Sunday, July 29, 2007

Modifying Your Audi

There are many ways to modify an Audi S4. Now depending on your own individual preferences, you may wish to acquire an original car or a car that has been modified. If you elect to go for the latter, depending on which country or state you live in, it may be mandatory to pay extra insurance premiums depending on the modifications rendered. These cars usually tend to have issues that the main broker may be unable or unwilling to help you with, and you’ll want to note that Audi have lately revised their policies with regard to warrantable work on modified cars in the USA and the UK with other countries following suit, meaning that in the event of a problem, you’ll foot the bill.

The most popular modification to an S4 is “chip tuning” also known as “chipping” or “engine remapping”. Such modifications allow the BHP and torque of the car to be amplified radically. Prolonged use or continued hard driving of a modified car can result in costly component failure. The most common failures being leaking intercooler pipes which give way due to the increased stress carried by them and failed turbos (usually the oil seals) requiring the engine to be removed for replacement – a very costly procedure. The smooth lines of the S4 Early cars pre “1999.5” as they are called use an early version of the K03 turbo charger and were fitted with less flexible intercooler hoses. Audi did put a recall out for these vehicles to have the hoses replaced under warranty, but not all dealerships seem to do this voluntarily – you will need to ask them to perform the work if it’s not already been done when you take the car in for service. 2000 model year cars seem to fare a lot better on the modification front. The hoses used are stronger and the K03 turbos are evidently of a revised design.

Other popular modifications include lowering the ride- height of the car to gain additional stability during cornering, short shifters, to lessen the throw of the gear lever and to give a more “solid” feel during changes, alloy wheel upgrades and various spoiler and grille options. With any sort of lowering, it’s a good idea to have geometric check done on the car to check camber and alignment, which can prove invaluable in the long run. The more radical of these cars can sport up to 470BHP using parts from the later Audi RS4 and after some costly tuning work.


For more information go to http://www.theaudis4.com

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Tuesday, July 24, 2007

The Best Limousine Rental Car Models For Weddings

Weddings are one of the more memorable experiences that any person can experience. It is one of those events that require a lot of preparation and planning in order to get the whole experience to be very special. Although the wedding has a lot of aspects that people mostly focus on when they are preparing for it, one of the more subtle but important aspect in a wedding is the car that the newlywed couple would be riding in after the wedding.

Limousines are one of the best, and common, choices for transportation for weddings, or other special events. Limousines have the ability to make an event, especially weddings, more fun, exciting and memorable. One of the reasons may be that limousine transportation is not something that people are able to enjoy everyday, which is why a lot of people find limousines very extravagant and lavish, which helps make the whole wedding event more special.

There are a lot of limousine rental car models that people who are planning weddings can choose from. There are stretched limousines that can hold a number of passengers, while there are others which can only hold a few. Other limousine rental car models are new models of cars, while others maintain their classic limousine cars, which are sometimes much better to use than the new ones, all depending on the preference of the people in the wedding. Their choice will boil down to the limousine’s functionality, as well as its look.

One of the best types of limousine rental car models that are used in weddings in terms of functionality are classic cars. These classic cars allows the couple to stand out from all the other weddings, since most wedding usually use the standard limousine. Also, classic cars do not have the amenities that most new model limousines have nowadays.

These added amenities are not important for most couples since they may not necessarily use them during the wedding day anyway. One downside to this type of limousine car model, however, is that it can only hold up to four passengers, which is usually only good for the newlywed couple. If you want to include the entire bridal party in the limousine, then you should opt to use the standard limousines, which can hold a number of people.

In terms of look, white limousines are always the more popular choice. People tend to associate the white colored limousines to weddings, which is appropriate for the event. They see white limousines as a luxury that they may not be able to experience again for a period of time, which is why they want to use white limousines since it makes the whole event even more special. These white limousines also create a coordinated look with the whole wedding theme, as well as the bride, making it more appropriate for the event. It is also easier to decorate with flowers to match the wedding colors, making it a beautiful contrast to the other colors in the wedding.

Although white bridal limousine cars are so cliché to some couples, there are those that seem to like to follow traditional style of weddings. Ultimately, it is always the choice of the couple. Since there are a lot of other types of limousine car models out there, each couple will be able to find the type of limousine that will best suit their needs for their wedding.

Vanessa A. Doctor

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Vanessa Arellano Doctor from http://www.Jump2top.com, a SEO Company

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Saturday, July 21, 2007

Aston Martin- A Car With a Movie Screen History






Have you ever wondered where the car company name of Aston Martin originated? With headquarters situated in Warwickshire, England, the Aston Martin Lagonda Limited line of luxury cars gathered its name from a hill climber named Aston Clinton and one of the founding fathers of the company, Lionel Martin. The history of the Aston Martin is rather intriguing, seeing as it earned the esteemed respect of being the glamorous auto selection for the series of James Bond books and movies.

