Sunday, September 16, 2007

Dodge History and Future

By Michael Rad

Dodge automobiles came into being in 1914 and started up as the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company. Later, this company became a subsidiary of the Chrysler Corporation and in 1998 it became a part of the Daimler Chrysler. Finally, in 2007 the Dodge was bought by a private company and is manufactured under the tag of Chrysler Holding LLC.

Dodge is famous mainly for the trucks that come in handy at all times. There have been many models of Dodge launched on the market, including the Dodge Caravan, the Dodge Caliber, the Dodge Dart, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Mini Ram Van, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Raider, Dodge Viper, Dodge Town Wagon and lots others, some of these models are not manufactured anymore, some of these are still a great hit. The latest Dodge models are the Viper SRT 10, the Ram and the Caliber.

The Dodge Viper or the SRT 10 has been released in 1992 and it is a two seated supercar with a FR layout. The Viper has encountered many variants and this has added to its popularity, being included in several video games, films, TV shows and music videos. The Dodge Ram was first introduced in 1981 and was produced until 1998. However, continuing the manufacture of such full size pickup trucks seemed like a good idea for Daimler Chrysler, so they took up the model again. The Ram was called truck of the year twice by the Motor Trend magazine and this has added to the prestige of this sturdy truck.

The future plans for the Ram include a re-thinking of the design which is predicted for 2009. The Dodge Caliber is a fresh model from the Dodge factories. It appeared in 2006 and was meant to replace the Neon. The Caliber is a compact car and it has a four wheel drive with a 5 door hatchback body style. The caliber has many variants including the SE, the SXT, the R/t and the SRT-4.

The upcoming models announced by Dodge are the Challenger, which is due in 2008, and the Nitro and Avenger which should appear in 2007. The Nitro is a 4 door compact SUV and it is also a 4 wheel drive. The Avenger is actually an older model that has been manufactured between 1995 and 2000 and was a mid sized car. From 2008, Dodge intends to re-release the Avenger as a 4 door sedan- these being the second generation Avengers. The Third generation of Challengers is the latest Dodge announced. It will be a pony car with a retro design.

Monday, September 10, 2007

The 4 Best Places To Find Free New Car Reviews And Pricing

By Joshua Poyoh

Checking out the new car reviews is indeed fascinating, fun as well as informative. You may not need a car or want a car. It is fun just to fantasize about the new cars and trucks and imagining yourself sitting in it, smelling the new leather.

You might have noticed the Chevy ads on TV, wherein a site is mentioned as endorsement of Chevies (as if they NEED any endorsement!). Edmunds.com is a premier site for a number of purposes. At this site, you can check the ratings as customers (not manufacturers or sales people) find the car to be on gas mileage, epa emissions, speed, pick up, comfort, and other valued characteristics. New car ratings, comparison charts (and photos), and some of the most entertaining and informative articles are there. One article is a series of writings on the man who went to work as an "undercover" used car and new car salesman. He reveals the gimmicks, the scams, the pressures and the buffoonery that contribute to the new and used car milieus.

Other helpful new car reviews are, such as those done by the reporters at CNN/Money (money.cnn.com) who reveal the stats and remarks for the "best new minivan" (Honda Odyssey); "best new car" (Chrysler 300); and "best new sports car" (Corvette - though how could one possible choose between the many bests?); and "best pick-up" (Toyota Tacoma). CNN/Money also gives new car reviews for the Car of the Year and the Truck of the Year - the Chrysler 300 and the Land Rover LR3, respectively. Each of the new car reviews here gets a full-length article devoted to it, one which includes the specs, the stats, and the photos we need to get our excitement roiling - if we need motivation, that is.

Car.com features many pictures on their site for pricing a car (according to your zip code), and also includes a "research" section, where you can do a car history report search, get financing calculations, have car discussions, or browse the photo albums. And like the Car and Driver Magazine (on and offline), which has all this and more, the site offers used and new car reviews as written by professionals, enthusiasts, and aficionados.

