2011 Detroit: our take on the Good, Bad And Ugly From this year’s show

This yea Chrysler’s display is bright, full of new 300s, Dodge Chargers, Jeep Grand Cherokees, plus facelifted Chrysler Town & Countrys, and Sebrings magically turned into relatively tasteful 200s. Those 200s are short-timers, designed to help Chrysler’s midsize lineup limp along for another couple of years.

Amidst all the glowing bright lights. No, the paucity of concepts isn’t the sobriety of an auto industry that only wants to show realistic, near-production cars. The “dream” cars will be back in a year or two. This is the budget-cut hangover. 

Nevertheless, there’s plenty of reality and near-reality to love and hate at this year’s show. 

Most obvious best of this or any show, ever:

Porsche 918 RSR. It’s feel-good, relatively guilt-free speed courtesy a hybrid mid-engine 3.4-liter V-8 with an electric flywheel, producing 563 horsepower at 10,300 rpm until the driver pushes the KERs button for a 204-horsepower kick. With its carbon-fiber reinforced monocoque.

 est concept, by default:

  Actually, it’s both, a preview of the 2013 Ford Escape/next Kuga. It’s a stylish crossover that will be available with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four. Pay no attention to the very car-showy interior.

It was the best of reveals, it was the worst of reveals:

Frank Markus gives it two big thumbs up. Ed Loh calls it the “vomit toaster.” Jonny Lieberman is ambivalent, though slightly positive. Angus MacKenzie is largely ambivalent. Mike Floyd is ambivalent. Kirill Ougarov likes it. Scott Evans is indifferent. Mike Febbo doesn’t care, much. I think it’s the world’s best Saturn Ion, though that’s not nearly as negative as it sounds. It’s arguably the most interesting design here, and would have made a great, funky two-door coupe. Having two different b-pillars makes it that much more interesting, and it’s a very light, affordable little car with an optional twin-clutch transmission.

Concept most overwhelmed by another production model on the same stand:

Hyundai Curb. Looks like a 13/10ths scale Scion iQ. Nobody paid attention, because the Veloster looked like Hyundai’s concept.

Best killer app:

 Angus figures with a 43-mpg (highway) TDI option and best-in-class rear legroom, this is the midsize sedan for which middle-America has been waiting. Of course, the TDI is a long way from being the $20,000 base version. To me, sitting in the back seat feels like being in a de-contented Phaeton, which is not at all a bad thing. The question is, what if the market is about to revert to smaller c/d-size, with four-bangers only, again?

Biggest disappointment:

Did it give up the Civic’s proclivity for TARDIS-like big inside/small outside design, what with the deep-draw shoulder-line that makes it easy to distinguish from the 2006-11 Civic?

Jonny Lieberman’s Worst in Show:

 It’s worth it for the shorter name, alone. “One hell of a fine car (probably),” he says, “but wrapped in a tragic body kit. The front end looks like something your neighbor’s kid might graft onto the front of an Accord. From the side, the sills appear like they’re drooping, with the lowest part under the driver’s knees. The rear’s no peach, either, with odd slits cut into the bumper and strange flairs molded above the exhaust tips.

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The hunchback Of nordschleife, deutschland

From the grave “It’s not a Porsche,” to the grade school, “It’s really ugly,” insults come from all angles, aimed squarely at its hunchback. You won’t find me among the critics, because to define this car by its styling is to mock Apollo 11 for having food that isn’t particularly good.

I recently spent a week in a V-6 Panamera, facing both clear skies and a deluge that smothered Los Angeles. The verdict? It is a truly wonderful car.

 Handling is doubly impressive: Our tester generated a 0.99 g average around the skidpad. Its best, 25.0-sec Figure Eight lap time slots between the last M3 Competition package and C63 AMG we tested. Yet, lap times don’t explain the thrill of driving. Through light, sensitive steering, a telepathic twin-clutch gearbox, and an eager chassis, the Panamera evokes joy and a sense of responsiveness that may fall short of Boxster levels. 

Rain-fearing traffic may slow down, but the Porsche effortlessly negotiates bends, potholes, and the ever-present hydroplaning ne’er-do-well. And it will do so carrying four passengers and their cargo in comfort. Or Fido — those rear seats fold flat. Check out your window if you ever fly into Frankfurt International and you’ll see a fleet of black Panamanians pulling Benz S-Class duties.

Over dinner, they discussed art, namely, the importance of the third dimension that Alexander Calder brought to abstractionism — the very same Calder that BMW commissioned to create its first Art Car, a 3.0 CSL. The topic then turned to the Panamera and — shock — they admired its “interesting” shape. 

But so would a Leatherman; you don’t wield a fashion accessory. And yet this experience with my relatives leads me to believe that, by itself, the Panamera will only find criticism from cynics and so-called enthusiasts who carry some imaginary vested interest in the brand. 

Lest we forget, Porsche’s history revolves around this established hive mind hating whatever new vehicle it makes.

If the worst thing the Panamera does is offend your fragile aesthetic sensibilities, then it’s off to an amazing start. We will one day realize this and look at it with fondness.  Porsche’s hunchback will garner the respect and admiration it so rightfully deserves.

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Escalading the segment: Ca to Az in a Qx

Escalading the Segment: CA to AZ in a QX

The only time I had spent with Infiniti’s second-generation QX56 was during our 2011 Sport/Utility of the Year competition, in which the Nissan Patrol-based behemoth impressed me and every other editor with its athletic dynamics, advanced technology, and luxurious cabin. Still, a couple hours with a vehicle is a far cry from spending a couple weeks with one. So when I had the opportunity to sign-out our long-term QX56 for an extended period, I didn’t hesitate.

