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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Thursday, June 28, 2007

Alfa Romeo Parts

Alfa Romeo parts may include body parts, engine parts, accessories, repair and replacement panel and much more.

There are Alfa Romeo part providers who are authorized by the company to supply parts to the customers. In different regions such authorized Alfa Romeo part suppliers are available to cater to the need of the Alfa Romeo customers.

Your Alfa Romeo car parts specifications may be different from the specification of another Alfa Romeo part specifications made for another area. For a US produced car the specifications of the parts will be different from that of a Japan made car. An Alfa Romeo car part is available to you if the company still makes it.

Alfa Romeo Car parts catalogue is available for the customers who want to see and place an order for a part. For customers, who do not know the Alfa Romeo car parts and their names, this catalogue will be of great help. If you do not know the Alfa Romeo part and its name then you can call on any of the authorized dealer and can get it identified and then you can place an order. For helping such customers, Alfa Romeo parts diagram is also available online.

Alfa Romeo produces different models of cars. You can always get the car parts for the Alfa Romeo car that you own. You will get Alfa Romeo parts for Alfa Romeo Duetto 1600 Spider, Alfa Romeo Bertone 200 GT Veloce, Alfa Romeo 1300 Spider Junior, Alfa Romeo 1300 Spider GT Junior, Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloce, Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce and all other Alfa Romeo models. Alfa Romeo car parts are also available for the different versions of these models.

For proper functioning of the whole Alfa Romeo car, the Alfa Romeo engine is a crucial one. It needs proper maintenance and care to work better and longer. If you need to replace any Alfa Romeo engine part, you will find them easily in the numerous Alfa Romeo part dealers. Replace the worn out engine parts and help the car perform better.

In parts you will find different types of Alfa Romeo car parts. These car parts may be original parts, used parts, and reconditioned parts. For classic Alfa Romeo cars used Alfa Romeo car parts are available.

Alfa Romeo engine has a history of itself. Alfa Romeo had the V6 engine which was a very popular engine among the users because of its performance, looks and sound. Now Alfa Romeo engine has also changed and a new 3.2 litre V6 engine has been used for the new models.

All Alfa Romeo cars have a strong Alfa Romeo engine under the bonnet. The powerful Alfa Romeo engine was the main reason behind its success in various racing competitions in the past. So, take care of the Alfa Romeo engine, as it is one of the best engines for cars. Keep the engine and parts clean. The engine is dependent on the Alfa Romeo engine parts. So, keep an eye and if needed replace them.

There are catalogue for Alfa Romeo engine parts. There are also various videos and diagrams are available of the Alfa Romeo engine and its parts to help you know which particular part you need.

Alfa Romeo car part dealers may be found both physically and online. Brick and mortar dealers have their offices in different parts of world. They have customer service personnels, sales force, dedicated phone service, catalogues and other facilities. You can walk into their office or can call them. The Alfa Romeo part needed can be easily collected and replaced there. Online Alfa Romeo car part dealers can be found easily in the Internet. They have their websites with all the needed details. You will find online catalogue, Alfa Romeo car parts diagrams, order forms, technical support etc. in such websites. You can ask questions, if you have any. Place the order and get the Alfa Romeo part delivered to you.

Bikash is an MBA who works as an freelance writer. He worked for on eof the best private banks in India. He has been writing for the last 5 years. He has worked with many US,UK and Indian clients.
Visit him at http://bikiassam.tripod.com

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Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Waiting For the Pontiac Solstice

General Motor’s Pontiac division is very much responsible for the Pontiac Solstice. What is the Pontiac Solstice? It is a roadster and this will be running on the streets, highways, and roads starting the summer of this year, 2006.

The Pontiac Solstice was introduced to the public eye during the 2004 North American International Auto Show. The production though for this vehicle had started during the middle of the year 2005. Compared to the concept car of the Pontiac Solstice during the said auto show, the Pontiac Solstice still holds the very same exterior styling. Manufacturers claim that this vehicle could possible be yours for US$19,995.

Mounted on the GM Kappa platform, the Pontiac Solstice has been predicted to boost the marketing and sales of the Saturn Sky and the Opel GT. This vehicle has been crafted as a convertible although there have been rumors that Pontiac would soon be manufacturing a fixed roof coupe version. By doing such, the Pontiac Solstice would then be very much capable of doing sports car racing since this event is not open to convertibles. Pontiac has also given interested parties the chance to choose as to what they would like the vehicle to have with regards to seat material and exterior color. As per the seats, the choices are either leather or cloth and the color choices are Steel, Sand, or Ebony. As per the exterior colors, one could choose from Sly, Aggressive, Mysterious, Pure, Envious, Cool, and Deep. Sly is a shade of gray, Aggressive is a shade of bright red. Mysterious is black. Pure is white. Envious is a dark green. Cool is a mixture of off white and very light gray. While Deep is a shade of dark blue.