It's nice to be able to rely on 4 trustworthy sources for history, horse power, and hooplas -whether you will actually buy that car or just collect information and photos you can drool over. For most of us, it is not the act of buying, in this case it requires a lot of money - an difficult decision at many times, but the act of dreaming of driving that newest and hottest car that keeps us most satisfied.

Joshua Poyoh is the creator of http://www.automotive.resources-to.com where you can find out more independent information on Cars and automotives
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Poyoh

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

2007 Maserati Quattroporte Automatic Review

By Michael Rad

Maserati welcomes you to a world of quality automobiles. It does not matter if you need a classy car, a business car or a sports car; Maserati has them all plus an outstanding number of features that will make your ride fast and enjoyable.

This year the offer is generous. The Quattroporte Automatic is definitely the star of this year. The curves as well as the strength and design of this model will determine you to want this Italian styled car. The Quattroporte combines a sports car with a luxury car and the result is truly amazing. You can choose the Sports GT version of this model, or you can opt for the Executive GT.

The Sports Quattroporte Automatic comes with sports suspension set up, 20 inches alloy wheels, carbon-fiber interior trim, a cross- drilled disk brakes, sports steering wheel, steering wheel paddles, and an automatic shift lever.

The Executive GT is the ultimate luxury adventure. It offers massage seats for the rear passengers, rear tables for travelers and the maximum comfort for all passengers. This version also features the ball polished 9 spoke 19 inches alloy wheels plus climate control for rear passengers.

Whatever choice you make, Maserati will guarantee the highest quality of all materials and you will have a warrantee of 3 years with unlimited mileage.

The Quattroporte Automatic has six-speed automatic transmission plus you can switch to manual sequential shifting in case you need to, just get into the Sport mode. This gorgeous vehicle is highly luxurious, featuring also the new hydraulic transmission.
The engine of this vehicle is very powerful and it brings a more gradual and progressive power delivery. The interior of the Quattroporte Automatic is adapted to the most exquisite tastes, with electrically adjusted seats, the Easy Entry system, that will make it easier for you to get in and out of the car.

The automatic bi-zone air-conditioning is part of the deal as well. You will always benefit of the optimal environment due to the airflow distribution pattern. The windows are manufactured from a special glass that prevents the heat as well as the sunshine from entering, so it is like having huge sunglasses with maximum UV protection that also keeps you cool. The safety of the Quattroporte is high and adjusted to a speedy vehicle, as the Quattroporte is definitely for speed fans and not only.

For example, if you drive by 100 kilometers per hour, an instant breaking will stop the vehicle in 35,3 meters, which is a remarkably small distance. The car is also endowed with 6 airbags and seatbelts with electronically controlled pyrotechnical pretensions, so you know you are in good hands.

Once you've decided you want such a precious piece, you can personalize it by adding the options that you need to have all the conditions for a pleasant journey. All in all, the Maserati has prepared an excellent car for you this year. Just check out the Quattroporte Automatic, it will win you over in no time.

More resources from the author:

Friday, August 31, 2007

The History of America's Sports Car

By Michael Russell

The Chevrolet Corvette is often known as "America's Sports Car" due to the fact that it is the first all-American sports car built by the American manufacturing company General Motors. The Corvette has maintained its reputation as a very powerful yet affordable car for more than 50 years now. The car first came out in 1953 and was manufactured in a GM assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA. What sets the Corvette apart from its European counterparts is its emphasis on simplicity. Most competing brands depend on smaller displacement and a complex engine. The Corvette on the contrary, uses a larger displacement and a simpler overhead valve that often resulted in a lighter, cheaper and physically smaller engine. This same philosophy is also reflected in the type of suspension used by the Corvette where GM opted to use the transverse leaf springs.

The name for Chevrolet's entry-level sports car back in 1953 comes from a highly maneuverable frigate class warship of the same name. The person responsible for choosing the name of GM's sports car was Myron E. Scott, who happens to be the creator of the Soap Box Derby. The early Corvettes have fiberglass for their outer body due to the steel quotas left over from the war. The engine used back then was the "Blue Flame" inline 6-cylinder truck engine with two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission and drum brakes that are similar to any Chevrolet car line of that time. Compared with its European counterparts, the Corvette was an underpowered vehicle. It was only in 1954 that a Paxton supercharger became available as a dealer-installed option. This significantly improved the performance of the Corvette but was still behind its counterparts.

