Monday, March 24, 2008

Geneva 2008: Audi A3 Cabriolet

Credits:
Article written by Vlad


At the Geneva Motor Show, besides the Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans, another interesting display at the Audi was the new Audi A3 Cabriolet.

Like all Audi’s convertibles, the A3 cabrio is fitted with a classic fabric top (lighter and allows more luggage space when folded) which opens hydraulically in nine seconds and is offered partially automatic and fully automatic, the latter being a specially soundproofed acoustic top. Like you’d expect, the safety is very important at a convertible model and materials like high-strength steels were used and the car also has plenty of reinforcement features.

The A3 Cabriolet customers will have four engine choices: the 1.9 TDI with 77 kW (105 hp), the 2.0 TDI with 103 kW (140 hp), the 1.8 TFSI with 118 kW (160 hp) and the 2.0 TFSI with 147 kW (200 hp). They will also be able to choose the S tronic dual-clutch transmission. The first customers will get their cars this spring.



Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

25,000 Dodge Vipers produced

Credits:
Article written by Vlad

Chrysler announced that the 25,000th Dodge Viper was produced, at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan. The milestone vehicle was a 2008 Viper SRT10 and Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli handled the car to the lucky owner, NASCAR driver Kurt Busch, who said: “To be an active part in celebrating the 25,000th Dodge Viper to roll off the assembly line is an extraordinary honor and one I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

The Dodge Viper concept was first introduced at the 1989 Detroit NAIAS and the first car was produced in 1992. Check out more photos of the 25,000th Dodge Viper and a video from the ceremony after the jump.



Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Another unlucky Audi R8, in Portugal

Credits:
Article written by Vlad

Don’t know why, but it seems the Audi R8 is one unlucky car. We wrote about R8s crashed in Germany, in Russia and in the UK (not really a crash, but soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo lost control of his car and was very close to an accident). This time a Portuguese guy lost control of his Audi R8 in Oporto, Portugal, right in front of the city’s hospital. There were no injuries, but the car was pretty damaged, after climbing the sidewalk and also hitting two Mercedes that were on display.

Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Opel releases new Insignia teaser photo

Credits:
Article written by Vlad

As some of you probably know, the next generation Opel Vectra will be called the Opel Insignia and will be presented on July 2nd, at the London Motor Show. The car is based on GM’s Epsilon II platform and rumors say it will also replace the Saturn Aura in the US.

Besides this teaser photo, Opel also released an image of the upcoming Insignia’s headlamps, which will feature a new AFL technology, which has a lot of very interesting features, like the automatical adjustment of the headlamp beam distribution and LED daytime running lamps for less electricity and fuel.



Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Porsche Traveller, ugliest design study we’ve seen in a long time

Credits:
Article written by Vlad


Fortunately, this is not an official Porsche concept car, but a result of Ivan Volkov’s imagination. There’s not much to say about it, except that it looks horrible, we hope that Ivan will stay off the vodka and that Porsche will not take into consideration this design. We even started thinking if the Lamborghini Alar is still the ugliest concept we’ve seen.

Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

P.Diddy to take drunk celebrities home

Credits:
Article written by Vlad

Actually, not taking them at home by himself, but offering them a car and a driver that will safely take them home after a tough night of partying and drinking. P.Diddy announced that he will launch a car service that will provide celebrities the possibility to go home without having to drive, avoiding all those DUI charges and paparazzis.

I’m sure this is good news to Lindsey or Paris, but I’m thinking that if one of these celebs gets drunk, wants to go home and they’re not capable of calling for a cab, what makes Diddy think they’ll call his service? Oh, and how do you qualify as a celebrity?

Here’s what one of the rap star’s reps said: “After partnering with Ciroc vodka, he wants to make sure everyone’s partying responsibly […] making sure nobody gets arrested!” Yeah, right, good luck with that!



Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Guy paints car like police cruiser, officials are ok with it

Credits:
Article written by Vlad

Did you know what are the two things you need to do in order to be allowed to paint your car like a police cruiser? Easy, all you have to do is own a car that isn’t in your local police car fleet and then not act like a policeman while driving it. Yup, that easy. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting this to be like this.

Jesse Virgil wanted to paint his 2007 Ford Mustang to look like a police cruiser from the “Transformers” movie because Thomas, his 7 yo son is a really big fan of the movie. Virgil said: “My intent was to re-create the movie car. When I came back from Iraq, I tried to spoil him. I wasn’t the best dad before.” However, before starting working on it, he adressed the city’s police department and asked them if they’ll allow him to do that.

And they said that, as long as he doesn’t act like a cop while driving the car, everything’s ok. Of course, there are some differences between an actual police car and Virgil’s car. For example, the “To protect and serve” slogan was replaced with “To punish and enslave” and, instead of telling people to dial 911 for emergencies, the car says “dial 411 for theater information.” Later, he added a bar of emergency lights, but these are not actual lights and their only use is to make the car look more police-like.

So, what do you think, besides the coolness of the car, is it such a good idea to allow people to paint their cars like police ones? I mean, ok, the police doesn’t have Mustangs, but who knows exactly what cars the police has?



Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Geneva 2008: Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans

Credits:
Article written by Vlad


At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, one of the stars of the Audi stand was definitely the special edition Audi R8 V12 TDI LeMans, the first 12-cylinder diesel engine in a high-performance sports car. The six liters V12 TDI engine produces 500 hp and 1,000 Nm (737.56 lb-ft) of torque. The R8 TDI Le Mans from Geneva shines in the Brilliant Red paint finish and features a more sporty interior, with aluminum applications, steering wheel rim with a flat lower edge. But enough said, we’ll let you enjoy the Audi R8 V12 TDI LeMans photos we took at Geneva. Click on the ‘Read More’ link below to see the photos.

Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Video: Maserati GranTurismo S promo

Credits:
Article written by Vlad

If there’s one other thing Maserati is good at, except creating beautiful cars, is releasing some really cool videos. After this video of the GranTurismo, which is one of our favorites, here’s another one, this time for the GranTurismo S. Make sure you check it out. Enjoy!



Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Record sales for Audi in 2007

Credits:
Article written by Vlad

Today, in the annual press conference held at Ingolstadt, Audi announced that 2007 was the twelfth consecutive record year for vehicles sales. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, said: “We’re looking back on the most successful fiscal year in the history of our company: We have achieved the twelfth consecutive record year for vehicle sales and we were able to increase all of the key financial figures to new record levels – we call that qualitative growth, since only profitable growth can secure our competitiveness in the long term”.

Audi Group’s last year’s sales revenue reached €33,617 million (7.9 percent more than in 2006), with an operating result of €2,705 million (€2,015 in 2006). The profit before tax is also a new record, €2,915 million (€1,946 in 2006), while profit after tax was at €1,692 million (€1,343 in 2006).

In 2007 Audi sold 964,151 (905,188 in 2006) cars in more than 100 markets worldwide, the most important being the ones in Western Europe (650,407 units), of which Germany (254,014 units) and UK (100,712 units sold) are the largest, China (101,996 cars), USA (93,506 cars) and Eastern Europe (36,073 units).

Audi’s financial success was possible through the sale of highly exclusive cars such as the Audi Q7, models from the TT family, the Audi A5 and the Audi R8 supersportscar.



Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Video: Volkswagen Scirocco in action

Credits:
Article written by Vlad

Recently presented at the Geneva Motor Show, the Volkswagen Scirocco will definitely be a hit for the German producer. You can check out our previous post on the Scirocco here. And today we have new cool stuff for you, the first video of the car in action, released by VW. So, what do you think? Enjoy!



Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Speed Racer movie trailer plus photos from Geneva

Credits:
Article written by Vlad

On May 9th, the Speed Racer movie will hit cinemas and it looks like an interesting movie. Based on the classic 1960’s Japanese animated series chronicling the aspirations of a young race car driver as he attempts to obtain glory, with the help of his family and the Mach 5, the advanced car created by his father. The movie is directed by the famous Wachowski brothers who directed the Matrix trilogy. Enjoy the trailer and, after the jump, check out the photos of the Mach 5 car replica we took at the Geneva Motor Show.



Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Skoda produces its 2 millionth Octavia

Credits:
Article written by Vlad


Yesterday was a great day for Skoda, as the two millionth Skoda Octavia was produced at the Vrchlabí plant in the Czech Republic. The anniversary car was a silver Octavia Scout 2.0 TDI.

The production of the Skoda Octavia started in 1996 and the second generation was introduced in 2004. What’s interesting is that the first generation is still produced and is selling pretty good, as it offers great features for a very good price. So far, 1,315,000 first-generation Octavias and 685,000 second-generation Octavias were produced and last year Skoda delivered 72,529 Octavia Tour vehicles and 237,422 Škoda Octavias.


Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Video: The new Infiniti FX

Credits:
Article written by Vlad

At the Geneva Motor Show, Nissan introduced the second generation of the popular Infiniti FX. The SUV is scheduled to enter the Western European market in the last quarter of 2008 and here it is an official video released by Nissan today. Enjoy!



Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Geneva 2008: Renault Koleos makes world debut

Credits:
Article written by Vlad

The Renault Koles will be the French producer’s first entry into the highly competitive crossover market and it was introduced in world premiere at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The car is based on the Nissan X-Trail and it will be offered with several engines, including a 170 hp 2.5 litre Euro 4 engine. You can read more info in our previous post about the Renault Koleos, by clicking HERE.


Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Geneva 2008: The all new Skoda Superb

Credits:
Article written by Vlad

Among the world premieres presented at this year’s Geneva Motor Show was also the new Skoda Superb. The Czech producer’s flagship will have a roomy interior and also a notable luggage space of 565 litres. Among others, the new Superb will feature 9 airbags, bi-xenon headlamps with AFS, touch-screen navigation system and parking assistant.

The new Skoda Superb will be available with the following engines:

Petrol:
- 1.4 liter TSI - 126 hp/92 kW
- 1.8 TSI - 161 hp/118 kW, also 4×4 and AT
- 3.6 FSI V6 - 261 hp/191 kW 4×4 AT

Diesel:
- 1.9 TDI PD DPF - 105 hp/77 kW, also without DPF
- 2.0 TDI PD DPF - 141 hp/103 kW, also AT
- 2.0 TDI CR DPF - 171 hp/125 kW, also 4×4 and AT

Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Geneva 2008: Mitsubishi Prototype-S

Credits:
Article written by Vlad

The Mitsubishi Prototype-S previews the next high-performance hatchback from Mitsubishi, which will compete Subaru’s Impreza WRX STi. Overall, the car looks good, but, like we said in a previous post, the front and the rear look like they’re from different cars. The awesome front part features the aggresive “Jet Fighter” grille in a matt black finish with mesh inserts and chrome surround, while the rear part is just dull and it looks like it was drawn in a hurry by the designers.

Under the hood, the Prototype-S features the 240 hp 2.0 liter Turbo engine which develops 343 Nm of torque and is mated to the Twin Clutch SST gearbox. The car also benefits from a full-time 4WD drivetrain featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differentia(ACD).

Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Geneva 2008: Mazda2 three-door makes world debut

Credits:
Article written by Vlad


One year after the five-door version of the Mazda2 debuted here at Geneva, now it’s time for the Mazda2 three-door version to be presented in world premiere at the Swiss show. The car presented at the Mazda stand looks good especially in the red mica color (like the Mazda Ryuga concept presented last year at Detroit) and with the exterior sports package featuring lowered suspension, wider tread, projector-type headlamps and 16-inch painted wheels. On the interior, the car has also sporty accents, with Recaro® seats in racy red and black two-tone, matching red stitching on the leather steering wheel leather inserts and panels on the door trims.

