LRX Land Rover magnificiant!

The Land Rover LRX is set for a big Detroit debut next month, but you can see it now thanks to German enthusiast mag Auto Motor und Sport. They have thoughtfully posted a full photo gallery of the shortened, lowered Freelander-based Land Rover coupe concept, and thanks to the broken English provided by Google Translate, we can report some of the highlights, as well. The compact SUV boasts long doors and an athletic stance accentuated by a sloping roof, 20" wheels, and a somewhat sinister looking front fascia. The cabin takes on a 2+2 configuration, decorated in typical never-see-production concept trim. The shifter is mounted at the top part of the center console, with a fancy metal central controller for the four-wheel-drive positioned further down.

The LRX shows some very strong lines with the long doors, steeply rising waistline and sloping roof line. Passengers will have quite a view from the SUV Coupe with a glass roof.

Inside the concept you will find plenty of two-tone leather and polished aluminium, four individual seats, an extended center console and a fridge. The cockpit features two touch-screens and only few switches, of which the 4wd drive control is most prominent.

Should the LRX make it into production than it would be no earlier than 2009. Interesting detail here is that the Land Rover LRX will be based on the Ford Focus platform, with the possiblity of a hybrid version.

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Range Rover Unveils Brand New Twin-turbo V8

The 4x4 world is said to be dominated by Land Rover. With its off-road performance and the reputation for reliability, Rover is expected to stress the off-road auto industry. Aside from the off-road prowess, fabulous aura, and opulent amenities, Range Rover also boasts its all-new twin-turbo V8 diesel engine.

Enthusiasts are saying that they like Range Rover’s unrivaled image, domineering off-road ability, luxurious cabin, and its brand new engine. Range Rover’s new engine is Ford’s new 3.6 L AJD-V8. Said engine can generate up to 272 horsepower and 184 lb ft torque, far better than its previous engine. EPA has given the Range Rover a gas mileage rating of 13/18 mpg in city/highway. Other adaptations and enhancements of the latest model include enhanced Range Rover parts and accessories.

The interior of the new model is made more elegant and sophisticated. Rover’s pool of designers incorporated an efficient, pollen-filtered air conditioning to detach occupants from surrounding odors. Sound deadening technology and innovations such as active engine mounts are also integrated to the vehicle to make it quieter than its older versions. Supercharged Rovers will use electronic rear differential. Further, optional cooled front seats and extra loading capabilities were also considered by the automaker to come up with said high-performance vehicle.

2007 model is also equipped with better Range Rover brakes and suspension. A stiffer suspension is designed to cope with the extra performance of the vehicle. Moreover, it is also fitted to the petrol V8 model. Said vehicle also uses Rover’s Terrain Response system from the Discovery 3. The latter is responsible for making the bulky and rugged exterior of the vehicle intact. The system allows the driver to control everything from throttle response to ride height. This can be done by choosing one from the 5 settings through a single rotary control.

The automaker is expecting that Range Rover will compete well with the renowned vehicles in the segment like Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes ML and Volkswagen Touareg. article source: Carol Mitchel

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2009 VW Passat to Undergo Face Lift

Launched two years ago at the 2005 Geneva Show, the 2009 VW Passat is believed to undergo face lifting.

According to the German magazine Autozeitung, VW will proceed to a facelift in 2009. And it will be seen most probably at the 2009 Geneva Show, with aesthetic changes including a redesigned front end inspired from the upcoming Tiguan. The German magazine reports that VW will also substitute the present 1.6FSI and 2.0FSI engines with the Groups new 122Hp 1.4TSI and 160Hp 1.8TFSI motors, which will also include 1.6, 2.0 and 3.2 V6 engines.

Some analysts say this speculation of the German magazine arises because of Volkswagens aim to continually increase the company’s sales and also to attract the US market. The engine substitution, however, is expected to occur quite earlier, maybe even in this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Volkswagen will add a low-roofed wagon model in 2009 to accompany next year's sleek, Passat-based, four-door "coupe". The wagon has the packaging and the design theme of the Dodge Magnum, which is said to be a reflection of former VW product expert Wolfgang Bernhard's time at the Chrysler Group.