Arriving at the Hotel Valley Ho

For the holidays, my wife and I went to her folks’ house in Gold Canyon, Arizona, about 450 miles from our abode in Southern California. But before departing the surprisingly wet and cold confines of SoCal, where five straight days of rain wreaked flood and mudslide havoc, I first needed to get the QX’s windshield replaced, as it had turned a small rock chip into Charlotte’s Web. With 7500 miles on the odometer, the QX was also due for its initial maintenance, so I figured I’d have that done as well.

A Radio Flyer wagon filled with gifts, a couple messenger bags – I quickly realized that the big Infiniti offers plenty of room for most families’ needs – up to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, in fact. I also realized that the QX’s power-folding third row is painfully slow, taking 20 seconds to raise or lower. That doesn’t sound like a lot of time, but when you’re holding down a button with one hand (it’s not one-touch) and carrying a screaming toddler with the other, it feels like a proverbial lifetime. What I would love to see in the QX is a manual one-pull release leash a la the Nissan Quest LE minivan.

For Around View, just hit the “Camera” button.

Traveling on Interstate 10 in the middle of the night (my wife and I chose this timeframe to allow our 19-month-old son to sleep; naturally, he chose to stay awake for five of the seven hours), I learned right away that the QX’s Xenon headlamps are truly spectacular. I can’t recall a vehicle whose lights – halogen, Xenon, LED, whatever – offered better coverage, intensity, or range. Perched up high, looking down upon a white-light net the size of a Little League field, I felt like I could have safely driven through a black hole.

In addition to the enlightening headlamps, the QX delivered a surprisingly quiet, luxury-car ride on the highway. For a vehicle of this mass, I was amazed at how serene the QX’s cabin remained. Even when traveling 80 mph, with strong desert crosswinds ripping over the hood, the QX just cruised along in total tranquility. Given the QX’s truck-based roots and large 22-inch wheels, I would have thought the ride would beat up the family. Negative. The fact that the QX was so quiet and smooth likely kept my son awake – some constant bumps and white noise would have no doubt knocked him out.

I found the QX’s so-called intelligent cruise control to be aptly named, proving a smart co-driver on the interstate. Working the ICC was as simple as using a button and toggle switch on the steering wheel to set a desired speed. From there, I just left it up to the laser-based system to maintain a comfortable distance (adjustable via the toggle) to the car ahead. For hours of highway cruising, I never had to touch the throttle or brake – the ICC did all the work for me. Knowing that I’d have to give up the QX in about 13 days, I began to wonder if I could live without such a convenience.

which includes traffic and weather updates as well as posted speed limits – the last is handy when setting the ICC. The 8-inch WVGA screen is clear and vivid, and even offers touch control, although I preferred to use the rotary knob and control buttons to avoid ugly fingerprints on the screen. Plus, keeping the screen clean helps when using the Infiniti’s always-awesome Around View monitor. In a rig of the QX’s size, AV is a technology I would not want to live without. Because it’s impossible to see the corners of the vehicle, AV provides an invaluable bird’s-eye view, incredibly handy for parking, reversing, or maneuvering through a tight spot. And operating AV couldn’t be easier – just hit the “Camera” button on the dash and, voilà, a 360-degree overhead view of the car.

That range, as I found out, is quite optimistic. Over 1500 miles of driving, most of which was highway, I averaged 16.5 mpg — that equates to a range of around 430 miles. Indeed, the QX’s on-board computer was often the bearer of bad news, displaying a range that seemed to drop quicker than a skydiver. After loading the QX full of sleeping baby and gear, I was hoping to make it the whole way home without stopping. Following a fill up (usually around $70), I was encouraged, the computer telling me, “Range: 488 miles.

I must say my only nits to pick are the snail’s-pace power third row and the somewhat disappointing cruising range. And the latter, mind you, isn’t even that bad, about on par with that of its competitorS.

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curbside classic: Gm’s Greatest hits #2 – 1954 Cadillac series 62 sedan

Trying to pick the best Cadillac is an exercise in futility, or even worse, masochism. I’ve obsessed over the brand since my earliest encounter with one, and have repeatedly played the game of which vintage Cadillac I’d like to have in my garage. That imaginary Caddy has been a notorious shape-shifter, but in the end it settles down to a battle between the 1948-1949 fastback coupe or one of these ’54 – ’56 sedans. And why does the more dramatic (and highly collectible) coupe lose: because of Mrs. Welch.

In 1963, I was in fifth grade, and obsessed with cars. Cars from the mid-fifties already seemed quaint and old-fashioned, given the rapid styling changes that had occurred in the previous years. My favorite cars that year were the Riviera and the Grand Prix. But whenever I saw Mrs. Welch’s baby blue ’54 Caddy gently burbling down the street towards Lincoln School, my heart jumped a bit, and my pace quickened.

Initially, it was by association: Mrs. Welch was a substitute teacher, who we saw more than usual that year due to our sickly regular one. And did I love every bit of her, and believe me, there was a lot of Mrs. Welch to love. She was built just like her Caddy: big, brawny, and bulging. Not in an overtly sexy way, but dripping with self-confidence and totally comfortable in her (ample) skin. That made her attractive in a way I wasn’t yet used to. And she completely spoiled us.

She couldn’t be bothered with a lesson plan; or pretty much any formal academics at all. I just remember her reading Pecos Bill books to us for hours on end: my idea of school heaven. But that wasn’t all: one day she decided to take us on a field trip to her farm. A couple of Moms showed up with wagons, but I was on the short list for the big Caddy, and it was a deeply memorable experience.

