New Ford F Series 2012 Review

The 2012 Ford F-Series Super Duty launched with best-in-class performance and capability, and a continuous stream of improvements for 2012 keeps this heavy-duty pickup at the head of the pack. The 2012 Ford F-Series Super Duty is built at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville.

2012 Ford F-Series will be available to the company's gasoline-sipping 6.8-liter V10. Three-valve, single-overhead camshaft-V10 rated at 362-horsepower at 4,750 rpm and 457 lb.-ft. of torque at 3250 rpm. According to Ford, gross vehicle weight ratings for Class 6 and Class 7 medium-duty trucks equipped with a V10 petrol units will range from 20 500 to 30,000 pounds.

"No other manufacturer offers this kind of variety of options and solutions for truck customers," said Len Deluca, director of Ford Commercial Truck Sales and Marketing. "The availability of gas engines in medium-duty segment will be welcome news for many businesses and municipalities.

V10 engine will be connected to the transmission of the same heavy-duty six-speed automatic used on the 6.7 liter TorqShift Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel engine is the new 2011 Ford F power-Series Super Duty trucks.

As an option, the company will offer buyers the same alternative fuel engine package that will be available this fall on a super duty truck F-450 and F-550 cab chassis that uses 6.8-liter V10. Factory-installed option conversion allows the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas).

Responding to customer demand, F-150 EcoBoost now has a driving range of 756 miles between fill-ups. That long-distance highway cruising range is designed to save F-150 drivers time by reducing stops for fuel.

'We know the majority of our customers use their F-150s daily for work or play. It's an essential tool that enhances their productivity,' said Doug Scott, Ford Truck Group Marketing manager. 'Reducing downtime for fuel stops can help them do their jobs more efficiently or get more out of their leisure time.'

The 2012 F-150 EcoBoost 4x4, for example, can be driven nonstop from Atlanta to Detroit or from Houston to El Paso on a single tank of gas. It can go from Sierra, Calif., to Ram Lake, Ore., wîth 355 miles to spare. With only one fill-up along the way, the 2012 F-150 EcoBoost can be driven from Silverado, Calif., to Tundra, Texas, at a distance of 1,496 miles.

The larger gas tank enables the 2012 F-150 EcoBoost to easily go farther on a tank of fuel than competitive full-sized V6 pickups.

For instance, the V6 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4 has a 26-gallon tank and an 18 mpg EPA highway rating for a total driving range of 468 miles per tank – 288 miles fewer than the F-150. The Toyota Tundra V6 4x2 pickup will run out of gas after just 528 highway miles.

The F-150's 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, which debuted earlier this year, has quickly become the industry's top-selling V6 engine in full-sized pickups. The F-150 EcoBoost outsells all competitive V6 full-sized trucks – Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra and Dodge Ram – combined.

Since April, the F-150 EcoBoost has accounted for more than 40 percent of all F-150 sales. The EcoBoost engine, which can tow an industry-leading 11,300 pounds, is a $750 upgrade over the 5.0-liter V8.

'The F-150's 365-horsepower, 420 lb.-ft. of torque EcoBoost engine already delivers best-in-class towing,' said Scott. 'Now, the 36-gallon fuel tank gives Ford truck customers an unbeatable combination of capability and driving range.'

The F-Series was the best-selling truck in America for the 34th year in a row and the best-selling vehicle – car or truck – for the 29th year in a row.

Demand for the fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine in the F-150 has increased each month since launch. One in four Ford F-150 pickups sold in March was powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V6. In April, EcoBoost F-150 sales ran at about 37 percent. In the F-150, the EcoBoost engine wîth its 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque provides best-in-class towing capability of 11,300 pounds combined wîth up to 20 percent fuel economy savings. Source - Ford

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Best Seller Car Of 2011

New car sales in October recovered from the summer break, boosted by pent-up demand for new models and a better choice than the Japanese brand cars after a devastating earthquake last spring. If the rebound continues, automakers will close this year with their best sales since 2008.

Unlike previous years, however, when import-brand vehicles dominate list of best-selling car in America, this year has seen an increase in popularity for domestic models. Six of the 10 most popular vehicles in America until October which is made by General Motors, Ford Motor or Chrysler Group, compared with only three years ago. Falling from the Top 10 is the Honda Civic and CR-V, two perennial favorites whose sales have been hurt by natural disasters in Asia, and the Hyundai Sonata, which nudged the more popular vehicles from Ford and GM. Pushing their way into the Top 10 are the Ford Fusion and Escape, and a new compact GM, Chevrolet Cruze.

No doubt the Detroit car companies benefit from the misery of their Japanese rivals. Toyota has been running for almost two years - first because of the quality of recall and then for lack of spare parts caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan last March. While struggling Toyota, Honda seems adrift, offers a boring vehicle that failed to capitalize on market opportunities. Then, also was forced to stop production in North America due to supply chain problems following the earthquake. The disaster struck as Honda launched its redesigned Civic. Now get ready to launch a new CR-V, but it could be delayed due to lack of spare parts caused by monsoons in Thailand.

Stepping into the void, of course, GM, Ford and Chrysler, with fuel-efficient vehicles that improve quality and more attractive styling and features. GM's Chevy Cruze is a good example. It hit the market in late 2010 with prices ranging from $ 16,525 and has turned into a barn-burner for GM, selling more than 202,000 this year. It features 10 air bags, stability control and traction control, and gets 38 mpg on the highway with the optional engine turbo-charged 1.4-liter Ecotec. Sales of the Toyota Corolla, meanwhile, dropped 11 percent so far this year. Still outsells Toyota compact Cruze, but only by about 1,000 vehicles, and the Cruze could overtake the Corolla by the end of this year to become the best-selling compact car country.