As compared to the standard Passat wagon, the premium model has a lower roofline, a wider stance, and a less upright tailgate. Added to this, the seating height is lowered and the buckets will give heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Along with this are inflatable g-force-compensating cushions. Extending all the way through the cabin is the center console. However, despite a low roofline, the wagon's cargo bay accommodates 21 cubic feet of stuff.

A 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four and a high-performance version of the 3.6-liter VR6, which will develop nearly 300 hp are included in the engine options. These are paired either with a six-speed manual or an improved, seven-speed twin-clutch DSG.

Analysts say prices have not yet been determined, but one insider claims that the Magnum-esque VW will cost only about $2000. That is more than a comparable Passat wagon.

Looking at the older version of Passat, the 2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan is offered as a four-door sedan or five-door wagon. It is available with a 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 280-hp, 3.6-liter V6. Four-cylinder sedans can be ordered with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Wagons and V6s, however, come with the automatic only. Spied earlier this year, the new Passat Coupe is set for a Geneva Motor Show debut and will boast an initial two-engine line-up, a 160 hp 1.8-litre turbocharged TSI unit and a 300 hp R36 model featuring four-wheel-drive. Further engine options are expected Autumn next year.

With innovated VW Passat parts, all Passat models are expected to raise VW sales during their respective season of lunch in the market.

Volkswagen of Germany have opened up a new website showcasing a teaser in film format that reveals the few shots of the new Passat Coupe VW presently wish to broadcast, the camera panning around the new four-door from front grille to roofline and bootlid. source: Benjamin_Hudson

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7 Things to Know Before Filing Any Car Insurance Claim

The aim of auto insurances is to cover all car costs that happen from any undesirable events, which is an accident. You pay up the rates, nevertheless once your car is damaged, you are afraid of the higher insurance premiums because of the filed claim.

This is oftentimes related to the auto insurance policies, specially the exceptional conditions that are enclosed inside. Thus financial consequences commonly are applied in claiming it which could be surprising.

The followings are 7 things that you should acknowledge before you file any car insurance claims.

1. Car Insurance Policy Renewal

Normally, insurance firms publish policies which can be renewed frequently. Yet, the company can choose not to renew the policy when the existing term ends. The decision taken are affected by many factors, therefore there are no solid rules whether the policy is going to be renewed or not. Still, the general rule is that previous accidents and claims do affect this decision.

2. Payment for the claim

Mostly, the insurance companies want excess payments for the claims. This can be accomplished by a one-time-payment or pay it by installments. But, it is advisable not to file a claim and paying the cost by yourself if the claim is small.

3. Claim Penalty

No-claim throughout the year could lead to a bonus given by your insurance company, which is a discount of your auto insurance rates. This means that filing a claim might lose part or even all of the bonus. It is suggested to obtain in-depth information before buying any car insurance policy. You may ask the insurance company representative to get a better understanding of the policy. This includes the claim penalty, non renewal guidelines and the no-claim bonus.

4. Factors of Accident

The fact is that if accident happens because of your fault, then you might get your policy dropped, or at least, getting a higher increase rate as the penalty. But, minor accidents might get a 'forgiveness'. This depends on the claim numbers and the attributes of the person himself, such as the history of tickets and accidents as well as whether he is drunk driving or not.

5. Report on Accident

It is recommended to file a report to your car insurance company and police department whenever any accidents happen.

The reason for this is so that damages, injury and evidence can be assessed thoroughly as soon as possible.

Failure to do so might result in the the investigation delay and could even lead to unable to prove that you are not at fault.

6. Garage Cost

Most policies do not cover the cost of storing your car while it is waiting to be repaired. The garage cost alone can add up to a remarkable amount, especially when the claim is being assessed.

To prevent this, you can obtain an agreement with the insurer about who is going to pay the garage costs. Of course, having your own garage at home to keep your car.