It was like being invited into her bedroom, to sit on her big soft bed, and have her read Pecos Bill to me in private. I just can’t think of another car ride where I felt more secure and happy: this was the ultimate cocoon with which to insulate oneself from life’s troubles. These Caddys truly live up to that overused word “tank”; they simply exude solidity and security. From the thick gauge of steel of their bodies, the solid chromed castings used for levers, handles and trim on the inside, to the tall and sturdy sofas standing in for seats. Eminently comfortable, even for a dozen fifth graders.

The biggest mistake Detroit made was to make their subsequent big cars lower and longer. This vintage Caddy is just right: very little front overhang, not too much in the back. Most of all, it was still tall, with the kind of upright seating position and easy of entry/exit that quickly deteriorated with the next generation, and kept getting worse. Not to mention the highly questionable tacky styling of the late fifties.

No wonder SUVs replaced the big cars. And although some details of the styling can be questioned, they had an integrity and relatively cleanness that withstood the test of time. Yes, the front end with its “Dagmar” tits was baroque, but not yet downright kitschy. And it was the last time that big rounded booty would be there in its natural state, before it was adulterated with ridiculous pointy protuberances.

That vent is the air intake for the huge air conditioning plant that sits in the trunk, under the rear window. If you look carefully, you can see the outlet, and a plexiglass duct that feeds the cold air to vents in the ceiling above the windows. These were expensive options.

She just wouldn’t have looked (or felt) right in a little Monza, Falcon or Chevy II, like the other teachers drove. And if Pecos Bill had driven a car, it would have been one of these too, a rag top though, with steer horns on the front. These cars epitomized the American confidence to take on anything that life could dish out in the mid fifties, even a bunch of fifth graders.

just the right balance of delicacy mixed with a hint of the power that murmured deep under the hood. The fifties were the great horsepower war years for the premium brands, when Cadillac, Lincoln and Imperial duked it out, upping the ante each year. Cadillac’s superb V8 started out with 160 hp in 1949. But between 1951 and 1957, it more than doubled in its output, to 325 hp.

In 1954, this Caddy offered a combination of comfort, power and features unparalleled in the world. That its price of $3933 ($31k adjusted) made it available to an increasingly large segment of America’s population was simply inconceivable to Europeans at the time. Especially to a simple Iowa farmer’s wife who substitute taught to bring in a little extra income.

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Xplore adventure series Vehicles Want You To See Our national parks

Xplore Adventure Series FJ Cruiser – Click above for high-res image gallery

 One company wants you to get out there and explore them. We saw its first creation, the Xplore Adventure Series FJ Cruiser, at last year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas. That vehicle is going to be auctioned off and the proceeds donated to the National Parks Foundation.

 

 Stage two upgrades feature BFGoodrich off-road tires, aluminum wheels, Bilstein shocks and a Magnaflow stainless-steel cat-back exhaust. If you want to push further into the woods, Stage three bolts on winches, a roof rack, rock rails, a rooftop tent and upgraded lighting. There’s also a built-to-order Stage 4 for Jeep and Toyota vehicles, which brings builder TLC into the mix and adds custom paint choices as well as electronic upgrades and expedition-level equipment

               XPLORE ADVENTURE SERIES VEHICLES SUPPORT OUR NATIONAL PARKS

The National Parks are one of America’s greatest treasures and a new line of adventure vehicles now gives you and your family another reason to support and enjoy a vacation this year to your favorite National Parks.

XPLORE Adventure Series vehicles will be available at your local new car dealers beginning in January 2011 and each one sold delivers a donation to the National Park Foundation for our National Parks.

“Venchurs is pleased to introduce the XPLORE Adventure Series line of specialty vehicles for all major brands of vehicles”, states Jeff Wyatt, CEO of Venchurs. “It is a privilege to be able to support our National Parks and the automotive new car and Aftermarket communities, with a program that serves America’s need for exciting vehicles.

XPLORE Adventure Series vehicles are available in four packages featuring increasing levels of equipment and capability. XPLORE Stage 1 Vehicle Packages featuring Katzkin leather interiors are available for Toyota, Jeep, Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

XPLORE Stage 2 Vehicle Packages for select SUVs and trucks include, BFG off-road tires, Method aluminum wheels, Bilstein 5100 Series shocks, Magnaflow stainless steel cat-back exhaust and optional XPLORE/Katzkin leather and suede seats.

XPLORE has partnered with TLC to offer Build-To-Order Stage 4 Toyotas and Jeeps with a multitude of custom personalized options including special paint, electronics and expedition-grade upfits.

Each XPLORE vehicle comes with a free, one-year Annual Pass to over 52 National Parks and other Federal lands. New owners receive a one-year membership in XPLORE CLUB and a subscription to XPLORE Lifestyle Journal; a high-quality quarterly featuring amazing places to go, fun things to do and interesting people.

“Xplore vehicles are designed to deliver adventure for enthusiasts and families” quotes Ron Flint, XPLORE Program Director.

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Florida’s Deadly Hit-and-Run Problem

Florida ranks as the top state for pedestrian-vehicle collisions, according to Transportation for America, a nonprofit safety organization. Southern Florida frequently has the most hit-and-run fatalities.

Florida also has the four most dangerous metropolitan areas in the nation. Orlando, Tampa, Miami and Jacksonville beat out other sprawl-happy cities like Atlanta and Houston.

The TFA says the culprit lies with thoughtless urban and suburban sprawl that puts an emphasis on roadways at the expense of sidewalks, bike lanes and public transit. The study points out that 1.5% of federal transportation safety spending goes to projects like sidewalks that benefit pedestrians, yet pedestrians and cyclists account for 13% of U.S. traffic deaths.

