Brief Chevy Camaro History
Origin
Before any official announcement, reports began running in April 1965 within the automotive press that Chevrolet was preparing a competitor to the Ford Mustang, code-named Panther. On June 21, 1966, around 200 automotive journalists received a telegram from General Motors stating, "...Please save noon of June 28 for important SEPAW meeting. Hope you can be on hand to help scratch a cat. Details will follow...(signed) John L. Cutter – Chevrolet Public Relations – SEPAW Secretary." The following day, the same journalists received another General Motors telegram stating, "Society for the Eradication of Panthers from the Automotive World will hold first and last meeting on June 28...(signed) John L. Cutter – Chevrolet Public Relations SEPAW Secretary." These telegrams puzzled the industry.
On June 28, 1966, General Motors held a live press conference in Detroit’s Statler-Hilton Hotel. It would be the first time in history that 14 cities were hooked up in real time for a press conference via telephone lines. Chevrolet General Manager Pete Estes started the news conference stating that all attendees of the conference were charter members of the Society for the Elimination of Panthers from the Automotive World and that this would be the first and last meeting of SEPAW. Estes then announced a new car line, project designation XP-836, with a name that Chevrolet chose in keeping with other car names beginning with the letter C such as the Corvair, Chevelle, Chevy II, and Corvette. He claimed the name, "suggests the comradeship of good friends as a personal car should be to its owner" and that "to us, the name means just what we think the car will do... Go!" The new Camaro name was then unveiled. Automotive press asked Chevrolet product managers, "What is a Camaro?" and were told it was "a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs."
The Camaro was first shown at a press preview in Detroit, Michigan on September 12, 1966 and then later in Los Angeles, California on September 19, 1966. The Camaro officially went on sale in dealerships on September 29, 1966 for the 1967 model year.
First generation
The first-generation Camaro debuted in September 1966, for the 1967 model year, up to 1969 on a new rear-wheel drive GM F-body platform and would be available as a 2-door, 2+2 seating, coupe or convertible with a choice of 250 cu in (4.1 L) inline-6 and 302 cu in (4.9 L), 307 cu in (5.0 L), 327 cu in (5.4 L), 350 cu in (5.7 L), or 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8 powerplants. Concerned with the runaway success of the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet executives realized that their compact sporty car, the Corvair, would not be able to generate the sales volume of the Mustang due to its rear-engine design, as well as declining sales, partly due to bad publicity from Ralph Nader's book, Unsafe at Any Speed. Therefore, the Camaro was touted as having the same conventional rear-drive, front-engine configuration as Mustang and Chevy II Nova. In addition, the Camaro was designed to fit a variety of power plants in the engine bay. The first-generation Camaro would last until the 1969 model year and would eventually inspire the design of the new retro fifth-generation Camaro.
Second generation
Introduced in February 1970, the second generation Camaro would remain in production through 1981. The car was somewhat larger and wider with the new styling, thus resulting in a heavier car. Still based on the F-body platform, the new Camaro was similar to its predecessor, with a unibody structure, front subframe, an A-arm front suspension and leaf springs to control the solid rear axle. The RS, SS and Z28 performance packages remained, though the Z28 received an engine upgrade to the LT-1 350 cu. in. unit; Road & Track magazine picked the 1971 SS350 as one of the ten best cars on the planet in August 1971. 1980 and 1981 Z28's included a rear facing intake, with an intake door that opened under full throttle.
Third generation
The third generation Camaro was produced from 1982 to 1992. These were the first Camaros to offer modern fuel injection, Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4 four-speed automatic transmissions, five speed manual transmissions, 16 inch wheels, a standard 4 cylinder engine and versatile hatchback bodies. The cars were nearly 500 pounds lighter than the long running second generation model. The legendary IROC-Z was introduced in 1985. In 1987, the potent L98 5.7 V-8 engine was available in the Z28, paired with an automatic transmission. The "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" was offered in 1987 and a "25th Anniversary Heritage Package" in 1992. Beginning in 1988, the famed 1LE performance package was introduced, for the street models and for showroom stock racing in the U.S. and Canada. The B4C or "police" package was made available beginning in 1991. This basically created a Z28 in more subtle RS styling.
