Lexus IS-F To Debut At Geneva Motor Show

Lexus is presenting the European premiere of its new F-marque called the IS-F. The said model will make its debut at this years Geneva Motor Show.

Genevas auto center stage is preparing for the introduction of the IS-F as a sports saloon from the fast-rising division of the Toyota Motor Corp. The center stage will also be shared with the LF-A supercar concept.

For ultra-high performance and exceptional sports driving dynamics, Lexus will is setting the F designation to mark its specially engineered cars. The F-badged models radiate power and outstanding handling as well as driving dynamics. To further emphasize its capabilities and potentials, Lexus engaged in the pursuit towards perfects. This venture, which is aimed at pushing the limits of automotive engineering, is now being recognized by the global auto industry.

The Lexus IS-F is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 that is capable of generating over 400 DIN horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. The acceleration of the car from rest to 62mph could reach top speed in a matter of 4.9 seconds. Aside from the remarkable engine power, it also boasts of its environment-friendly nature. The carbon dioxide emissions of 290g/km made the Lexus IS-F one of the cleanest sports saloons in its class - it is also one of the most powerful.

The IS-F sedan, which debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January, does not only boast the two-stage intake system, engine oil and transmission fluid coolers and an oil pump designed for high-speed cornering, it offers more captivating features to lure even the young generation of drivers. The latter are said to be more meticulous in choosing cars.

The transmission of the car is based on the automakers world-first eight-speed automatic. The said feature debuted last year in the new Lexus LS460. Now, it is especially tuned for the Lexus IS-F with a new sports shift control. The latter allows the driver to pick a manual mode by just using the fully automatic gear selection or the paddle shifts on the steering wheel. To get the quickest up-shifting accessible for the segment at 100 milliseconds, the driver can opt to use the sports shift control.

The sporty character of the car is enhanced by the switchable VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) feature. The latter allows the driver to choose Normal, Sport or Off settings depending on his discretion.

The Lexus LF-A supercar concept, on the other hand, is the product of the automakers sports engineering teams success in formulating a new and practical approach to auto design engineering for a more compact and fuel-efficient supercar concept powered by a 5.0-litre V10.

The LF-A concept measures 4,400mm in length. So far, it is the most compact and most powerful car in the Lexus lineup. The racing-inspired V10 engine produces over 500 DIN horsepower, giving the car a top speed of approximately 200mph. The forward/mid-engine location with rear-mounted transaxle and radiators gives the car ideal front/rear weight distribution and splendid handling exactitude. The V10 is further boosted by the efficient Lexus cold air intake providing cool breeze to achieve utmost engine efficiency.

Both the Lexus IS-F and the LF-A showcase the advancement in auto technology of Lexus as a result of rigorous studies and testing by its pool of engineers. The remarkable standing of the automaker is also highly-commended in the hybrid manufacture. The Lexus hybrid system is a combination of refinement and sophistication. These qualities are obvious in both the Lexus IS-F and the Lexus LF-A.

The automakers auto parts blended with the distinct qualities of Lexus make smooth, catchy, powerful and flexible luxury cars for every one to take pleasure in driving.

Volvo V70: History In The Making

Volvo, in its 54 years of unbroken commitment to refinement, improvement and safety, is set to release the all-new V70. The wagon, which is scheduled to be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is said to be Volvos history in the making. The Volvo V70 epitomizes the balance between safety, luxury and versatility that could serve as standard for wagons.

This segment has been our specialty ever since we invented it back in the 1950s," said Fredrik Arp, Volvo Cars President and CEO. "Our competitors can count on us remaining number one in the future, too. In the all-new V70, rear passengers and luggage both ride in first class.

The wagon segment is noticeably growing in Europe. The demands are increasing and the shift to wagons is apparent. Todays wagons are evolving but it is made without compromising comfort, driving dynamics and style. According to analysts, this is because sedan owners could now appreciate the added versatility of wagons. Basically, the concept of the wagon has not changed. But buyer certainly has.

