Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Auto Insurance Tips- 5 Car Insurance Tips to Save You Money
Auto Insurance Tips- 5 Car Insurance Tips to Save You Money
Here are some great tips that could save you money on auto insurance.
1. Raise Your Deductible
One way to save money on car insurance is to raise your deductible. A higher deductible will result in a lower premium. Just remember that you will need to pay the deductible in the event of the accident. So don't raise it so high, that you can't afford to pay it if you were ever to get in an accident.
2. Take a Driver's Safety Course
Did you know that taking a course in Driver's Safety could save you money on your policy? Many companies offer discounts to customers who complete an approved driving course. See if your insurance company could offer you a discount for this.
3. Choose your Car Wisely
You may not be in the market for a new car right now, but when you are thinking of a purchasing a new vehicle, choose wisely. Don't just look at the sticker price on the vehicle when shopping. Certain cars are more costly to insure than others, so you could end up paying a lot more in car insurance than you expected if you buy that nice sports car instead of the four door sedan. Cars that are more likely to be stolen or that have parts that cost more to replace will be more expensive to insure. Keep that in mind when you decide to purchase a new car.
4. Drive Less
You may be wondering how driving less will save you money on car insurance. Well, many companies offer discounts to people who meet certain low mileage requirements. Start carpooling to work or school. Not only could it save you money on car insurance, but it will also save you money on gas!
5. Compare Quotes from Multiple Companies
You may already have an auto insurance policy in place or you may be looking for one right now. Whatever your situation, it is always important to stay on top of car insurance rates that different companies are offering. If you already have a policy, compare quotes every six months or so to make sure you are getting the best rates out their for your situation. If you are looking for a policy, be sure to shop around before deciding on a company.
1. Raise Your Deductible
One way to save money on car insurance is to raise your deductible. A higher deductible will result in a lower premium. Just remember that you will need to pay the deductible in the event of the accident. So don't raise it so high, that you can't afford to pay it if you were ever to get in an accident.
2. Take a Driver's Safety Course
Did you know that taking a course in Driver's Safety could save you money on your policy? Many companies offer discounts to customers who complete an approved driving course. See if your insurance company could offer you a discount for this.
3. Choose your Car Wisely
You may not be in the market for a new car right now, but when you are thinking of a purchasing a new vehicle, choose wisely. Don't just look at the sticker price on the vehicle when shopping. Certain cars are more costly to insure than others, so you could end up paying a lot more in car insurance than you expected if you buy that nice sports car instead of the four door sedan. Cars that are more likely to be stolen or that have parts that cost more to replace will be more expensive to insure. Keep that in mind when you decide to purchase a new car.
4. Drive Less
You may be wondering how driving less will save you money on car insurance. Well, many companies offer discounts to people who meet certain low mileage requirements. Start carpooling to work or school. Not only could it save you money on car insurance, but it will also save you money on gas!
5. Compare Quotes from Multiple Companies
You may already have an auto insurance policy in place or you may be looking for one right now. Whatever your situation, it is always important to stay on top of car insurance rates that different companies are offering. If you already have a policy, compare quotes every six months or so to make sure you are getting the best rates out their for your situation. If you are looking for a policy, be sure to shop around before deciding on a company.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Land Rover Discovery 4 Limited Edition
Land Rover Discovery 4 has launched a special edition of the Landmark for the United Kingdom. Available in black or white Fuji Santorini. This car has a unique grille, roof rails Black Satin, and 20-inch alloy wheels five. Inside, the cabin offers leather Taurus (with contrast stitching), Grand Ivory trim, and special floor mats.
Power is provided by the engine turbo-diesel 3.0-liter with an output of 180 kW (245 PS / 241 hp) and torque of 600 Nm (443 pounds-ft) of torque. This allows the SUV to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 9.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 112 mph (180 km / h).Prices start from £ 46.945 (OTR), Landmark will begin to arrive in UK dealers in January.
Hyundai Azera
We recently got our first official sneak peak at the upcoming 2012 Hyundai Azera, but the South Korean automaker keeps dropping new information and pictures on its mid-size sedan that will take its place between the Sonata and the Genesis. This time we have details on the engine options for the KDM version, which will continue to use the Grandeur nameplate.In South Korea, the Azera will be offered with a choice of two naturally aspirated engines, both featuring direct-injection technology. The base model will be powered by the same 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder gasoline unit found on the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, while the flagship version will be motivated by a 3.0-liter GDi V6 delivering 270HP and 31.6 kg/m of peak torque.
The company states on the official brochure that the four-cylinder model will return an average fuel consumption of 12.8 km/lt (equal to 30.1 mpg US and 7.8 lt/100km), while the V6, 11.6 km/lt (27.3 mpg US or 8.6 lt/100km).
