2007 Honda CR-V Review

By: Craig Rad

Compact Recreational Vehicle. This is the name which has given the acronym CR-V to one of Honda’s most popular releases. And it is, indeed, both compact and fun to drive. For the past decade, the Honda CR-V has proved to be a reliable family car: affordable, spacious, without appearing too large, and, best of all, safe. The new, 2007 model, however, is taking these features to new lengths.

The CR-V 2007 is slightly wider and lower than its predecessor, which gives it an extra touch of stability in turns, and also shorter, mainly because the spare wheel is no longer attached to the back, as in the previous two generations.

The standard safety equipment included in the car is amazing: Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure on the front end, a total of six airbags (dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, front side airbags with passenger-side occupant position detection system, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor), active front-seat head restraints, stability control system, ABS, break assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System. This model has received a 5-star frontal and side impact rating from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

This functionality-oriented crossover SUV has four doors and five seats, including a fold-and-tumble rear seat which can easily be adjusted to hold two child seats, for that ever-expending family. All the seats are equipped with three-point seatbelts.


The 166-hp, 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4 cilinder engine (10 hp more than the 2006 model), five speed automatic transmission, the MacPherson strut front suspension handles, the traction-enhancing Real Time 4-wheel drive, the Drive-by-wire throttle system, are all features which add up to ensure an increased sense of stability, while offering, at the same time, an amazing driving experience.

As Honda has already accustomed us to, the CR-V 2007 allows for reduced emissions, fuel economy and noise reduction, thanks to its trademark variable valve timing and lift electronic control, i-VTEC, and to its aerodynamic design.

Customers can choose from three models: the LX, the EX and the EX-L. For those in search of a more stylish look, the EX-L is the best choice, thanks to its leather trimmed seats and its optional navigation system equipped with a rear view video camera. The model comes in 10 colors, from the Taffeta White to the Nighthawk Black Pearl, to suite any driver’s preferences and personality.

Although its competition, such as the Toyota RAV4, the Mazda CX-7 or the Hyundai Tucson, may offer either more space, a better driving experience or lower prices, Honda CR-V, especially the 2007 model, remains a top choice of the customers in search of all these features and extra safety guarantees.

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

Japanese Car Makers Aren't The Only Ones Producing Hybrids

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV

When you think of cars, Ford is probably one of the first things that come to mind. It has been around the American car landscape for a century and people often think highly of the company and of the model T. Ford did not get into the hybrid market as quickly as either Honda or Toyota but it did work to pick itself up quickly with its Ford Escape hybrid. When you think of this, it fits right in with Ford's strategy. Both Honda and Toyota focus upon automobiles while Ford has had an edge within the SUV field with its Ford Explorer for many years. Creating a hybrid SUV fits with a great deal of its consumer base.

The Ford Escape is a compact SUV and is both gas and electric. The vehicle was built and marketed in a strong fashion and subsequent consumer demand matched Ford's hard work. To ensure that there are no legal issues with the leading technology which Toyota has created, an agreement was forged between Ford and Toyota to use some of the hybrid technology which had patented. The vehicle was first introduced in 2004 and in 2006 it had developed a hybrid system acknowledged within the industry as being more advanced than many of the hybrid systems out there. You can now purchase the Ford Escape hybrid as a full hybrid. The car was built in such a smart fashion that is able to use different power combinations depending upon how you drive your car so that it can maximize its fuel-efficiency. This will have an impact both in the way you drive and in the financial sense as you will save more money.


With the success of its first hybrid, Ford has since turned to creating another hybrid SUV. It is producing this under the Mercury brand label and it is very similar to the Ford Escape hybrid. A Mazda SUV hybrid is being developed as well. Part of Ford's strategy has been to focus on SUV market segment but it has not completely dismissed the thought of developing a hybrid automobile. SUVs are still very much in demand with consumers and Ford is parlaying its strong reputation as a creator of good SUVs with the Ford hybrid SUVs.

When looking to buy a Ford hybrid, make sure to also look into tax rebates as the federal tax credit is offered on some Ford hybrids. If you are looking for a SUV hybrid, make sure to look into Ford as it has over a hundred patents that are currently being developed on its hybrid technology. This is one company which is not standing still but is rather looking to further its use of hybrid technology.