Likewise, the Ford Fusion midsize sedan and even utility vehicle Escape, which is scheduled for a makeover next year, has found a larger audience during the market turmoil.

Seasonally adjusted sales rate for August was 13.3 million vehicles, according to Autodata of Woodcliff Lake, NJ, with strong double-digit gains posted by Chrysler, Volkswagen, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Ford Motor and General Motors saw a more modest gains (6 percent and 2 percent, respectively). Toyota Motor Sales fell 8 percent, while Honda dropped 0.5 percent.

Ford F-series pickup (1), and GM's Chevrolet Silverado (2) the sale of American champs, as they have for years. Best-selling Toyota Camry passenger cars remained, although sales of the aging model is off 8.5% so far this year due to earthquake-related disorders. A redesigned 2012 Camry went on sale, which could help Toyota back on track.

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Hyundai New Accent Terlaris Di Amerika

Best seller All-New Hyundai Accent that in Indonesia known as the Grand AVEGA, during July 2011 has been a car that is able to attract the attention of most buyers in the United States. As a result, the latest hatchback from South Korea recently defeated two most popular brands in the sub-compact segment earlier, the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta.

"All-New Accent has defeated two small cars are popular during the time in the United States, the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta. This is a good indicator. Consumers interested in the appearance of a sporty and economical fuel consumption, "said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America about keberhasilkan this model.

In the United States, Hyundai Accent uses a different engine than the marketed in Indonesia. American Accent is the first car in its segment that uses a gasoline engine tekologi 1.6 with direct injection (GDI).

As a result, not only Acent greater power than the Japanese competitors. Fuel consumption is also more economical. Hyundai claims, on the highway GDI gasoline consumption is 17 km / liter, while in the city of 12.7 km / liter. 4-cylinder gasoline engine produces Gamma Hyundai tenga 138 PS and torque of 17 kgm.

The following ranking of sub-compact car sales in July 2011 in the United States

[via - kompas.com]

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Modifikasi Pelek Krom Ketinggalan Jaman

In recent years every person who wants to modify the car must not forget to pair the chrome-plated rim on the legs of the vehicle. But it is now outdated. Chrome-plated rims are now regarded as a pastime.

Trends in shiny rims for the modifier Americans now no longer be considered force, because all had left and switched to a black rim or rim color. Using a chrome-plated rim was regarded as the era of 90s old school cars.

"Glossy style is now no longer," said Beau Boeckmann of Galpin Auto repair shop is a retainer of Sports in Los Angeles who has also joined several editions of the MTV series Pimp My Ride.

"Chrome rim still has enthusiasts, but the trend has moved into the black rim and colored. Everyone tried to not like everybody else," said Myles Kovacs, publisher of the magazine dubs rim makers also have lines of modification.

In addition to appearance, size is also considered important. Large rim like 20 inches, 24 inches, 28 inches or 30 inches is considered the most daring different.

The market is changing. President of TSW Alloy Wheels, based in California, says Terence Scheckter chrome rims that demand has been much less than a few years ago. "The market chrome rims 22 inches have fallen," he said.

However, modifications in the American observers were also aware that the trend modif world will continue spinning and spinning. When the chrome rim has been abandoned, it is not possible the next 10 years, shiny rims will be back in demand.

"I still love you, chrome. I put it in the closet while waiting for them to come back into style," Boeckmann straightforward as quotes from USA 2011.

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Spesifikasi Mobil ESEMKA

KIAT ESEMKA Cars. The new official car belonging Surakarta Mayor Joko Widodo or Jokowi using the latest technology. Tip Esemka car that was ordered from the Vocational School 2 Surakarta is no less sophisticated by artificial car manufacturer. It is also interesting to know the full specification Esemka Car Tips and detail. Anyone know what to buy.

"The engine DOHC, 16 valve, and has multi-point injection," said Dwi Budimartono, one teacher chaperone in the assembly Esemka Kiat. Machines used artificial vocational students themselves with the brand Esemka 1.5i engine with 4 cylinder in line.

Maximum power generated reaches 105 horsepower (HP) at 5,500 rpm so that the character of the engine power at high speed. Tip Esemka car length 5035 mm, height 1608 mm, 1620 mm wide with a capacity of seven passengers. "If the rear seats folded, there is 1.8 cubic meters of luggage space and five passengers," he continued.

Suspension is double whisbone used for the front and rear rigid axle uses leaf springs so it is quite comfortable when driving on potholed streets.

Cars with engine capacity of 1,500 cc is the ratio of fuel to 12 kilometers a liter (in town) and 13.5 kilometers (outside city). "The tank can carry 75 liters of gasoline," he said.

For features, the car already adopted the technology Kiat Esemka power steering, power windows and central lock. Then there are parking sensors and double blower air-conditioning.

He calls in terms of volume, the car class with the Ford Everest or the Mitsubishi Pajero, but with smaller engines. "If the terms of the engine, just like the Daihatsu Xenia or Toyota Avanza," he explained.

He said there is still a matter of manpower constraints cars. With a capacity of small cc, car acceleration a bit heavy and underpowered when climbing. "Looking ahead, there is an option to increase the capacity of the machine," he said.