The attitude towards the modern wagon has undergone a significant change. With greater focus on design and comfort, the all-new V70 is both luxurious and practical. It's not just for families with growing children but also for active people that demand everything of their cars. In fact, we expect that half of all V70 buyers wont actually be families with children, Arp said.

The Volvo V70 is built in a completely new architecture. The latter gave the new version greater edge over the current version of the wagon. The upcoming Volvo V70 is equipped with six-cylinder engine beneath the sculpted hood. The engine is complemented by an equally-efficient Volvo fuel pump to pave way for a smooth and hassle-free ride. The efficient new 3.2-liter inline-6 engine produces 235 horsepower. Compared to the current Volvo V70, the upcoming version is made spacious. The latter also offers dual built-in child booster cushions that can be adjusted in two stages. The feature is suited to those families with young children.

To boost protection, the Volvo V70 is given extended inflatable curtains mated to booster cushions and the strong body side structure. These features provide superb protection in side impact. The comfy features of the wagon have also been enhanced using wonderful seats blended to ergonomically designed instruments. The package also includes the stylish, super-slim center console, world-class audio system and the distinct Scandinavian style of the automaker.

Enthusiasts say that the Volvo V70 is stunning inside and out. This is because of the automakers brand development plan. Volvo wagons have significantly evolved with time. They have been continuously modified since 1953 when the automaker introduced the PV 445 to the industry. With regards all-new Volvo V70, each design detail is focused on intelligent functionality and clean form.

Smart and functional details allow the owners of the car to entertain his eccentricities to suit his specific needs. The most flexible in the segment is the rear seats 40/20/40 split. Other breath-taking features include lightweight backrest, simple folding mechanism, optional power tailgate, sliding load floor and a storage compartment under the luggage area floor. The compartment locks when the tailgate is shut.

To add a distinctive sporty stance, the all-new V70 features a unique soft nose with a black egg-crate grille having chrome in the vertical bars, LED brake lights and a C30-like tailgate. The tailgate glass window goes further down for extra rearward visibility. The climbing waistline also adds to the forward-leaning, vibrant posture which is further reinforced with the aid of the black pillars between the side windows.

The C30: A New Breed of Volvo

For the longest time, Volvo has been known to produce safe but boxy cars. In the past decades though, the company has produced cars which are not only safe but also appeals to the demand and the likes of the younger generation car buyers. Developments in design architecture have allowed Volvo to create a new generation of Volvos.

In the United States auto market, the newest offering of Volvo Cars is its first compact car - the C30. The said compact vehicle is designed by Canadian-born Simon Lamarre. It was unveiled by the Swedish car company owned by the Ford Motor Company at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

Fredrik Arp, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Volvo Cars, has this to say about the development of their first compact car: We know there are large numbers of fairly young, successful people who are attracted by our brand, but who still cannot find a model in our range that exactly matches their taste and lifestyle. The Volvo C30 Design Concept was developed precisely for this group. From its inception, the Volvo C30 Project was focused on one primary demographic group: Young urbanites with accelerating careers and intensive, active lifestyles. Customer clinics allowed these people to voice their opinions and give their views on the cars design and technical content.

Meanwhile, Hkan Abrahamsson, the C30 Project Director, has this to add to what Arp stated: These customers move in a fast paced world between their homes, work, meetings, the gym and their favorite restaurants and nightclubs in town. Many of them describe their ideal mode of transport as nimble car designed to get them where they want to go. They focus on attractive design and entertaining driving properties and rarely have more than two people in the car.

The Volvo C30 combines striking styling cues, high-end entertainment system, high-performance engine, and a safe structure. Some of the design cues employed by the C30 are taken straight out of the Safety Concept Car. According to Abrahamsson, The Safety Concept Car (SCC) heralded a bold design language for Volvo. Its roots could be found in the classic proportions of the P1800 ES, but there was no denying that it was also a Volvo of the future. As it turned out, the SCC is an excellent reflection of our ambition for the C30 project.