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

Cadillac in 2008 - What's Caddy Up To

There are millions of Cadillac enthusiasts all over the world and many are restlessly awaiting for news from the USA car manufacturer. Here are the most anticipated news on the 2008 Cadillac models that will either receive facelifts or engine upgrades.

Cadillac CTS 2008

Cadillac CTS – This entry level Cadillac will jump up a few levels in 2008, mainly because of the optional all-wheel-drive system and a much more attractive front design. The CTS is also going to be slightly wider than models up to 2007. A 263 horsepower model is available, but motoring fans will certainly select the 3.6 liter V6 engine with direct fuel injection and an output of 304 hp. The 2008 Cadillac CTS will come with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. Directional headlights that turn progressively as the steering wheel rotates are also a cool addition to the CTS. A more powerful CTS-V is also announced, but no launch date has been confirmed so far.

Cadillac DTS 2008

Cadillac DTS – The luxury sedan from Cadillac is receiving a few additions in 2008, such as lane departure warning systems and an optional blind zone. There’s also a Platinum Edition DTS that comes with a stronger engine and more luxurious interior trim.

Cadillac Escalade 2008 Interiors

Cadillac Escalade – not many changes on the current Escalade model. However, somewhere in 2008 we will see the first hybrid Escalade SUV and a brand new lengthier Caddy Escalade ESV.

Cadillac STS 2008

Cadillac STS – a facelift is also coming for the 2008 Cadillac STS. The engine is a 3.6 V6 with a 6-speed automatic while the 4.6 liter Northstar V8 Cadillac engine remains optional. All wheel drive is also on the extras list and other new optional features include lane departure warning systems, blind zone and a Performance Handling Package that is only available on the V8 and rear-drive V6 models. There’s also a Platinum Edition STS which is more bling with gold paint and a lot more chrome. The amazing supercharged 469 horsepower STS-V will also join the Cadillac line up of cars next year.

Cadillac XLR 2008

Cadillac XLR – Not a lot of changes for the Cadillac XLR in 2008. We do get to purchase it in an Alpine White Limited Edition that is equipped with 18" chrome rims and a cooler grille. The Magnetic Ride Control system is also tuned up for 2008 and there’s also the option of having a heated steering wheel. Chrome rims are also offered as options with 18" rims for the XLR and 19" rims for the XLR-V.

For more information on Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac XLR, plus other concept Caddys, please see the resource box.

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

Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722 Edition

By: James Rothaar for LxM
The stylish, suave, and faster-than-ever Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722 Edition is receiving a lot of attention these days. Unfortunately, MBZ’s official Web site has no info on the McLaren SLR 722. The Web site only has information on the 2006 McLaren SLR. The beastly SLR 722 made its world premiere September 2006 at the Paris Motor Show. However, since only 150 of the SLR 722 Editions will be made, it may be somewhat difficult to pick up a new one.

Per McLaren’s press release, the five-speed-automatic SLR 722 has over 300 improvements compared to its predecessor. Horsepower is up to 650 from 617, resulting in a zero-to-62 mph (100km/h) rate of 3.6 seconds. Its top speed has increased, as the handmade, 5.5-liter supercharged V-8 exceeds 209 mph.

Additionally, the suspension has been refined with stiffer dampers, and the body has been lowered just a tad. The interior has a sportier new look too.



Mercedes-Benz’s Web site list the price of the base model of the 2006 McLaren SLR at just over $452,000. The McLaren SLR 722 Edition is listed at around $525,000. Compared to other cars deemed to be in the same class, such as the Lamborghini Murciélago Coupe and the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish S Coupe, it is more than a second faster than the Aston Martin from zero to 60 mph, and around 2 mph faster than the Lamborghini’s top speed. Keep that in mind the next time you are driving 207 mph. Price-wise, it is no contest, as the SLR 722 is twice as expensive as the Vanquish, and 80 percent more than the Lamborghini.

The MBZ McLaren SLR 722 Edition’s name is a tribute to Sir Stirling Moss, who drove an MBZ SLR 300 to the winner’s circle at the 1955 Mille Miglia race. The vehicle driven by Moss remains on display today at the Mercedes-Benz Museum at Stuttgart-Untertürkheim.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Review Of 2007 Hyundai Sonata

By: Rex Freiberger
Hyundai Sonata Review

It’s difficult to imagine, but Hyundai worries that even if it has one of the highest customer faithfullness ratings in the industry, attracting new purchasers into the showroom has been a real challenge. The new Sonata slogan is: “A Hyundai you’ve never seen before" and it is true that the Sonata which was redesigned has more power, more space and better fit and finish than it has ever had previously.