Under the hood, the Mazda2 three-door hatchback will be available with the same engines as the ?ve-door hatchback:
• MZR 1.5-litre petrol with maximum power of 76 kW/103 PS at 6,000 rpm, maximum torque of 137 Nm at 4,000 rpm
• MZR 1.5-litre uses only 5.9 litres of fuel per 100 km (combined), produces just 140 g/km of CO 2
• MZR 1.3-litre Standard Power version with maximum power of 55 kW/75 PS at 6,000 rpm, maximum torque of 121 Nm at 3,500 rpm
• MZR 1.3-litre High Power version with maximum output of 63 kW/86 PS at 6,000 rpm, maximum torque of 122 Nm at 3,500 rpm
• Both derivatives of the MZR 1.3-litre petrol use just 5.4 litres of fuel per 100 km (combined) and produce just 129 g/km of CO 2
• MZ-CD 1.4-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine with maximum power of 50 kW/68 PS at 4,000 rpm and 160 Nm of torque at a low 2,000 rpm for lively driving fun
• MZ-CD 1.4-litre uses just 4.3 litres fuel per 100 km (combined) and produces a very low 114 g/km of CO 2
• Five-speed manual transmission standard for all engines

Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Geneva 2008: Seat Bocanegra Concept

Credits:
Article written by Vlad


This year, at the Geneva Motor Show, the main attraction at the Seat stand was, no doubt, the Seat Bocanegra Concept. The Bocanegra previews the next generation Ibiza and also the new Seat saloon, which will be unveiled sometime in 2009. Seat’s president, Erich Schmitt said “the SEAT SportCoupé ´Bocanegra´ is a sporty, design oriented prototype, with which we want our brand´s position to stand out. At the same time, the ´Bocanegra´ is an outlook of the future design language of SEAT.”

Spanish for “Black Mouth”, the Bocanegra has an aggressive styling, with a large black front clad and cool LED lights (no wonder, since Seat is part of the VW, just like Audi, which began having LED lighting as a trademark). Besides those, the Bocanegra also features panoramic glass roof, side indicators at the tip of the door mirrors and 19 inch alloy wheels. The rear features a central tailpipe integrated in the rear bumper.

The concept is powered by a 1.4 liter twin turbo TSI engine, mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel mounted controls. No further performance details were made available, but the Bocanegra features Seat’s “Agile Chassis” which enhances the sporty

Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Video: Renault Megane Coupe Concept

Credits:
Article written by Vlad

Earlier today we wrote about the Renault Megane Coupe Concept, a very interesting concept presented these days at the Geneva Motor Show and here’s the official video presentation of the concept. Enjoy!



Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Geneva 2008: Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept

Credits:
Article written by Vlad


Starting from the Aero X and the 9X concepts, Saab came to the Geneva Motor Show with the highly expected Saab 9-X Concept, which previews a future clean Saab compact car.

The concept looks great and that ’shooting-break’ styling is awesome. The 9-X also features touch-sensitive, keyless entry therefor it has no exterior door handles and there are no door mirrors also, because the car uses small, retracting rear-view camera pods. The roof is fitted with a large solar cell, which uses sun’s energy to charge the hybrid battery pack.

One of the most exciting features of the Saab 9-X Concept is its powertrain. The concept is powered by a 200 hp 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine which produces 280 Nm of torque and runs on E85 fuel (85% bioethano/15% gasoline). The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with automatic clutch and steering wheel controls and the estimated fuel consumption when running on gasoline is 4.9 l/100 km and 117 g CO2/km, while when running on E85, CO2 emissions are projected to be even lower, at just 105 g/km and estimated fuel consumption of 6.4 l/100 km.

Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Geneva 2008: Renault Megane Coupe Concept

Credits:
Article written by Vlad


Renault’s stand at this year’s Geneva Motor Show was on of the most impressive, with some great premieres, like the Renault Laguna Coupe Concept, the new Renault Koleos crossover and the new Twingo. But the star of their stand was definitely the Renault Megane Coupe Concept. The concept previews an upcoming Renault compact production coupe and it features an impressive fluid, sportier styling and new door-opening system which consists of two parts deploy ing in an independent movement and connected to the body structure through a carbon arm at the rear of the doors. Besides being spectacular, the system also allows easier access into the car.

As you’d expect from a concept car, the interior looks futuristic and is equipped with Renault’s Touch Design which features a central multimedia control coupled with a display divided into three zones. The central part displays journey-related info, like navigation, radio, music, video, Bluetooth® telephone, while the other two screens show images relayed by cameras incorporated in the exterior mirrors.

The Renault Mégane Coupé Concept is powered by a 200hp 2.0 turbocharged petrol engine which delivers 280Nm of torque at 2,600 rpm and peak power of 200hp at 5,800 rpm. Equipped with a manual six-speed gearbox, the concept goes from 0 to 62 mph (100km/h) in 7.2 seconds while having a fuel consumption of 6.5 litres/100km and producing 154g of CO2/km.

Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Geneva 2008: Ford Kuga ready for production

Credits:Article written by Vlad






These are photos taken by us today, one day before the Geneva Motor Show press days, of the Ford Kuga, Ford’s crossover which will go on sale soon after the official debut, at the Swiss show and, as you know, the production already started a few days ago.
Based on Ford’s C-car architecture the Kuga will come with both front wheel drive and all wheel drive, while safety and handling are improved with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with combined Anti Rollover Mitigation (ARM), and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). When sales will start, the Ford Kuga will be available with only one engine, a 136 hp 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi mated to a six-speed manual transmission and with an estimated fuel consumption of 6.3 and 6.4 liters per 100 km.


Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com/

Geneva 2008: First Rinspeed sQuba concept photos

Credits:Article written by Vlad




The Rinspeed sQuba Concept created a lot of buzz around it when it was first announced because it’s probably the first amphibian concept that doesn’t look like some crazy vehicle. And here are the first photos taken by us today, at Geneva, where they are making the final adjustments for the press days which will start tomorrow, so don’t mind the tarpaulin covering the car. In case you missed it, please go check out our previous post on the car (click HERE) and you’ll get more info there.





Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com/

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Geneva 2008: Bugatti Veyron Fbg by Hermes sneak peak

Credits:Article written by Vlad





Some time ago we’ve told you that Bugatti will present a new special edition of the Veyron and we were right. Here’s the photo we took of the Bugatti Veyron Fbg by Hermes, which was created in partnership with French saddle maker Hermes. Unfortunately we could only take this picture, because a guard there pointed out very angry that we’re not allowed to take any photos, so we said we’d better relax and don’t take any chances. Also, we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to get some more official info on the car, but we can tell you it looks really good, with a dark red and beige paint combination, plus a beige interior. So stay tuned, because tomorrow we’ll come with a full set of photos and more information.



Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com/

Auto Unleashed leaves for Geneva

Credits:Article written by Vlad


Today, the Auto Unleashed team will be leaving for Geneva, where we’ll be attending the 78th edition of the Geneva Motor Show. We probably won’t post as much as usual, but we’ll be coming with a lot of information and photos from the show, because we’ll be there at the press days, on March 4 an 5. Meanwhile, you can check out all our posts about the Geneva Motor Show HERE.
But that’s not all, because we also have some other great news. We’ll be going to Geneva with the new Audi A4, given to us by Audi Romania. So, we’ll also make a complete drive test of the car, as we’ll be going through Hungary, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and maybe France and Italy. We’d like to thank Porsche Bucuresti Nord, the Audi dealership which helped us get the A4 and Cohn & Jansen, the advertising agency which handled the campaign Generatia4 (it means Generation A4 and the website is in Romanian).
We took the car yesterday and our first imperssion was great. But, after our European trip we will come up with a complete review of the car. So, wish us luck and don’t forget to keep your eyes on Auto Unleashed, because next week we’ll be posting a lot of cool articles.





Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com/

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Opel Meriva Concept officially unveiled

by Vlad

With less than a week left until the Geneva Motor Show premiere, Opel made a press release today in which announced the new Opel Meriva Concept. The concept’s main attraction is the FlexDoors system, which consists of rear-hinged rear doors that swing open toward the back of the car and the front and rear doors can also be opened independently of each other. This makes access to the car interior much easier and also enhances comfort and functionality, as the highest point of the roof ? just behind the B-pillars ? is exactly where the passengers enter and exit the vehicle.
Another feature is the U-shaped windshield, which stretches up and back over the rear passengers? heads ? echoing the Astra GTC?s panorama windshield, while the slim A-pillars and windshield pulled far down ensure plenty of light in the interior. Both elements contribute to the all-round visibility for the occupants.

Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Video: Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype-S

by Vlad

Just the other day we showed you the first photos of the Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype-S and now here’s a cool video of the next high performance hatchback from Mitsubishi. Enjoy!



Article Source : http://www.autounleashed.com/

Alfa Romeo 149 Crossover, would you like it?


by Vlad



No, Alfa isn’t planning releasing a new crossover, but, looking at these pics, we’re starting to feel bad they won’t. Because these drawings look amazing. These were made for an article posted by InfoMotori, in which they asked opinions about how people would feel about a 149 crossover. If you ask us, we’d definitely like to see this car, someday, rolling off the production line. And Alfa should also consider it as an option, because look at the Nissan Qashqai, for example, which is a big hit. So, how would you feel about it?

Article Source: http://www.autounleashed.com

Monday, March 3, 2008

Credit Scores and Auto Insurance

By: Rob Parker

In today's world your credit score is used for almost everything and your credit history is examined when you apply for mortgages, personal loans, bank accounts, credit cards, and sometimes even when you're applying for a new job. As well, your credit score is a factor in whether or not you can obtain auto insurance, and how much you will pay for it.

Insurance companies use credit scoring to determine your insurability because they believe there is a correlation between your consumer credit history and whether or not they are likely to have to pay claims on your behalf. They also feel that people with good credit are less likely to suffer from severe insurance losses.

While most insurance companies also use your age, driving record, type of vehicle and your place of residence to determine your premium, your credit score is also factored in. If you don't have a credit history at all you may not be eligible for some discounts, and your premium may be higher. On the other hand, if you have a poor credit score, you may find that even with allowable discounts your premium is still higher than it would be if you had perfect credit. If your credit is extremely poor, you may be denied standard coverage and have to look into pool insurance, which is state-sponsored minimum insurance for those with bad driving histories, poor credit, and low incomes. You cannot be denied ANY coverage, but you CAN be denied the best coverage.

Can They DO That?

You may wonder if an insurance company can look at your credit information without your permission. As long as you have applied for insurance, the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act allows the use of credit information for "reasonable procedures." Determining credit worthiness for insurance is such a procedure, though your insurer is still required to maintain confidentiality and accuracy. They're also required to notify you that a credit report was requested.

While some insurance companies will look at your actual credit report, many use an "insurance credit score" which is a derived by using statistics to determine your likelihood of having a higher-than-average insurance loss. It's comparable to the kinds of scores mortgage companies use to determine your likelihood of repaying your loan. When developing your credit score, your insurance company will look at the following factors:

Public records, including charge-offs, collections, bankruptcies, foreclosures, and other liens

Payment history, which includes the frequency and number of late payments, as well as the degree of lateness

Number and type of open credit accounts, including credit cards, store charge cards, and loans

Available credit: the ratio of available credit to the balances on your various credit cards.

Length of history: how long you have had reportable credit.

Every company uses different factors, and insurance credit scores are not identical to mortgage credit scores, though similar information is used. Unlike the mortgage industry, however, insurance companies are not required to tell you your score, and your agent may never see the number itself, but will only know what it qualifies you for.