Fourth generation
The fourth-generation Camaro debuted in 1993 on an updated F-body platform. It retained the same characteristics since its introduction in 1967: a coupe body style with 2+2 seating (with an optional T-top roof) or convertible (introduced in 1994), rear-wheel drive, and a choice of V-6 and V-8 engines. The standard powerplant from 1993-1995 was a 3.4 liter V-6. A more powerful 3.8 liter V-6 was introduced as an option in 1995 and made standard in 1996. The LT1 V-8 engine with 275 bhp, which was introduced in the Corvette in 1992, was standard in the Z28. Optional equipment included all-speed traction control and a new six-speed manual T-56 transmission as opposed to the four-speed automatic 4L60E transmission. Anti-lock brakes were standard equipment on all Camaros. The 1997 model year included a revised interior, and the 1998 models included exterior styling changes, and a switch to GM's aluminum block LS1 used in the Corvette C5. The Camaro remained in production through the 2002 model year, marking 35 years of continuous production. Production of the F-Body platform was stopped due to slowing sales, a deteriorating market for sports coupes, and plant overcapacity.
Fifth generation
Based on the 2006 Camaro Concept and 2007 Camaro Convertible Concept, production of the fifth-generation Camaro was approved on 10 August 2006. Oshawa Car Assembly produces the new Camaro which went on sale in spring of 2009 as a 2010 model year vehicle.
Production began on March 16, 2009. The 2010 Camaro is offered as a coupe only in LS, LT, and SS trim levels. LS and LT models are powered by a 3.6 L (220 cu in) V6 producing 304 hp (227 kW) mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with manual shift. The SS is powered by the 6.2 L (380 cu in) LS3 V8 producing 426 hp (318 kW) and is paired with a 6-speed manual. The automatic SS gets the L99 V8 with 400 hp (300 kW). The RS appearance package is available on both the LT and SS.
Source: Chevy Camaro
Reality Check
A good day could easily be ruined by a discovery that your car's headlights are no longer working. And to make things worse, you're too busy to go to the hardware store because of your work schedule or responsibilities at home.
But then again, what year is it already?!! Reality check - we are already living in a world full of conveniences with just a click of a button. One of the most useful innovations of all time is the internet. And through the internet, we can know almost about anything and the best part is, we can even do shopping. In the comfort of your own home, you can do your personal online shopping for your auto parts. There's no longer the need to drive all the way to the store with broken headlights, silently pray that you'll get there safe and patiently
look for a parking space when you get there. With online shopping, you have hundreds of choices and product descriptions to help you find out what car part is suited for your car. Aside from saving so much time, you also save your self the effort and the pressure of shopping at the store with lots of people waiting in line at the cashier.
Product reviews are also available online so that you'll know which product is the best instead of constantly asking the sales clerk the usual question, “Are you sure this is the right one?” And if still not contented with the reviews, you can even check for further product information. Another advantage of online shopping is that it is available for 24 hours!
No more waiting for the store to open or worrying if the store is already closed. You just sit down, turn on your computer and click the products you want to buy. And they will be delivered right at your doorstep within five days or even less. You can also easily return or cancel a merchandise easily and sometimes, tracking is available so that you'll know order's location before it reaches you.
Of course, online shopping also entails some precautions and responsibilities.First, you must make sure that the online store you are ordering from is areputable one to avoid internet fraud. In order to do this, you must at least do a background checking first. Second, you need to protect your privacy by buying in secure websites only. Third, always remember to keep a copy of your online transactions for future validation purposes. And fourth, be extremely careful when checking delivery receipts because sometimes, errors can not be avoided.
When shopping for auto parts online, buyers should find some features when choosing your online stores. One is that the online store should be honest in providing product information and availability. It must be fast in the processing of orders. The shipping cost and speed should be reasonable enough and also, it should have a clear return/exchange policy to avoid problems and confusions.
If you think you have already accomplished all of the above, then i guess you're ready to shop for auto parts online. Stop worrying about finding the time to replace your broken headlights, just simply order online and enjoy the rest of your time while waiting.
2010 Prius Plug-in Hybrid Debuts at Frankfurt Motor Show
Demonstration Program Begins in U.S. Late 2009
TORRANCE, Calif., September 9, 2009 - - The 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) Concept vehicle will make its world debut next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Based on the third-generation Prius, the PHV Concept expands Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, utilizing first generation lithium-ion battery technology and enabling electric operation at higher speeds and longer distances than conventional hybrids. When fully charged, the vehicle is targeted to achieve an electric-only range of approximately 12 miles and will be capable of achieving highway speeds in electric-only mode. For longer distances, the PHV concept reverts to “hybrid mode” and operates like a regular Prius. This ability to utilize all-electric power for short trips or hybrid power for longer drives alleviates the issue of limited cruising range encountered with pure electric vehicles.