Another companion teacher of SMK 2 Surakarta, Sriyono, said the work of six students SMK 2 which assembles cars Tip Esemka be proud of. Although there is still a shortage, it was felt to be a big problem.

"The result does not disappoint. Moreover, this is the first time that students usually only assemble cars after the maintenance and care, "he said.

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10 Mobil Terlaris 2011 Di Indonesia

Surely friends of automotive mania blog many are wondering when the transition years from 2011 to 2012 is around the best-selling car of 2011. Each of us must have had its own reasons when they want to know the best-selling car in 2011, either for comparison or just want to know.

Toyota cars output is still ranked first as the best-selling produks Indonesia in the automotive market. Recorded in November 2011, the Japanese manufacturer is able to record sales figures of 148,297 units. This further proves, if Toyota is still ahead and the lead over other competitors. Whereas in the second position is occupied by Mitsubishi in July but at the end of the slide by Daihatsu.

10 best-selling cars in Indonesia

1. Toyota Avanza (148 297 units)

2. Daihatsu Xenia (59 328)

3. Toyota Innova (49 220)

4. Suzuki APV (27 052​​)

5. Nissan Grand Livina (23 401)

6. Toyota Rush (22 429)

7. Daihatsu Terios (20 166)

8. Honda Jazz (19 232)

9. Toyota Yaris (16 098)

10. Mitsubishi Pajero (13 159)

That he's 10 best-selling car so far this year that the data collected until the end of november 20. Nevertheless the data changes until desemberpun did not significantly affect the position. Ok, may be useful for buddies.

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Baru Mendapatkan Lamborghini Hadiah Lotre Langsung Kecelakaan

Being the new rich have not been easy alias OKB. Must be many who learned quickly by him. If not, the problem to be in the can. Just look at the man from Utah, United States of the new Lamborghini Murcielago won just six hours after he won the lottery.

A man in Santaquin, Utah some time ago has just won a Lamborghini Murcielago worth U.S. $ 380,000 (approximately USD 3.4 billion) in a lottery. But unlucky, got a new 6-hour super car keys, the new owner directly menambrakkannya.

In fact, lottery winners named David Dopp has diarahka for driving training worth U.S. $ 4,000 (USD 36 million) awarded to him for free. But unfortunately, Dopp never make it to training classes.

And the result, as quoted by the Associated Press USA Today's green-colored roadster Dopp also must into Lamborghini repair center located in Las Vegas because there is no mechanical Lambo in Santaquin.

The accident began when Dopp and his family and friends celebrate the luck Dopp get Lamborghini Murcielago. But when trying to drive it and play in the round with a speed of 60-80 km / hour, the car is 'slipping' as ice or gravel which makes it crashed into fence posts although no one was injured because of the incident.

"Yes, I got it on Saturday and I got hit on Saturday," Dopp said KSL-TV in Utah.

Fortunately, a powerful 640 hp car has been insured. For maximum speed of this car is pretty crazy, 342 km / h, with acceleration from 0-100 km per hour in just 3.2 seconds just as easily could be achieved thanks to the application of ferocious V12 engine capacity of 6.5 liters.

After the incident, Dopp said that after repairs later he would soon sell the exotic Italian cars to pay bills and buy another car for his wife.

"(This Lambo)" will make all nice and pretty here in a few months, I'm sure, "he concluded.

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4 Raja Modifikasi Mobil

Lots of modifiers that have style and its own characteristics in Indonesia from young children to the parents, but the modification of the world Indonesia is now getting a new king. Four kings from four different classes if they prove themselves the best in the world of modification Indonesia.

Crown champions Indonesia modification was obtained after the contest car modification Clas Mild Accelera Auto Contest to the final held at the Balai Kartini Jakarta shortly after the announcement of the winner even though some participants seemed to question decisions made jury.

There are seven aspects of the assessment on which to base the selection of the kings of this modification, the interior, exterior, feet, engine, audio, body conversion, and suspension.

"All are winners and deserve to be champions. But in a competition we have to choose the winner and the four people here who become champions," said Marketing Manager Sales Elangperdana Tyre Industry as the organizer Surya Dharma, Monday morning (19/12/2011).

King of the newly sworn in, among others Raditya Tanaya who deserves the title of The Champion of Street Racing after a young man from Bandung was succeeded in making modifications in his Mitsubishi Galant to be the best.

While Joe Victor earned the Champion Racing fo thanks to its ability to change the Mitsubishi L200 pick-up into a racing car.

In other places there Arief who managed to become champion thanks to his elegant appearance Vellfire. The title of Champion of Elegant her clothing was inappropriate.

But when talking about an extreme car modification, Franklin, a young man from Bogor who are entitled to be the best. Franklin managed to transform his Nissan Ceffiro be a modification of a futuristic car.

The four new king is also now eligible to receive trophies from Menpora. And the elegant cars specifically for the king, a Bajaj Pulsar 220 has the right to take home and one unit of the All New Chevrolet Spark is given to the king of extreme car this time.

Want to know what advantages these steeds of kings? Look forward to his review in jau-carmodification.blogspot.com

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For Earth Day, What Is More Surprising Green?

22 April stopped to recognize that nature provides us with one of our saja.Jika and house you live in the United States, because you know that all Americans. Just to be different, the United Nations recognizes the contribution Equinox in March.