The first mention of the vehicle came in the seventh 007 novel, "Goldfinger" (1964), promptly followed by a showing on the silver screen in the movie of the same title. The Aston Martin was then regarded as the company car in "GoldenEye" (1995) and his private vehicle in "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997). Additional Aston Martin models also made appearances in a variety of James Bond films, including the Volante and Vantage in "The Living Daylights" (1987), the Vanguish in "Die Another Day" (2002). The new DBS was even featured in the latest Bond flick, "Casino Royale" (2006).

The History of Aston Martins

The Aston Martin car company was founded in 1913 with the help of Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. The two worked with one another to produce their first car under the company name, which incorporated the chassis of a 1908 Isotta-Fraschini and a four-cylinder Coventry-Simplex engine. Before the production of their first car took place, the company would have to overcome the obstacle of World War I, which had both owners serving their country under different branches of military. All of their machinery was lost in the war effort.

After the war, the company was re-founded in Kensington and rejuvenated with new car designs. In 1920, Bamford left the company and funding started to come from a different resource. By 1922, the company produced cars that fared quite well in the French Grand Prix, actually setting records in speed and endurance. Unfortunately, the company went bankrupt in 1924 and was bought by Lady Charnwood, only to see failure again in 1925. The factory closed in 1926, prompting Martin to walk away from the business.

That same year, the company was renamed Aston Martin Motors and received the backing of an assortment of wealthy investors. A known designer was brought in and racers, such as the 1929 Aston Martin International, the Le Mans, and the Ulster became quite successful. It wasn't until 1936 that the company decided to produce cars that were suitable for the open road.

The Second War World slowed production, but in 1947, the company underwent yet another change in leadership. The cars now showcased the signature letters of "DB", marking the initials of the managing director, David Brown. A number of DB series cars flourished, ranging from the DB2 in 1950 to the DB V8 of the 1970s. The V8 lasted until 1988 until the Virage line was introduced, followed by the Vantage in 1992. Several other models would trail, including the V12 Vantage (1999), the V12-engine Vanquish (2001), the convertible DB9 Volante (2004), and the 2006 V8 Vantage sports car.

Aston Martin Cars

Throughout the history of Aston Martin vehicles, there have been many different pre-war and post-war GT and supercars introduced to the public. Before the war, the company was responsible for models, such as the Aston Martin Standard Sports (1921-1925), Aston Martin International Le Mans (1932), and the Aston Martin 15/98 (1937-1939). After the war passed on, a host of "DB" series cars were created, including the Aston Martin 2-Litre Sports (also known as the DB1; 1948-1950), Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato (1961-1963), Aston Martin DB7 (1993-2003), and the 2004 Aston Martin DB9.

Supercars, such as the Aston Martin V8 Vantage hit the market from 1977 to 1989, which was named the First Supercar of Britain. It was valued for its ability to reach speeds of up to 170 mph. During the 90s, the Aston Martin Virage, Aston Martin Vantage, and Aston Martin V8 Coupe/V8 Volante were prime. With the Virage, the public embraced the possibilities of a sleeker, modern design and improved acceleration.

Currently, consumers may purchase Aston Martin cars, such as the V8 Vantage and the V8 Vantage Roadster, which is a light, yet pretty strong vehicle. The DB9 and the DB9 Volante are also on the market, which offers buyers the optional Sport Pack upgrade. The Vanguish S is available today as well, which can reach a top speed of 200 mph.

The Future of Aston Martin Cars

There have been numerous concept cars created throughout the years, including the 1980 Aston Martin Bulldog and 1993 Lagonda Vignale. A recent concept has emerged for the company, which comes in the form of the Aston Martin Rapide. It is likely that this model will become the latest in the line of cars, which will offer a longer, Grand Tourer-style that seats four. Perhaps, you may even see the limited edition line of the Aston Martin DBS that appeared in the Casino Royale film (only 300 of these exist).

VehicleRide is everything the current and future of cars.Find Aston Martin cars at VehicleRide.com. We also have Honda cars, Acura cars,Toyota cars,and many more.

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Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Mitsubishi Lancer Concept To Make Detroit Debut

Mitsubishi has long been in the shadow of Japan’s larger automakers, but the company has managed to produce a few hit models over the years including the sporty Eclipse, the compact Lancer, the sexy Miata roadster, and the venerable rotary powered RX-8. At the moment, there is plenty of buzz over a concept vehicle that will debut at the January 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and it is a car based on the high performance version of the Lancer called the Lancer Evolution or Evo.

The Evo to be featured, according to the Kicking Tires website, is the company’s “Prototype X” model replete with multiple hood scoops and a lower road stance. At present, only a few sketches of the concept have been shown to the public, but a preview press day will likely bring actual photos of the concept to the general public.