If you have anything on your credit that may be an issue, tell your insurance agent up front, so that they are prepared, and can do their research ahead of time. This is especially important if you are dealing with in independent agent who sells insurance from more than one company. If there is incorrect information on your report, be certain to contact one or all of the three major credit bureaus. It can take up to thirty days for them to investigate and resolve any discrepancies.

Your insurance credit score may determine your level of insurability, but one thing it doesn't measure is your worth as a person.
Even the worst credit can eventually be repaired, and once you have a policy and are known to make premium payments on time, some of the discounts that were originally unavailable to you may become so, after the fact.

Article Source: http://articleaddict.com

Portable Global Positioning Systems

By: Robert Thomson

Global Positioning System or GPS is a new-age technology that utilizes the constellation of about 24 medium Earth orbit satellites that transmits microwave signals which enables a GPS receiver to determine its exact location. Gone were the days when you still rely on maps to find where you are in a city that you are not familiar with and gone were the days when you have to find the right route by outlining point A to point B through paper maps that can be very confusing to many travelers who has no sense of direction to guide them with. Now, with Global Positioning System, accuracy and reliability is within your reach and at an affordable price to add because portable Global Positioning System devices are already available.

Portable GPS navigators are must-haves! It's small so you can carry it with you wherever you go. With its preloaded maps, automatic routing and other GPS features such as turn by turn voice directions and three-dimensional or two-dimensional map viewing, you would never get lost even through unchartered territories.

You can easily find your destination with the help of a portable GPS as it gives you directions and even shortcuts on how to get there quickly. Just choose your destination from preloaded points of interest that are identified by your portable GPS and the data to that location is provided to you. Or you could indicate your destination in its preloaded maps and it will automatically choose the best route for you. This is a great addition to your car accessories and with its best route selection, you could cut time and save money because you reduce your fuel consumption.

With portable GPS, it can be a great help especially when traveling to a different country. Just download the country's map to your portable GPS and you would easily find your way through their busy foreign streets with no worries at all. No need for travel guides to assist you. The only assistance you would ever need for point to point location and routing.

Portable GPS devices don't just offer its GPS feature and nothing else. Portable GPS devices also have built-in entertainment tools like MP3 players, photo viewer, currency converter, Bluetooth and many others depending on your portable GPS product. Enjoy your favorite music while finding the quickest route to your destination or enjoy photo viewing in their LCD display and recall all those wonderful memories to inspire you on your travel.

There are many available portable GPS devices to choose from. Finding the right one for you is not difficult as each of the many portable GPS devices uses the same technology and varies only with their size, shape, design and other features.

Garmin offers an excellent portable GPS series. They have Nuvi 200, 200W, 250, 250W, 360, 600 up to Nuvi 5000. They vary in price and specifications but all are developed with excellent taste in design and practicality. Garmin offers the perfect travel assistant for you and are set at a price that you can afford.

Article Source: http://articleaddict.com

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Tips For Getting Cheap Finance To Buy A Car

by: Melissa Kellett

You have decided you want a new car, but your last experience buying a car was not so good because of the huge burden financing the purchase was. Now you need a loan but do not want to be caught in a bad deal again. You do not need to worry, buying a new car and getting a good deal on a car loan is possible if you follow these easy steps and you pay attention to the tips we provide in this article.

Few cars are bought fully on cash, most people have to use some sort of finance in order to get all the money needed to buy a car. The most common financial products used for this purpose are personal car loans and financial schemes offered by car dealerships. The first thing you need to understand if you want to save money on your purchase is that car dealers are not loan specialist and they can not provide you with a competitive loan. Moreover they work in association with certain financial institutions and they receive a share of the profits. The financial institution will most certainly charge you for that cost and you will end up paying a lot more.

Personal Car Loans

When requesting a loan, what you need to be aware of is that the lending industry is a buyer’s market which means that lenders will be competing to get clients and thus, you need to shop around to get the best loan offer available. Do not be afraid to bargain with lenders, if you get a better offer let the others know so they can improve theirs and so on. You might end up paying far less than you thought.

The easiest way to compare loan offers is to take note of the APRs and compare them in order to see which one is the lower. However, the APR is not the only thing you need to compare. There are some fees and costs not included in the APR, beware of these as they can greatly increase the overall cost of the loan. Watch for prepaying penalty fees, closing costs, and any other loan term that may affect you.

The best place to look around for car loan lenders is the internet. You will find many lenders dealing with car loans. There are lenders willing to approve car loans for people with bad credit, no credit or even bankruptcy. You need to request loan quotes from them and make sure they will not pull your credit report till you are certain to get approved. If you are unsure whether you will meet their requirements or not, do not authorize them to check your credit history because too many credit checks or declines can affect your credit score negatively.

Raise Your Credit Score

It is important to have a good credit score since a good credit score equals to lower interest rates. If you are about to finish paying an outstanding loan and you have paid the installments on time, it is better if you just wait to cancel it completely before applying for your car loan. This will increase your credit score substantially.

Do not pay late and never miss payments. Prepay any small loan you may have as this will increase your credit score. Too much outstanding credit, even if not used, affects your credit score. So, you should close store cards accounts and credit card accounts you do not use. Bear in mind though, that you should not do so with all the accounts at the same time as this might be misinterpreted.

Make A Down Payment

Finally, another great way for saving money by getting a better deal on a car loan is to put aside as much cash as possible and make a down payment. This will greatly reduce the interest rate you will have to pay for financing and thus, you will save thousands of dollars over the whole life of the loan. Down payments show the lender you have the capacity to save money and that you will be able to repay the loan. Thus, the risk for the lender is greatly reduced and the interest offered will be substantially lower.

Article Source: http://www.articlecity.com

10 Points To Check Before Buying A Motorcycle

by: Timothy Rudon

Buying a new or used motorcycle is serious business. It needs thought and careful selection. A motorbike is sacred to many and just a vehicle to some. However no motorcycle buyer should be without a check list that will help him or her make a great selection.

