2013 Acura RDX

 

Acura has recently unveiled what they refer to as the "prototype" of the 2013 Acura RDX at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. However, many car experts and observers tend to disagree with the brand's statement that this particular vehicle is a prototype since it is obviously a redesigned version of the previous year's model. In fact, it is quite obvious that Acura has only implemented minor revisions on the previous year's model to come up with the current edition.

In addition to this, the observation provided by these car experts were quite true since the latest version of the RDX has some of the most significant features of its predecessor. Although there are a number of upgraded characteristics that was seen on the RDX, each of these clearly suggests that Acura was only able to iron out the some of the existing downsides that were seen on the previous year's model.

2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5

 

BMW has unveiled its first midsize sedan that uses the hybrid technology in the US at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This midrize hybrid sedan is referred to as the "2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5." Just like any hybrid model, this car was specifically designed to consume lesser amounts of fuel and provide an impressive road performance when driven. In addition to this, the ActiveHybrid 5 is also expected to compete with other hybrid models in the segment.

With a starting price of about $61,845, this version of BMW's hybrid is equipped with a 3.0-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower turbo. This is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and this is capable of producing a maximum power output of up to 335 horsepower. Since this is a hybrid vehicle, the ActiveHybrid 5 is also using an electric motor that provides an additional 55 horsepower and 155 lb.-ft. of torque to the 355 horsepower produced by the in-line 6-cylinder engine. The electric motor derives its energy from the 96-cell lithium ion battery installed on the vehicle. The electrical charges stored on the 96-cell lithium ion batteries don't easily gets drained since this is automatically charged when the vehicle is running if gasoline mode as well as through regenerative braking.

First Look: 2013 Subaru BRZ

 

Make no mistake about it: the 2013 Subaru BRZ is one beautiful sport coupe. This new model comes to us from Subaru with plenty of help from Toyota, its automotive partner. The rear-wheel-drive BRZ features a BOXER engine and represents perhaps the most exciting affordable coupe we've seen since the Toyota Celica. Arriving this spring, the BRZ may forever change what you think about Subaru, one of the most successful small automakers in the world.

Subaru has outfitted it new 2+2 coupe with a 200-horsepower BOXER engine. That port-injected four cylinder engine is paired with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission or an optional adaptive 6-speed automatic transmission with sport model and paddle shifters. Either way, you get a car that is fun to drive, one offering a limited-slip differential and a sport-tuned suspension with double wishbone rear architecture. Riding on a 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, the BRZ also comes equipped with HID headlights.

Two Editions

The 2013 Subaru BRZ will be sold in Premium and Limited editions. The Premium edition offers cloth upholstery, an integrated 8-speaker audio system with GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, high-definition radio and SiriusXM satellite radio with NavTraffic.

2012 Fisker Karma

What is Karma?

Asides from what every skeptic of Fisker Automotive may have coming to them...

Karma, in the Fisker sense, is the luxury sports sedan that everyone has been talking about but nobody believed would make it since its debut in 2008. It seems as though the Karma fits into a class that doesn't, or shouldn't exist; well that may just be my opinion but the idea of a plug-in hybrid sports luxury sedan just does not seem like one that would work especially at a price over $100,000. Admittedly I too was, and may still be a skeptic of Fisker's Karma however asides from its odd blend of strange interior materials and styling cues, the Karma is undeniably a beautiful thing.

The exterior of the Karma can definitely be pegged as the sole reason that prompted many Karma owners to throw down over $100k to pick up the sedan in the first place. With a large hood, and arching front fenders the front end of the Karma is something elegant while at the same time it radiates its own breed of subtle aggressiveness. Its overall profile is wide, and long which seems to make its blend of elegance and aggression seem effortless. The Karma melds gracefully from front to back, building up to a back end that if placed side by side with a Jaguar XJ would put the designers of Jaguar to shame. Karma also holds subtle styling cues that would likely not be noticed by Karma buyers at first glance, but add to the allure of the Karma once discovered. Point being, the chromed exhaust tips... or at least what seem to be chrome exhaust tips at the back are actually chrome caps with "Hybrid HZ" etched in them. The actual exhaust tips lay hidden under vents behind the front wheel wells, pretty sharp if you ask me.