Its Advantages are:

- Acceleration
- The possibility to avoid accidents
- Comfort and convenience
- Gas mileage

There are two acceptable disadvantages:

- Suspension noise
- Handling

Reliability and Maintenance

The Sonata is easy to take care of, with very little in the way of programmed maintenance until 100,000 miles is reached, unlike oil changes at regular intervals.

It is backed by one of the longest powertrainn warranties in the automotive industry at 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Performance and Handling

The new Sonata is adequately equipped with a standard 4-cylinder which offers 162HP. The 3.3-liter V6 with 234HP is smooth but responsive and reaches average speed with little effort.



Acceleration is brisk in the four-cylinder and it is surprising in the V6. Hyundai officials say the V6 will turn 0-60 miles per hour times of about 7.5 seconds, with a maximum speed of 130 mph. Shifts are executed easily with the five-speed manual, and the front tires are chirped even more easily. Kicking down for passing with minimal hesitation, the Shiftronic automatic transmission moves between gears smoothly. When the engine bumps up against redline, and it declines to downshift at all, leaving that to the driver’s preferences,in manual mode, the Shiftronic will upshift automatically.

It provides more room and power than previous years. However, there is a least favourite feature, cheap interior look with fewer features, and new external redesign. But let’s see the positive aspects of Hyundai sonata.

Even if the interior seems cheap and bare compared to 2002-2005 models, seats are comfortable and the general aspect is all right for those who prefer simplicity. The on road performance and handling of this car is very good.

The Hyundai Sonata’s new interior marks a major step up the quality ladder. You can notice some rough edges on a few plastic molds and a less-than-lustrous finish on some dash panels. But the overall look is highly competitive with most in the class and better than some.

Three round dials in the hooded instrument cluster communicate the necessities of operational data to the driver, with the largest the speedometer which is positioned inside a polished circle. To its left is the tachometer, and to its right conjoined water temperature and fuel gauges. In the lower dash to the left of the steering column are a bank of five switch plugs, one of them is the dash-light rheostat, and there also can be seen a flip-down storage bin. The ignition key slides into a slot placed properly, in the dash to the right of the steering column instead of on the steering column itself.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Fly with the Bentley

By: Lance Dixon
Have you ever seen the winged “B” badge of the Bentley and felt like flying? If yes, you are not the only one! People all around the world dream of owning a Bentley and why not, its stature is just too big not to be desired! Bentley Motors was established in England in January 1919. The founder was Walter Owen Bentley. Walter Owen was always fascinated by combustible engines and racing motorcycles, like most young boys are, and the Bentley was an outcome of this passion.

Bentley Motors has a history full of turns and twists and quite an interesting one too! Lets skim through its pages.

The manufacturing of the Bentley started with a 3-litre engine car which was very advanced for its times. It had four cylinders, single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and twin-spark ignition via two magnetos. But it did make some noise. It is said, that this noise once irritated a nurse who was attending to a dying patient. To everyone’s surprise, a person present there had then said ‘A happy sound to die to”! Such was the beginning of the Bentley!

The Bentley was and is primarily known as a racing car. It has won many Le Mans trophies. The Le Mans is a 24-hour car endurance test held in France. It tests a car to it limits and those who can sustain the grill, command tremendous respect and awe in the automobile market. These races also provided a huge advertisement for the Bentley. The first Bentley,the 3-litre car, participated and came a very respectable 4th!



From then on, there was no looking back and Bentley motors went on to make some of the finest cars ever known. Sometimes the manufacturing was so slow that the cars were made just before delivery and at times even the demonstration cars had to be sold. But their popularity never ceased to soar. In reality fewer people bought them due to their high prices but still everyone secretly thought of taking control of one of these. After a few years, it was announced that Bentley Motors would retire from racing as they were falling short of money. As well as this, all the rash race driving was giving the common man a very bad impression about the car. Some people were wary of buying the car, as they saw it as a symbol of rough driving. Somewhat in order to break this image, Bentley Motors manufactured a bewitching limousine passenger car. But by this time, the great depression had taken its toll on Bentley Motors, leaving it in financial doldrums. Hence it was decided to sell the firm. Thus Rolls Royce took over Bentley Motors in a very dramatic manner in 1931. At that time Bentley was the most formidable rival of Rolls Royce and the world saw this as a mega deal for Rolls Royce. Actually it was good news for Bentley (in one way at least), that their baby would at least be in some experienced hands. Thus the Bentley was actually with Bentley Motors only till 1931.