10 musts before paying for a motorcycle:

1. Check it out and do so with a motorcyclist friend in tow. Check if the motorcycle is clean and straight down centerline and forks.

2. Take along a list of models and their pros and cons. Discuss the nuances with the friendly sales person.

3. Find out about gears, brakes, clutch, and all other mechanics.

4. Determine engine specifics and details of gas tank and wheels.

5. Ask about service and warranties.

6. Get details of accessories and other musts like helmets, rear view mirrors and so on.

7. Sit on a lot of bikes to get a feel of height and riding position.

8. Read up on bikes in discover Today’s Motorcycling. Get all the information on types of bikes, financing, bike care and more.

9. If you are new to motorcycles choose a light-weight bike rather than the coolest, sexiest bike that only pros can ride. New riders should aim for a four-cylinder of less than 600 cc or 75- cc for sports machines and 150cc for everyday use.

10. Ask about safety gear and budget for this too in the cost of the motorcycle. Use pants, helmet, gloves, and jacket meant for motorcycling.

All motorcyclists must consider safety and reliability. Get a valid motorcycling license and insurance too. Be wise and take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course see: http://www.msf-usa.org/ .

Refer to magazines like beginner Bikes magazine for recommendations on good starter bikes. According to dedicated bikers, a good choice of a motorcycle for a beginner would be Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Buell Blast.

Choose a bike that suits you and not one that looks good on the cover of a magazine. The rule of thumb is the motorcycle and its rider must fit like hand in glove. Test ride the motorcycle and get a feel. A large part of selecting a motorcycle is comfort and instinct. So choose a motorcycle with care so that you get long hours of riding as well as comfort and safety.

Never buy a bike on first sight or visit. Take your time in making a selection. Visit the many motorcycle websites on the internet and comparison shop. Find out what offline prices of motorcycles are and compare features as well as prices, service contracts, and warranties. Many people find that the best deals are available on the internet. Others feel a motorcycle must not be bought without viewing and test riding. So get all your thoughts and options in order before you make a choice.

Article Source: http://www.articlecity.com

Tata Nano - World’s Cheapest Car

By: Phanse Ashish

If ever the history of cars be rewritten, then India’s leading auto maker and an industrial giant Tata’s Nano will be firmly etched in golden words as a car that became ‘a dreamer’s dream come true.’

There was a dream, and a dream team behind the most prestigious and challenging project ever undertaken by an Indian company. Nay, shall we say in all modesty, but for Tatas to launch a car price tagged at sub or near sub Rs 1,00,000 amount.

The dream was conceived by its architect (even by educational qualification) - Ratan Tata, about four years back when he heard Maruti Suzuki honcho belching out the now famous challenge of building a car at that ‘price’ was next to impossible.

This challenge not only fired Mr Tata but also his dream to set up a team of dedicated pros and ace auto experts to realise it in just shade under four years!

It was a sight when Mr Tata addressed a jam packed auditorium at Auto Expo 2008 last January at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi when the car was unveiled in front of invitees comprising Union Ministers, VVIPS, dignitaries and journalists.

Mr Tata in his unassuming yet charming fashion unraveled the mystery behind the ‘dream turned reality’ and the travails and the truth clearly gleaned out of his dreamy and sparkling eyes. The sense of relief was much more than evident as he explained the entire project without missing out vitals that would fail even a Sherlock Holmes who could possibly never be able to reveal in its entirety but for those of us who were present at the occasion, it was like the proverbial ‘from the horses mouth.’


Dream turned reality was not easy to come as costs had to be scaled to proportions that matched the sourcing of required part in terms of quality and deliverance. Power train, engine design, exteriors as well as interiors, all were challenging in their own fashion and yet integrated in to one ‘small yet ‘big’ car.

This project, according to Mr Tata, would not have been accomplished without techno savvy, young and ambitious engineers and pros, who put in their sweat and toil throughout the entire exercise.

There were all elements of a blockbuster in the making as one went through the motions but the project being prestigious as it was led by a dreamer-innovator and a true leader leading upfront, the result was all there to be seen in Nano. For all ye doomsayers’ –be it environmentalists, competitors and ‘fence sitters’, Mr Tata gave a befitting reply and it was only ‘Nano.’

Nano in Gujarati aptly means ‘small’ and the name itself exuded the Gujarati ethos – by fate or otherwise (are you listening Mr Tata?). A family of four comfortably ensconced in the safety, comfort and ‘luxury’ of a car was exactly what Mr Tata dreamed all about when he conceptualized this prestigious project.

There may be more to Mr Tata’s ‘Nano’ car what with the entire world miniaturizing its individual plans (Bajaj – Renault, Toyota, and others to follow) to put up a small car. But then Tata’s Nano is in a different league having stolen the initiative definitely over the rest.

InfiBeam.com is an exciting new online destination focuses on new cars like tata nano, used cars, bikes at guaranteed lowest price.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Car Parts: Accentuating The Vehicle

By: Garry Kelkar

There are ample car parts, which contribute to the fully assembled vehicle. The car parts are behind the proper running of the car and they must be checked for proper condition. The accessories in obsolete conditions must be replaced for keeping the car in good working condition. Restoring the car back to a good condition is also good from the safety's point of view. Using car accessory is also a wonderful idea to enhance the appearance and feel of the car.

The car accessories comprises of all the parts of the car, which are available for sale. Whether it is car accessory or a spare part, each of them belongs to the family of parts. The car parts come in different forms and types according to the vehicle. The car parts are made to mount perfectly on type of car it is manufactured for. The vehicle does not only require spare parts but also the accessory is needed to increase the plush feel of the car.

Routine check ups of the car at workshop keeps you informed about the wear and tear of the car parts. The parts need to be replaced, as and when they are roughed out. No matter the usage of car is high or low, it invites to the wear and tear of mechanical parts, sooner or later. The safety of vehicle is a priority when it is used frequently. Car parts must be sourced in from internet well before your weekend. Use your weekend to get obsolete parts replaced.

