland to 730 units in the first quarter of 2009 (prev.yr.: 723 units).
In the whole Region China markets combining Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, the BMW Group delivered a total of 18,244 BMW and MINI brand automobiles in the first quarter, a year-on-year increase of 5.4% (prev.yr.:
17,317).
“Considering the current global difficult times, the Chinese auto market continues to be very resilient and recently showed signs of recovering the growth path. We achieved again double-digit growth for BMW and MINI vehicles sales for the first quarter, and relatively strong growth of 20.4% in the third month. Our new generation 7 Series will be one of the main reasons to our sales success throughout the year in China” said Dr. Christoph Stark, President and CEO of BMW Group Region China.
iCar Automotive News (see the link above this article) is an independent webzine for the modern car enthusiast. When your are interested in classic cars then we could recommend Auto Motor Klassiek, thousands of classic cars for sale when you click on Classic Cars for Sale Auto Motor Klassiek is a magazine for Classic Cars.
Interested in classics and special motorcycles? Have a look at: Classic Motorcycles Oldtimer Motoren
Is A New Utility Trailer In Your Future?
In recent years, more and more people are buying small trailers of one type or another. Considering increased fuel prices and the demise in popularity of the family SUV, owning a good utility trailer makes sense. Utility trailers can range from small open bed landscaping style trailers to larger enclosed cargo trailers with locking ramp style doors. There are also snowmobile trailers, motorcycle trailers, camping trailers large and small, and boat trailers to mention some. First you should decide which kindtrailer is best for your family needs.The main reasons behind owning a trailer is usually based upon business or a family hobby which requires transporting your large toys.
If you intend to haul quads or motorcycles, then an open landscaping style trailer might be your best choice. Then again, if your garage is already full, you might consider going with a larger cargo trailer. These are easily locked and can be stored in your driveway. You would be surprised at how much space you will free up in your garage when you start moving your adult toys and such to a storage trailer. If you are considering a larger cargo trailer to serve as storage as well as for its hauling capability, I’d recommend looking at one with ramp back doors and a side door. This type of trailer is available in many sizes which should be taken into consideration if hauling heavier loads. The side door is is most convenient in reaching those things you placed in the front of the trailer.
Through the years, I’ve bought and sold many trailers related to business. You will quickly learn, locating an affordable trailer can be a challenge at times but with the advent of online trailer sales, this problem has been solved. You can almost always find the exact type and size trailer you are looking for if you have a bit of patience. It is also very handy to be able to purchase all your trailer parts and accessories on the web also. You can easily find everything from trailer hitches to axles and brakes for just about any utility trailer without leaving your desk.
If you are searching for a new trailer, I’d really recommend this excellent article that will help you select the best utility trailer for your family.
Find A Great Used Ford
Financially-speaking, things have taken a rather sharp turn for the worst haven’t they? With the annual financial budget announced recently and the scurrilous promises of politicians that we will drag our way out of the financial mess, it seems that the bubble has finally burst on the globally-held capitalist paradigm. However, we all still need to operate our daily routines despite the gloomy cloud of recession hanging over our heads. One of the most costly outgoings any individual or family have is likely to be buying cars. We all need to drive them and we all need to buy them, but when spare money is scarce and the risks of heavy investment are high, how do you go about buying a car?
The answer is to buy a used car. The used car market has long-since shook-off the shackles of being a shark-infested market and has become considerably more consumer friendly over the past decade. Out of the myriad of car manufacturers out there, I would highly recommend Ford as a paean of reliability, style and performance.
Depending on your requirements, there are a variety of used Ford models to choose from. For the new or young driver, rarely deviating from the A-to-B driving route of home-to-college, the Ford Ka is a perfect example of cost-effective yet stylish motoring. For the more serious drivers amongst us, the Used Ford Fiesta represents a great choice of punchy engines, stylish body work and reliable engineering.
I could go on, but I feel it is best that if you are looking for a Used Ford, you pop down to your local Ford Dealership and have a look for yourself. As a recent customer myself, I cannot stress how important it is to find a reputable dealer and go to the dealership armed with questions and queries. Make sure they can find the right Used Ford for you.