The Volkswagen Group ,a German company, has been the owner of Bentley since 1998. The Bentleys are manufactured at the Crewe factory in England.

The various current and popular models of this car are Arnage, Azure, Continental GT, Continental Flying Spur and Continental GTC.

Luxury, elegance and comfort characterize all the Bentleys. Features like emergency fuel shut-off device, child safety door locks located on rear doors, engine immobilizer, front seatbelt height adjusters, fog lights, anti-theft protection, airbags with occupant sensors, computers keeping track of average speed, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel, keyless entry operated via key fob, tire pressure monitor, separate driver/front passenger climate controls, rear window defroster, heated washer system, bluetooth incorporated telephone system, electric foldable mirrors, ashtrays, full maps, remote controlled DVD, several speakers, headlight cleaners, leather seats, tinted glass ,a variety of interior lighting, etc. make the Bentley, a precious buy. The Azure also has a sunroof/moonroof and a removable/convertible top!

The Bentley cars are immediately recognizable by the huge headlights they flaunt. But unlike their easy to spot features, they are very difficult and intricate to make! The Bentley is known as a highly reliable, sturdy and versatile car. Versatile, as it combines uncompromising luxury with enviable performance and reliability.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

The Ferrari 328: The Perfect Exotic?

By: Rachel Colt
Los Angeles, CA--Ferrari is a world-renowned name as an Italian Sports Car manufacturer based out of Modena and Maranello, Italy. The company was founded in 1929 by Enzo Ferrari. The Ferrari line of vehicles are considered to be the most desired cars to both own and drive and are an ultimate status symbol of wealth. Simply having one in your driveway changes the impression people will have of you. The Ferrari 328 is less about status for most enthusiasts and more about trouble free ownership.

The classic line of Ferrari GTB/GTS seems to be the most common choice for the first time buyer of a Ferrari. Currently there have been more than 10,000 sold and there is a solid supply of these vehicles. When it comes to affordability, having this need in place will bring the overall cost down and make this a more affordable exotic car. Commenting on the efficiency of a 328 would be remiss if we first did not discuss its predecessor – the 308 which was one of Ferarris most successful vehicles.

Many people have considered the 308 to be the Ferrari to own, and suggested the 328 had some big shoes to fill after its success. The 308 after its debut in 1975 very quickly became the meat and potatoes vehicle for the company. Initially, the 308 was made of fiberglass, with a switch in 1977 to all metal construction. Currently the fiberglass models are in higher demand, simply because they make for lighter, faster vehicles. Further, their engines are not bothered by exhaust equipment sapping out the power. With the change to metal construction, the 308 began to decline. In 1985 came the first major redesign with the 328 GTB. The engine capacity was raised to 3185 cc, and the power went up to 270bhp making this the fastest vehicle from this Ferrari series. In the ‘80’s, the 328 became the super-car of the Ferrari and the single most successful selling vehicle for the company.



As a successor of the 308, the 328 also brings a considerable boost in power in comparison to the 308. If you are considering the purchase of a 328, your main consideration is going to be whether to buy a 328 or 308. The most substantial advantages to the 328 are its newness and its greater availability. These benefits are going to be offset by the higher cost of the vehicle. This car today will run about $60,000. If you are a buyer wanting greater performance and a more modern design, the 328 will be the look you are going for. Rarity of this exotic vehicle and a stiffer body are going to be its greatest advantages when you are considering the Ferrari line.

Peter Klamka, a Ferrari collector from Ann Arbor, Michigan, commented, “I regret selling my 1987 328. It was a very weak moment when I sold it. That car was bulletproof mechanically and incredibly fun to drive.”

Finding the perfect 328 will not be easy but there are numerous sources including websites like http://www.ferrarichat.com and the http://www.ferrarimarketletter.com
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com