The car parts are easily available on the internet but only the vendors offering good quality and durable parts must be approached. The enhancement of car performance can only be ensured with right maintenance. Car accessories and car parts together augment the appearance and performance of the car.

Garry Kelkar is an expert writer having perfection in automobile industry and presently writing on car parts topics like car horns, car fog lights, car heaters and so forth.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Car Parts: How Many Options Are There?

By: Garry Kelka

Only a few things are there that provide you service without requiring constant supply of something. The rest of the things need to be fed well to serve you properly. Your car is an example of the second category of things. It needs regular supply of fuel to run smooth and take you from one place to the other. Not only this, it also needs removal and addition of car parts at certain intervals.

Leave alone the old, used cars; the brand new ones also may need addition of some accessory as soon as you take them out of the showroom. May be the most expensive cars like the high-end models of Lamborghini, Lexus, Rolls Royse and the likes will not require anything to be added to them. The rest of the cars will have to be adorned with some car parts so that they look attractive and give comfort.

So, unless you are a plutocrat and have a bank balance heavy enough to buy the swanky models of the world's best car manufacturers, you have to be ready to make additions to your car in the form of accessories. Since car parts are necessary for all and owners cannot but buy them quite often, an industry of reasonable size has sprung up. This paves the way of a host of options to choose from.

Thus, with a plethora of options to pick out from, you are sure to get the type of car parts you need or want. There are options for the swanky cars as there are for the low-cost or used cars. No matter how expensive or how cheap car accessory is your choice, there will be no dearth of options for you. No only as per budget, there are parts available on style preference. Options are handy for the flashy as well as for the cheap cars.

About the Author: Garry Kelkar is an expert writer having perfection in automobile industry and presently writing on car accessories topics like car horns, car fog lights, car heaters, car stereo and so forth.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Friday, February 29, 2008

Kia Expands Partnership With NBA Teams

By: Anthony Fontanelle

Korean automaker Kia Motors is not known for its luxury vehicles although the said automaker is designing sleeker vehicles. But the automaker has teamed up with the NBA, the world's most popular basketball league. Said partnership allowed the Kia to be tagged as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA".

Being named as the official vehicle supplier of the NBA seems to be giving the Korean automaker the exposure that it needs. The automaker's partnership with the National Basketball Association is the largest marketing effort of the company in the United States.

Recently, the Korean automaker ramped up their partnership with the league after they have become an "Official Partner" of 16 NBA teams. This move by the automaker is its first collaboration with teams in four major league sports in the country.

According to The Auto Channel, Kia Motors is now an "Official Partner" of the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs and Seattle SuperSonics. The automaker is also a "Proud Partner of the Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers. The Korean contingent is also named the "Official Vehicle" of the Miami Heat.

This announcement came after a very successful NBA All-Star event held in New Orleans. With the said event came the chance for the automaker to ride on the popularity of the league and its teams. This move by the Korean automaker though seems to indicate that the automaker is moving in a direction where they are positioning themselves to be somewhat an icon that will be associated with the NBA.

KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia president Byung Mo Ahn said that the automaker is indeed proud with its association with the league. "Kia is proud to be a part of such a distinguished organization that also is a perfect fit for our youthful, energetic brand and our dynamic vehicles," said the CEO.

Byung Mo Ahn pointed out that their partnership with individual teams is geared towards helping them in local markets. "The team partnerships leverage the excitement of the game in local markets and help us elevate our brand awareness in the respective communities," he said.

It is interesting to note though that the automaker is not in any active sponsoring role of Korean baseball players who have made it to the Major League Baseball. It is also worth noting that NBA players are known for their choice of luxury vehicles such as Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, or even Acura with its Monroe shocks.

For more information about your parts needs like Monroe shocks. visit your trusted online source. 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.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Lessons in Liability - What if Someone Else Crashes Your Car?

By: Rob Parker

When you are the person behind the wheel of your own car, figuring out who is liable if there's a car accident is fairly simple. It's either your fault, the other driver's fault, and the police and your insurance companies will work it out if the answer isn't entirely clear. If someone else is driving your car, however, and the accident was their responsibility, are you liable because you own the vehicle, or is it the driver's responsibility to pay for damage?

If you loan your car to a friend, and they cause an accident, however, the water is a little muddier. Generally, your coverage will be in first place, so you will have to pay your deductible. This is because standard auto policies are written to cover "…you, any relative, and anyone else using your car if the use is (or reasonably believed to be) with your permission."

If the damage incurred exceeds your policy limits, your friend's insurance will kick in and cover the difference in most cases.

But what if the person who drives your car has no insurance? And what if your car is crashed while a thief is driving? Here are three scenarios that involve liability when someone else crashes your car:

Crashed while Stolen: If your car is stolen, and the person who stole it causes an accident, it is unlikely that you will be held responsible for any damages to other people, or to property, but even if the thief is insured, you probably will have to pay for damages to your own car via your collision coverage. The average thief, however, isn't likely to have insurance, and even if they do, their insurance won't pay for an accident caused during a criminal act.

Crashed by Uninsured Friend: First of all, you shouldn't be lending your car to anyone who doesn't have insurance. If you do choose to let them drive your car, however, and there is an accident, your coverage will protect you only up to your policy limits. If there is damage beyond that, the injured parties can sue you for property damages or medical expenses.

Crashed by Friend Without Permission: If your friend drives your car without your permission, you won't be liable for the damages, as long as they are insured, and your insurance will most likely be used to pay for damages to your own car (collision coverage) or others' (liability). Be aware, however, that insurance companies are extremely skeptical about such cases, and you'll have to prove that you either didn't know your friend had your car, or that you had refused to lend your car to them. Otherwise, it will be assumed that you loaned your car to your friend, and your insurance will be in first place. You can't always prevent your car from being stolen, though anti-theft devices do help, and often come with an insurance discount, but you can keep a friendship from being ruined by a car accident. Don't lend your car to anyone unless it's a dire emergency, and insist upon seeing proof of insurance before you do.