Audi 2012: Technology Developments and Future Plans

 

This year, Audi has geared up to make a strong showing that will get all fans, especially new and used Audi owners, buzzing. Not only are there new and exciting models showing up at the local Audi dealer but also, there are big, company-wide plans for expansion.

Audi Connect Makes Big Waves

Receiving the first-ever "Connected Car of the Year" award by Connected World magazine, Audi's A8 luxury sedan comes equipped with the Audi connect infotainment system (delivering music, video and Wi-Fi without distracting the driver) and cars with this Audi connect system are the only cars in the world that currently have broadband connection.

Some exciting features of this system include Google Earth maps in its onboard navigation system, real-time information from SiriusXM Traffic, Google Local search integration for travel destination information, and a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot that allows access up to eight wireless devices simultaneously. This Audi system is now available in other models besides the A8, for all of you future used Audi drivers to keep in mind. For more information about this innovative system, visit a local Audi dealer.

Top Five Roadside Safety Products

Collapsible Traffic Cones

Traffic cones are a staple of roadside construction. Drivers may associate these orange markers with slow moving traffic jams, but traffic cones ensure the safety of all on the road: roadside crews, emergency vehicles, and drivers alike. It's often recommended that drivers carry traffic cones in case of emergency situations, but regular cones take up lots of room. With the invention of collapsible cones, however, traffic cones can be stored flat, taking up far less room than traditional cones.

Safety Vests

Yellow, lime green, orange-no matter what the fluorescent color, safety vests are indispensable when it comes to the safety of all. Roadside surveyors, supervisors, and construction workers rely upon high-visibility clothing to stay safe while on the job. Brightly colored, reflective vests ensure that roadside workers are seen by drivers who rely upon their instruction for direction and safety.

Reflective Tape

Reflective tape is super-useful when it comes to road safety. It can be added to clothes, signs, cones, trucks, cars, bikes-anything that needs increased night-time visibility. Poor night-time visibility is one of the leading causes of accidents. That's why it's so important for the road to be appropriately marked with headlight-catching materials, so as to increase the visibility on the road at night. When it comes to traffic and roadside operations, reflective tape keeps everyone safe.

Acura ILX Compact Sedan

Acura has unveiled a simplistic compact sedan at the 2012 North American International Auto Show held in Detroit. This sedan was one of the brand's newest models and this is referred to as the "ILX" luxury compact sedan. Just like the other Acura vehicles that were unveiled on the event, the ILX obviously looks good and its external appearance speaks of Acura's expertise in producing luxury vehicles. Although the ILX is dominated by modest features, these were not able to conceal the car's prestigious and capable aura.

The Acura ILX compact sedan is expected to be launched in North America this spring and the model is almost production ready. Acura is currently on the process of checking and ensuring that the vehicle will provide a smoother and impressive performance as soon as it hit the dealerships.  The ILX is based on the platform used by the latest version of the Honda Civic sedan. Its body as well as the exterior layout was designed as a compact sedan. In addition to this, Acura has implemented a number of design twists into the vehicle to make it look more appealing to the buying public. Due to this, most car experts are assuming that the ILX will eventually become popular for its pronounced wings on the rear, unique body matched with a raked greenhouse, and front grille that resembles the single-tooth design.

Stylish Mazda2 Offers Good Value and Economy

The subcompact Mazda2 has been updated as the latest iteration of this 5-door hatchback arrived on the scene in 2012. This model improves upon its predecessor by advancing a sportier body style, increasing its fuel efficiency and offering more modern conveniences and choices. Sold in Sport and Touring editions, the Mazda2 is priced from $14,370 plus a $795 destination fee.

