2008 Audi A6 Sedan Review

A mid-size luxury car, the Audi A6 is offered as both a sedan and a wagon. The wagon is called A6 Avant.

Price:
Starting price: $ 42,950.00
The Audi A6 falls somewhere in the middle of the luxury car category. It costs a little more than its peers in the premium Japanese markets, but less than the competing German-brand models. Re-sale value for the Audi is a bit lower than cars from Audi’s chief German competitors. So consumers planning to purchase a second hand A6 will find a relatively affordable proposition.

Like other Audis, the A6 is one of the most luxurious cars available in its price range even when compared to its huge and exclusive European competition in the current automobile industry. According to recent trends, performance generally comes after luxury. But, Audi has offered a range of turbocharged and direct-injection engines over the years which have given the car plenty of personality. Along with its reputation for upscale accommodations, the A6's main selling point is its winter-weather capability. Nearly all A6s are sold with the quattro all-wheel drive system which distributes power to all four wheels, though Audi typically offers an entry-level front-wheel-drive model as well.

There are 3 generations of the Audi A6 to consider. The current generation, which dates to 2005, offers by far the best package of attention-getting style, entertaining driving dynamics and sparkling furnishings. The second generation A6, available from 1998 to 2004, was also a fine luxury car, though its handling characteristics and exterior design never really set it apart from the multitude of excellent sedans and wagons in this price range.

With its clean lines and over-sized grille, the current Audi A6 is one of the most distinctive mid-size luxury cars on the market. The A6 Avant is also one of the few mid-size luxury wagons on the market, and with a 34-cubic-foot cargo bay behind its rear seat, it makes a practical yet elegant choice for families with a large dog or double stroller in tow.


Enhancements:
The A6 can be equipped with all the usual luxury car appointments, including a high-end audio system, voice-activated navigation system and Bluetooth wireless capability. Most are accessed via Audi's easy-to-use Multi-Media Interface (MMI) vehicle management system. It sounds complicated, but with its logical menus and ergonomically designed, all-in-one control knob, MMI is a snap to learn.

Performance:
The Audi A6 is available with either a V6 or V8 engine. The engines are smooth and refined, though the V6 is taxed by the A6's 4,000-pound curb weight. Acceleration is certainly passable, but most other V6-equipped luxury cars are quicker. The A6 rides comfortably on the highway, and while it's not the most athletic car in its class, our editors like its predictable, nimble feel through the corners.

The second-generation A6 sedan arrived on the market in 1998 and benefited from a ground-up redesign; an all-new version of the Avant wagon debuted the following year. This was the first Audi A6 to ride on a stretched version of the highly regarded A4 platform, and the two have been platform mates ever since. For the first two years, only a naturally aspirated V6 was available, but in 2000, Audi added a spirited twin-turbocharged V6 and a torque-rich V8 to the engine lineup for the sedan. Given that acceleration tended to be sluggish with the base V6, particularly on the hefty A6 Avant quattro wagon, Audi began offering a larger, more powerful six-cylinder in 2002. Additionally, the company introduced a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on front-wheel-drive models that year.

The original A6 came to market in 1995 as a lightly revised version of the old Audi 100 sedan and wagon. Although prices on used A6 models from this era are convincingly low, consumers should be aware that only one engine -- a 172-horsepower V6 -- is available on these cars. With the lightest A6 sedan weighing in at 3,400 pounds, acceleration is modest at best. However, much like newer Audis, this A6 was nicely appointed and offered a choice of front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive.

India to make Hyundai i10 for the world

In its most aggressive launch in the Indian market since the Santro eight years ago, Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) unveiled the much-awaited compact car i10 which will cost Rs 3.39 lakh with a boom and of course Shahrukh Khan.


The new car is expected to be a major volume player for the Korean car maker and may surpass the Santro (2 lakh cars were sold annually in India, as well as exported) in the next two years.

The i10 will be available in 10 colours. It will be exported to over 70 countries, Jae Kook Choi, president, Hyundai Motor Company, told reporters at the launch function for the i10.

Hyundai aims to sell about 2,00,000 units (i10, Santro and Getz together) in Asia, Europe, West Asia as well as other regions next year.