Beginning in late 2009, Toyota will begin global delivery of 500 Prius PHV vehicles. Of this initial fleet, 150 will be placed with select U.S. lease-fleet customers for market and engineering analysis. This program will allow Toyota to gather real world driving feedback and understand customer expectations for plug-in technology. In addition, the program will allow evaluation of the first generation lithium-ion battery’s durability, reliability and performance.
“The greatest hurdle in bringing to market a reliable lithium battery is mass production. We must have a production process that guarantees each battery will be identical in performance and quality,” said Irv Miller, TMS group vice president, environmental and public affairs.
The vehicle’s first-generation lithium-ion battery will be built on a dedicated PEVE (Panasonic EV Energy Company, LTD) assembly line. PEVE is a joint-venture in which Toyota owns 60 percent equity. The first generation lithium-ion batteries were developed in-house by Toyota Research and Development, and a dedicated battery development team is already working on the next battery “beyond lithium.”
The 150 demonstration vehicles will be placed in strategic clusters around the U.S., allowing development of charging infrastructure and communications support for program participants. Each placement scenario will have a variety of ‘use cases’ or driving conditions (ie: commute length, usage type, access to charging) to gain maximum input to vehicle performance and customer needs.
“Although we like to be first to market with these technologies, it’s more important that we are best to market,” said Miller. “This demonstration program will ensure that the vehicles we bring to market will not just meet customer expectations, but exceed them.”
CONTACTS: Toyota Environmental, Safety and Quality Communications
Jana Hartline (310) 468-7977
Amy Taylor (310) 468-6237
John Hanson (310) 468-4718
Resources: www.toyotanewsroom.com
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
To properly review the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, TheCarConnection.com editors drove the full-size SUV multiple times and reviewed a range of articles written on this green hybrid. This combination of internal and external research enabled TheCarConnection.com to provide a conclusive opinion on the SUV that will help you make an informed choice.
Likes:
Inexpensive hybrid upgrade
Powerful acceleration
Drives "normally"--no hybrid quirks
Eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on hybrid batteries
Dislikes:
Third-row seats short on legroom
Hard to access third-row seats
22-inch tires ride roughly
As the fourth variant of the Escalade Hybrid, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid joins the long-wheelbase Escalade EXT, the transforming SUV/pickup Escalade EXT, and the standard-wheelbase Escalade on which the hybrid model is based. For the record, these Cadillacs are all based on the same truck chassis as the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs.
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid isn't easy to distinguish from the standard Escalade at a distance; both offer a crisp exterior style that commands your attention with plenty of chrome. Inside, there's standard seating for eight, although legroom for the third-row seats is compromised because batteries for the hybrid powertrain are located under the second-row seats. The batteries also present an extra obstacle for climbing back to the third row. Front chairs are heated and cooled. Interior build quality and fit/finish on the examples we drove were excellent.
The real story about the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is its advanced two-mode hybrid powertrain that consists of a specific engine and transmission. The all-aluminum 6.0-liter V-8 features Variable Valve Timing and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation). The hybrid electrically variable transmission (co-developed with Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Chrysler) utilizes two electric motor/generators and four fixed-ratio gears. Electricity for the motors is stored in a 300-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack.
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is rated at a very respectable 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque, yet the 6,000-pound-plus vehicle gets EPA ratings of 20 mpg city, 21 mpg highway--that's more than 50 percent better in the city than the standard Escalade's 12 mpg. Acceleration is powerful and immediate, thanks to a high-performance axle ratio that makes up for the 71-horsepower performance differential compared to a standard Escalade's 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8.
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is capable of towing 5,800 pounds, and buyers have a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive, just like with the regular Escalades. On-road performance for this full-size SUV is commendable, but you'll never confuse it with a Chevrolet Corvette from behind the wheel. Brakes are powerful and incorporate a regenerative feature to recapture energy that is sent to the battery pack for latter use. During our tests, the hybrid system routinely moves the Escalade on battery power alone to 25 mph and beyond in eerie EV-mode silence. At higher speeds, the V-8 quietly comes to life and seamlessly adds its power to the mix. The 22-inch wheels on our tester look great, but ride roughly compared to the standard 20-inch wheels and tires.