7. Contact your agent

Last but not least, always ask your agent to get the best advice on what should be done and what should not. This is since the fact that each insurance company has different rules and features. The original writer: Ron_san

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Review Of Nissan Armada 2008 - First Shown At Chicago Auto Show

"The 2008 model year is already shaping up to be a tremendous year for Nissan with the previously announced Altima Coupe and all-new Rogue crossover SUV ? and now new Titan, Pathfinder and Armada," said Larry Dominique, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. "Attendees at the Chicago Auto Show will have five great new reasons to visit the Nissan display."

2008 Nissan Armada:

Although major changes are expected in 2010 year model Nissan-Armada-2008 is the largest SUV by Nissan.

Mechanical Specifications:

This vehicle is equipped with 5.6 L 32-valve V8 engine and LEV emission system. Flexible Fuel compatibility is optional and only available in North Central, South Central, South East and Mid-Atlantic regions. It has two variations SE and LE and each has two options of drivetrains- front engine rear wheel drive(2WD models) and front engine all mode 4WD models. It is equipped with four wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce System (EBS). For more details visit http://www.nissanhelp.com/Models/2008/Armada/Specifications.htm

Tires and Wheels:Full size spare tire is standardised for this. SE models come with 18" by 8" 6-spoke alluminium alloy wheels and P265/70R18 tiires whereas LE models come with 20" by 8" 6-spoke alluminium alloy wheels and P275/60R20 tires.

Packages

(1) Moon-roof Packages(M): which include power sliding glass sunroof with one-touch open/close and tilt features for all models and Power liftgate for SE and LE models. It costs USD1,000.

(2) Tow Package(TW): This package includes heavy duty batteries, Lower final gear ratio(3.357:1), two-reciever hitch, seven-pin wiring harness and trailer brake pre-wiring for all models and auto-leveling rear suspension for SE models. This package can enable a vehicle to tow upto 9100 lbs(4*4) or 9000 lbs (4*2). This option is available for both type of Armada models.

(3) LE preferred packages(PR): This package is exclusively for LE model. It include puddle light,power folding auto dimming outside mirrors with turn signals, Blue tooth hands-free phone system, power flip-out rear quarter windows,heated front seat, memory driver's seat, mirrors and pedals.

(4) SE driver package(D): This package is exclusive for SE models. It includes fog lights, front sonar system, rear view mirror, homelink universal transceiver, auto-dimming rear view mirror, digital compass and outside temperature display, digital bose audio system, dual media playback with wireless headphone capability and two headphone jacks, radio data system (RDS), 12-speakers, XM- sattelite radio,

Besides there are many packages which are available for both models of Nissan Armada. Some packages are standard for any model. In that case it does cost extra money but in case of adding the option price is increased by cost of the package.

Capacity:

The capacity of fuel tank is 28 Gallons. According to EPA estimation the average mileage given by this vehicle is 12mpg in cities and 17 to 18 mpg on highways. Seating capacity is 8 people and towing capacity is maximum 9100 lbs if properly equipped.

Pricing:

Prices for the new 2008 Nissan Armada, which is offered in eight models, start at $35,250 for the Armada 4x2 SE and $41,750 for the Armada 4x2 LE. FFV (Flexible Fuel Vehicle) editions of the same models are offered at no additional cost in select markets. Four-wheel drive Armadas begin at $38,050 for the Armada 4x4 SE and $44,550 for the Armada 4x4 LE. As with the 2WD models, Flexible Fuel Vehicle versions are available at no additional cost in select markets.

Advancement:

(www.nissanhelp.com/News/Nissan%20Announces%20Pricing%20on%202008%20Titan%20and%20Armada.htm): The major enhancements to Armada for 2008 include a new front fascia, new headlight and fog light designs, new one-piece roof rack design, revised rear fascia and an available 20-inch wheel and Michelin tire package (LE only).