Hyundai has not made any comments or announcements regarding the powertrain options for the North American version of the Azera, though likely it will be offered exclusively with V6 engines. Recently, the South Korean automaker said that the Azera may get its North American debut at the New York Auto Show next April.
The All-New Ford Ranger
The wraps are off the all-new for 2011, Ford Ranger pickup truck which makes its worldwide debut at this week's Australian International Motor Show in Sydney before going on sale in 180 markets around the world but not -you guessed it- in the USA.Like its predecessor, Ford's new Ranger was developed in cooperation with Mazda, which will also unveil its version of the compact pickup truck called the BT-50 in Sydney.
The new Ranger moves a step closer to passenger cars in terms of styling, interior appointments as well as technology features. It will be available in three different cab body styles, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, two ride heights and four series choices.
It is powered by a choice of two new common rail Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels, a 2.2-liter TDCi four-cylinder unit with 150HP and 375Nm [277 lb-ft], or a 3.2-liter TDCi inline-five rated at 200HP and 470Nm [347 lb-ft], and new six-speed automatic and manual transmissions.
The 4WD models are equipped with an electronically controlled transfer case that allows drivers to shift from 4x2 to 4x4 through an electronic switch located on the console, while low range gearing can also be enabled.Ford said that the cargo box of the new Double Cab is more than 100mm wider than before - 1,549mm long by 511mm high and with a maximum cargo width of 1,560mm. Volume is rated at 1.21 cubic meters.
All Ranger models will come equipped with a new Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system that includes four-wheel traction control, yaw control and roll-over mitigation, as standard. Other new technologies include Rear Park Assist and new Rearview Camera system, plus the availability of side curtain airbags on all cab styles for the first time.
Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe, said: "The new Ranger is an exciting and dynamic vehicle that will undoubtedly raise the bar in the pickup market. The scope of its capability and technology are further evidence of how powerful the One Ford initiative is in helping us globally to develop a whole range of all-new class-leading vehicles. We look forward to bringing new Ranger to European customers by 2012 and I am confident it will exceed their expectations."
The new Ford Ranger will be built at three sites with series production scheduled to begin next summer, initially in Rayong, Thailand. Ford said it is also planning to manufacture the new pickup truck at its plants in Argentina and South Africa.
The All-New Mazda BT-50
Mazda released the first photos of the all-new BT-50. As we've mentioned many times before, the two pickup truck models are the result of a collaboration between Ford and Mazda and will both get their world premiere at this week's Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.The Japanese automaker's iteration of the compact pickup truck theme gets its own unique exterior cues and interior styling inspired by the firm's passenger car range. Though far less aggressive than originally implied on the first teaser sketches, the BT-50's exterior design is more funky than it's Ford sibling. The same can be said about the interior which is said to feature all the accommodations of a passenger car.
Here's what Mazda had to say about the new BT-50 in its teaser press release:"It offers all the functionality required for business use combined with passenger car-like comfort for family use; and for active customers in Australia and Europe, it is the perfect answer for all kinds of outdoor leisure activities.
"With modern and refined styling both inside and out, the All-New Mazda BT-50 will raise the bar in the utility segment and for the first time provide a realistic alternative to the family wagon and 4x4 SUV."
Sunday, August 28, 2011
The Willys Pickup
The Willys Pickup was similar to the Willys Jeep Wagon and the VJ-2 and VJ-3 Willys Jeepster. It was introduced in 1947, with model designations of 2T and 4T. These trucks were equipped with the 134 cubic inch "Go-Devil" engine and the three-speed Borg-Warner T-90 manual transmission from the CJ-2A. The truck received a facelift in 1950 and became the 473, with the new "Hurricane" four-cylinder engine as an option. This model introduced the v-shaped front end with five horizontal bars, as well as an updated gauge cluster. The steps on the side of the pickup box were deleted. After 1950, the two-wheel drive model was discontinued. In 1953, the model designation became 475 and the grille bars were reduced to three. A 226 cubic inch six-cylinder 6-226 model was introduced in 1954, and sales of 475 models dropped considerably. The 6-226 was dropped in 1962 in favor of the 6-230 Tornado OHC engine.
The truck was originally sold as a 1-ton 4wd/2wd with a 1/2-ton 2wd becoming available in 1950 (model 473HT). The 2wd half and one ton trucks were discontinued in 1951 and sold as 4wd only. The load capacity was later upgraded but the truck was still sold as a 1-ton pickup.
2012 BMW 6 Series Preview
BMW unveiled the next generation BMW 6 Series–the 2012 BMW 6 Series Concept–at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The sleek new design is modern by any measure, yet maintains the stately BMW extravagance-free appearance. It includes several new additions like full-LED headlights, smoothed rear and boot line, and a more emphasized face with a wider chin. BMW designers have listened to the critics and lost the controversial, widely-disparaged boot bump.