Because the cars and the fuel consumption and heavy weight in the ongoing scientific analysis of our environment, and most eco-conscious ... ... Buyers sports car that can be searched quickly and economy in fuel consumption and multiple choice.

Easy option is to buy a Lotus Exige 260 - karting car that runs around most sports cars, "using a small Lotus only four of the cracker can do 26 mpg on the highway.

But stripping racer Colin Chapman is not for everyone - especially for those who want the security of the American V8 rumble from the rear German Hain V12, V10 or a date with a hot-headed Italian.

Then consider the following options are many alien species - the estimated strength and the combination of an average (city / highway) miles per gallon:

Despite winning Porsche accurately the main points of consumption on average, Americans will be more effective than the Germans! Viper and Corvette, 120 horsepower and 158 more, respectively, from 480 horsepower and 911 Turbo around the performance of the economic engine behind the Porsche.

Who says American cars are gas pigs without remorse?

Bosnia and Herzegovina Benz, Aston 2 disappointing; V12 is fine behind the muscle Frugal 'Merican.

Lamborghini good score in energy consumption - and even better than his cousin Germany - Audi R8 is less strong. Here, Ingolstadt: environmentally friendly bubble!

In conclusion, we have? Is a strange green?

If the decrease in the amount of consumption - to win the Porsche. If the HP balance mpg /, and won the ZR1's arm, then down to near the Dodge Viper.

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The Best Exotic cars

Exotic cars are some of the most beautiful creations of modern man-made one can not ever see in jalan.Dirancang to perform the highest level with the added bonus to make heads turn as she walked down the main street, and exotic cars has always been a symbol of strength and beauty and performance.

The downside of exotic cars is that they always come with a price tag that regular lumayan.Orang simply can not afford to buy one of these dream cars, and can it be that the cost of maintenance and gas consumption is only a burden, which extend long after the car was paid for all aliens.

This is where the king of exotic cars entered Pre-Owned Cars is a strange site on the internet dedicated to the dreams they have cars and luxury will be available to anyone who is curious and all orang.Oleh king of exotic cars is that the stocks of Internet resources to gain knowledge about exotic cars and buy cheaper online library cerdas.Informasi and materials that can make owning a car is really weird for the possibility.

By king of exotic cars, information and advice available about a foreign car rental, which is a great alternative to buying expensive foreign cars like Maserati, Bugatti, Lamborghini, or ferrari.Situs Web visitors also update information about the use of exotic cars for sale, in which You can find them, and where to find the best and cheapest deals on some of the most expensive cars in the world. Exotic pre-owned cars also includes a section dealing with the strange world of car auctions, and offers tips on bidding, as well as suggestions on some exotic cars are more modestly priced.

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Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Manufacturers not only successfully produce electric cars through the i-MiEV strongest. Japanese car manufacturers were also successfully produced the strongest new car. Mitsubishi's new car is the ASX.

In a trial conducted safety Euro NCAP 2011, the European version of Mitsubishi ASX managed to get 5 stars like detikOto quotes from Mitsubishi's official website on Thursday (24/02/2011)

Mitsubishi ASX proven to protect the passenger when the car is hit from front, side and rear. The car is also proven to keep children's safety from impact and also protect pedestrians from bad cider.

Advantages of the Mitsubishi ASX is a safety net called the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE). With it, ASX body is safe from any conflicts from the outside.

Other factors that cause the Mitsubishi ASX was asked as a car with high-quality level of safety that is equipped with the system features a safety belt pretensioners.

Sharing the same evocative "Kawasemi Blue" color recognition, the new Mitsubishi ASX is a valuable interpretation of the Concept-CX show car, unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, whose success MMC convince management to turn it into a full production car.

Again by nearly 20 cm (4.295 m vs. 4.11 m concept), slightly higher (+ 6.5cm) and wider (+ 2 cm), and featured more upright tailgate all for the sake of optimum packaging, Mitsubishi ASX shares remain Concept -cx is the basic design theme as well as passenger cars as solid stance.

Suggested by the "Jet Fighter" grille gaping - a nod to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. 's F-2 fighter jets and now features the trademark for nearly all Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Europe on the road (Colt, Lancer and Outlander) - This car-like "attitude" is a key direction for Mitsubishi designers: unencumbered by marketing pressures to simulate the look of an SUV through heavy detailing (not necessarily with the Pajero / Montero / Shogun and L200 are already in the range ...), they further developed their own vocabulary concept-cx towards a "sports hatch" less polarizing yet sharp, expressive and finely executed with proper presence & substance.

Maintaining a concept-cx "compact wedge" that the concept of design with a thrusting side character lines, they optimized the overall shape, making the best use of the long wheelbase of 14.5 inches (2.67 m vs 2.525 m) to create a silhouette of a lower and more balanced by better integration of the wheel arches menggembung.Dengan Thus, the roofline is now flowing toward the rear of the car to improve aerodynamic performance (Cd: 0.32) and further highlight the dynamic profile.

At the front, the Jet Fighter grille appears identical with the Lancer or Outlander itu.Namun, now framed in the clip looks more substantial, its own merger with sculptured hood featuring a double bulge: This serves a dual purpose to contribute to the safety of pedestrians better, though short overhangs, and also to make the body more visible to drivers, improving maneuverability around town.

At the rear, the aim is both to lower and broaden the silhouette, while avoiding any chunkiness resulting from the short overhangs, the sharp aerodynamic lip at the bottom of the backlight lamps, a sleek combination of sloping and wide trapezoidal license plate recess running in between.