Inside, the 2008 Armada offers an available power folding 60/40 3rd row seat (LE only), new interior colors and fabrics, new gated shifter, new wood grain accents (LE only), available heated steering wheel (LE only), a locking glove compartment and revised steering wheel and combination meter illumination. Armada LE 2007 had 7 seating capacity whereas Armada LE 2008 has 8 seating capacity. original writer: Jyoti_Chaundhary

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Discount Auto Supplies and Car Seat Covers

Over the years car seat covers have evolved from a small selection of sheep skin or polyester foam covers into one of the more highly sophisticated sections within the auto supply industry. Quality cover makers such as Covercraft and Coverking offer covers for virtually any type of vehicle in a wide range of materials. If blankets are all cotton or high-tech synthetic material the choices today are great. Drivers can now add their personal taste and style quality covers.

Many of the materials used for seat covers offer the same strength and durability used for the premium luggage. These materials are waterproof and are perfect for family vehicles, or people who are in and out of their vehicle lot.

Neoprene is the latest marvel equipment seat covers. Offered in a variety of colors and patterns Neoprene is soft to the touch and comfortable.

Along with car seat covers the sales of discount auto supplies is one of the largest industries in the world. Which is logical since almost everybody has a car. The one thing that’s for sure is parts will wear out and need to be replaced. In what’s called wealthy nations research has shown that the people spend more than $2 billion a year on auto parts and accessories and forecasts indicate that the market for manufacturers of car accessories will continue to grow.

The big 3 major manufacturers Daimler Chrysler, Ford and General Motors have historically been fiercely competitive with each other trying to outwit and outplay one another in the auto parts and accessories after market.

Like many manufacturers in other industries that do business offline the big 3 have also turned to the internet in order to streamline the of buying and selling discount auto supplies at reduce costs. Original wrote by : Clyde_Lee_Dennis.

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Jaguar XK Sports Car Joins The Lightweight Supercar Club

Jaguar's new XK supercar is a stunning looking car, bound to turn heads wherever goes. It has the beauty and sleekness of some of the old Jaguars of the 1960s. Yet like those masterpieces, the real story of the new XK, and what sets it apart from its competitors is what lurks beneath the paintwork.

No, this time it is not some sensational engine, as it was with the XK120, but the fact that the body is made from aluminum - like the new Jaguar XJ.

The idea of using aluminum – Honda started the trend 15 years ago with the NSX, and was quickly followed by Audi with the A8 – is to reduce weight. Honda reduced a lot of weight with the NSX sports car – the body was 40 per cent lighter than if had been made from steel.

Aluminum bodies last longer than steel ones because the metal does not corrode like steel, and they also absorb crash impact well – so they are safe. Now, several auto companies use aluminum for some body parts, but Jaguar is a world leader in making cars from aluminum sheet and extrusions.

There is no doubt that the new car is light. After all it is 300 lb lighter than the previous model, and is actually slightly larger. Not sure why the new car is bigger as the old one is a pretty big car. Here are the figures:

New Jaguar XK 3,513 lb (1,595 kg)
Current XK 3,820 lb (1,734 kg)
BMW 650i 3,778 lb (1,715 kg)
Mercedes-Benz SL500 4,064 lb (1,845 kg)

Compared with these competing supercars the new XK comes out very well. It is 250 lb lighter than the BMW and makes the Mercedes look the overweight fatty it is.

Yes, the new XK is a lightweight, but not in the way that the Lotus Europa S or Elise compete with their rivals. Sure, it is a good deal lighter than old fat 1990s design, but unfortunately Jaguar bosses wanted the car to have all the bells and whistles of a luxury sports car rather than the light weight of a super sports car. These all add weight. And they decided to make the car a bit bigger.

Even so, as a lightweight luxury sports car or supercar, the new Jag will do well. Why? Because it looks terrific - a real show stealer –has good performance thanks to that reduced weight, and handles like a much smaller car.

The engine guys have done a pretty good job of improving the response of the V-8 engine so that the 300 bhp mill gives much better performance than the current model. Once they put the supercharged engine in, the car will surely be a real cracker. And when you park it and look back, you’ll be sold on the Jaguar XK supercar every day of the year!. Article source from John_Hartley.

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