The Volvo C30 employs the Scandinavian luxury theme employed by other Volvo models especially the award-wining Volvo XC90. On the outside, the use of two colors makes the C30 identifiable easily as a Volvo. Outside, the stylish headlamps and grille add to the aesthetic value of the C30. The taillight is unique to the C30 and is one of the more striking exterior design cues employed by the C30. The tailgate of the compact vehicle is a tribute to the past of the carmaker. 'This exclusive and nimble glass tailgate is inspired both by the classic Volvo P1800 ES and the SCC concept car, explains Steve Martin, Volvo Cars Design Director. The light pattern is so unusual that you'll never be in any doubt of which car you have in front of you, he added.

The car looks smaller than it really is. While on the outside it looks like a very small car, it is surprisingly roomy inside. The front seats of course offer adequate space for the driver and the passenger, the surprise comes with the rear seats which offer ample legroom and headspace even for grownups. The occupants of the slightly centered rear seats can have a good view through the front without having to adjust their position. Accenting the dashboard of the C30 is Volvos famous floating center stack. The space between the seats also showcases Volvo's super-thin, visually floating centre stack, bringing it into full view from behind through the glass tailgate, says Steve Martin.

In terms of entertainment, the C30 packs the Volvo Premium Sound System which is composed of: a 5x130 W digital ICE Power amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and 10 loudspeakers from Dynaudio of Denmark. This entertainment system complements the efficient parts used in the construction of the vehicle. Its mechanical components were designed to produce less noise while providing efficient operation. Components such as the Volvo power steering pump, suspension assembly, and power window motors to name a few operates without producing much noise or vibration.

Power of the small vehicle comes from 2.4-liter inline five cylinder turbocharged engine. With the added boost of the turbocharger, the engine can produce as much as 260 horsepower at 5500 revs per minute and 350 Nm of torque before it reaches 5000 revs per minute. Transferring the power of the engine to the drive wheels is a precision engineered six-speed manual transmission. With the smooth gear changes and that much power, Volvo claims that the C30 can reach speeds of 100 kilometers per hour from a standstill in just six seconds.

According to Abrahamsson, Sporty driving characteristics are a must to attract this customer category. A car that radiates muscular agility has to live up to its appearance once you slip behind the steering wheel. Its features include 19-inch aluminum wheels fitted with 19-inch aluminum wheels. Stopping power is provided by four-pot brakes equipped with aluminum calipers and 330 millimeters ventilated brake discs from Brembo. This brake assembly combined with a long list of safety feature that one can expect from a Volvo vehicle makes the C30 one of the safest compact cars in the market.

Japanese Automakers Recalls

Last Wednesday, Toyota Motor Corp., announced that the automaker will recall their optional all weather floor mats in their 55,000 Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Camry sedans. The recall was due to the potential of the mat to cause a crash as it interferes with the gas pedal.

If the mat is not properly attached, it could move forward and shut in the gas pedal and the vehicle will be unstoppable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued an advisory regarding the floor mats to respond to the danger it poses to the American motorists.

A similar move was done by Nissan Motors. The automaker stated that they are going to issue recalls for their 420,000 sport utility vehicles with tubes where motorists pump gas which is at risk for corrosion.

Nissans recall includes their 1997-2001 models of the Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 SUVs. Out of the 420,000 vehicles, 370,000 had already been sold and are presently registered in 22 cold weather states and in the District of Columbia. 45,000 of the vehicles are in Canada.

For Toyotas recall, the Avalon and the Prius are not included. But the advisory issued by the NHTSA also advised the owners of these two model vehicles to check their heavy-duty rubber floor mats if it is properly installed. According to Rae Tyson, they issued the advisory because we believe potentially it is a very serious safety issue.

According to Bill Kwong, spokesman for Toyota, the company did not receive complaints for the Avalon and the Prius. He also said that the floor mats built to collect rain water, mud, and snow were installed under the original carpet mats and locked up against the accelerator.

To consider that the floor of a vehicle only has one hook that can secure on mat at a time.

22 complaints have been made regarding the issue as reported by the automaker. But they have not learned any injury connected to the matter said Kwong. The Japanese automaker plans to solve this problem by notifying the owners of the vehicles under recall in early October and to expect availability of replacement mats in dealerships by late November.