Controls inside are similar to those of the standard 2009 Escalade, and they work competently, without requiring extensive training or frequent trips to the owner's manual. The Cadillac's touch-screen center stacks earn kudos as one of the easiest and most logical to operate. The system's ability to save favorite tuning presets regardless of frequency (AM, FM, or XM Satellite Radio) makes perfect sense with the way people use the radio.
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid provides a full complement of safety features, including head-curtain side airbags covering all three rows, in addition to front side airbags. The StabiliTrak stability control system includes rollover mitigation to help avoid situations that might lead to a rollover. On that note, the Escalade gets a low three-star rating for rollover likelihood from the federal government (largely for its high center of mass), but the Escalade earns top five-star ratings in the tests for frontal and side crash protection.
Showing that environmentally conscious drivers need not be without their luxuries, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid also includes tri-zone climate control, power-adjustable pedals, a magnificent-sounding Bose digital sound system, eight-inch touch-screen navigation system, rear-seat audio jacks, and power-actuated running boards.
The Bottom Line: The 2009 Escalade Hybrid sacrifices no performance, capability, or luxury, yet it uses a fraction of the fuel.
Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, also consider:
- Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
- Chrysler Aspen Hybrid
- Lexus RX450h
- Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec
Reason Why:
When it comes to full-size hybrids, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid stands alone. It's not advertising hype to say that it's the only one of its class. Make some calls to Chrysler dealerships and you might be able to find an Aspen Hybrid, a vehicle that shares the same hybrid transmission used in the Cadillac. The Aspen is out of production now and just a few Hybrids were made, but it's a more affordable alternative to the Escalade Hybrid. Another choice is the all-new 2010 Lexus RX 450h. The RX 450h is a full hybrid that delivers more economy gains in city driving, but while luxurious and green, it lacks the Cadillac's bling factor and street presence. Two new clean-diesel options in the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and Audi Q7 are compelling alternatives for those who want to use less fuel; both promise strong towing capability and especially good highway fuel economy, without the clatter and smoke of previous diesels.
Buying Tip
Cadillac expects just 20 percent of 2009 Escalade sales to be hybrid models, so they might actually be a bit hard to find at the dealership. Given that this full-size SUV consumes about the same fuel as most compact SUVs or mid-size sedans and is priced only modestly higher than the standard model, the question should be, "Why not a Hybrid?"
| Permalink:2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid |  |
Toyota Fact Finder
By: Ben Wilson
One of the biggest car manufacturers in the world is Toyota, superseded only by General Motors. Toyota has high hopes of becoming the largest car maker in the world by 2010, which, considering it is one of the most profitable companies in the world, is a reasonable aim.
Toyota made 9.5 million cars in 2007 alone, with success being pinned to the fact that cars are produced in the country where they are sold. This has led to a global enterprise, with Toyota’s production spanning six continents, with a work force of quarter of a million people, and selling within 160 different markets across the globe.
Toyota history
Toyota was actually the result of the Toyota Spinning and Weaving Company, set up by Sakichi Toyoda in 1918. He invented the first automatic loom, for which he sold the patent and gave the money to his son. His son, Kiichiro, invested it into automotive technology and in 1936 the Toyota AA hit the market, with the 100,000th vehicle being built 11 years later. Toyota cars came to Europe in 1962, with production surpassing the one million mark. Fast forward a couple of decades to 1986, and 50 million Toyotas had been produced. A few years later, Toyota set up manufacturing in Britain with an engine manufacturing plant in Wales and a factory in Derbyshire where cars are produced.
Toyota Facts
Type: Public (Xetra: NSU)
Founded: 1937
Founder: Kiichiro Toyoda
Headquarters: Toyota, Aichi, Nagoya and Tokyo, Japan
Key People: Kiichiro Toyoda (Founder), Fujio Cho (Chairman and Representative Director)
Industry: Automotive
Products: Vehicles
Subsidiaries: 522 companies
Toyota Featured Models
TOYOTA CELICA – launched in 1970 and discontinued in 2005, this means “heavenly” and is the name given to a series of popular coupés.