Dynamic quality

Inside, the concept of a sharp, sporty elegance continues with a clear emphasis on the form, trim and materials used to fantasize instead of endless pursuit of SUV's.

Consistent with the exterior, the cabin Mitsubishi ASX reflects a clear sense of "dynamic quality" as expressed through hooded meter cluster together with Outlander, soft padding around the center instrument panel itself extending to the door trim or silver accents carefully applied to both sides of the audio system or along door panels.

At the same time, stuff like circled round module chrome shift lever, motorcycle inspiration to both silver accents both sides of the console and for the meter.

Logically, texturing and materials are selected to achieve a touch of the same rights and penampilan.Meskipun color scheme is based on the monotone black interior, use contrasting textures and materials are made to generate dynamism.

In this regard, particular attention is given to soft trim to the area touched by this penghuni.Hal led to the development of a new type of two-tone textured padding with contrastive undulations to feel, sporty smart.

The same approach applies for the seat upholstery in which Mitsubishi designers and their partners from the textile industry created a new woven material arise to add to the overall sense of sporty dynamic quality, while adding drama to the 3D visual understated black interior.

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The Latest Technology For Reason

The car maker carefully whether to jump into the latest technology for the reason that one mistake can hinder good intentions appear mereka.Selain, they are hoping for adoption and mainstreaming of the most viable technological innovations at the new car ini.Teknologi including Bluetooth, iPod integration , hybrid, hard top, powerful and fuel-efficient engines and many lagi.Selanjutnya, ergonomics and safety enhanced by the air bags and more.

Volvo and BMW auto parts are given the system a strong and highly bermanfaat.Volvo, for example, has integrated systems blis, stands for the last blindspot.Yang Information System utilizes the camera in the outside mirrors for the driver to find another vehicle enters the blind spot.Lampu small flashing more alerts the driver when it is not safe to move jalur.BMW, on the other hand, using night vision system with a thermal imaging camera to detect people, animals and objects mati.Bacaan heat from the color word shows cerah.Hal system also uses infrared technology forward then the system can read the road for as far as about 1,000 feet in front of the car without a hitch on the lights.

In connection with the development of diesel, Mercedes-Benz has developed a system called BlueTEC.Ini transmission process exhaust to burn cleaner and produce more emissions rendah.Kendaraan with BlueTEC system will be available in 45 countries.

Incidentally, the climactic triumph when Toyota makes high-end hybrid engines to be part of this clan Toyota.Mesin incorporated in the RX SUV, Prius and sports GS sedan.Lexus will also sell LS 600h L. Said vehicle said to be 'the most technologically advanced' than the car maker.

Other innovative technologies, including MyGIG multimedia system of the Jeep and Chrysler.Sistem Dodgem has the drive built-in 20-GB hard that can store both photos and high musik.Kecepatan USB ports, voice-guided navigation and real time traffic information is also included to make The most functional vehicle.

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BMW 5 Series "Refuel" reintroduces us to The Ultimate Driving Machine

The swagger is back at BMW. After more than a year of fooling around with "Joy" as a lead ad positioning, a new marketing team at the German automaker is re-emphasizing "The Ultimate Driving Machine" as the brand's central positioning. The 30-second ad contains what many BMW followers like - a fast car and a big plane. No, the plane, which looks to be a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, is not hovering so close to the 5 that it could fill the guy's coffee cup. But the CGI is good enough to pull off the visual trick.

Not much at all. Getting a story and message across in a 30-second TV ad is not easy. But BMW and this ad agency, Grey West, did a nice job of conveying a fuel efficiency story.

Strategy: BMW marketing chief Dan Creed, who took over at BMW North America a few months ago, is all about re-affirming "The Ultimate Driving Machine" as Bimmer's main message. At the New York Auto Show, he walked us to the front of BMW's stand to look at a giant rendering of the ad slogan, which dates back to the early 1970s. At last year's show, there was a giant banner that proclaimed "Joy of Driving." "We know there is a lot of joy in driving a BMW, but we are going to show it in pictures and film rather than say it," says Creed.

It's worth noting that as fun as this ad is, the message is about the 5 Series' fuel economy, not the horsepower. BMW is trying to broaden its message to be more inclusive of men and women, as well as tell its story about its investments in the South Carolina plant that produces X3 and X5. But Creed also wants the brand and the cars to show some leg when it comes to marketing and advertising. BMW remains an exciting brand, and a premiere stable of driving machines. That shouldn't be lost when telling the broader story.

BMW is kicking off a review for a new ad agency. It parted ways with Austin-based GSD&M late last year. New York-based Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal + Partners produced last February's Super Bowl ads. Grey West, which has handled BMW's retail and pre-owned advertising since 2008, produced the ad and will presumably get a crack at the whole enchilada.

Company: BMWa

Brand: BMW

Medium: TV

Ad Agency: Grey West

Product: 2011 5 Series

Campaign: 5 Series "Refuel"

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Pre-Indy 500 Solar Car Race In New Mexico Team

100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 this year. In the first week of May, before the air is filled with the raspy voice supercharged engine, iconic racetrack will host the show gasoline-free when 12 teams from around the country race their solar-powered car in the Formula Sun Grand Prix. A group of engineering students from the University of New Mexico will be racing three-wheeled, single seat vehicle, Lobo del Sol, which can hit speeds up to 70 mph.