The 2010 BMW 5 Series earned only three out of five stars for driver protection in a frontal crash, but it did receive five stars for front passenger protection and front and rear side protection. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the 5 Series was awarded a top score of “Good” in the frontal-offset test but received the second-lowest rating of “Marginal” for side safety due to the potential for torso injury risk to riders seated in front.
Performance
The 2012 6 Series is based on the 5 Series platform. It will be offered with all the engines and transmissions seen on the 5 Series, from a 3.0-litre turbo diesel to a twin turbo V8. Watch for a M6 variation to include the new M5 driveline. The top of the line diesel model will be the 640d, powered by the N57 turbocharged straight-6 common rail diesel engine outputting 306 horsepower. The first U.S. 2011 6 Series model will appear in March of 2011 in the form of BMW 650i Convertible.Interior Specifications
The 2012 6 Series has a supremely luxurious, open interior. It makes great use of black leather and stainless steel. A new steering wheel fits more closely with the newly imagined design. The rustic shading of the dashboard ties the entire presentation together.Safety Features
The safety features incorporated into the 5 Series have made their way to the 6 Series as well, in the form of stability control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags plus front and rear side curtain airbags. Optional rear-seat side airbags are also available. The lane-departure warning system alerts the driver via steering wheel vibrations should the car begin to veer out of its lane. A night vision system displays hazards that would be beyond normal headlight range. The AWD models have standard hill start assist and hill descent control.The 2010 BMW 5 Series earned only three out of five stars for driver protection in a frontal crash, but it did receive five stars for front passenger protection and front and rear side protection. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the 5 Series was awarded a top score of “Good” in the frontal-offset test but received the second-lowest rating of “Marginal” for side safety due to the potential for torso injury risk to riders seated in front.
Competition to the 2012 BMW 6 Series
The 6 Series is comparable to other luxury cruisers like the Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class and Lexus ES350.GWM Steed Double Cabin
This mean looking double cab makes use of a new 2.8 Turbo diesel, high pressure, common rail direct injection engine - jointly developed by BOSCH and GWM.Both 4x2 and 4x4 luxury derivatives are now available.
As China's first high end diesel pickup, the Steed takes GWM into a new realm of higher grade Pick-ups, re-emphasising to the world the company's status as a leader in quality pick-ups.
Extremely fashionable, the new Steed boasts innovative design concepts, creative design and an avant-garde, daring style.
With safety in mind, the Steed is now avialable with the latest ABS and EBD systems and dual front airbags.Needless to say, the vehicle also includes collapsible steering columns and side impact bars as standard safety equipment.
Features- A bold design with chrome plated grill.
- Low noise level thanks to the Bosch Common Rail System, which with direct injection, makes the vehicle less noisy, in doing so, improving the noise, vibration and harshness.
- The GW2.8TC-2 turbodiesel engine has improved power, achieving a maximum torque of 225 Nm at a range of 1600-2600 rpm.
- The chassis and suspension set up ensures additional load carrying capacity without compromising comfort.
- An advanced E-gas four wheel drive system from Borgwarner ensures ease of use in the most trying off road conditions.
- A highly rigid body incorporating side impact bars.
- ABS with EBD and dual airbags is now available.
Toyota Hilux Double Cabin
A PHENONEMON of UK sales in recent years has been the growth in the double cab pick-up market. The UK market for all pick ups single to double cab, two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive — grew by a quite amazing 347 per cent between 1998 and the end of 2005. And demand shows no sign of slowing, with sales this year increasing still further.When you consider that the UK's new car market is around 2.4 million new vehicles each year, the 34,314 pick up sales in the UK last year is really only a drop in the ocean. But the growth potential is not being overlooked by manufacturers, who are busy bringing new, updated and more sophisticated vehicles to market.
Mitsubishi is the clear market leader in this sector with 80 per cent of its sales being for high-value, technically-advanced double cabs used as alternatives to 4x4s and SUVs. They have found favour not only with private buyers but, because of the personal tax and VAT reclaim advantages that apply to commercial vehicles, company car 'user choosers' and businesses have all climbed on the bandwagon.
Nissan and Isuzu have also updated their model ranges and Ford will be launching their larger and more powerful pick-up Ranger models soon.
Toyota, not to be left out, and once the market leader for UK pick-up sales, has recently introduced its sixth-generation Hilux. Like its competitors, the Hilux is available in single and double cab forms with two- and four-wheel drive options, depending on which model is chosen.