The study suggests that states like Florida should focus on building “complete streets” with sidewalks and bike lanes included in the design. States should also invest in public transportation that takes cars off the road and offers pedestrians a safer way to get around their cities. Florida, according to the study.

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How To clean The windows on a $2.6 Million veyron super sport

Four turbos, sixteen cylinders, 1106 pound feet of twist and a single digit quarter-mile time. Indeed the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport is a 1200 horsepower show stopper, a $2.6 million dollar panty dropper – with one exceptionally ridiculous problem.

Here’s the problem: One of the most prominent upgrades to the Super Sport is that smooth new NACA-ducted roofline which Bugatti claims improves aerodynamics and helps the big V achieve its 268 mph land speed record. But know what else it does? It puts the rear window in a dark little cave, out of reach of the even the longest arms of a professional automotive detailer.

And even though it is protected from rain and birds and random blasts of road grime, wind vortices swirling off the back end do draw in a bit of dust and moisture.

 Rube Goldbergian contraptions I have ever seen – but you’ll have to pay close attention because its operation is a bit confusing.

The window we’re talking about is the vertical slice of back glass that separates the cabin from the engine bay. At first, the problem looks pretty simple, except when you realize that a long arm won’t reach and even if it did, whoever is reaching in runs the risk of burning himself if the car has been running for even a short while.

Simply using a long stick with a chamois on it won’t work either, as it lacks the dexterity and leverage to clean the edges or any serious grime on the outside window.

No. Bugatti is working on a better solution and showed us a prototype at the introduction of the car in Spain. The device in question was developed by one of Bugatti’s engineers who also just happens to be a hardcore fish freak.  After careful consideration of the problem he came up with a solution that utilizes technology aquarium fanatics use for cleaning hard to reach areas in large fish tanks. Magnets!

As I explain how it works, you’re going to need to refer to photos – trust me.  The device has three major parts: a lightweight telescoping arm and two cleaning pads.  Each of the three parts has at least one magnetic element embedded inside.  On the tip of the cleaning wand is a semi-strong magnet that allows it to hold firmly to the back of the half spherical cleaning pad.  Under the chamois-like cleaning cover and padded face of the half sphere is another stronger magnet (or perhaps a piece iron, I’m not exactly sure) that allows it to stick to another cleaning pad (the black knobby one in the pictures).  The flat faces of these two pads are kept separated by a simple ring of plastic.

which is so deliciously complicated it requires two people. First, the three-piece gadget is separated into two pieces: the two pads are separated from each other, with the half spherical side left attached to the telescoping wand. That knobby half is given to a fella who then gets into the cabin of the Super Sport and waits.  The guy outside of the car then extends the three section arm to position the face of the half sphere on the back window.

Now here is where it gets tricky: the guy on the inside of the glass aligns the face of his cleaning to match the face of the one on the outside.  Because they are magnetized, both pads lock into place with the glass sandwiched in between.  Since the magnetic force is stronger between the two pads, the guy holding the arm can just pull back, leaving the outside half sphere magically (if you’re an ICP fan) stuck to the outside glass.

And because both of these pads are covered in a cleaning cloth, the guy insidE.

Much quicker that it takes to explain the process, in fact. Once the cleaning is complete, removing the pads is as simple as reversing the attachment process.  The tip of the arm magnetically attaches to the outside half sphere and the guy on the inside gingerly twists off his section.

The thought and effort that went into solving this somewhat minor issue created by the new Veyron is only slightly less staggering than the Super Sport itself. And it is such a complicated, yet efficient solution, it could only come from Germany.

Downsides?  Well it’s not finalized yet. Bugatti is still working out kink, like where to store the damn thing. The tiny front trunk of the Veyron is completely filled by its car cover and there is little room in the cabin for even a fully collapsed wand. And given that the device is used to service Bugatti’s baddest Bug, the device will likely cost an extra $50,000.

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Report: Israel Orders million-Dollar Armored Audi a8

The united states may be the highest target for assassination in the world – hence Cadillac One, his custom, leather-lined tank – but there's no shortage of people in the Middle East who'd bite that the opportunity to take a shot at the Prime Minister of Israel. It comes as no surprise that the Shin-Bet – Israel's national domestic preventative security force – has ordered a new armored limousine to transport the country's head of government.

The duties had been carried out until now by a motor pool of American and German vehicles, accompanied by Japanese SUVs in leapfrog formation (it's a wonder to behold if you're ever seen them in motion), but will soon be taken over by a specially-commissioned Audi A8 Security.

The car is reportedly based on the Audi A8 (likely the long-wheelbase version) with the 450-horsepower, 6-liter W-12 engine, Quattro all-wheel drive, B6+ and B7 ballistic protection, run-flat tires, an independent oxygen supply for the cabin, a fire-suppression system, explosive charges to free the doors in case of shockwaves, a DVD entertainment system, drinks fridge and humidor.

 Are just the features we know about, and given Israel's leading position in security equipment, we don't doubt there's plenty more that remains undisclosed. The car is said to cost around $700K from the factory, but add the country's incredibly high taxes – which the government still has to pay.

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The night Of the Living Dead brands

 Focused brands rather than the scattershot approach defined over several decades by General Motors’ mess of poorly-defined brands. But the industry wasn’t always marching to the beat of the fewer, better brands drummer. Once upon a time, the American car market teemed with foreign and domestic brands of all sizes and persuasions, offering consumers a nearly unfathomable level of choice. 