The Corvette underwent major changes by 1963 and marked the start of the second generation of Corvettes that was also known by the acronym C2. There were several body designs made by Larry Shinoda, which were released from 1963 till 1968. The development of the Corvette Stingray sporting split-rear windows and fake hood vents also started in 1968. A 6.5 L big-block engine option also became available and an even larger 7L big-block engine came by 1966.The Third generation (C3) Corvette's design made by Larry Shinoda was inspired by a Mako Shark. The C3 lasted until 1982 and in each passing year, various improvements were added to the Corvette especially on its engine. In 1973, Urethane-compound bumpers replaced the chrome bumpers of the Corvette.

There are several notable variants of the C4 model of the Corvette namely the B2K Callaway Twin Turbo (1987), ZR-1 also known as King of the Hill (1990) and the Grand Sport Corvette (1996). They paved the way for the development of the C5, C5 Z06, C5-R (1997 to 2004) Corvettes. The major changes to these models are the hydrofoamed box frame; transmission was placed at the rear of the car and the LS1 small-block engine with a rated horsepower of 345 hp. The Z06 model is the successor of the ZR-1 and inherited most of its good traits. The Z06 comes with the LS6 engine and a lighter frame that makes it quicker than the ZR-1 but has a lower power output than the double-overhead cam engine of the ZR-1, which makes it slower than its predecessor.

Michael Russell Your Independent Sports Car guide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Ferrari Models Reviewed

By Michael Rad

Ferrari was founded in 1929 by Enzo Ferrari and first produced cars in 1947. Today, the parent company for Ferrari is Fiat. The Ferraris engines are famous for their engine displacement technology. The V6 and the V8 are built in total displacement, while the V12 used a displacement of one cylinder. Some of the latest Ferrari models include the Ferrari 550, the 575 M Maranello, 599 GTB Fiorano, the 612 Scaglietti, the F355, the Ferrari 360, the F430, the Enzo Ferrari and the Ferrari FXX.

The 599 GTB Fiorano was started to be produced in 2007, and it is a Gran Turismo two seat berlinetta with a FR layout. The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a follower of the Ferrari 456 and it is a 2+2 coupe Gran Turismo. It was first launched in 2004 and is still being manufactured. Another car also launched in 2004 is the Ferrari F430. It is a sports car and it is available as a two seat Berlinetta and as a two seat Spider. The F430 has a MR layout and can be purchased with a 6 manual or semi automatic speed.

The Enzo Ferrari is a super car/ ultra car manufactured between 2002 and 2004 and was launched in the memory of the founder of the Ferrari company. The Enzo was manufactured in only 400 copies so it was a highly expensive item. It had a Berlinetta body style and a MR layout. The follower model of the Enzo Ferrari was the FXX, which is also a super car. The FXX was released in 2005, and is said to be an improved Enzo Ferrari with the same MR layout and Berlinetta body style. The FXX keeps many of the Enzo’s features but has also new cool features that are singular to the FXX. The car is highly expensive and it may be driven on special tracks only. The last FXX, the 30th was given to Michael Schumacher. A similar super car is the Maserati MC12 Corsa.

Ferrari is also responsilble for some concept models, which include among others the Ferrari P5, the Ferrari Pininfarina 512S Berlinetta Speciale, the Pininfarina Modulo, the Ferrari Mythos, the Ferrari GG50, the Ferrari P4/5 and the Ferrari Zagato 575 GTZ.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Acura Buying Tips For 2007

By Michael Rad

Acura is one of the hottest selling car brands in the USA and many other countries. Honda’s luxury division has managed to seize an important segment of the auto market, so its 2007 models are expected to take the quality even further. Here are a few tips for buying an Acura in 2007, together with a look at their future and current vehicle offer.

Acura RDX (2007)
Priced at $32,995, the 2007 Acura RDX is a medium sized SUV that is slightly smaller than the MDX. The main competitors for the RDX are X3 from BMW and the M Klass Mercedes, together with other mid-sized SUVs. The RDX seems to be a very good choice for a family car that also offers luxury and a bit of sportive feel.