All reports regarding the issue that Hyundai may stop making the popular Santro (available in seven variants in a price band of Rs 2.9 lakh to Rs 4.18 lakh), are wrong. The i10 is positioned as a car for people who are looking to upgrade their existing car.

Placed in the compact segment, i10 will take on popular car models from the Maruti stable including Wagon R LX (Rs 3.31 lakh), Zen Estilo (Rs 3.24 lakh) and Tata’s Indica V2 Xeta (Rs 3.49 lakh). All prices are from an ex-showroom in Delhi.

According to figures made available by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, Hyundai Motor’s car exports gained 14 per cent to 67,625 units between April and September this year, constituting 68 per cent of all car exports from India in the half-year period.

Ford Mustang - Fast Sport Cars

By: IC

2008 Ford Shelby GT- H Mustang Convertible

Ford is a well known brand across the world, it owns 33% of Mazda known by its modern cars featured in films such as the Fast and the Furious, Jaguar, Aston Martin and many others. From its many car models, one of the most famous is the Mustang. Manufactured and engineered to be a muscle car, this particular car model stands away from the rest by it unique design and power. The best part is that due to this model's reputation the company keeps improving and redesigning it to deliver a high quality driving machine every single time.

Ford Mustangs are highly customizable sport cars and in recent years have shown many modifications to its design. The wheelbase in both versions (convertible and coupe) are 101.3 inches, the curb weight varies just a tiny bit from the convertible to the coupe models, the curb weight of a mustang 2 door convertible is 3257 pounds while the two door coupe is 3077 pounds. As far as fuel capacity both models, convertible and coupe can hold up to 15.4 gallons. Both models can comfortably accommodate 4 passengers.

As far as design, second and third Mustang generations were not as good as the first one but the machinery quality improved. Second and third generations range from 1974-1993. During the 1980s Mustangs were going through a hard transition when Ford announced that they would replace the rear-wheel drive Mustang with a Mazda-derived four wheel drive version, luckily for them and its clients the fourth generation of Mustangs came along, this generation of fords is almost as welcomed as the first due to the significant redesign this model went through.

2008 Ford Shelby GT Cabriolet Interior

The 1994 Mustang coupe was starting to show signs of potential and greatness but it wasn't until 1995 when the GTS model was introduced to the market. In 1996 Mustang's engine went through a major upgrade, this is when the Windsor 5.0 L engine was replaced by 215 horse power 4.6L SOHC Modular V8 engine and in 1998 the SOHC engine was increased to 225 HP through aggressive PCM calibration a larger exhaust and a modified fuel system.

As far as power, the 3.8 V6 engine sent developed 145-190 horsepower, the GT 5.0L V8 sends 240 hp to the back axle.

In 1994-2004 models Mustang GT's power was increased to 260hp and consumers have loved this car ever since, that's not even mentioning the awesome "MODs" available which include new decals, bumpers, paint work, rims, etc. Not only it is extremely reliable and stylish but many consumers have reported that it's stereo system beats any other manufacturer-installed car stereo in the market, it has an extremely good bass, the midrange is perfectly set as well as the highs.

Aston Martin is also an outstanding fast and high end Ford-owned driving machine which delivers great power, speed and style but that's another article.

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

Rolls Royce Phantom Silver Honors Silver Ghosts

By: Terry Parker

Rolls Royce Phantom Siver

In regard to the formation of the worlds first true luxury automaker, Rolls Royce, who received top billing, the businessman or the designer? Businessman Charles Rolls came first with second billing going to engineer Henry Royce.

Charles and Henry agreed that Rolls company would exclusively sell all vehicles made by Royce. Rolls Royce Motor Cars made its official debut in 1904 at the Paris Salon. Perhaps Royce Rolls sounded too much like a pun or a criticism than an appropriate nomenclature for a fledgling car manufacturer. Shortly thereafter Royce designed vehicles were ruling the roadways.

The first Rolls Royce made was a 10 horsepower, two cylinder vehicle with a top speed of 39 mph. By 1906 the automaker had a vehicle with three chassis styles and six cylinder inline engines capable of exceeding 50 mph.

1924 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost

The first Rolls Royce with an enclosed backseat, the Pullman by Barker, also was introduced at that time. Rolls Royce elevated its status to a producer of elite vehicles with the Silver Ghost in 1907. It was the first reliable and smooth riding manufactured. It set a world record for a non stop motor run, traveling an astonishing 14,371 miles.