TOYOTA COROLLA – put on the market in 1966, the tenth generation of this car was launched in 2006. At least 30 million Corollas have been sold, but it hasn’t been sold in the UK since February 2007 when the Auris took its place.
TOYOTA HILUX – first reaching the market in 1969 to replace the Stout, this Toyota model is a compact pick up truck.
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER – this first appeared in 1954, and has since reached its ninth generation. A four wheel drive, it is renowned for getting close to the off road capabilities of the Range Rover.
TOYOTA MR2 – a two seater sports car with mid engine and rear wheel drive, made from 1984 to 2007.
TOYOTA RAV4 –first manufactured in 1994, now in its third generation, this is a compact SUV.
TOYOTA SUPRA – made between 1979 and 2002, this is a full sized sports car, modelled on the Toyota Celica, but with more powerful engines.
TOYOTA YARIS – now in its second generation, this is a small hatchback city car that first came on the market in 1999.
Toyota – did you know?
Approximately 70 per cent of Toyota cars produced in the UK are exported to Europe, and 15 per cent to another 70 countries worldwide.
The surname of the founder was actually Toyoda but it got changed to Toyota as, according to Japanese superstition, this is luckier.
Shoichiro Toyoda – a member of the founding family – was inducted into the USA’s Automotive Hall of Fame in 2007.
In 2001, the first Toyota to be awarded European Car of the Year was the Yaris, followed by the Prius in 2005.
Toyota has a subsidiary called Lexus, which owns Daihatsu as well, and a US one called Scion which aims its cars at young drivers.
Toyota – where to buy?
Auto Trader is a UK base website where you will find a wide range of new and used Toyota models, and more information about this car.
Author Resource:-> Ben T Wilson writes for http://cars.autotrader.co.uk
Article From Ezine Magic
Toyota Highlander Hybrid – Breaking the Barriers
By: William Hauselburg
With great fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness the hybrid vehicles are slowly gaining popularity worldwide. The limited choice of hybrid options keep these vehicles with hefty price tags. Though these hybrid vehicles are costlier than the conventional ones, they are far more beneficial. The true fact is that it is worth to spend some extra cash in buying hybrid vehicles as you will be able to save a great deal of money in a long run. For example, the hybrid vehicles use fossil fuels and also give you great mileage. Hence you can save your money spent in filling gas to your vehicle. Toyota is a well known manufacture of hybrid vehicles. Recently Toyota launched a new SUV named “Highlander Hybrid” (New version of 08 Highlander Hybrid) with many advancements. The 2009 Highlander Hybrid seems to break all the limitations of the other hybrid SUVs available out there.
Highlander Hybrid – Power Unleashed
The Highlander Hybrid has proven that the hybrid vehicles needn’t be underpowered. The hybrid VVT-i V6, 24 valve engine delivers unmatched power to the Highlander. A test run of the Highlander hybrid proved to generate 208 hp at 5600 rpm, which most of the hybrid SUVs available today failed to deliver. The Highlander Hybrid was also able to develop a maximum torque of 247 lb.-ft. at 0-1500 rpm. Surprisingly, this powerful monster is easy to control. The power assisted disc brakes with ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution- only available in 09 Highlander) will offer great control even in the roughest terrains.
Unmatched Safety
Toyota has been providing ultimate safety features in all their vehicles. The Highlander Hybrid is no exemption. Toyota has included some of the best modern safety features in the Highlander Hybrid. Toyota refers the safety system of the Highlander hybrid as “Star Safety System” which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control with a cutoff switch. As the Highlander is an SUV that has to be driven in rough terrains, it is equipped with the latest sophisticated traction control (TRAC). The Highlander Hybrid is also equipped with the regular safety features like airbags, side impact door beams and a collapsible steering wheel. The combination of “hill start assist control (HAC)” and “downhill assist control” makes the Highlander to be driven with ease in steep hills. With HAC “on”, even rookie SUV enthusiasts can drive the Highlander Hybrid in steep hills without backward rolling.
Great Looks
The 09 Highlander Hybrid grabs the attention of people with the multi-reflector halogen headlamps and the shiny unique hybrid grille with chrome surround. Toyota has thrown some eye candy to the door handles with a layer of chrome. The UV reduction windshield looks very classy. If you want to get the envy of other SUV owners you can opt for 19-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with silver-painted accents which will add more beauty to the Highlander hybrid.