While the standard Lancer has been a decent seller in its own right, the Lancer Evolution has caught the attention of tuners everywhere. The Prototype X, when it finally comes off of the assembly line within the next year or two, will likely do its part to raise Mitsubishi’s visibility one more notch. This is good news for a division that once could not get out of the shadow of the Chrysler Corporation, its original U.S. partner.

With the Evo, tuners are likely to find a car that will match or surpass their Accords and Rios in style as well as in substance. Just what Mitsubishi needs to help the brand get noticed!

Copyright 2006 – For additional information regarding Matthew C. Keegan,The Article Writer please visit his auto blog for up to the minute automotive information.

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Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Mazda MX5's Iconic Evolution that Makes Mazda Parts Distributors Like Parts Train Deliver the Best
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jenny_McLane]Jenny McLane



Fresh from the wheels up, Mazda MX5 -- the world’s favorite roadster remains true to the lightweight, fun to drive formula that sold more than 700,000 MX-5s worldwide since its introduction in 1989. The third generation Mazda MX-5 will be presented in October 2005 at the Geneva and Melbourne motor shows. Intensity of spirit possessed by very few sports cars – this was what Program Manager Takao Kijima has in mind when creating the all-new Mazda MX-5.

The all-new Mazda MX5 epitomizes the Japanese word Jinba Ittai (rider and horse as one).Jinba Ittai is akin to the bond between a single-seat formula-car pilot and his racer, which is the essence of Zoom-Zoom. The rider-and-horse idiom and the effort to create a car universally seen as "lots of fun" served as the focal point around the new Mazda MX5.

Mazda engineers realize the Jinba Ittai concept defined the five basic requirements: the car would be as compact and as light as possible while meeting global safety requirements; the cockpit would comfortably accommodate two full-stature occupants with no wasted space. Meanwhile, the basic layout would continue with the original’s front-midship rear-drive configuration with the engine positioned ahead of the driver but behind the front axle for 50:50 weight distributions. In addition, all four wheels would be attached by wishbone or multi-link suspension systems to maximize tire performance, road grip and dynamic stability and that a power-plant frame would again provide a solid connection between the engine and rear-mounted differential to sharpen throttle response.

Mazda engineers made every gram count when they very well knew that extra weight would have a dramatically negative influence on driving, cornering, and braking performance. Their "gram strategy" assessed weight in the smallest possible increments and carefully scrutinized weight-trimming opportunities. Other weight-saving tactics were employed as well. Advanced technology was applied where practical to achieve a light and rigid unibody design using materials that offered higher strength and lighter weight.

The MX5 iconic roadster has indeed evolved as evident on its bold new look. The classic "Coke bottle" shape of the contours was removed. The nose and tail are smoothly tapered but now the surfaces wrap smoothly between the wheels without narrowing. The fender arches of the new Mazda MX-5 are notably more pronounced for a substantially wider wheel track dimensions and a more athletic stance. Seventeen-inch wheels help define the corners of the car while there are modest increases in wheelbase (+65 mm), length (+20 mm), width (+40 mm), and height (+20 mm),

With Mazda’s new generation sport car architecture the car boasts 22 per cent more flexural stiffness and a 47 per cent increase in torsion rigidity compared with the former Mazda MX-5's. Moving the engine rearward by 135 mm was a major step towards balancing front-to-rear weight distribution and reducing the yaw moment of inertia. The new car also benefits from ideal 50:50 weight distribution.

What makes this Mazda so special in the eyes and hands of car enthusiasts the world over? The parts that make up every inch of the Mazda MX5 as the iconic roadster are one of the reasons. You can come across super durable replacement parts on websites like [http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/Mazda]http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/Mazda. Moreover, you can be rest assured that your Mazda MX-5 will be more capable, more comfortable, and more powerful.

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa
and has a knack for research on cars and anything
and everything about it. She works full time as a
Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers
in the country today.

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Monday, July 9, 2007

New Subaru Impreza WRX Goes on Sale in Japan

Subaru’s new Impreza WRX goes on sale in Japan this week as a late 2007 model, and with it come greater anticipation for the high-performance STI version, which won't be officially revealed until the Tokyo auto show in October later this year.



The Subaru Impreza WRX five-door hatchback (known as the Impreza S-GT in Japan) features a turbocharged 2.0-liter version of the Subaru boxer-4, and it produces 248 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. When this car hits U.S. shores this fall as a 2008 model, it will have a 2.5-liter iteration of this engine that produces about 225 hp and 226 pound-feet of torque. In the UK, tight European emissions laws mean buyers won't be offered the WRX model when the hatch arrives there later this year.