The power of the Pontiac Solstice comes from a Power Ecotec 2.4 L DOHC engine. This is assisted by an Aisin five speed manual close ratio engine. The vehicle also offers an optional five speed automatic engine. The estimated fuel economy of this convertible is some 20 miles per gallon if it pertains to city driving and 28 miles per gallon if it is for highway driving.

For those who would like to customize their Pontiac Solstices, Pontiac has also thought of five packages ready for sprucing up the Pontiac Solstice. The Convenience Package includes cruise control, a Driver Information Center, fog lamps, a steering wheel accessory cruise control, and Driver Information Center controls. The Power Package has power windows, power door locks, a keyless entry system, remote and outside rearview power mirrors, and a remote control. The Premium Package includes a three spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with accessory controls, and a leather seating. For smokers, there is a Smoker’s Package that includes an ashtray, and a lighter. The Club Sport Package adds four wheel anti lock brakes, a limited slip rear differential, a sport tuned four wheel independent suspension, a five speed manual transmission, and an Ebony Cloth interior.

For the most trusted and most reliable source of superb quality Pontiac parts and accessories, check out Car Parts Rush.Their collection includes Pontiac body kits,and body parts as well as parts for the Grand Prix, the GTO, the Sunbird Euro, the Sunfire, the Trans AM, and the Vibe among many others.

Joe Ratzkin is an avid fan of anything automotive. This 34-year old bachelor wanted to be a mechanic when he was a kid but changed his mind and became a freelance writer and researcher instead. He is currently based in Chicago, Illinois.

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Friday, June 22, 2007

The Top 5 Ways To Add Extra Ponies To Your Nissan 300ZX Twin-Turbo

The Nissan 300ZX Twin-Turbo has one of the most powerful engines created for the best Nissans.The VG30DETT has huge amounts of potential. This engine is putting out 300hp and almost 290 foot Lbs. of torque stock! The twin turbocharged and inter-cooled engine lacks very little. Read on to find the 5 most cost effective modifications to give you the most horsepower for your hard earned dollar!

#5
Throttle body modification:
The throttle body modification isn’t going to be the biggest gain in hp in the world, but the best part is, it’s FREE! In case you missed that, yes, its completely free! All you need for this modification is a metal file or a 10mm wrench (depending on what year 300zx). All you have to do is simply remove a nut or a bump of molded aluminum that is sitting right by your throttle cable. This bump or nut is preventing your throttle from being able to open completely. By allowing it to open completely you’ve increased your air flow which increases your horse power.

#4
Upgraded air filter:
An upgraded air filter is the most basic of all modifications. Adding a higher flow filter is going to allow your Nissan cars engine to consume a much larger amount of oxygen then the stock air box. Imagine attempting to run a mile while using a straw to breath. It’s not a lot different for your car if you modify the car and not the air filter.

#3
Upgraged exhaust system:
An upgraded exhaust system is the same concept as upgrading your air filter. All the air that is being consumed by the engine needs to be evacuated. The problem that many people run into is they go about doing this the completely wrong way. BIGGER IS NOT BETTER! Having an exhaust that is to large for your car is actually going to hurt your 300zx’s performance. You should have no more than a 3 inch system unless you plan on running somewhere around 1000hp! This problem is somewhat obvious, but one that very few people think of; the bigger exhaust drops exhaust temperatures considerably. Having a lower temperature means the air traveling through the exhaust system is going to be much heavier and thus harder to move, which hurts your engines performance. Installing the correct exhaust size is going to give you the correct temperature of exhaust and will evacuate the air effectively. Contrary to what many think, a car doesn’t actually lose horse power because it has a large exhaust because of a loss of back pressure. It looses horsepower with a large exhaust because of turbulence and the cold dense air.

#2
Upgraded computer chip:
An upgraded computer chip is one of the easiest modifications. Upgrading the chip will enrich the fuel curve. This gives your car a bit more fuel to support the added power. Some also say it will help cool the pistons. In addition to the added fuel, the JWT chip maximizes the engine's ignition timing and also tunes the cam timing. Most of the chips out there will have a couple additional features like raising the rev-limiter 200 rpm, and eliminating the top speed governor. Having an aftermarket ECU is nice because of the ease of calibration for future modifications like higher boost levels.