You’ll Love Your Used Audi
If you are looking to buy a car then Used Audi models are the perfect way of getting a luxury car at a bargain price. If you are looking for a specific model then I would recommend visiting one of the many Sytner Audi specialists located around the country. The Used Audi range is the best possible way for you to drive a luxury standard car at a fraction of the price you would pay for other manufacturer’s models. I took a used Audi for a test drive and immediately knew that it was the absolutely best possible car for me. I absolutely loved the interior, the engine and the luxurious way the car felt, I was unbelievably happy.
For all your Used Audi options, or if you want to talk over the specifications with a trained Audi expert, then visit one of the many Sytner Audi dealerships and see how much money you could save today. I would thoroughly recommend a Used Audi TT as an unbelievably good choice of used car. I found my Used Audi TT for just a fraction of the RRP price. If you shop around for ex-demo cars you are likely to find an amazing quality car at a very low price indeed.
My Used Audi TT is a perfect example of how you don’t have to pay through the nose to get a quality car. My car only had 5000 miles on the clock but was very cheap compared to the new model price. I would thoroughly recommend look for ex demo or nearly new models to get an amazing quality for the lowest discount.
Visit one of the great number of Sytner Audi dealerships today to see one of the largest and most comprehensive range of Used Audi models available. With prices starting from less than £10,000, can you really afford not to check out the used Audi bargains available at Sytner?
Car Insurance – The Most Essential Part When Buying a Car
Car insurance has many advantages for those who have car. Having car insurance will secure the cars and the drivers from any road accidents. But people are still thinking about the financial duty that have to be paid.
actually, there are three main important reasons why you must always pay your monthly insurance premium. First most states need that you insure your car. Second, your car insurance pays for damages on your car. lastly, in case of accidents, your insurance will cover all or most of the expenses connected with the accident.
You are able to imagine how much difficulty that you may face Once you are involved in a road accident and you do not have any car insurance at all? If you don’t have any insurance, then you have to pay your hospital costs, your car repairs and others from your own pockets. Even if you are wealthy people and you have some money store in the bank, paying for these things may not be as simple as you are imagine.
Complying With State Requirements
The important thing of car insurance is going to be helpful when you’ve got an accident. State’s policy about having car insurance for the car owners is to keep both the driver and the cars. visualize if an officer pulls you over and you don’t have insurance papers. You are going to be in a big trouble that cause your car impounded and you are going to be fined.
If you are one of those people who are frequently going around, you may not afford to be pulled over and your car impounded. Therefore, you must ensure that you are up to date with your car insurance premium payments. Once you do not pay your insurance premium payments, your insurance coverage is going to be vanished and you will be without any insurance security.
Since special states have special rules Once it comes to car insurance coverage, you have to first check with the correct authorities of what varieties of insurance coverage is required in your state. After checking the right authorities, you can find a good insurance company where you can get your car insurance.
It can be added that car insurance can be found also in almost all car dealers. They commonly are going to offer you ideal car insurance company. So, you don’t have to worry about the quality of that insurance company.
Are you still at sea of knowing more about car insurance? Just look around and click the links your best answer herein!
My Excellent Used Audi A3 Sportback
As a man of very discriminating tastes, I knew it was going to be quite hard when I went hunting for a new car. I had a budget set, a definite idea of the sort of car I wanted and a date to go shopping. All of this was thrown into the air when a friend of mine questioned my choice whilst we were enjoying a drink in a cinema bar one night.
“So are you trying to tell me that you haven’t considered a used Audi?”
To be honest I hadn’t. I was planning on getting a new car and praying that it would be reliable enough to last a long time. My friend went on;
“Used Audis are great choices. They are sophisticated. Every model is reasonably priced. And they perform perfectly.”
I wasn’t completely convinced that a Used Audi would be for me. That is until I gave one a go. I test drove a Used Audi A3 and fell head over heels with it. The Audi A3 model I tested had an Inline four-cylinder spark-ignition engine with petrol direct injection, exhaust turbocharger with intercooler, four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts (DOHC). It was beyond any of my wildest expectations.
After my test drive I completely adored the car. I needed to buy the Used Audi A3 Sportback. Within a matter of hours the Used Audi A3 Sportback was mine and I was experiencing driving perfection. I doubt whether I will buy any other brand of car ever again. The Audi A3 is really that unbelievably good!
