2009 Toyota Venza : Smart 29-MPG Wagon—More Car Than Crossover

Cars represent class and stature, the more expensive it is, the higher one’s standing in society. However, expensive cars require more maintenance and fuel. What with today’s prices going up and down, more people are being forced to sell their SUVs and luxury cars in exchange for lower-priced and manageable means of transportation. Those who rely on their paychecks are the most affected but cars are no longer considered luxury these days, it has become more of a necessity.

 

This is the forte of Toyota. They have again emerged with a revolutionary car that aims to meet the standards of even the most discerning eye. With a starting price of $26,000, the new 2009 Toyota Venza is one good purchase when it comes out in the later part of this year or early next year.

 

The Venza is a mix between a Highlander and a Camry.  Two engines are fitted into this, an all-new 182-hp 2.7-liter inline four that generates 182 lb-ft of torque and a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 is optional and delivers 246 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a six-speed automatic transmission gearbox. The plush interior is comfortable and roomy, with enough space for big people to relax and recline. It is also a must for those who cannot live without their iPods and other gadgets with its center console that has storage compartment. Venza models are fitted with dual-zone climate control, auxiliary audio jack, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a six-disc audio system, split-folding rear seat, seven air-bags, Hill-Start Assist Control, fog lights and chrome exhaust tips. The buyer also has the option to upgrade their navigation and entertainment system with several choices. This five-seater car is not a sports car but it can navigate fairly well the zigzag roads and cover the rough patches with little jags, thanks to its superior suspension. It also has a higher seat that enables a better road visibility for the driver and a lower rocker that helps passengers get in and out of the car more easily.

 

The target market for this crossover sedan are the “boomers” and “young couples” with small families in North America, according to Toyota’s Division Group VP and GM, Bob Carter.

 

I like this car because of its sleek design and variety of colors to choose from. It is available in nine different shades that fit your lifestyle, although the black really is the one that catches my eye. Lots of car buffs are not sold to this new product of Toyota but then ultimately it is the main consumers who have the final say. As long as they buy the sedan, it’s good enough for Toyota.

 

 

Finding the Best Car for your Money

Economic crisis is plaguing the country and the whole world. It’s everywhere. At this point in time, we as people must be watchful of how we spend our money and the the things that we buy. Of course, no one wants his money to go to waste, thus thinking deeply and wisely is important before investing in anything. This is applicable when you intend to buy a car. A car does not one cent only, you have to spend thousands of dollars even for a second hand one. What more if you intend to buy a brand new car?

You don’t want your money to go to waste because you worked hard for it. Any investment you get out of that must be commensurate to its value. So, any car you buy must be worth every dime and cent you spend. Before buying anything, be sure to you know what you are getting into.

Buying a new car is not such a big issue if it is not your first time. Second time or third time buyers know what to do and what to look for in the car that they intend to buy. For first time buyers here are some of the things you must look into. Well, this can also serve as a refresher for second time buyers.

1. Determine what kind of car you want. You should get one that fits your lifestyle. Also, know whether you want a used or a brand new car. If you intend to buy used car determine how many owners have handled it before and if it was involved in any accidents. A car that has been involved in accidents is not a good proposition because its parts are probably problematic already.
2.  After deciding what kind of car you want set the price range. The brand and the design will usually depend on this aspect. You can consult local and online dealerships and have them give you some price quotes on the car that you want to get.
3. Next thing, know about your credit history. Be sure to know your own credit report. Car dealers usually ask about these things as security for their company.
4. Then, when you are ready to buy be sure to find a reliable dealer. Once you are at the dealer’s, these are some things you need to remember.

·         Don’t give your license or social security number to the dealer.

·         Don’t let a car dealer find a car from another store because there’s usually additional charge for that.

·         The car to be presented to you must have a price invoice sticker.

       5.  Be sure of the kind of financing being offered to you by the dealer or any credit company.

 

These are only some tips that can help you find the best car without ripping off your hard-earned money.

Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Announced

Do you know that it’s possible for a carmaker and a watch maker to go into partnership? That’s what happened with Lamborghini and well-known Swiss watchmaker Blancpain.  What does these two have in common? Well, both of them are known for making high performance, hand-crafted mechanical luxury products that can be an object of desire of many. Blancpain sees their partnership as “twin themes of speed and mechanical prestige”. These two companies combined expertise produced a new racing series – the Blancpain Super Trofeo. 

 

This new Blancpain Super Trofeo was announced just last weekend at the Hockenheim. this Trofeo is dubbed as the “world’s fastest one-make series.” This car will be put on the race track next May. You just watch out for Europe’s premiere racing events including the FIA GT Championship and DTM FIA WTCC.