Buying the Highlander Hybrid
Alright, now we are sure that you will be eager to have a look or even buy the Highlander Hybrid. The only authorized seller of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid in the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area is “Greensburg Toyota”. So what are you waiting for? Grab the keys of this unique SUV and experience the power along with becoming environmentally responsible.
Author Resource:-> Toyota Greensburg provides Highlander Hybrid cars that are recognized as environment friendly and fuel efficient. The EPA and the US Department of Energy recognizes the Greensburg Toyota having the best gas mileage of any car on the market in the 2009 Fuel Economy Guide.
Types of Alternative Fuel Vehicles
By: Guile Canencia
In recent years, a lot of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) have emerged. What are these types? How do they work? Are they any good? Here’s an introductory look at the types of AFVs existing today.
As the new millennium begins, people have never been so eco conscious. In recent years, the imminent threat of global warming has compelled us to re consider how we do and make things. This is most especially true when it comes to our daily means of transport — the car — which unfortunately, ranks among the major contributors of air pollution (and noise pollution) in the world. Thankfully, scientists are continuing to explore new ways to address this. One of these is the use of alternative fuel vehicles (AFV).
An AFV is any vehicle that doesn’t run on petrol or diesel fuel, although a car can be considered an AFV if it doesn’t rely exclusively on petroleum to function (like hybrid cars, which rely on petrol fuel and electricity). What are the different kinds of AFV? Let’s find out.
Hybrids. Hybrids use both gasoline and electricity to run. These vehicles normally feature an internal combustion engine and a battery pack which combine to give the vehicle its propulsion power. Hybrid cars have gained popularity over the years — the most common examples are the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight.
Battery Electric Vehicles. As its name applies, a BEV depends on the power of its battery pack. BEVs are among the cleanest vehicles because they don’t produce any carbon emission at all. Battery types may include nickel cadmium, lithium ion, zinc air or lead acid batteries.
Biofuel Cars. Bioalcohol (or Ethanol) and Biodiesel are two types of biofuels that can be used on automobiles. There are still biofuel cars available today but most prefer the flexible fuel vehicle.
Flexible fuel Vehicles. With FFVs, you can use more than one type of alternative fuel. This is possible through the use of a multifuel engine which allows you to mix certain alternative fuels in the tank and is combusted as one. These cars are mostly found in the US and South America.
“Gas” Powered Cars. Certain types of AFVs also run using compressed natural gas, biogas, liquid petroleum gas (or autogas), nitrogen gas, propane and hydrogen. Usually, these cars are your standard petroleum using vehicles whose engines are modified to burn the alternative gaseous fuels.
The Solar Car. Solar cars use solar panels in order to harness the power of the sun. This type of AFV has been around for decades but unfortunately, no practical prototype has been developed yet for the masses. Nevertheless, countless solar car contests and races are being held every year and participated in by schools and universities all over the world.
AFVs may be environment friendly but it has its disadvantages, too. AFVs are still a bit more expensive than the usual cars in the market and the availability of alternative fuels is still very limited. But still, the future promises more developments, new possibilities. Who knows? The first commercially successful AFV may just be around the corner.
Author Resource:-> Guile Canencia is a writer and researcher for the IBC Japan Team. He is an avid blogger & likes to play soccer on weekends. IBC Japan specializes in exporting used cars from Japan w/ regional distribution centers worldwide. Visit http://www.ibcjapan.co.jp and http://www.autoterminal.com for details.
Article From Ezine Magic
How to Service a Car
By: Sam Read
Car servicing is something that every auto owner has to indulge in at least some time of the year. The best method to service your car is to go to your car service station and have the servicing done methodically; according to your car maker. Consider this. You car is up and running smoothly but the mileage figures show that you need to have it serviced. Certainly, this is the right thing to do but have you wondered what actually goes in to make you pay that servicing bill every 6 months?
Servicing your car is a simple DIY job that you can learn quickly and easily save some good money.
If you have never serviced your car before personally, here’s your resource
Servicing Basics
Car servicing essentially means inspecting the car thoroughly for any damaged components, and replacing some parts periodically that wear out over time. The parts that require inspection are the tire pressures, the brake fluid levels, air filters, oil filters, spark plugs, wheel balancing and alignment, battery fluid levels, etc.