The most popular body types of the most elite car of the era were the enclosed Barker cabriolet, the Barker Tourer, the Hooper Landaulet, and the London Edinburg. The fabled vehicle first gained notoriety when it was entered into the 1907 Scottish Reliability Run, winning the gold medal in its class for hill climbing and reliability.

Silver Ghosts were manufactured from 1907 to 1925. It is astonishing that the majority of the 6,000 Silver Ghosts built still run well today. Aside from Rolls Royce, how many automakers today would dare say their cars could be driven 100 years from now?

Rolls Royce has produced 25 Phantom Silvers to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Silver Ghost. The Phantom Silvers bespoke paint color is Metallic Ghost Silver. The interior of the limited edition comes in rose leaf or cream light leather. The RR logo is embroidered into both the piping and the headrests.

Eco friendly Santos Palisander rosewood is used throughout the cabin. The varied grain rosewood also is used for a presentation box that holds the key, two solid silver key fobs and a specially commissioned Conway Stewart fountain pen. The LCD screen for the navigational system is strategically concealed behind the clock in the dashboard to preserve the car's classic decorum.

Rolls Royce Phantom Silver Interior Dashboard

Beneath the hood of this refined vehicle is a fuel injected V12 engine with 48 valves that accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Its top speed is 149 mph. The sedan has a maintenance free six speed transmission and speed sensitive rack andpinion steering.

The Phantom Silver sets on 21 inch alloy wheels with chrome centers. The Spirit of Ecstasy, which has been the automakers traditional grille ornament since 1911, is solid silver. It is retractable for security purposes.

Rolls Royce produced automobiles and aero engines until 1971. Bleak financial circumstances forced the firm into receivership and the divisions became separate companies. The BMW Group has been the owner of the Rolls Royce line since 1998. While many other brands have strived and risen to attain recognition, Rolls Royce Motor Company possessed such panache from its inception.

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

What are Hybrid Automotives?

By: Luigi Castagna

Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Car

The vehicles that use two power sources in conjunction with one another are called hybrid automotives or hybrid vehicles. The history of hybrid power technology is very old. It dates back to the time when diesel electric submarines were first used.

The idea is quite simple, use two power sources to increase the overall efficiency.
Now the question arises that why it was needed. The answer is simple, it was realized that an average person would not be able to afford gasoline in the near future. CO2 emissions will also increase similarly an average person does not require a V8, he/she just needs enough power to reach his destination in time. A V8 as well as a small vehicle can accomplish this. So the hybrid vehicle was introduced.

How it works?

The hybrid vehicle works by using electric as well as gasoline power. Diesel electric vehicles are also there but there numbers are quite low. The hybrid vehicle works by using electric power when the requirement for engine power is low for example when starting the vehicle and up to the speed of 30-40 mph as the electric source cannot run a vehicle by itself.

What is the basic idea behind Hybrid automotives?

The basic idea is to use a smaller lightweight engine to run a vehicle up to a required speed and when the car has to accelerate then the electric source can add some extra power to gain more speed. As a 1.0 liter engine can also move at 75 mph just like a V8 although the V8 has more acceleration power so why waste fuel on a muscle car when a 1.0-liter vehicle can work for you.

Types of Gasoline Hybrid Vehicles

There are two main types of gasoline hybrid vehicles: parallel hybrid car and series hybrid car. The series hybrid car uses the gasoline engine to turn a generator that can either charge the batteries or run an electric motor whereas the parallel hybrid car can combine the two power sources to give more power or the same amount of power but with a better mileage.

Body Structure of Hybrid Vehicles

Now the question arises how the hybrid vehicle can deliver these types of performances when they have such a small engine. They do so by using lightweight materials like carbon fiber composites, low-rolling resistance tires and advanced aerodynamics to reduce drag. The hybrids can even turn the gasoline engine off when not needed such as when stopping at traffic lights. Some vehicles even use the electric power to gain a speed of 30 to 40 KM/h. Some vehicles also use regenerative braking. By this method when breaks are applied, the car decreases the speed by cutting some amount of power. This power is then used by the generator to generate electric power that can be stored for later use.

The price of these vehicles start from 23000$ and they reach up to 54000$. There are some hybrid SUVs are also available in the market.

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