 

Here’s a statement made by Lamborghini president and CEO Stephen Winkelman. “We’re delighted to announce The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo. Both on-track and off, our championship will reflect the Lamborghini brand, with extreme, high performance racing and stylish and luxurious trackside facilities. This gives our Lamborghini clients, as well as professional and gentleman racing drivers looking for a new challenge, the opportunity to experience Lamborghini in the ultimate driving environment.”

 

The car’s that will run in this series have very interesting designs. Blancpain’s emblem is right in front of the car and a picture of a watch is painted over the hood.  No one can mistake this car for anything else. This car is based on the Gallardo LP 560-4. In the same way, it is lightweight, weighing just 1300kg, with reworked chassis. It runs using a 5.2-liter V10 engine that6 generates power of up to 419kW/570hp.

 

Lamborghini and Blancpain are planning to make 30 units to be used in the racing event. During the race, one car will be reserved for a celebrity guest driver and the other units are available for purchase by anyone who wishes to have one. The Super Trofeo car and parts come with a price of €200,000, including taxes and entry fees through Lamborghini dealerships.

 

With ths new racing event, you have something to look forward to aside from the F1 Racing event. Racers get ready!

 

 

What to Watch Out For in Your Car Brakes

Road safety is a vital aspect that you must always consider. You don’t want to be just a statistic of accidents that happened at a certain day. There are only two possible things that can happen to you when you get involved in an accident. It’s either you get seriously injured – broken bones and bruises, or you die. Which of these is preferable? None, right? So, if you don’t want to end up either way, drive smart and drive safe!

The first thing to be considered in safe driving is your car’s brakes. Are they working properly? Are you able to stop without any problem? These are only some of the questions you need to ponder on every now and then just to be on top of things regarding your car’s brakes.

There are several things you have to watch out for to find out if your brakes are still working fine or not.

• First check on the brake fluid; see if it is still in the right level. 
• Be aware of the sounds produced by your vehicle each time you press the brake pedal. There are different kinds of noises that indicate different things about your car’s brakes. If you hear a grinding noise this means that your brakes no longer have the friction material; instead the metal plate where the pad is installed is the one rubbing against the rotor. On the other hand, if you hear loud screeching noises it means that you car’s brakes are glazed. Glazing happens when you press to hard and too frequently on the bakes that the rotors become so hot and end up with burned surfaces.  
• Aside from noise, you must also keep watch on vibrations being produced by your car. If there is too much vibration when you brake, then that is also an indication of deformed rotors, which means that you have to get your brakes checked by an auto technician.  
• If the brake pedal is too soft or too hard when you press it, probably, there are bubbles in the brake fluid that is why you need to bleed it.  
• Brake pull is also another indication that there might be something wrong with your brakes. When you brake then your car pulls to one side of the road instead of just going steady.

 

These are only some helpful tips that can help save your life. Don’t be a part of the statistics; maintain safe driving with functional brakes.

Renting a Car? Try Daimler’s Car2Go Scheme

What year were you born? Most of us were born in the age when automobiles already abound. Unlike the people during the 18^th century, our modern society does not have much problem when it comes to jetting off from one place to another. Cars for one thing are very beneficial means of transport. You will notice that even though oil prices are high, many people can’t bear to let go of their vehicles. That’s because they find it very convenient to have one. But how about those who cannot afford to buy a car? Daimler has a solution to that.

 

Daimler’s idea is for you to rent a car when you need one. Daimler’s offer is not your typical rent-a-car service. The scheme called Car2Go permits subscribers to lease a Smart ForTwo for just 19-cents per minute or depending on how long you need the car for. From what I can see, this rate is the only drawback in the whole scheme. The per-minute rate can be expensive if you need the car for several hours.

 

Based on the Press Release given by the company, Car2Go service is summarized in the following statements:

·         Rent a smart anywhere and anytime, at a moment’s notice.

·         Find and book via cell phone or internet.

·         Pilot project with 50 smart fortwos starts October in Ulm.

 

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars has an interesting thing to say about car2go, “Car2Go is an intelligent and creative solution that provides a simple, flexible, and value-for-money approach to mobility with environmentally-friendly vehicles.”

 

As mentioned before, Car2Go will comprise of 50 Smart ForTwo vehicles. In order to rent on of them, a customer needs to accomplish a one-time registration; after that he or she can hire a smart fortwo immediately. Pre-booking is also accepted in this service. And when you finish using the car, you don’t have to return it to the shop. You can just leave it within the city. There are different ways to go about Car2Go. Once registered, the customer is given an electronic chip on his driving license. This chip will serve as his passport in getting to drive a smart fortwo. If there is a free Smart ForTwo he can just swipe his license to the reading device in the windscreen and the doors will automatically unlock. Once inside he has to enter a PIN number and he’s free to drive wherever he wants to. I think this Car2Go scheme by Daimler is a pretty neat one. Less hassle and less time wasted if you have to drive off somewhere important.