Did you know that shopping for auto insurance online can save you money as well as time? Find out how.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Car Audio: Entertainment on the Move

By: Garry Kelkar

As soon as you sit in your car, start it and move forward, you are somehow out of direct touch with the rest of the world. If you have a companion in the car then things may be different. You can talk to him/her and pass your time nicely. But this also sometimes becomes boring. After all, how long you can talk to the same person. And you do not get a companion everyday. Hence, in-car entertainment is very important. Being aware of this fact, electronic market has come up with car audio, the source of non-stop music in the car. Sometimes they come with a new car, sometimes you need to buy and add them personally after purchasing the car. No matter in which way you get a music system in your car, it is sure to provide you with fun and continuously keep you entertained in the car when there is none to do this.There are as many options in car audio as there are cars. With the electronic market getting vaster and vaster day by day, new and nice music systems are coming into existence. Manufacturers are well-aware of the need of an audio in the car; and hence, they are making new devices available at regular intervals. Any fresh arrival in this field comes with added features and flashier designs.One problem that every car owner faces when they drive a car and take delight of their favourite tunes is that of the sound. The car itself is a source of loud noise. Together with this, there are the noises made by the other vehicles that pass by. This makes it necessary for a car audio to have good quality car speakers. Fortunately, there are lots of options available. You can pick out any good quality speakers and rock while you drive.
About the Author: Garry Kelkar is an expert writer having perfection in automobile industry and presently writing on car parts topics like car horns, car fog lights, car heaters, car audio and so forth.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Car Mats: For Sparkling Interiors

By: Garry Kelkar

On a rainy day, recollect the scenes you witness. Untidy shoes of passengers muddle the car interiors. Accumulation of mud, dirt, garbage and moisture inside your car gives rise to filthy interiors. The mucky interiors will leave a foul smell within the car. You can avoid this problem with the use of mats. It is among the essential car accessories to keep the car interiors in spanking new condition. Car mats spread across the floor of the car and shields it against dirt.The car mats come in attractive colours, you can match them to your interiors and make the inside of your car look good. Those who wish to keep it simple, go for decent mats. Overall, the durable material counts the most, which is washable and does not allow dirt penetration. Car mats can be wash-dried for repeated use. Even if it is not a rainy day, dirt and moisture is likely to accumulate any way.Include mats as an essential among other car accessories of your choice. Remember, it is a solution to keep the interiors clean without spoiling the show. Watch out for the websites offering car accessories and choose among the variety of car mats. Be it a beefy SUV or a Small Mini car, appending right accessories is an easy way to enhance the overall user experience.Using car mats is a measure to accentuate the cleanliness inside the car. Do not neglect the harmful effects of dirty interiors. The snacks carried and consumed by passengers of the car, often spill or drop inside the car. In this context, all this stuff accumulates in the mats. Further, it becomes easy to pick the mats out and dust them. In addition to it, you can wash or vacuum clean them for best results. Using car mats will give your car continued spotlessness against dirt.
Garry Kelkar is an expert writer having perfection in automobile industry and presently writing on car parts topics like car mats, car fog lights, car heaters, car audio and so forth.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

2008 Liberty Has The Escape Factor

2008 Liberty Has The Escape Factor
By: Anthony Fontanelle

One of the most profitable segments in the industry is the sport utility. But with overwhelming choices, how are you to find which one has the greatest escape factor?Watchers in the industry find the redesigned 2008 Jeep Liberty the cream-of-the-crop among compact sport utilities. Why? This is because it has that distinct escape factor. The ancestor of the 2008 Liberty is rugged yet adorable. It boasts of ideal space for adults and refined ergonomics. Also, it could travel someplace where unibody car-based utes dare not trek. It has some limitations, nonetheless. Cargo capacity behind the rear seat was reduced and the window switches found at the center of the cabin rather than on the doors, might have disturbed some occupants.The 2008 Liberty, which debuted at last year’s New York International Auto Show, received a timely redesign. The models being offered include Sport and Limited.For the 2008 model year, the manufacturer of the rugged Jeep wheels returned to the proverbial drawing board and created a longer and wider Liberty that has a more conventional boxy Jeep styling. It also has more standard off-road equipment, a bigger cargo space and better towing capacity; those factors spell the greatest features that other sport utilities lack. Earlier, the Liberty North Edition is made tester. "The North Face model is a middle-of-the-pack Liberty. Painted a bright silver metallic with light pebble cloth interior, it's a stunner. And not just because of its looks. This Liberty is an off-road demon thanks to devices which should be able to tame even the famed and feared Rubicon Trail, a 35-kilometre adventure in driving in the Sierra Nevada in the western U.S.," reported The Tribune.The redesigned sport utility is powered by a 3.7-litre SOHC V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower. It comes with electronic throttle control coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission for improved drive. Additionally, a six-speed manual is made standard. According to the testers, fuel economy is rated at 14 liters per 100 kilometers city and 11 l/100 km highway and towing capacity is 2,268 kilograms. As such, the new Liberty is deemed far more useful than many other compact sport utilities. Bearing a $33,190 price sticker, the Liberty North Face has the features drivers would love to have. To note, the Liberty boasts of power everything and a premium sound system with a subscription to Sirius satellite radio. It is also equipped with a fold-flat front passenger seat, compass and temperature display, fog lamps, cargo cover, 115V AC power outlet, cruise control, roof rack side rails, and carpeted floor mats. The Liberty North Face is a machine drivers won’t hesitate to take on long adventures. Quick and nimble, this compact sport utility is expected to pull more aficionados.
For more information about your parts needs like Jeep wheels visit your trusted online source. 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.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com