And though we know we’ll never return to the days that saw Borgwards and Crosleys sold alongside MGs and Matras, we do sometimes long for a return to those Wild West days when there were more brands than anyone knew what to do with.

 if you could resurrect a dead brand through a dark and unholy ritual, which would it be and why? Would you rather have giant, coffin-nosed Cords rolling around, or would you like to see Chrysler reboot its small-car program by dusting off the old Rambler name? Or perhaps you’re hoping BMW uses the Isetta nameplate for its forthcoming city car, or that Fiat adds to its burgeoning brand portfolio by draping a Hemi-powered Challenger in sexy Italian metal and calling it the Iso Grifo.

Whatever your unholy brand resurrection dream might be, this is the time to share it.

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Top 10 most congested Cities, highways

Unfortunately, with 85% of people commuting by car this holiday weekend, there are some cities where being stuck in gridlocked traffic is unavoidable.

According to NAVTEQ, a provider of real-time traffic updates, the worst city to get stuck in rush-hour traffic in is New York City, followed by Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.

According to NAVTEQ’s list of freeways with the slowest average rush hour in North America. The Brooklyn Battery Tunnel is the all-time worst during rush hour, according to NAVTEQ. New York City takes three spots of the top 10 worst freeways overall.

North American Freeways With the Slowest Typical Rush Hour

1. New York City – Brooklyn Battery Tunnel (northbound) 

2. New York City – Washington Bridge (eastbound) 

3. Montreal – Autoroute 15 (eastbound) 

4. Philadelphia – U.S. 202 (southbound) 

5. Montreal – Route 138 (westbound) 

6. New York City – Washington Bridge (westbound)

7. Los Angeles – State highway 1 (eastbound) 

8. Boston – U.S. 1 (northbound) 

9. Dallas – State highway 366 (eastbound) 

10. Toronto – Don Valley Parkway (northbound)

Cities with the worst rush hours

1. New York 

2. Washington, D.C. 

3. San Francisco 

4. Seattle 

5. Los Angeles 

6. Philadelphia 

7. Chicago 

8. Dallas-Fort Worth 

9. Atlanta 

10. Houston

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Renault spy scandal: charges filed against unnamed foreign firm

The French automaker appeared to be backpedaling the seriousness of the affair, claiming all technical secrets were safe. But be that as it may, the  reports that the firm has still filed a criminal “complaint against persons unknown” in the case

for acts constituting organized industrial espionage, corruption, breach of trust, theft and concealment.

Who tell the press they are accused of “serious wrongdoing” but insist that they are innocent. A lawyer for at least one of the accused Renault employees says she is not even aware of what exactly Renault is accusing her client of. Reuters adds that “a private company in a foreign country” is named in the complaint, which now goes to the State Prosecutor of Paris, who will determine whether or not to investigate the complaint. In an effort to backpedal Renault’s apparent suspicion of a Chinese-based conspiracy.

They don’t cite a foreign power, they only cite private persons.

China has already denied any involvement in the affair, and Renault’s Chief Operating Officer alleges that the case involves.

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How to go about buying Into the cheapest car stereo

Many stores that sell these products have a firm client base and the demand is too high to an extent that there is no need to advertise. I’m only talking about legally registered and authorized stores who have created a name in providing high quality car stereos and other car audio. Many discounts can however be advertised but the cheapest car stereo discount stores have to be searched for carefully. Word of mouth plays a huge role in ensuring that people know about how to get the cheap deals. You therefore do not have to wonder how a neighbor got the latest car stereo.

You will get to know which brands are most popular and know which are cheaper. The main objective for your search will be looking for the cheapest discounts without compromising on quality.have been associateome of those unknown brands provide cheap discounts and according to many consumer reviews people have been served well by brands that we often look down upon. You will realize that most popular car stereo brands have very rigid discounts.
The bottom line depends on your preference compared to the amount you want to part with. Search on sites that are not known and see what you come up with.

consider the kind of features you would want in a cheap car stereo and if the cheapest car stereo you come across does not serve your purpose it is not worth your time. You cannot afford to settle for something that will not please you even if it is cheap. There are very many online and offline stores that have great offers. Do not think that the one store you find extra ordinary offers are the ultimate deal. Chances are that there are other better stores. It is paramount to perform an exhaustive search on the internet to be ahead on knowing which discounts on car stereos are the cheapest. Consider the designs and the make because you can only acquire something that you like

When you find the cheapest car stereo discount make sure the car stereo can fit your your car before you purchase it. There are guides available to make sure you go home with the right fit. If you need additional information on the product talk to a product adviser who is ready to answer all your questions. Details on shipping must also be clear to you. If you have not gone through the terms and conditions of the store do so. It will be a good opportunity to discover something binding if any.
If you need information on installation print out guidelines from the sites of the store. You can also have a store attendant advise you on installing the car stereo.

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cars Run Better with Better ignition

When I first built the instrument panel, I wanted to use LEDs for the turn signal indicators and the high beam indicator. But being me, I could only find two red LEDs and a green one. So I have been looking at the wrong colors all these years.

The original tach was an Auto Gauge that didn’t match my Auto Meter speedometer. The Auto Gauge tach, I thought, was starting to wear out or burn out, because it started fluttering at high RPMs. As it turns out, it wasn’t defective at all. So I ordered a matching Auto Meter tach from Jegs.
I put the new LEDs and the new tach in. I had to increase the holes a bit, but I didn’t mind. The dial on the tach is much larger and the LEDs were pretty. Connecting the tiny wires was tedious.

 The LEDs burned out, and he dash fuse blew. It would have been nice if that could have happened the other way around. It turns out that the LEDs were not 12-volt even though they were sold as automotive parts. They were 5 volt, and I was supposed to use some kind of a converter. So I put them back in and tested it. The fuse held, but the LEDs no longer work. Worse, the tach also didn’t work.