The Hilux has a worldwide reputation for ruggedness and can be found in virtually every corner of the world from Alaska to the Sahara to the Australian outback. The Hilux is sold in 164 different markets worldwide and, with more than 12 million sales to date, it ranks as Toyota's second best-selling model behind the Corolla.
The latest Hilux is considerably larger than previous models not least of all in its length, which has increased by nearly a foot. The extra inches are mostly in the wheelbase and provide more interior space, a better ride and improved passenger comfort. However, where it matters most in the load bed. The capacity has been increased by 25 per cent for single cab models and 30 per cent for double cabs.
One of the biggest complaints about the new Mitsubishi L200 double cab models is their smaller load bed. And whilst it still appeals to recreational users, it does not have the appeal it once enjoyed with commercial users where load space is the priority.
The new Hilux models have a new ladder frame chassis which is forty-five per cent stiffer than the previous models. They also have better aerodynamics and much more modern styling. Like the Mitsubishi and Nissan, the new Toyota Hilux has a much roomier interior, plenty of storage space including very handy compartments under the rear seat, that tips up for access and a car like specification. The double cab has four passenger doors and seating for five passengers. It has car-style controls, including an easier to use central handbrake. The only real shortfall for the Hilux over the L200 and Nissan Navara is that the middle passenger in the rear seat only has a lap seatbelt other competitors have a full three-point belt. Neither does the Hilux provide a height-adjustable driver's seat.
The Hilux double cab is available with three grades of specification but all models have air conditioning, electric windows and remote control central locking. ABS braking and driver and front passenger airbags are also standard fit. The sound system varies between each specification.
In the technical department, the Hilux has a new double wishbone
front suspension which improves the road handling characteristics.
The rear suspension still has leaf springs for durability and to allow for heavy loads to be carried. But this does mean a rather harsh ride for passengers, especially when the vehicle is unladen.
However, the Hilux scores heavily over the L200 because all models have a rear differential lock a 'must' for those venturing off-road, especially if the vehicle is being used for towing because four-wheel drive is no good if you lose traction through the rear wheels. For vehicles such as these having a differential lock is, I believe, essential.
Usefully, the shift from two- to four-wheel drive and back to two-wheel drive can be performed easily whilst on the move.
The most disappointing element of the Hilux is the 2.5-litre D-4D common-rail direct injection turbodiesel engine. The 4-cylinder's power output of just 101bhp is simply not in keeping with what other manufacturers are offering these days, when up to 160bhp is quite normal. The torque output of 192lb ft for four-wheel drive models available from 1,600rpm is acceptable, the Hilux pulling well and driving with flexibility at low speeds.
Once on open roads, though, it delivers a lacklustre performance. As
it is a commercial vehicle Toyota in common with some other manufacturers do not publish official performance figures but top speed is around 100mph, 0-60mph takes 18.2 seconds and fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 34mpg. Help is at hand in the form of the power boost kits just introduced by Owen Developments.
Owen Developments are specialists at getting more safe and useable power out of petrol and diesel engines, and are the brains behind similar power upgrades for Mitsubishi products everything from Lancer Evolutions to L200 pick-ups. The new Owen Developments power upgrade for the Hilux's 2.5-litre diesel engine will boost the out-put from 101 to 120bhp, and it increases the torque as well. The kit costs £525 plus VAT, according to their latest press releases. I have driven both the L200 and Isuzu pick-ups fitted with these power upgrades and they really are excellent.
So, while the Hilux may lose out to the L200 and Nissan Navara as far as performance goes, where it matters in practical load area carry-ing space the Hilux is the winner. The load bed is wider and longer (now a few millimetres under six feet) than previous Hilux models and the sides are deeper. The payload is 1,085kg with a braked towing capacity of 2,250kg. It will also wade through 27.5-inch deep water that's mid-thigh for most people!
On-the-road vehicle prices (excluding VAT, as the Hilux is a commercial vehicle) start from £12,145 and range up to £17,245. My test model, the Hilux double cab 4WD in HL3 specification costs £15,745, making it pretty good value for money.
With slightly better engine performance it would give its L200 and Navara competitors a more serious run for their money. I gather that Toyota already have the power issue in hand and a more powerful engine option will be offered fairly soon, which should take care of that. Minus points are few, just the lack of driver's seat height adjust-ment and a rather harsh unladen ride.
On the plus side the Hilux has likeable, conservative styling, it's pleasant to drive and scores with its good interior passenger space and large load area. Standard equipment includes power front windows, electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors, air conditioning, power steering, ABS, front airbags, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, CD/MP3 player, velour upholstery and 15-inch alloy wheels. Expect to see more of them soon on driveways near you.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Luxury BMW 6-Series Coupe Car Concept 2011
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