#1
Boost controller or boost jets:
Boost controllers and boost jets are the recommended way to increasing your boost pressure. Adding a boost controller essentially tricks your waste gates, waste gates vent boost allowing the car to just run at 8 psi. The boost controller or boost jets trick the waste gates into thinking that there is less boost than there really is meaning you will have a quicker spool up time and a large increase in total boost pressure. Boost pressure equals power. Running higher boost pressure is only capable after an ECU upgrade. Investing in a turbo timer is also a good idea when running higher than stock boost, as a turbo timer will help cool your turbos when its time to shut down.

There are many other upgrades to the 300zx but this will get you down the road with the least pain to your pocket!

Taylor Bamber is a proud owner of a 300zx turbo and belongs to many 300zx clubs in Northern Colorado. Being waist deep in the import world, he knows where to find all the best online JDM deals. He has scoured the web and has found the best sites for your import car needs. Check out his site at http://www.jdm-4u.com

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Thursday, June 21, 2007

The Short History of Koenigsegg

The Koenigsegg car brand is still quite young. This project was officially launched in 1993. The creator of the brand was Christian von Koenigsegg, who had intentions to create true car of dream. The concept of the future machine was based on Formula One technology. Can it be surprisung that Koenigsegg became one of the fastest streetcars in the world?

Koenigsegg constructed its first prototype car in 1994, in only one and a half years after company establishing. The world-renowned drivers tested this model and were all amazed by its incredible performance. Among them were Picko Troberg, Calle Rosenblad and Rickard Rydell. As Picko said, the new car would be the king of the speed.

In 1997, the company created Koenigsegg CC prototype. The car was shown at the Cannes film festival and had great success. The new star comes out to the automobile world. The silver production prototype CC received great attention at its presentation at the Paris Motor Show. Articles about it were published in most of world car magazines.

The first custom Koenigsegg CC, named CC 8S, was assembled and handed over to its proud owner at the Geneva Motor Show in March. This red car was also tested by Koenigsegg test drivers on racetracks and roads, for further look and drivability refine.



In 2003, the Koenigsegg vehicles set the Guinness World Record as most powerful streetcars. In the meantime company engineers were working on the improvement of CC. Some new ideas in design and look were implemented on the 2003 model CC 8S.


The new Koenigsegg CCR was presented at Geneva Motor Show in March 2004. That splendid car had 806 horsepower and could achieve extremely high speed. In 2005 February, 28th the CCR broke the road car speed record, achieving a new official top speed of 388 (387.87) km/h at Italy's Nardo Prototipo proving ground.


Nowadays company creates new exotic cars. The CCXR prototype was presented at Geneva MotorShow 2007. This "green" car runs on biofuel and ha the powerful engine (1018 hp at 7200 rpm). That means that Koenigsegg CCXR will be even faster than the 1001-hp Bugatti Veyron.


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Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Rolls-Royce Phantom: The Pricey Spirit

Rolls-Royce’s new Phantom is born with the right spirit. But for those who intend to seize its spirit, they have to pay first the pricey price. And how pricey is pricey? A Phantom Drophead Coupe was earlier sold for $2 million at a charity auction in Florida. Now, it holds the record of the most expensive new car ever sold in the United States.

In the seven-year history of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, the $2 million bid was the highest price paid. The famous auction was attended by equally famous celebrities like television and film stars. It was also graced by top vintners and chefs. The top bidder though has to wait for the delivery of the landmark vehicle. The production of the soft-top worth £300,000 will be starting this summer at the company's factory in Goodwood, West Sussex. The said factory will use only two robots to do the painting of the car’s spaceframe body. The rest of the work is done by hand. This is in accordance with the Rolls Royce tradition.

The 2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe debuted at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) last month. The ultra-luxury saloon was the first Rolls-Royce branded car made under the ownership of BMW. It is equipped with 6.75 L, 48-valve, V12 engine based from BMW’s V12. The engine is capable of producing 453 horsepower and 531 ft•lbf of torque.

After the car was unveiled, it got a mixed reception. Purists did not take the modifications positively. However, modern owners interpreted the alterations in an optimistic light.

The excitement found in the new Rolls Royce Phantom may not be credited to EBC Active Brakes Direct;it has to be contributed by a collection of remarkable auto parts that include the double wishbone suspension and six-speed automatic transmission. The Rolls Royce Phantom also features side markers, aluminium spaceframe body, wood and leather work and it also retains some of the customary Rolls-Royce design cues.

Other stunning features of the Phantom Drophead include the power reserve dial instead of a tachometer, suicide doors, electronic lock, pop-out umbrellas on the rear doors, traditional Spirit of Ecstasy ornament, and the catchy 'RR' logos.

What do you do with a handsome Phantom? Critics in the industry said 90 percent of owners will be at the controls of the £250,000-worth car. Nevertheless, some aficionados asked whether the car is really worth its price. To find out, critics got behind Rolls Royce Phantom’s wheel and tested it.