Meanwhile, the “wilder”, high-performance 2008 Subaru WRX STI expected to remain under cover until the Tokyo auto show already has a few key facts leaked.

The WRX STI draws motorsports technology directly from Subaru expertise in World Rally Championship (WRC) competition and is designed to appeal to the most serious driving enthusiasts. STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International -- the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

The highly anticipated STI is set to be powered by a tuned version of the 2.5-litre boxer engine turbocharged to produce more than 300hp and around 400Nm of torque, be mated to Subaru's existing six-speed manual box. A new automated manual, sourced from specialist firm Aisin, is expected to join the line-up when the latest Impreza is facelifted in 2009.

Subaru is making sure that the new Impreza can and will give its archrival, the 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X - which will feature an optional twin-clutch sequential-manual gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles – a run for its money.

The top Impreza will offer a range of unique styling additions, including a specially developed bonnet, grille and a wide front bumper with big air intakes.

Flared wheelarches house smart 18-inch alloys, which will hide the existing STI's Brembo brake system. Buyers can expect to see minor tweaks to the all-wheel-drive system, and engineers have also taken the opportunity to tune the handling, thanks to a more compact double wishbone rear suspension set-up.

Inside, the new Impreza range boasts higher-quality trim, with the STI getting a pair of supportive bucket seats up front to boost its sporty appeal.

Subaru (maker of top of the line Subaru oxygen sensor), has also told Inside Line that a turbocharged boxer-4 diesel for the WRX is in the works and should be out by early 2009. The company is reportedly eager to drop a high-mpg diesel into the Forester and Impreza soon after the Legacy gets Subaru's first diesel next summer, so the WRX is part of the program. Sources from Subaru have also reportedly confirmed that the company is working on a five-speed automatic and a continuously variable transmission, and both these options could be offered as early as mid-2009.

Subaru is a Japanese car company and is the automotive division of Fuji Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (FHI). It is currently an affiliate of Toyota Motor Corporation, with it owning 8.7% of FHI. They acquired that stake from General Motors, who bought 20% of FHI in 1999 to have an extended presence in international markets, and collaborate technologically with FHI.

FHI has recently set a new theme for Subaru cars that emphasizes Subaru’s goal: Subaru offers a comfortable, pleasant drive for the driver and passengers; provides peace of mind and reliability; and extends convenience, utility and functionality.

For your Oxygen Sensor parts needs like Subaru oxygen sensor,visit your trusted online dealer.

Zeke Gervis has a degree in Human Resource Management. He is an F1 fanatic and is a collector of racing memorabilias. At present, he enjoys working at a consulting firm in Iowa.

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Tuesday, July 3, 2007

The Nissan Skyline - A Truly Japanese Sports Car

Know affectionately as Godzilla among its enthusiasts, the Nissan Skyline truly is a fine Japanese sports car, and by gum what a fine looking beast she is too. They're not all that common around the USA, so when you do come across one there are plenty of curious admirers and enthusiasts gathering around whenever these cars park up.

Believe it or not, the Nissan Skyline has been around for some 45 years and has deservedly picked up many prestigious awards along the way. However, there was a 10 year period where production stopped, but delighted fans were over the moon when Nissan announced in 1989 that it would be releasing an all new GT-R Skyline.

The few years after the production of this stylish machine, the GT-R Skyline was awarded with the Japanese Touring Car Championship for Group 'A' touring cars. In 1994, because of its phenomenal success, the Nissan Skyline was given its own series. This series was aptly named the Japan GT Car series.

Although the Nissan Skyline was a much sought after motor in the United States of America, the Skyline GT-R was never made to comply with US standards, but all was not lost thanks to Motorex. Motorex imports and modifies the Nissan Skyline GT-R so that it complies with these standards and consequently these cars can then be released on American soil.

The Nissan Skyline GT-R is not a cheap car but it is a dream of many a young driver. Sadly for them, most only get to push the pedal to the floor by driving it via a computer screen. It's a real popular choice in computer racing games and for good reason.

Options for the Nissan Skyline have come as a sedan or a coupe. If you're not sure what the modern models look like, just do a search on Google images for the Nissan Skyline GT-R and you will be able to see for yourself why this car is so pleasing to the eye. If you're into the mechanics of the motor, there are a plethora of sites out there that will strip it down to the bare bones and rebuild it for you bit by bit.

Cars are more than just a means of transport, in fact many men treat their vehicles with the same tender loving care as they do to their women. Now I'm not saying there's anything healthy in that, but it's the way it is, and I would go as far to say that many a boy racer would live in his car rather than get rid of it, and especially if it was a Nissan Skyline GT-R.

Andy Maingam is a proficient writer for keepingcars.com where he has articles on the
Hi-tech Radio Controlled Cars and buying Cheap Tires and Wheels.He also has many other auto related pieces on the site.

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