Four drivers will take shifts because their car lap around the 0.9 mile closed track with the aim of racking the most mileage for three days of racing, explained Olga Lavrova, research assistant professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering university and advisor teams. Pod-like craft resembling a retro science fiction movies, Lobo del Sol is 6 feet and width 16 meters. Array 64-square-foot photovoltaic cells mounted on the front and back of the car to convert sunlight into electricity to run the engine, which uses between one and two kilowatts of power for normal driving. This compares with a microwave oven that uses an average of about 1.5 kilowatts of electricity.

The car also has an on board battery that stores enough energy to power the car for between half an hour and an hour in cloudy conditions or after sunset. The battery can charge from zero to full capacity in about three hours, Lavrora said.

“That’s the beauty of the solar cars: most of the daytime they don’t ever need to be plugged in,” said Lavrora. “If you need some capacity to drive after the sunset that’s when they have to be plugged in.”

“That’s why I am strong believer that solar should become a feature on more cars. A lot of times cars sit in the parking lot and it’s full-blast sunshine and you could be recharging your battery,” she said.

While lightweight cars, like the students’ racer, are readily juiced with solar energy, full-scale commercial solar cars are still a thing of the future since roof-mounted photovoltaic cells produce a minimal amount of electricity. This is because they occupy little space and their ability to function optimally is compromised since they lie flat, instead of being angled toward the sun like photovoltaic cells on buildings, according to MIT’s Technology Review.

Using stationary solar panels to charge the batteries of plug-in hybrids is a cheaper and more efficient way to harness solar power, according to the Review. Fully electric cars, like the Nissan Leaf, can be charged the same way.

However, small buggy-like solar machines do exist. The Venturi Eclectic, an electric car that has solar panels and a wind turbine on the roof, and can also be plugged in to charge, has been on the market since 2007. Popular Mechanics described the vehicle as “very comfortable and manageable as an urban get-around car,” while referring to it as a “golf-cart-on-steroids” with “slightly-better-than-motorcycle crash protection.” The French made car can reach a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour and has a range of 30 miles.

Lavrora pointed to the new Toyota Prius, which comes with the option of having solar cells installed on the roof, as an example of the incorporation of solar technology into car design. The cells do not power the car, but rather run fans that extract hot air from the car when it’s parked, which cools the car down so the air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard.

When asked what she envisages for solar power’s contribution to transportation in 10 years time, Lavrora said she sees people making use of small, solar-powered commuter cars on a “when needed” basis. These cars might form part of car sharing networks, similar to Zipcar, she explained.

Solar power could also be used in more buildings and be used to power streetlamps and traffic lights, she said.

Solar power could already be more widely used, but its implementation is being held back because tax breaks are given to oil and mining companies while very few are given to solar and wind companies, she said.

“And then, of course, you hear the general public complain that solar is so expensive. Well, the truth is gas and oil has been made cheaper for us through subsidies and that’s why nobody is complaining about it,” she said.

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2011 Most Populer Cars

Earlier on we bring you a list of some of the most expensive cars, and also a list of cars that cost the most for sure, but now we have a list of the most popular car for 2011. Do you have any idea that their vehicles are on the list?

There are actually a few lists since there isn’t an ‘official’ final list as such, but we have a feeling you won’t argue with the decisions too much as the models that have been chosen are considered to be the cream of the crop, both for 2011 at the moment, and also popular models thoughout 2010.

For example, Yahoo Autos have a very useful system going at the moment, where they list the most populr cars for 2011, based on reader’s hits each week which they accumulate into a table. Based on this weeks rankings, the 2011 Chrysler 300 is the top sedan, the 2011 Dodge Challenger is the top coupe, the newest Audi R8 is the top convertible and the 2011 Toyota Sienna is the most popular van at the moment.

If you are looking for some of the most popular models for 2010, you’ll find this list over at Cars.com useful. Top of their list is the Honda CR-V, and the starting price for it is $21,695 – you can check out a full overview on this model here.

For yet more opinion, we couldnt leave you without pointing you in the direction of another great list over at Popular Mechanics, where they have listed the top 2011 cars and trucks, based on their opinions – the 2011 Chevrolet Volt gets a special mention in their article.

Check out all the information above, then us know if you agree with the lists. If not, share your recommendation with us below.

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Breakthrough Scientists "Solar Without Cells"

Not undeniable again, Man is now only a small portion is very small harvest of 12.2 billion kilowatt-hours expected to solar energy that hits the Earth every [source] days. It would seem foolish not to continue the great methods to try to harness this power affordable. But solar technology now relies on solar cells are still rather expensive and often has a durability problem.

Up until now scientists thought that only the electrical charge separation effects of photons were strong enough to produce energy from sunlight. (Source: Aether Wave Theory).

Researchers have discovered a novel new effect which produces energy when intense light passes through an insulating material like glass, creating a strong magnetic field. (Source: Galucci's Catering).

That's why a new breakthrough in alternative energy at the University of Michigan is very interesting. Promise of solar power - without the expensive cells.

No, this is not a novel scheme of photosynthesis. The new technology relies on the principle of physics that were previously regarded as a trivial side note.

Magnetic Solar Energy -- a Radical Breakthrough

Light has two components -- magnetism and electricity. All solar cells currently utilize the electric effects of light. The magnetic nature of photons was dismissed as too weak to be of any use.

But Stephen Rand, a professor in the departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Physics and Applied Physics at U of M, was fascinated by this property. He wondered whether it could be somehow put to use.