Acura MDX (2007)
The impressive sales of the MDX are expected to rise even further in 2007. Coming from Honda’s luxury division, the car-based seven-passenger MDX will most likely have shoppers face waiting lists. The 2007 Acura MDX has some other impressive advantages – more power and improved stability on any terrain with Acura’s All-Wheel Drive system.

Acura RL (2007)
The 2007 model shifts some of the equipment that was previously considered standard to the options list, in an attempt to lower the overall base price of the RL. You will still get optional choices such as the rearview camera system or the traffic monitoring system.

Acura TL (2007)
The 2007 model receives a 3.5-liter V-6 with 286 horsepower in its Type-S performance edition. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is still not included with this model.

Acura TSX (2007)
Very similar to the European version (Honda Accord), the 2007 Acura TSX is a blend between the RSX and the TL performance sedan. Not a lot of changes accompany the 2007 TSX, but this is partly because there were no complaints with the earlier models.

Current vehicle offers from Acura
Acura MDX (2006)
With a price of $37,125 the 2006 MDX offers everything you might be looking for as far as luxury, safety and performance are concerned in an SUV. The 2006 MDX comes with the popular 4 wheel traction system that Acura fits on all its MDX models, plus the added bonus of XM Satellite radio.

Acura RL (2006)
Launched in 2005, the RL model from Acura has done well in the luxury sedan market. Priced between $48,565 and $53,100, depending on options and engine, the Acura RL comes with all-wheel drive and a well built real-time traffic monitoring system. Other improvements added to the 2006 Acura RL are the CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System) and ACS (Adaptive Cruise Control).

Acura RSX (2006)
Priced between $20,325 and $23,845 addresses a much wider target audience than the exotic NSX. The base RSX comes with 155-horsepower and the performance Type-S has an additional 46 bhp.

Acura TSX (2006)
The small sport sedan priced at $27,890 is the next step from the RSX sport coupe. The 2006 model comes with changes in the optional equipment and a stylish facelift.

For more information, factual characteristics and photos and wallpapers of the 2006 and 2007 Acura models, please visit all-car-photos.com or see the links below.

Now you can get the hottest Acura photos and wallpapers for free on All-car-photos.com. Other hot car photos are also available on a huge number of vehicle manufacturers
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Rad

Friday, August 24, 2007

Sports Cars for Sale

By Elizabeth Morgan

Sports cars are available for sale through dealers and auctions, and on the Internet. Auctions often advertise bargain prices, which they call wholesale rates. Many such prices are bait to attract unsuspecting customers, who end up paying extras like taxes, money for the fuel already in the car, valet charges and more. Therefore, it is better to exercise a little caution before going in for such ‘deals.’ You can help yourself by checking out the auction company’s credibility, making inquiries about the car’s price at other places, examining the car for defects, finalizing a budget for yourself, and familiarizing yourself with the auction procedure by attending other auctions.

If you choose to buy from a dealer you must conduct some research prior to visiting the showroom. Find out about the car, other dealers who may be offering a better price, and other factors. Test-drive the car before you decide to buy it. Do not discuss your finances with the dealer; it would suffice to inform him how much you are willing to pay. Take advantage of finance schemes and make sure to get details of extras that come with the car, such as free gifts or warranties. Once you reach the price that you are comfortable with, don’t bargain further in the hope of a better offer.

Many sports cars are bought and sold on the Internet these days. Websites feature attractive specs, pictures and reviews of sports cars to attract customers. Shortlist advertisements give complete details about the car, mode of payment, conditions of sale and other information. Avoid advertisements that are vague on details. Examine the seller’s record on the site; if possible, speak to one of his previous customers. Try to arrange for a test drive and a viewing of the car before you pay for it.

These are just a few important pointers that will help you make a good purchase, so that you can really enjoy your newly purchased sports car.

Sports Cars provides detailed information on Sports Cars, Exotic Sports Cars, Classic Sports Cars, Sports Cars for Sale and more. Sports Cars is affiliated with SUV Vans.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Morgan