 

This scheme starts on October 24 in Ulm, Germany. That’s tomorrow!

The Very First Mercedes-Benz GLK Finds an Owner

Because money is hard to come by these days, not many people are likely to buy a car any time soon; except for millionaires that is. The economic crisis being experienced around the world has not fazed Mercedes. In fact the company delivered the very first Mercedes-Benz GLK to a customer in Germany. The company regularly ships cars everywhere around the world, so you might ask, “What’s so special about this GLK?” Well, there are several firsts with the GLK. This is the very first compact SUV or crossover vehicle that Mercedes has come up with. It is also the first vehicle to be developed in Mercedes’ Bremen factory.

 

The Mercedes-Benz GLK delivered in Germany was handed over to 29-year-old entrepreneur and PR consultant Magdalena Dietz. The model delivered to her was a GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC which has metallic Tenorite gray color. Apart from its great color, the GLK 320 also hosts a lot of awesome features and options.  The delivery was made Bremen plant manager Peter Schabert. “The GLK is our most important new model this year,” said Peter Schabert. “It is the first compact sport utility vehicle (SUv) from Mercedes-Benz and the first Mercedes-Benz SUV “Made in Bremen” so I am particularly delighted to personally hand over the first GLK to its owner. I am sure she will be impressed by its unmistakable look, outstanding performance – on and off the road – as its safety and comfort.”

 

Mercedes hopes that this model will make a great impact in the different markets around the world. By early next year, the 2010 GLK will be available in the United States. Those who want to experience what it’s like to ride Mercedes’ first crossover SUV already do so by January 2009. 

 

The Mercedes-Benz GLK is equipped with a four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines. As what Mr. Schabert said, the SUV is very capable of superb performance. It is also equipped with excellent features like passive safety systems, low noise level, excellent interior comfort, and value retention. Mercedes’ new PRE-SAFE safety package and ILS intelligent light system is also available in the new GLK. 

 

Ms. Dietz is very lucky to be the first to own a Mercedes-Benz GLK.

Audi A1 Sportback Concept

Just when I thought Audi couldn’t make any better designs than the ones it has already produced; it has once again revealed a concept car that will take your breath away. The Audi A1 Sportback is a very stylish vehicle from whatever angle you look at it. Its contours are very sleek and aerodynamic. When this concept car finally comes into production, it can seat up four persons still with more leg room left. Its interior is also filled with highly advanced features to make every ride a comfortable one. Some examples of these features are the fixed-function hardkeys for Navigation, Car and Media basic menus, and Telephone. Softkeys for other functions are also to be found. This features 18-inch wheels with a chassis design that incorporates McPherson front suspension, four-link independent rear suspension and a new and active ESP-controlled front differential lock. This lock allows stability and handling in all kinds of driving situation. Stopping can be achieved through the large-diameter discs. It is also installed with the “magnetic ride” feature that utilizes electromagnets for controlling bumps and vibrations when driving through uneven road terrain.

 

We must not forget that the Audi A1 Sportback is also a hybrid vehicle. Under its hood is the combined 1.4 TFSI petrol engine with 20kW electric motor that adds 150 Nm of torque during acceleration. But if desired, this car can also operate on the electric charge. A span of 60 miles can be traveled on a single charge. Its running capacity is helped out by the braking and automatic start-stop technology that the company installed. When both the petrol and electric motor are engaged, the car A1 can speed up to 60 mph in just 7.9 seconds. The top speed is 125 mph. This kind of speed is just perfect for people who want a stylish and reliable car that they can drive in around the city blocks. Audi is making this car as a purely front-drive vehicle since it helps lower fuel consumption and also decreases manufacturing cost.

 

It’s still going to be two years before the Audi A1 Sportback goes into production. Audi is planning to develop a three-door design first and then a cabriolet, maybe.

 

BMW Plans to Produce MINI E Cars for Lease

Among the renowned Automobile brands in the market these days is BMW. This company has continued to awe the market with its uniquely-designed vehicle offerings from the time it was founded. Over the years BMW has acquired other brands to be part of its operations. Among the acquired car brands is MINI. BMW has taken a great interest in this brand due to its vast potential. This is the brand that BMW supports in making cars of the future – electric cars. In fact, BMW will be producing 500 electric Mini Coopers or fondly called MINI E in New York, New Jersey, and California next year. The target date for letting loose the Mini Coopers for lease if early next year, if not, by mid-2009. Anyone who wishes to lease a car can do so for two years, and if he likes its performance he can go for an extension of the contract. Leasing isn’t until next year so, BMW has not yet released the price for the said service. Charging the car will not be a problem as well because BMW will put up a charging station where users can charge the car for 2.5 hours.