If you review carefully it is certainly possible to do all this by yourself, as below
You will need a complete car tool kit as provided by your car maker when you purchased the vehicle. This will usually consist of all the spanners that you might need.
The correct grade engine oil. Engine oil needs to be replaced every 5000 miles (This figure will change as per the car type and make. Check your car manual for your car.) The type and grade of oil required for your car can be found in your car manual.
To get started, a typical car servicing will involve the following steps
• Hosting your car up to check the underbody. This can be done on a ramp or using a jack. A quick inspection of the underbody will let you know if there is any damage.
• When you are done with this, you will now need to replace the engine oil. Always remember that the engine oil should never be checked or replaced while the engine is running. To proceed, you will need to unscrew a bolt that is just below the engine oil chamber and drain the oil in to a pan. When all the oil has been drained you will need to screw the nut back in tightly. You can also change the oil filter and it is usually just adjacent to the oil chamber. Use the correct type and size as specified for your car.
• You can lower the car now and fill the new engine oil. Be sure that you do not pour excess oil over the dipstick mark as this is going to be very difficult to drain off. Wait patiently for the oil levels to settle.
• The other things you will need to check include the spark plugs. Spark plugs need to be cleaned periodically. Unscrew the spark plugs from the engine and clean them with a soft cloth. You will need to shine the plug contact points using sandpaper. Fit them back in, and now check out the air filter. Cleaning the air filter is easy and you can use your vacuum cleaner to do the job.
• You will also need to check out the suspension. Bump the car and observe how long it takes to settle. Ideally this will take no more than 3 bumps. Also check out for any spills, or leaks coming out of the shock absorbers.
• Now you will need to check out levels of brake fluids and top them up if necessary. Also, inspect the brake shoe condition by removing the wheel and inspecting the braking unit. If worn out, you can easily change them on your own.
With this done you are completed with the major servicing part of the car. The remaining things include oiling your doors and the hinges, checking if your lights are working, testing if your seatbelts are working, and measuring the tire pressures (front and rear).
This might seem a long list to do but if you observe a typical car servicing process you will understand the nuances within no time. An easy way to proceed is by creating a check list for the different things will need to do. This way you can be sure of not missing out on any parts that need to be serviced.
Completely servicing your car will need a few hours but you will end up saving a lot of money. Besides, it’s fun too and a lot of learning.
Author Resource:-> This article was written by Sam Read. You can read other great articles at http://www.joompop.com/how-to-paint-a-car.htmlhow to paint a car
Article From Ezine Magic
Toyota Supra Mark II
Author: Jessica Whittaker
The Toyota Supra Mark II was the eventual successor to the first generation of the Supra, and this second generation ran from 1982-1986 with a host of improvements and modifications than its predecessor, but also went through a lot of changes over its four year run as well. The Mark II was assembled in Japan, and this was another model that had the direct link with the Toyota 2000GT, especially with its engine. The sportscar was also known as Celica XX or Celica Supra MK II in some parts of the world, and it was based on a MA6x platform.
The fastback car has a 2+2 design with differences in the front look of the car, as well as the introduction of the retractable headlamps, and there was also an increase in wheelbase and length to accommodate its larger engine. The overall dimension of the car includes a wheelbase of 2613.7mm, a length of 4660.9mm, a width of 1719.6mm, a height of 1320.8mm, and a curb weight of 3000lbs. The Supra was also distinguishable in some places by the use of the performance class (P-type) or the luxury class (L-type), where mechanically they were the same but aesthetics, technology, and size differed over the years. The first year of production saw the Supra with the 2.8 litre (2759cc) 12 valve with 2 valves per cylinder DOHC 5M-GE engine that outputted 145bhp (108kW) of horsepower and 210Nm (155ft-lb) of torque.
The compression ratio measured 8.8:1 and had a vacuum advanced distributor, resulting in 0-60mph in 9.8 seconds and the quarter mile in 17.2 seconds. The Supra also featured four wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts at the front and semi-trailing arm suspension with stabilizer bar and coil springs at the rear. The transmission was W58 five speed manual or A43DL four speed automatic with overdrive gear and locking torque converter, and the brakes consisted of four wheel disc brakes.