During his investigations he discovered something unexpected. When light passes through a strongly insulating material, its normally weak magnetic output is profoundly multiplied and a relatively strong magnetic field results.

In fact, the field is 100 million times stronger than previously expected -- strong enough to produce the kind of large magnetic effect needed for power generation.

Professor Rand admits the results will shock many physicists. He states, "You could stare at the equations of motion all day and you will not see this possibility. We've all been taught that this doesn't happen. It's a very odd interaction. That's why it's been overlooked for more than 100 years."

How it Works

The magnetic effect comes from a unique type of "optical rectification". Optical rectification is a general physics term that refers to what light does when it enters certain materials.

Previously, the best-known type of optical rectification was the charge separation that light created when passing into certain kinds of crystalline materials (like crystalline silicon). This electric effect produces a voltage and is the foundation of modern solar cells.

Professor Rand and his Ph.D. candidate student, William Fisher, discovered a radical new type of optical rectification. In certain materials, they found, the magnetic field of light was strong enough to bend electric charges into a 'C' shape.

Describes Fisher, "It turns out that the magnetic field starts curving the electrons into a C-shape and they move forward a little each time. That C-shape of charge motion generates both an electric dipole and a magnetic dipole. If we can set up many of these in a row in a long fiber, we can make a huge voltage and by extracting that voltage, we can use it as a power source."

So what's the catch? Ah, there's always a catch with anything that seems great, it seems.

The "catch" here is the material. In order to exhibit this effect, light must be shown on an insulator like glass. Glass, however, needs incredibly intense light to produce this effect -- 10 million watts per square centimeter. Normal sunlight only produces around 0.012 watts per square centimeter when shining.

Applications

One solution would be to create hardware to magnify the intensity of incoming sunlight, similar to the technique used in concentrated solar cells.

Mr. Fisher states, "In our most recent paper, we show that incoherent light like sunlight is theoretically almost as effective in producing charge separation as laser light is. To manufacture modern solar cells, you have to do extensive semiconductor processing. All we would need are lenses to focus the light and a fiber to guide it. Glass works for both. It's already made in bulk, and it doesn't require as much processing. Transparent ceramics might be even better."

Using novel materials, he and his professor expect that the necessary intensity for the effect can be dropped to much lower levels. They postulate that the sunlight conversion efficiency of cells with such new materials could likely reach 10 percent -- on par with current generation solar cells.

They say the costs associated with such magnetic solar power devices would be much lower, though, as they use non-rare materials like amorphous silicon (glass) and don't rely on expensive processes like semiconductor fabrication.

What's Next?

Professor Rand and his student will experiment this summer with producing electricity from intensified sunlight and from laser light -- a directly intensified form of light. After that wraps up, they hope to look into novel materials to exploit the novel effect at lower intensities.

The team also states that it is in the process of patenting their discovery, as it may one day grow into a lucrative power source.

For now you can read their paper "Optically-induced charge separation and terahertz emission in unbiased dielectrics" [abstract] if you have a subscription to the Journal of Applied Physics.

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5 Most Fuel Efficient Cars 2011

At the summer of 2008 in U.S, gas prices average around $4.50/gallon in the U.S. After the summer of 2008, gas prices plummeted down to $2.00/gallon and people were beginning to enjoy going out more. However, as of April 2011, the price is already $4.00/gallon and it is predicted that it will reach over $5.00/gallon within the next year or so.

The best ways to save money is not drive at all and just stay home, sit in front of your computer all day long! Most of us can't do that because we must drive to work and we live in a society where driving is a necessity. How many miles are you getting from a gallon of gas? There will be no expensive cars in this post and none of the cars here will reach 0-60 in 5 secs, but these cars will save you money on gas every year. Lets see...

1. Toyota Prius: 51 City/48 Hwy (50 Combined), Base Price: $23,050. 1.8-liter, with 4-Cylinder engine and 134 hp, 0-60 mph in 9.8 secs. The most fuel efficient car on the market is the Toyota Prius, also the most demanding car in the U.S. A small sedan, but roomy enough for 5 and it is perfect for those that drive over 100 miles a day to work. The 3rd Generation Toyota Prius model is on sale since 2009 and currently available for purchase at most Toyota dealers.

2. Lexus CT 200h: 43 City/40 Hwy (42 Combined), Base Price: $29,120. 1.8-liter, with 4-Cylinder engine and up to 134 hp, 0-60 mph in 9.8 secs. Why not have both luxury and fuel efficiency in one car? The Lexus CT 200h does just that by offering great gas mileage with a luxurious feel. Wow your friends and colleagues with a whopping 42 mpg in a Lexus.

3. Honda Civic Hybrid Tie for third are the Honda cars, which both give an estimated combined 41 mpg. The Civic Hybrid has more room and cargo space, while the Insight is much more affordable.

Honda Civic Hybrid: 40 City/43 Hwy (41 Combined), Base Price: $23,950. 1.3-liter, 4-Cylinder engine with 110 hp, 0-60 mph in 11.3 secs.

4. Ford Fusion Hybrid in the fourth spot are two contenders from Ford Motors with each having a combined 39 mpg. These hybrids are packed with a powerful engine which give out 191 hp. The Fusion Hybrid is more affordable. Ford Fusion Hybrid: 41 City/36 Hwy (39 Combined), Base Price: $28,405. 2.5-liter, 4-Cylinder engine with 191 hp. 0-60 mph in 8.4 secs.