According to the expert who test drived the Phantom, the car glides effortlessly and the steering is very light and requires the minimum of effort. “It really is uncomplicated and very relaxing, although a large blind spot means you need to take great care when changing lanes. But on these kinds of roads the longer you're at the helm, the more you want to drive the Phantom. Few motors leave you this chilled-out after a 300-mile journey, which explains why R-R is so confident owners will want to drive it,” they added.

“The feeling of space and the sumptuous seats make the Rolls a very exclusive place to be,” an occupant quipped. “If that happens, the Phantom will be everything a modern Roller should be - graceful, easy to drive, smooth and powerful. When it comes to luxury motoring, it doesn't get much better,” he added.

At £250,000, the Phantom is definitely not an affordable car. However, the classy machine could undoubtedly charm the rarefied realm where purchasers of such cars exist. Indeed, the pricey spirit of Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead is handy to those who can afford it.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.


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Tuesday, June 19, 2007

The SLR McLaren Super Sports Car Roadster

Mercedes-Benz is planning to release soon in the market a SLR McLaren super sports car roadster with a top. And in keeping with the Formula 1 vehicles of today the German division of DaimlerChrysler will employ carbon fiber--- which is a type of material used for vehicles of today that possess a very high degree of safety and extreme torsional stiffness---similar to the SLR McLaren coupe version. This will provide the upcoming super sports car roadster with a combination of racing type chassis coupled with outstanding ride characteristics.

The new Roadster will be powered by same AMG V8 compressor engine as the McLaren coupe producing 617 bhp, and uses the same AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission that will enable the Roadster to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in a matter of 3.2 seconds. The maximum speed of the Roadster will remain at 332 km/h or 207 mph same as that of the coupe.

The retractable top of the Roadster provides pure open-air driving pleasure and despite its luxurious feel it still makes a suitable mode of everyday transport. With the coming of the new Roadster it will surely open up a new dimension in terms of refinement for convertible super sports car.

And just like the McLaren coupe version the new Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster will also be equipped with loads of stunning Mercedes-Benz accessories. It is also said that the new Roadster is more of a blend of the legendary SLR racing models dating back to the 50s with that of the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes team.

The new Roadster will also sport some typical styling elements like the arrow-shaped tip derived from the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, distinctive lateral louvers, wide opening gullwing doors, and side pipes behind the front wheels are styling from the SLR legend of the 50s.

The new Roadster has benefited immensely from the long years of experience of both Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren. It is demonstrated in every components and styling details that the Roadster has. Take for instance the vehicle’s two aluminum engine frames and its entirely carbon-fiber body which makes the vehicle unique from among the high-performance sports cars.

The Roadster’s carbon-fiber technology was developed further for the monocoque chassis which resulted to its low weight and outstanding energy absorption capability providing occupants with additional amount of safety and a degree of torsional stiffness which have not been attained in any open-top vehicles ever produced. This leads to remarkable ride qualities which are only found in closed-top super sports cars.

The incomparable qualities of the new SLR McLaren Roadster are also attributed to the fully retractable top that blends perfectly with the fluid lines of the Roadster. Moreover its newly developed roof material available in three colors is not only suitable for everyday weather conditions but also provide the Roadster with characteristics that are unique in a roadster. For instance at 332 km/h which is the maximum attainable speed of the roadster, conversation is still possible even with the top opened and such is attributed to the remarkable aeroacoustics that the vehicle possess.

The top is also very easy and quick to operate. It only takes 10 seconds to open and close the top. And since aluminum cover is incorporated into its front section, the roof gracefully closes off the top once retracted. If there’s one thing that the new Roadster can boast of it would be its high degree of safety which is guaranteed by its one-of-a-kind carbon fiber crash elements, steel reinforced A-pillars and tow fixed rollover bars. Add to it the comprehensive list of safety features that include adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags, belt tensioners, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Its exclusive standard equipment is comprised of semi-aniline-upholstered carbon-fiber bucket seats which are adaptable to both the driver and the front passenger through the use a range of seat pads; a high-quality BOSE premium sound system; dual-zone automatic air-conditioning; a multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, and a Navigation system with integral radio and CD Player.

The new SLR McLaren Roadster just like the McLaren coupe is going to be built at McLaren’s Formula 1 factory in Woking, England and would be created in accordance to the strict quality criteria of Mercedes-Benz. The new Roadster is scheduled to hit dealerships in September 2007.

For more about you Mercedes parts needs like Mercedes-Benz accessories,visit your trusted online source.

Dwyane Thomas is a part time cook and full-time auto-enthusiast. This 31-year old Civil and Environmental graduate is a consultant at one of the engineering firms in Pennsylvania.

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