Lightweight Vehicles to Meet Fuel Economy Standard

Lightweight Vehicles to Meet Fuel Economy Standard

The new fuel economy standards make car manufacturers to think hard and act fast to come with new products, especially in truck department. New trucks seem need to be much lighter to meet that standard, with the same ability to tow or load, and also in the same strength and power. It’s the only possible way to meet the standard without having to sacrifice other features and performances.

With everything seems difficult and hard since economic crisis, every possible and logical method needs to be implemented, including this fuel economy standard. Having hybrid or EV cars seems to be a good idea, but they’re not enough, compared to other regular cars.

Making light cars or trucks isn’t easy at all. What causes the weight is the technology: the electronic and the safety features. When the manufacturers want to make light vehicle, it means they have to cut the comfort area, which won’t be liked or approved by the consumers. Another possible solution is by using lightweight materials.

The manufacturers are using all possible ways: using the blow-in form engine or using magnesium alloy for frame and aluminum panels. But these materials are more expensive, so the future trucks or cars might be more costly.

Lightweight Vehicles to Meet Fuel Economy Standard is a post from: Automotive News and Review

BMW Alpina B7 Review

BMW has announced that they’re ready to lunch the Alpina B7 sedan for North America’s market in 2011. The B7 is set to show how beauty, performance, style, and technology should combine.

All these times, the B7 series is only produced and marketed around Europe. The new line for American market will introduce both models for short and long wheelbase. The engine will use all aluminum twin turbocharged engine of 4.4 liters. It also includes V8 engine with high precision direct injection capable of producing 500 hp and 516 nm torque. It comes wth automatic 6 speed sport transmissions, making it easy and smooth to drive and control the car. The exhaust system uses the double stainless steel tailpipes.

The sedan comes with spoilers on both front and back. There’re engine oil coolers and fresh-air requirements for the transmission, located separately from the main cooler module in order to improve efficiency. The interior part features electronic steering wheel covered in handmade and hand-stitch leather, LCD instrument cluster in black-panel, luxurious wood trim, sunroof, and other regular, standard features. There’re Alpina emblems on the upper seatbacks and on the wood trim, making the car have its own significant identity and style.

BMW Alpina B7 Review is a post from: Automotive News and Review

Upcoming 2011 Volvo S60 Review

The previous S60 from Volvo hasn’t made a good impression. Okay, it’s a safe car, but it’s not attractive at all. But with the upcoming year, it seems that the company has changed its mind and ready to make the new change for its S60 line, creating the image for sporty and luxurious vehicle.

The exterior side shows off body panel with new lines. It has new style for rounded front side and more stylish, with new larger badge from iron put across the range. The central air inlet in the bottom of the car is flanked. There’re two thick designs into the bumper. There’re bold headlights and bold hood with sculpted style, deep into A-pillar. With the new look, it shines the aura of speed and boldness. The sporty look is visible from the short front look and rear look.

The Volvo S60 for European market comes with two choices for chassis; the dynamic and sport. For Asian and American market, the chassis is only standard or up date it to sporty one. The engine is using the D5 diesel with 2.4 liter capacity. The S60 also comes in two electronic safety models of Advanced Stability Control and Corner Traction Control.

Upcoming 2011 Volvo S60 Review is a post from: Automotive News and Review

Upcoming 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Review

With the upcoming 2011, Volkswagen has prepared one of its products to face the competition. The new Jetta has undergone several and quite impressive improvements. Jetta has been known as the best competitors against Corolla, Civic, and Focus, for the last several years. The new Jetta is prepared to be the leader in the competition.

The new Jetta provides wider and more spacious interior room, with less cost. The new price is now reaches $ 16,765, with the S trim design with longer body with additional 2.9-inch size. The new car also weighs 110 pounds less heavy than the previous product.

Consumers get to choose from 4 different engines 115 hp inline four engine for S line and 211 hp inline four engine for GLI line. There are two manual and automatic transmissions. For the GLI line there’ll be 6 speed twin automatic transmissions. The Jetta will come in two models of SEL and TDI, with two volume trims. The SEL is available for 2.5 liter capacity, able to produce 170 hp. While the feature engine for TDI is still unclear and not being announced.

For overall, there’s no clear confirmation from Volkswagen about their new car, but let’s just hope it’ll be a good ride.

Upcoming 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Review is a post from: Automotive News and Review

Tips for Save Driving during Winter

Winter can be a fun season, but it can also causes disaster. There’re many cases of accidents during winter time because of the piling snow. Here’re some tips that might simple but actually very useful and important:

1. Always check your car before leaving

Do detailed check on the battery, tires, windshield, and headlights. Make sure the windshield is clear and clean, the headlights are clear and can work properly, the tires are in good condition – including the spare tire – and you have enough antifreezer.

2. Make sure you have proper items stored in the trunk

Make sure you have enough blanket, first aid kit, spare clothes, and a flashlight along with the batteries. You should have sunglasses too, even goggles if you have one. And never forget to bring along your cell phone.

3. Never speed during winter.

Just take it slow and drive carefully and smoothly. Take the fact that you are going to spend longer time in the road to get to your destination. At least you’ll be safe and arrive in one piece.

4. Don’t ever think about tailgating

You don’t want to involve in series of accidents with series of vehicles, so just wait patiently until it’s safe to pass the car in front of you.

Tips for Save Driving during Winter is a post from: Automotive News and Review