3 months later and I am still in love with my Used Audi A3. It is reliable, very powerful and amazingly beautiful. I would definitely recommend Used Audi cars to anyone looking for a great car at an unbeatable price. I visited my local Sytner dealership and got a great deal.
The Vauxhall Van Range: For All Your Light Commercial Vehicle Needs
It is common knowledge that the domain of the light commercial vehicle belongs firmly in the vice-like grip of the Ford Transit and has been for decades. There are, however, certain emerging factions are doing all they can to topple the Transit’s stranglehold on the market. Amongst these competitive spirits are such respected manufacturers as Peugeot and Renault, there is one particular rival that seems to be making a very good case for themselves indeed. The manufacturer I refer to is Vauxhall.
Vauxhall have seen great success already with their range of vans, each designed to better suit a particular light commercial pursuit. The Vauxhall Movano is the biggest of the vans and is well suited to those who need to transport a large amount of tools or other haulage to complete their mandate. The Vauxhall Vivaro is more style orientated and perhaps the smaller and more mobile brother to the Movano. The Astravan and Corsavan do pretty much what they say on the tin and provide the small van suitable for the more fledgling business or the smaller end of a fleet.
What is impressive about the Vauxhall Van range is how they have taken everything that is desirable about the Ford Tranist and have added extra elements. For example; the Vivaro has all the practicality of the famous Transit, but has the updated looks and image that will appeal to business owners if they are keen to make a great impression on their clients. In turn, the Movano is available with various wheelbases, to help you make a more informed decision of what vehicle to buy based on the kind of strains that will be placed on your fleet.
The Transit will continue to be a bestseller based upon its deserved legacy, but it is definitely worth at least investigating the Vauxhall range of Vans, as they will provide an excellent service to you and your business.
Volvo S80 - The Executive's Car Of Choice?
Let’s make no bones about this; Volvo are never likely to produce a vehicle that will set hearts fluttering with excitement and anticipation. It is laughably impossible to imagine a James Bond film in the not-too-distant future where Q introduces 007 to his new gadget-laden Volvo Diesel Estate. It is almost laughable to imagine a Volvo in any cinematic context other than possibly a dire independent Swedish film concerned primarily with the difficulties of livestock farming during Scandinavian winters. The Volvo range has never really appealed to me in a sensory manner; by which I mean I have never been able to picture myself getting excited by one, let alone sitting in one. If you find yourself parting with impressively large sums of money for a vehicle, you want it to enflame your ardour, set your pulse running and maybe even give you a shudder every time you start the engine. It never seemed possible for the Volvo to do this…until they unveiled the Volvo S80.
The Volvo S80 is something quite contrary compared to what I was expecting when tasked with this article; I was expecting something dowdier, less elegant and considerably chunkier. What I was presented with was an example of aesthetic and engineering expertise.
The Volvo S80, when furnished with the full luxury specification, isn’t a cheap vehicle. At slightly less than £40,000 if it wasn’t a Very good car it would have to have been carved from Mount Olympus by naked, voluptuous maidens, overseen by Zeus himself. As it stands, it is an extraordinary vehicle that on initial impressions seems to outshine the various competitor models; the Volkswagen Phaeton and the Honda Legend included. There is, however, one competitor that would probably have something to say about this Swedish contender. I speak of the Jaguar XF.
A fully spec-ed Jaguar XF is around £15,000 more expensive than its Volvo counterpart, which is obviously going to push more people toward the S80, but Jaguars are infinitely cooler and more desirable than any Volvo ever created…and who can put a monetary price on that? The basic model Jaguar XF is a few grand less than the fully spec-ed S80 and I can’t help but think that because of the social kudos and Jaguar legacy, the buying public are going to gravitate towards the Jag.
The Volvo S80 does make a very good case for itself though. It has one of the most luxurious interiors I have ever had the pleasure of planting my bottom in and all the gadgets James Bond could ever want (barring missile launcher and ejector seat, naturally), including collision detectors, infra-red windscreen and an outstanding stereo system, which outperforms my rather expensive home set-up by a country mile.