I gave up on the LEDs and worked on the tach. I tried everything I could think of to get it to work. I tried a new signal wire from the coil negative terminal. That didn’t work. I tried a new ground wire directly to the battery; that didn’t work. Actually, the tach did work when I pulled the ground wire. This does not make sense. All I can figure is that the tach signal was getting into the key-on power wire.

I called MSD first because the ignition is an MSD Ready to Run distributor with an MSD Blaster II coil. MSD said it should work and suggested I call Auto Meter. MSD does make a tach adapter, but it should not be necessary for the equipment I have. In fact, I should have needed it for the old Auto Gauge tach.

I called Jegs next, because I was worried about the Auto Meter warranty. Jegs said it doesn’t make sense. The Auto Meter tach is designed to handle the equipment I have, and not to worry, I haven’t done anything to void the warranty. Auto Meter also said that the tach would never work without the ground wire (maybe he thought I was hallucinating).

 I didn’t spend the money on the rev limiter model because the 351 runs out of power at about 5500 RPMs anyway. I installed the 6a. Everything went well. I ran a new signal wire, a new key power wire, and a new ground wire to the tach. I was happy to note that this setup isolates the coil from the rest of the electrical system.. Not only does the tach work (and it is beautiful), the engine runs much better. It no longer hesitates when the secondarys open, and it runs strong up to 6000 RPMs (note: The engine is balanced, it has forged rods and pistons, roller cam, roller rockers, and heavy valve springs.

Two lessons learned: 
 The MSD Ready to Run distributor worked great for years, but it had limitations.
When upgrading to a new ignition, don’t think about how the engine runs with the old one.

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Detroit motor show report + pics

Porsche, everyone agreed, trumped the rest of the car companies all over again. As they'd done in Geneva the previous March, they announced some earth-shattering news at an unbelievably early press conference on the first morning of the 2011 Detroit motor show – is 6.30am early enough for you? – so that for the rest of the day everyone else's news seemed just that little bit tame.
See all the best show pics from the Detroit motor show 2011

The news? The arrival on the stand of a magnificent coupe version of the previously seen 918 Spyder, under its own power, and the announcement that the transfer of long-time Porsche technical boss Wolfgang Durheimer would probably result in the development of some co-operative performance cars between Porsche and Bentley. Bentley back to Le Mans? No one ruled it in… or out.
Ford was the biggest mover among American companies. It showed the promised range of four 'electrified' Focus family vehicles, plus an elegant SUV called Vertrek, obviously designed to unify the European Kuga and US Escape models in their next generations (a couple of years away) and to correct the one criticism of the otherwise successful Kuga: that its rear passenger and boot package are on the tight side.
There were strong claims for the sales performance of the recently launched Fiesta (which JD Power says has raised the likelihood of repeat purchases by customers by nearly 30 points to Honda-Toyota levels), which makes the company very optimistic about the new Focus, which is nearing launch.

The thing that raises a question mark over the wisdom and success of this so-far-successful 'One Ford' philosophy (under which Ford will sell its mainstream cars in near-identical spec in all major markets) is that Volkswagen chose this show to launch a US Passat, having launched a quite different-looking (and shorter) European Passat a couple of months ago.
Ford says the same products can work everywhere; VW chooses to differ. Who's right? It's possible they both are; more than ever, it will depend on the individual quality of the products.
The other big American companies, GM and Chrysler, were in cautious mood. GM, having just pulled off the biggest flotation in US corporate history, seemed to be showing how well it could guard shareholders' money. Its only launch was the conservative showing of the Buick Verano (a booted Astra), which is supposed to sell against the Lexus IS and BMW 3-series. It was no oil painting, but had a price advantage. And Buick has been expanding quickly in America.

Chrysler showed what it called an all-new 300C, a very good-looking, typical car so similar dimensionally to the previous model that it just had to use common underpinnings. Whatever, it looked great. Again, Chrysler was otherwise keeping its powder dry. Restraint was evident everywhere, but so was an expectation that sales would now grow slowly.
Toyota's fightback continued. Company boss Akim Toyoda was present in person to announce the opening of a $50 million US 'safety cent re' and to reveal that the name 'Arius' would soon apply to four vehicles: the existing hybrid saloon, a plug-in version, an estate and the so-called C Concept, believed (despite the lack of hard evidence) to be a spoiler for the recent and increasingly well regarded Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe. Ford has just beaten Toyota to the position of No 2 car maker in the US, something you'd have thought incredible a year ago, but no one doubts the Japanese giant's comeback power.

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Detroit motor show: VW Passat US-spec

Volkswagen has used today’s Detroit motor show to unveil the new Pastas, developed for the United States and set to be manufactured there, in Tennessee, in preparation for a massive sales push this summer.
At 4.868m long, it is just over 10cm longer than the European Pastas saloon, a little wider, and the largest car ever to carry that badge.
See the official pics of the new VW Passat saloon - now updated with more Detroit show pics
However, the new US-market Pass-at is just the start of a product blitz for VW in America, confirmed the company’s US boss, Jonathan Browning.

A large seven-seat SUV, designed exclusively for America, is at the top of the list of new cars to allow the company hits its US sales targets. Brit-born Browning has aggressive plans to quadruple VW’s US sales to one million cars by 2018.
The company still has no plans to attack the domestic makers with a pick-up truck. “A pick-up is not at the top of our priority list. Not even by importing the Argentina-built Amarillo,” he told Auto car.
Chas Hallett blog: VW bids to conquer America
Unlike Jetted in the US, which get simpler rear suspension set-ups than the European versions, the new American Pas-sat has a mufti-link rear suspension that’s similar to the models sold in the UK. Every body panel has been changed, though, and the dashboard, door trims and major switchgear is all new.
The decision to localization production at a facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, should allow W to trim several thousand dollars off the starter price. The firm estimates that entry-level variants will cost from $20,000 (£12,850).