 

The Mini electric is a two-seater vehicle because the backseat is allotted for the battery. As an electric vehicle, it will run using a 150kW electric motor and lithium-ion battery that is capable of powering up the car up to 150 miles or 240 kilometers of travel. This vehicle is very capable of taking you to where you need to go as it can accelerate up from 0 to 62 mph in just 8.5 seconds. But the top speed that this car can achieve is 95 mph. And helping the driver negotiate the road with the Mini E, is the single-stage helical gearbox as well as suspension system that suits its weight distribution.

 

By producing 500 Mini E for lease BMW hoes to gather more accurate data for making the car better than before. If the driver does not wish to lease the car any longer than the two-year contract, the car will go back to the shop for evaluation.

 

BMW is not yet concerned about the revenue they will get in the upcoming electric Mini Coopers. Its purpose is to establish a good reputation when it comes to green or environment-friendly vehicles. BMW still has lots of grounds to cover if it wants to compete with General Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Corp., and Chrysler LLC which are also heavily and seriously involved in developing electric vehicles.

 

Nissan Recalls Vehicles for Due to Airbag Problem

If you will ask car owners what factors they look into before buying a vehicle I’m pretty sure one of their answers is safety. This aspect will never be left out no matter what. Just imagine, in the United States alone almost 6,420,000 accidents occurred for the year 2005 only. And out of this figure 42,636 people were killed and 2.9 million end up injured. This quoted number may have decreased in the recent years since vehicles are equipped with more sophisticated safety devices. But this is only pure speculation, there’s no statistics to support if car accidents really decreased or just the opposite.

 

Car makers are also concerned about the safety of the people that buy their vehicles that is why they make sure that every one of these mechanisms work efficiently and are equipped with accident-prevention gizmos. But then no matter how careful these car makers are some flaws will show themselves after a while. This is just what happened with Nissan. It was found out that some of its vehicles have a flaw in the front-passenger side airbag. Because of an electrical flaw, this front-passenger airbag may not deploy during emergency situations. To remedy this potential hazard, Nissan is issuing a voluntary recall of all affected vehicles.  Nissan already sent a notice to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the recall is expected to start on November 3.

 

The affected vehicles were those produced from March 12, 2007 to May 27, 2008 in the United States. Take note of these models because you might just be an owner of one of them – Nissan Altima, Altima Coupe, 350Z, Murano and Rogue; Infiniti G35 Sedan, G37 Coupe and EX35.  According to Nissan’s estimates only about 1 percent of the 204,361model years 2007-2008 vehicles actually have the defect.

 

Back in November the company received some warranty reports about the airbag warning lamps flashing. Upon investigation Nissan found out that an electrical resistor in the seat cushion might fail to covey an activation signal to the airbag preventing it to open. To remedy the problem Nissan will replace the seat cushion. It’s a good thing that Nissan is prepared to take action regarding this issue for the safety of the owners. Though only a small percentage actually bears the damage, it’s still better to be safe than sorry. Don’t hesitate to take your Nissan car once the recall commences on November 3.

Great Car Deals for October

Tell me you’re not affected by the economic crisis that’s overwhelming the world right and I’ll tell you you’re a liar. With all the prices of commodities rising continually, there’s no other choice but to tighten our belts, which means no spending on unnecessary things. If it cannot really be helped, at least lessen the amount being spent. Sometimes what you spend on unnecessary stuff can already be used to pay for food and house bills.

 

If you’re on a tight budget but you need to have a car badly because the one you own finally and permanently gave out on you, be sure you find the best deals out there. Folks over at MyRide.com evaluated various cars and came up with the Top 10 Smart Deals for October. Read on. You might like some of the cars cited and it might just suit your budget! Each car included in the list is priced just around $15,000 and below.

 

 

10. 2009 Toyota Corolla – You can have this for $15,350. This car is equipped with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission.

9. 2008 Hyundai Accent GS 3-Door – Price tag is $10,870. This features all-around protection against impact in case of collision. It operates on a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and 4-speed automatic transmission.

8. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt LS Coupe – Base price is $14,410. Good for cruising around the city or countryside as this offers protection from impacts. It produces modest speed from the 2.2-liter 4cylinder engine installed. Control is provided through the 5-speed manual transmission.

7. 2008 Suzuki X4 Sedan – Base price is $14,999. Has 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission.

6. 2008 Nissan Sentra – Base price is $16,040. It operates using the 2.0-liter c-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission.

5. 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer DE – Base price is $13,990. This can is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission.

4. 2008 Ford Focus S Coupe – Base price is $14,395. It accelerates using a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission.

3. 2008 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.8 S – Base price is $12,880 and comes with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission.

2. 2008 Kia Spectra LX – Base price is $12,895 and is installed with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission.

1. Kia Rio Base – Very affordable with $10,890 price tag. This is equipped with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission.

 

See anything you like? If you do, you have to get it this month so that you can avail of the cash back deal. The cash back is still a big amount. It will still afford you several days of petrol.