The engines are slightly disappointing in comparison to other models available in the price bracket…and when I say “slightly”, I mean devastatingly. The 2.0 Litre petrol engine does 0-60 in an almost embarrassing 11 seconds, which is completely unacceptable for a car of this price point and potential customer demographic. This car is going to be used by executives who probably have important meetings to attend, deals to seal and the S80’s acceleration will probably hold them up exponentially. Realistically you would expect the 0-60 time to be more than half of what it is. When you finally achieve 60, things get better: the engine is smooth, quiet and feels a cut above the rest (making it a perfect car choice for extended motorway driving). It’s just a huge shame that it takes what feels like a lifetime to get to a respectable speed.
To summarise my point, the Volvo S80 feels and looks like an Executive’s Car, magnificently appointed with all the comfort and equipment to satiate any driver’s whims. What it does lack is the engineering excitement to match the aesthetic promise.
I like the Volvo S80 despite its faults, but ideally, I wanted to love it.
The Ford Ka: Cheapest Ford Car By Far
So what’s the cheapest new Ford money can buy? Pat on the back if you answered Ford Ka, shake of the head if you didn’t (the answers even in the article title!) Yes after a staggering 13 years, the Ka is still going strong, but now it’s had a makeover…
To coin a well ploughed phrase ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ and to be honest despite its advancing years the old Ka didn’t look dated and still drove the wheels off the competition.I used to drive the Ka when I didn’t fancy taking my batmobile replica for a spin and always found it a riot, with the 1.3 litre engine pulling a car that weighed as much as a bag of sugar along at a fair pace. Even though it was bubble shaped it still handled well, even if the skinny tyres started to let go if you were overeager.
It was a fashion accessory as much as a car, the type of item you’d find sticking its head out of a handbag rather than being topped up with oil. It was a cheap Ford too with new ones starting from as little as £4,995. Yes there was painted metal on the inside of the doors rather than sumptuous leather and ok the gear stick just stuck out of the floor like a van, with no attempted aesthetics, but it had charm.
So when I tell you the new Ka is a million miles away from this you’d be right to start worrying. The first thing that strikes you is how grown up the new version is. It’s still very funky but is essentially a Ford Fiesta that has been put in the wash on too hot a temperature. This however is no bad thing as the new Fiesta is not only a great drive, but a brilliantly styled vehicle. The Ka isn’t quite as pretty although without my glasses on I couldn’t tell the difference so it can’t be too bad.
To drive, the car is very similar to the new Fiat 500 – in fact it’s the same. The reason for this is quite simple really; both the Ka and 500 are built in the same factory in Poland using the same parts. That’s right the new Ka isn’t a completely new design after all. Don’t despair though as partnerships are not necessarily a bad thing, just look at Starsky and Hutch or Tango and Cash.The 500 is an absolute hoot to drive and therefore so is the Ka, with it feeling every bit as zippy, eager and fun around the city as a small car should be.
The interior is a massive improvement on the outgoing car, including a space-age centre console finished in silver and matching art deco door handles.Even the gear stick now looks good as it protrudes from the dashboard, easily to hand. The seats are firm but hold you in place well and the driving position is good unless you’re over six foot. When you consider the majority of Ka ownership is women I don’t think this will be an issue.
One thing that will be however are the headlights. For all the good in the rest of the car, it must be pointed out that they are dimmer than an asbo child with a pea for a brain. On normal beam I had to keep checking they were on, when I switched to full beam the situation got worse as oncoming traffic kept flashing and blinding me to say my lights were too bright, yet the switch to full beam made no discernable difference from the driving seat.I had a similar problem with my current car and bought some high powered (but legal) replacement bulbs that have improved things irrefutably. I suggest this is the first accessory you buy for the new Ka.
I feel I’ve put a dampener on the new Ka, but for it to remain a ‘cheap Ford’ in the current economic climate, GM had to be sensible and build it in collaboration with Fiat and unfortunately the headlights have slipped through the net. No matter, the rest of the car is just as good (with a far superior interior) to the old Ka, just with a more grown up feel that does make the oldie look a tad dated when parked next to each other. The 1.2 litre Zetec version costs £9,295 and returns an impressive 55.4mpg, resulting in a measly road tax cost of £35 for the year.
Just think with all that money you’ll save you can buy as many replacement bulbs as you like.