For the second year of production the only changes were in the horsepower to 150bhp (112kW) and the torque to 216Nm (159ft-lbs), as the increase came from the altered gear ratios and the new transmission of A43DE four speed. The new transmission was the first to feature "Electronically Controlled Transmission" ECT, allowing the driver to choose between "power" and "Normal" driving modes by the touch of a button. The third year saw quite a lot of changes for the five speed transmission Supra MK II as performance increased yet again to 160bhp (119kW) and a torque of 221Nm (163ft-lb), through redesigning the intake manifold with "D" shaped intake runners and increasing the compression to 9.2:1.
The exterior got wrap around turn signals, and the interior aesthetics were changed to a new look.
The last two years saw the Supra being altered greatly again, as both manual and automatic cars got a performance increase of 161bhp (120kW) with a torque of 229Nm (169ft-lb), as the engine got a redesigned throttle position sensor (TPS), a knock sensor, and an EGR system. The increase in power results in a 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds, and the quarter mile in 16.1 seconds at a top speed of 85mph (137km/h). The other changes occurred to the overall looks and interior amenities of the car.
The second generation of an iconic car was very successful in the US as it won awards for "Import Car of the Year by Motor Trend", and made "Car and Driver" magazine's "Top Ten Best List" for both 1983 and 1984.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/toyota-supra-mark-ii-444488.html
About the Author:
Visit us at supercars">http://www.supercars.dk" >supercars. Please make sure to visit our page about Toyota Supra
Toyota Supra Mark III
Author: Jessica Whittaker
The Toyota Supra Mark III and was the last model to be directly based on the Toyota 2000GT's engine, and this generation ran from mid 1986-1992, an it was at that time the longest running production period for the Supra line with approximately seven successful years. This model also marked the total independence of the Supra line from the Celica attributes and name, as the 2+2 fastback became its own entity. It also debuted its very own engine platform, and also kept the rear wheel drive platform, as the dimensions of the car consisted of a wheelbase of 2595.9mm, a length of 4620mm, a width of 1744.9mm, a height of 1310mm, and a curb weight of 3468lbs, with the four speed automatic having a weight of 3516lbs.
The engine of the new Supra was 3.0 litre Inline 6 that was naturally aspirated and had a horsepower of 200bhp (149kW) and a torque of 265Nm (196ft-lb). This engine became the flagship engine for Toyota at the time, but in 1987 a turbocharged 7M-GTE engine was introduced and both engines had DOHC with four valves per cylinder. The C T26 turbocharger engine was Toyota's very first engine without a distributor, which utilized coil packs on cam covers and a cam position sensor just off the exhaust camshaft. The power output measured 230bhp (172kW) at 5600rpm, but with later improvements to the turbo through the revamped wastegate, pushed the performance to 2bhp more in 1989. The naturally aspirated engine came with W58 manual transmission, whereas the turbo engine has R154 manual gearbox. During this year a number of visual parts got a makeover with the bumpers, steering wheel, side trimmings, and taillights, among other things. Further changes to the wastegate on the turbo engine again increased to 2bhp (1kw) more.
In the production year 1991, the car got a five spoke wheel design where both car models (turbo and non-turbo) had 16 x 7 aluminum alloy wheels that were wrapped in 225/50/16 tyres, and it was the last Supra year for the hood struts as well. And like the prior generations the status and features of the cars changed from place to place, as the Japanese non- export models carried much faster sporting engine that pumped out 280bhp (209kW). The Japanese model of the Supra MK III, the Turbo R, was the fastest and sportiest factory version of the car as it clocked 14 seconds on the quarter mile.
The Supra Mark III showed of a lot of interior and mechanical technologies, such as Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension (TEMS) that gave the driver two settings that altered the damper rates, but a third setting was automatically activated at hard braking, high speed maneuvering, and WOT. Another innovative feature was the four channel ABS system, as well as the Acoustic Controlled induction System (ACIS), which is a way of managing the air compression pulses within the intake piping as to increase power. All models that year were outfitted with wishbone suspension all round and also came with the option of metal power sliding sunroof and a targa top.
There was also the creation of the Group A touring model known as the Turbo A, and 500 models were produced and sold within Japan in 1988. The Supra third generation had a long successful run world over, and bowed out in 1992 for the Mark IV.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/toyota-supra-mark-iii-444492.html
About the Author:
Visit us at supercars">http://www.supercars.dk" >supercars. Please make sure to visit our page about Toyota Supra