Engine and Transmissions

Every Mazda2 is powered by a 1.5-liter 16-valve four cylinder engine. This engine makes 100 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 98 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard; a 4-speed automatic transmission is optional. When equipped with a manual gearbox, this car is rated at 29 mpg city, 35 mpg highway. When paired with an automatic transmission, the hatchback delivers 28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway.

Mazda2 Dimensions

The 2012 Mazda2 sits on a 98.0-inch wheelbase and is 155.5 inches long, 66.7 inches wide and is 58.1 inches tall. This model has a 5.1-inch ground clearance.

5 Tips To Clean Car Interiors

Cleaning and maintaining the car can be a tough task. Interiors of the car are prone to dust and stain; thanks to kids, spill over foods and pets. Sometimes vacuuming the interiors is just not enough. Here, are few easy tips that will help in keeping the interiors clean.

Vacuum: Remove the car mats and seat covers and then vacuum the interiors. Use a soft nozzle or round brush to elicit dust from hard to reach areas. Pay close attention to the pedals while vacuuming as they accumulate maximum dust. Use a soft bristled brush to vacuum the dashboard, gear box and the doors.

Dashboard cleaning: One may use a soft cloth, paint brush or baby wipes to clean the dashboard. Avoid scrubbing the dashboard as it may cause scratches. Do not polish or wax the dashboard as it will reflect light on sunny days and interfere with the driving.

Carpets: Pull the carpets out and dust them thoroughly. One may use a comb or hard brush to open up the fibers. Vacuum the carpet at least twice. Do not sponge the carpet before vacuuming as it will settle the dust deeper into the carpet, making it difficult to clean. Mix a half cup detergent with one cup white vinegar in a gallon of water. Spread the mixture over the carpet and let it dry for an hour. Scrub the carpet thoroughly and rinse it with cold water. This will restore the vibrant colors to the carpet and also eliminate any general stains.

Stain removal: Stains are inevitable on carpets. One can use basic home remedies to take care of these stains. Sprinkling borax on the carpet helps to get rid of foul smell. Frayed carpet edges can also be sealed using fabric paint. There are different stain removal products available in the market. One may choose what fits the needs the best.

Car leather: One may exercise extreme precaution while cleaning the car leather or vinyl. Inappropriate handling may cause the leather to lose its shine and vinyl may become too hard. One may use the mixture of two spoons of baking soda in one cup water to clean the leather/ vinyl seats. Always use soft wool to apply this mixture. Soft fabric prevents scratches. Cuticle remover can help in eliminating stains from leather seats.

Use a dust bag: Always keep a paper/ plastic bag in the car to collect chocolate wrappers, food packets or tit-bits. This will help in keeping the car clean.

Gagan Modi is owner of website Mycarhelpline.com, provides best deal on Hyundai Eon and Hyundai I10 car in India.

The Benefit of Driving Lessons for Under 17 Year Olds

Have you a son or daughter who's under 17, but is desperate to get driving as soon as possible?

Some teenagers just cannot wait to get behind the wheel of a car - for some it's the idea of independence that attracts them, but for others it's almost essential if they live somewhere without a regular bus service.

Helping a teenager learn to drive as soon as possible and starting them off on the road to being a safe driver can go hand in hand. It is an unfortunate fact that drivers aged between 17 and 24 are more likely to have an accident than any other age group. If parents take an interest in their teenager's desire to start driving and support them throughout they are likely to learn the correct skills to help keep them safe.

Many centres across the country offer driving lessons for under 17 year olds. Obviously all lessons are off road - some on private industrial estates or purpose build driving centres, and some on racetracks. All should be offered by qualified driving instructors. Some offer sample driving lessons - for example as a 'driving experience', but the best ones to go for offer a course of lessons which will mimic the actual on the road driving lessons which will become possible at the age of 17. The teenager will learn how cockpit drill, how to start the car and move off, clutch control, changing gear and being able to control the car in total safety. Apart from not being on the public roads, the driving lessons should be virtually identical to the real thing, and a driving record should be provided.