Browning is also considering the possibility of selling smaller cars, such as the Polo. “A Polo for the USA is a possibility for the future, but it’s not in current plans. Though it does depend on gas prices and US economy regulations, I would like to extend the range down and up,” he said.
Any future US VW is likely to be made in America to offset currency fluctuations. Company insiders believe that a larger SUV could be built at the same Tennessee factory as the Pas sat. The plant currently has a capacity to build 150,000 cars per year, but with extensions that could be pushed to 500,000, according to plant boss Frank Fischer.
Read Autocar's first drive of the new European VW Passat
Three engines will be offered in the US Pas sat. The base unit is a 2.5-lit re five-cylinder petrol motor producing 168bhp at 5700rpm. With a manual transmission it can take the Pas-sat to 60mph in 8.2sec; the more likely choice for US buyers, a six-speed auto, does the same in 8.7sec.
The other petrol motor is a 3.6-lite six-cylinder unit with 276bhp at 6200rpm and 258lb ft of torque. It gets a DSG dual-clutch gearbox as standard and can reach 60mph in 6.5sec.
The oil-burner option is a 2.0-lite four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel producing 138bhp. VW claims it can go from 0-60mph in 9.3sec, return 43mpg and travel for around 800 miles on a single tank.
Read more a hybrid version of the new VW saloon

Although the regular Pass at saloon has been adapted specifically for American buyers, the CC ‘coupe’ version is considered a success in the US, so it will continue to be sold in its current form.
Expansions for VW in America will not include introducing European brands such as Skoal and Seat. Browning has ruled out either being transferred, on grounds on cost and viability. It's also unlikely that any US-made VW will make its way to Europe, although the new Pas-sat or SUV could be sold in other markets.

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Honda Civic to get Reloaded

Yes, the news from Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) is that the Honda Civic, which we all love for its trendy looks, is getting more trendier with a whole new lot of features. The new Honda Civic SMT is now going to get innovative and will be equipped with enhanced technical features like steering mounted cruise control system, which would be a great advantage on highways where you just want to cruise along the way.

The riders will feel the magic of this new system as you will get the desired speed. It will be fun to use the one-touch operations on the console and the new model consists of ORVM turn indicators to make the ride more convenient.Other versions, VMT and VAT are equipped with back up sensors that gives the drivers the specific views while reversing and parking, hence giving maximum comfort and hassle free driving.

Honda Civic has received high appreciation since its introduction in India because of its unparalleled driving pleasure, contemporary styling, and advanced features. We are now delighted to introduce value added features that will make it even more desirable

- is what Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, Director Marketing, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd, had to say when asked about the car.Safety is given considerable amount of attention.
New Civic will have features like:

• ABS with EBD
• Dual SRS airbags
• Brake Assist

Technical Features:

• G-CON
• Survival Zone with High Integrity

Talking about the engine, Honda does not disappoint here as well.
Leave the disappointment aside; you will be all rejuvenated when you hit the roads.This 1.8L i-VTEC engine is said to be the most superior thing in its segment of cars.The VTC technology provides with better fuel efficiency and you would be amazed by the powerful ride. The fuel economy results are great at 15.5kmpl as per provided by ARAI in Pune, and thus the Civic evolving in this section.Its known by all that the Civic launched in 2006 was a new venture in the then segment of cars. Honda gives its customers a total of 4 years warranty and also 24 hour roadside assistance for people who want to be its proud owners.
Pricing :

Honda Civic is priced at (Ex showroom Delhi):

• Honda Civic 1.8 SMT: 12.2 Lakhs(INR)
• Honda Civic 1.8 VMT: 13.07 Lakhs(INR)
• Honda Civic 1.8 VAT: 13.81 Lakhs.(INR)

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FAQ about CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System)

How do I find out when my vehicle was manufactured?

The month and year of manufacture (e.g., 1-96 (January 1996)) appear on the safety standard certification label that is located on the frame or edge of the driver’s door in most vehicles.

Do I need to get a voucher or sign up for this program?

No. You do not need a voucher and you are not required to sign up or enroll in this program. Participating new car dealers will apply a credit, reducing the price you pay at the time of your purchase or lease, provided the vehicle you buy or lease and the vehicle you trade in meet the program requirements. The dealer will then obtain reimbursement from the government.

May I receive or use more than one credit under the CARS program?

No, the CARS Act specifies that not more than one credit may be issued to a single person, not more than one credit may be issued for joint registered owners of a single eligible trade-in vehicle, and that only one credit under this program may be applied toward the purchase or lease of any single new vehicle.

What is the amount of the credit?

The amount of the credit is $3,500 or $4,500, and generally depends on the type of vehicle you purchase and the difference in fuel economy between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in vehicle. Different requirements apply for work trucks.

What is the amount of the credit?

The amount of the credit is $3,500 or $4,500, and generally depends on the type of vehicle you purchase and the difference in fuel economy between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in vehicle. Different requirements apply for work trucks.

What is the value of the credit for the purchase or lease of a new van, pickup truck or SUV?