5. Honda CR-Z or Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Ranking in fifth place is a duel between the H companies; CR-Z and the Sonata Hybrid each has a estimated combined 37 mpg. Honda offers a sporty coupe at a comfortable price range while Hyundai offers a full sedan with great gas mileage.

Honda CR-Z: 35 City/39 Hwy (37 Combined), Base price: $19,345. 1.5-liter, 4-Cylinder engine with 122 hp. 0-60 mph in 9.7 secs.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 35 City/40 Hwy(37 avg.) Base Price: $25,795. 2.4-liter, 4-Cylinder engine with 206 hp. 0-60 mph in 9.2 secs.

What do you think of this list? If there are better fuel efficient cars available on the market, please list those cars and link to them. We only list cars that are currently available for purchase and has already been on the market. Concept cars that have not been release cannot be on the list because it is not yet available for purchase. Your comment is very valuable and it will help us keep the list accurate.

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China Duplicate MINI Cars

There have been many who proclaim that there is no doubt the expertise of Chinese manufacturers who can imitate a car design. There seems to be a car they could not duplicate the design. Consider just Geely cars Emgrand EC6-RV, so precise with the output of the BMW MINI.

As reported by China Car Times, Thursday (14/04/2011), this car will be exhibited at the Shanghai New International Expo Center next week. So the eyes of visitors likely will be focused on this Chinese version of the MINI.

This car is similar to the MINI Cooper but with the addition of another style so similar also with Citroen DS3.

Even so, its size is reported to have a longer length of 3845 m of 100 mm from the MINI. Wheelbasenya was 6 mm longer that is 2467 m.

While the machine using a 1300 cc engine with a turbocharger. Transmission options include dual-clutch and manual 6-speed.

For suspension Geely will use a semi-independent torsion beam in the rear, but McPherson also likely to be used Geely.

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Pabrik Mobil Jepang Belum Pikirkan Untuk Relokasi

Jakarta - Japanese car manufacturers are still the focus to fix the production and distribution chain in the country and does not plan to relocate the vehicle assembly plant to Indonesia and Europe following the basic infrastructure and energy issues has not been supportive.

Joint Secretary of Indonesian Automotive Industries (Gaikindo) Andrianto Juwono said this during the Japanese cars remain the principal focus to restore production and distribution chain and there is no discourse to relocate the factory.

According to him, to relocate the plant was not an easy thing especially basic infrastructure problems and energy problems in Indonesia have not kept investors interested to transfer the location pabariknya to the Fatherland.

"There is no relocation information [to Indonesia], the Japanese car manufacturers have not thought that far ahead right now just concentrate on restoring the condition of the company there, and trying to find the source components from other countries but there is no story about the relocation," he said when contacted by Business Today.

Juwono states to attract investors to relocate factories to Indonesia is still a lot of things in the country that must be addressed especially with regard to basic infrastructure, and free highway toll roads, energy availability and increasing purchasing power better.

During the basic infrastructure and logistic problems have not improved, he added, investors are still difficult to relocate a car assembling plant in Indonesia, especially for export purposes must didkung with ease regulations and incentives, jau-carmodification.blogspot.com.

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GPS Data Inform To Us Of 20 Worst Bottlenecks In American

Very annoying if we get stuck in traffic, wherever it is located. Even if it was only for a few minutes, the feeling of urgency and anger crept into the hearts and minds quickly. Now, imagine stuck in traffic several hours a day, five days a week. For some people, this is a way of life. To find out who has the worst journey in the country, Daily Beast studied and calculated the Top 20 worst congestion in America.

The factors that go into a long list including corridor traffic, rush hour travel time of the longest stretches along the road and the time required to drive miles along the stretch of that during peak hours the highest volume. They also calculate how many bad stretch of road during the worst periods of peak hours versus normal driving. California Delta Highway/CA-4 took that honor in a breeze, took 318 percent longer to travel during busy periods. jau-carmodification.blogspot.com

The data was gathered from GPS and smartphone tracking of four million vehicles by a company called INRIX, which the Daily Beast compiled into the top 20 list. Now, without further ado, the top 20 worst commutes in the nation:

1. Riverside Freeway/Calif. Highway 91 eastbound, Los Angeles
2. Lunalilo Freeway/I-1 eastbound, Honolulu
3. California Delta Highway/Calif. Highway 4 westbound, San Francisco
4. I-95 southbound, Washington, D.C.
5. Bruckner/Cross Bronx Expressways (I-95 southbound), New York
6. I-35 southbound, Austin-Round Rock
7. Connecticut Turnpike (I-95 northbound), Bridgeport8. I-405 southbound, Seattle
9. Bayshore Freeway (U.S. 101 southbound), San Jose, Calif.
10. Kennedy/Dan Ryan Expressways (I-90/I-94 eastbound), Chicago
11. I-5 northbound, Portland, Ore.
12. Calif. Highway 78 eastbound, San Diego
13. I-494 eastbound, Minneapolis
14. Southwest/Eastex Freeways (U.S. 59 northbound), Houston
15. Southeast Expressway (I-93 northbound), Boston
16. Hampton Roads Beltway (I-64 westbound), Virginia Beach, Va.
17. Baltimore Beltway Inner Loop (I-695 eastbound), Baltimore
18. Schuylkill Expressway (I-76 westbound), Philadelphia
19. North Freeway (I-35W northbound), Dallas
20. Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101 northbound), Oxnard, Calif

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