About the International Car Transport Companies

Whenever relocating or moving to another place or state within the country or going to another country, our top and major concern is getting our belonging shifted smoothly and safely to the desired location. Our concerns get more serious if we are moving abroad to another country. During these times, you will need the services of the most reputed international car transport companies. And one of our major possessions is our car or vehicle. We need to be even more careful when shipping our car internationally.

When you start looking, you will find plenty international car transporters. With the industry getting very competitive, you will find affordable car shipping quotes to ship your car by road, air and water. But you need to be more careful when you transport a car overseas. One of your top priorities is to look for a reputed company with good experience. They should have good feedback from their customers and be really commendable regarding their customer service. It should be registered and follow all the rules and regulations set by the government of the country. If you have a luxury model to transfer, then you need to be even picky and choose a classic car transport international company with extensive experience. It is best to look for a company that has more word-of-mouth publicity and not getting a name after pumping in hundreds of dollars for its advertisement. If the company is already a favorite with people that means it is trustworthy.

International car transport companies usually give a complete schedule to their customers regarding how, when and where the shipping will be carried out. Once the car shipping quotes have been settled and the insurance cover taken care of, you can rest your mind in peace that your car is in good hands. It is the primary responsibility of the company to see that your car is completely safe during the transit and the arrival. After all, moving a car internationally is a job of big responsibility and only reputed car transporters will know how to handle the job well. As these companies calculate the cost of moving based on the volume and weight of the car, so be ready to shell out more if your care is huge and carrying lots of contents. But always note down the condition of the car before moving, so that you get the right cover in case of any damages.

Why Tyres Are So Important

Tyres are a very important (maybe the most important) component of your car or truck because they represent your only contact between you and the road surface. Drive with bald or faulty tyres and you run the risks of accidents and injuries. In the United Kingdom, the law requires a minimum thread depth of 1.6 mm in the main grooves which are situated in the central three quarters of a tyre. On average, you should replace the tyres every 40.000 km. Irrespective of distance travelled, you should change the tyres if the thread depth is below a safety level, but really you shouldn't need a law to force you to change tyres when it is time, for your life, the life of your passengers who will most likely be your family members, and the life of other road users depend on you doing the right thing.

Many consumers don't know enough about tyres to make an educated purchase. For some, the choice comes down to price and/or availability. Others buy tyres based on appearance or reputation. Educated consumers know to purchase tyres based on safety, quietness, road-holding ability, and wear.

Regardless of tyre choice, it is necessary that consumers understand why tyres are so important. tyres are a vehicle's only contact with the road. Even the brawniest engine, strongest brakes, or most advanced antiskid system, is at the mercy of the tyre's grip on the road. Every move a driver makes with the steering wheel or brake or gas pedal is transmitted to the road through the four notepad-sized contact patches of the tyres.

Why You Need Car Transport Companies

Transporting our car from one place to another is no small decision. It may pose a problem for many owners, depending on where they are living or the distance that needs to be covered at times. How does one go about it? Is it possible for one to drive the whole distance or should one look for a car transport company? Read on to find out why the services of car shipping companies are getting very important and necessary.

When shipping a car across country, there are so many factors that need to be kept in mind. First of all is the distance to be shipped across. You may need to transport your car within the same country or at times to another country. During such times, it is simply impossible to drive the car yourself and you will need the car transportation services. After all, you have so many other hassles to take care of like shifting your belongings and other stuff especially when moving with a family. It is always best to leave your car in the hands of reputed and trustworthy car transport companies who will help your car safely to the required destination. Moreover, trying to drive your car across a long distance may lead to many complications that you may need to face.

Secondly, the car shipping rates might not be as high as you think. With the growing demand of these services as well as rising competition, car shipping companies try to woo more customers with best services at affordable rates. So, it might cost less than you might think too.