The value of the credit given for the purchase or lease of a category 1 or 2 truck also generally depends on the difference between the combined fuel economy of the vehicle that is traded in and that of the new vehicle that is purchased or leased. If the new vehicle is a category 1 truck that has a combined fuel economy value that is at least 2, but less than 5, miles per gallon higher than the traded-in vehicle, the credit is $3,500. If the new category 1 truck has a combined fuel economy value that is at least 5 miles per gallon higher than the traded-in vehicle, the credit is $4,500.

If both the new vehicle and the traded-in vehicle are category 2 trucks and the combined fuel economy value of the new vehicle is at least 1, but less than 2, miles per gallon higher than the combined fuel economy value of the traded in vehicle, the credit is $3,500. If both the new vehicle and the traded-in vehicle are category 2 trucks and the combined fuel economy of the new vehicle is at least 2 miles per gallon higher than that of the traded-in vehicle, the credit is $4,500. A $3,500 credit applies to the purchase or lease of a category 2 truck if the trade-in vehicle is a category 3 (work) truck that was manufactured not later than model year 2001, but not earlier than 25 years before the date of the trade in.

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WHAT IS SALVAGE TITLE or REBUILT TITLE?

A salvage title is an automobile title with a notation that the vehicle has been damaged in excess of approximately 70% of its pre-accident market value. The exact percentage depends on the insurance provider and any applicable laws and regulations. This notation gets applied to a title when an insurance company pays a total-loss claim on a vehicle, but then sells the vehicle at an auction center. If the vehicle is kept by its owner through a buy-back program, then the vehicle will retain a clean title. A properly restored vehicle is still safely drivable even if it is technically considered a total loss by an insurance company, particularly with older vehicles where even minor cosmetic damage would cost more to fix than the vehicle’s pre-accident market value.
A “rebuilt vehicle” is a salvage vehicle that has been repaired and restored to operation. These vehicles are often damaged before they are rebuilt and new parts are typically used during reconstruction. In most states, an inspection of the vehicle is required before the vehicle is allowed to return to the road, to prove that it is road worthy.
There is no specific formula in most states that specifies when a vehicle is deemed salvage; this is typically decided on a case by case basis. Once the auto is involved in an accident, the insurance company then offers the vehicle back to the owner as an insurance buyback or the car is sold to insurance auction centers, such as IAAI or Copart. With an insurance buyback the owner is responsible for getting the repairs made and having the car inspected by the highway patrol or a state regulated inspection facility. At this point, the car still has a clean title, no matter of the degree of the damage done, because it was never owned by the insurance company. If the auto is not a buyback, it is towed to a salvage auction where it will be sold to an auto recycler or a rebuilder, and given a salvage title. A rebuilder can sell the car as-is or fix the car and resell it as a rebuilt salvage titled car.
Having a “Salvage” or “Junk” title only applies to the United States and Canada. All vehicles imported or exported to other countries will automatically obtain a “Clean” title, even if they have been involved in an accident.
Some companies in the United States, such as Carfax, sell title reports to prospective car buyers which, among other things, reveal these title statuses. The information, however, might be far from being complete because of the inability of these companies to check accident records in 23 states and because not all accidents get reported to the authorities (particularly when there are no injuries). In 2007, Carfax settled a nationwide class-action lawsuit and the company will now include prominent warnings that its reports may not be complete.
Industry standards followed by and noted in print by the National Automobile Dealers Association (N.A.D.A.) Appraisal Guides, Kelley Blue Book Market Report Official Guide, the International Society of Automotive Appraisers (I.S.A.A.) and additional automotive business entities within the United States of America, all devalue a motor vehicle that is in possession of a “Salvage Title”, by 20% – 50% of the normal, fair market retail value of the vehicle without a “Salvage Title”. The percentage variance increases with the younger age of the vehicle at issue and the retail value of that vehicle. Any vehicle that is more than 10 years old carries the 20% minimum devaluation to the fair market value of the vehicle. Once a vehicle is branded with a “salvage or junk” title of ownership, this type of tarnished history stays with the unit, even if the branded title is “washed clean” in another state to be free of the designation “salvage or junk”.

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BMW fanatic wants to take his car beyond the grave with him

the dead are becoming more and more famous here on Topspeed, and it’s not because of reasons you might think. After featuring a young Puerto Rican and the rather unusual way he was displayed at his wake, we now have another dead car-loving fanatic who still wants to remind people just how much he loves cars even after he has passed on.

Steve Marsh, who was affectionately called BMW Steve by those close to him, passed on last year at the age of 51. We don’t know if he specifically wanted this type of tombstone on his grave, but his family, after being granted permission by the local authorities, went out and imported a one-piece granite scale model headstone of a BMW M3 convertible, BMW Steve’s favorite car in the world. And just to make sure that the granite M3 has BMW Steve’s imprint on it, his family personally designed the car, including the customized silver-painted lights, a dashboard, BMW logos on the wheels, and even a personalized license plate bearing the name ’Steve 1’.

And the cost of the car? That would be £50,000, which, if you didn’t know, is about the same price as a real BMW M3.

Photo credits: Peter Lawson

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AutoWeek picks CTS-V Coupe and Grand Cherokee as Best of the Best for 2011

Nearly everyone else in the entire world may already have spouted off various year-end lists, but Autoworker waited for the 2010 dust to settle before announcing its Best of the Best 2011 car and truck award winners. The 2011 Cadillac CATS-V Coupe and the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee took home the respective top spots.
Rounding out Auto-week magazine's top five cars were the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Ford Fiesta, BMW 5 Series and the Audi A8. The rest of the top trucks included the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Porsche Cayenne and Honda Odyssey. The Cadillac and the Jeep edged out the rest of the competition in categories such as ride quality, handling, exterior and interior design and fun. Feel free to hit the jump for the official press release.

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