As an advice, Toyota said that the owners should check their floor mats on a regular basis if it is properly installed. The company added in a statement, Under no circumstances should more than one floor mat ever be used in the drivers seating position.

According to Nissan, their recall was due to inefficiency of coating bracket by the fuel filler tube assembly mounted in their SUVs. For the cold weather states, significantly during the winter, a mixture of snow, water and salt could eventually lead to its corrosion on the metal tube resulting to fluid leaks.

Fred Standish, spokesman for Nissan said that they have not been notified of fires or any injuries connected to the issue. The company plans to replace the fuel tube assembly with a new and improved one though its dealers. The company will notify the owners about the availability of this service in late November.

The recall covers the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Earlier this month, Honda (makes Honda cold air intake) also issued recalls for their 180,000 2006-2007 models of their Civic to fix a wheel-bearing seal that can leak and cause a wheel to fall off from the vehicle.

New Cadillac BLS Wagon in Detail

General Motors' Cadillac division has recently presented a fresh new product at the European crowd in the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show. GM's luxury brand is adding up a new variant on its current BLS compact executive car model. Cadillac has unveiled the BLS Wagon, and announced that it will roll out in markets throughout Europe in the last quarter of 2007.

According to Jim Taylor, General Manager of Cadillac brand: The Cadillac BLS Wagon is an appealing addition to the Cadillac portfolio for customers preferring dramatically designed luxury vehicles that offer versatility and performance along with outstanding ride and handling characteristics."

"This is the first Cadillac wagon in our 104-year history, and we think it will do well in many European markets where consumers desire a high degree of versatility and functionality in their performance luxury vehicles." he added.

Just like any other Cadillac luxury vehicle, the new Cadillac BLS Wagon embodies the company's signature styling like the sharply designed contours, wedge shape, tapered lines, vertical tail lights, and Cadillac's V-shaped chrome-plated grille that marks the vehicle's distinction. The Cadillac designed team said that they are very excited because this is the first time for them to create Cadillac designs cues for a station wagon. A host of other exterior components are included in the new Cadillac BLS Wagon including jewel-like headlamps, bumper integrated fog lamps, body-colored bumper, a wide air intake, narrow chrome strip in the side windows, and rear spoiler. As expected for a GM branded vehicle, the Cadillac BLS Wagon is also equipped with quality GM parts like GM mufflers. The Cadillac BLS Wagon also comes with the latest LED lighting technology for the vehicle's high-mounted stop lamp.

On the inside, customers should expect nothing for the BLS Wagon but luxury, elegance, versatility, and comfort. Aside from the standard interior auto parts like three-spoke leather steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted remote controls, analog clock, and easy to read circular instrument panel, the station wagon is also equipped with a host of interior amenities and entertainment systems including Bose high-quality audio system, touch-screen DVD navigation system, and the latest hands-free Bluetooth mobile phone system, to name the few. The Cadillac BLS Wagon has also a spacious luggage compartment and increased payload capacity.

Now on the technical side, specifically the suspension, chassis, and powertrain system, Cadillac engineers have installed front MacPherson struts on the BLS Wagon along with four-link rear axle. Under the hood of the sleek station wagon comes a wide range of engine options one diesel and three petrol engines to choose from. Leading the engine range is the 1.9-liter 150-hp engine featuring common-rail direct-injection system and particulate filter for an improved fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions. For performance oriented drivers, two 2.0-liter petrol engines delivering 175 hp and 210 hp are available, plus the monstrous twin turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 petrol engine that pumps out 255 hp. These engines are coupled with a choice of six-or five-speed manual or automatic gearboxes powering the front wheels.

Watch out for the Cadillac BLS Wagon when it rolls out in European markets later this year.

laurenwoods@yahoo.com

The alarming effects of global warming created considerable pressure to both the private and public sectors. The lawmakers and automakers are just few of the bodies and organizations troubled by this fact. Lawmakers are burdened by the need to produce timely mandates in connection with fuel emissions and auto air conditioning. Automakers, meanwhile, are battling to grab the less onerous mandate they could get.

With the probability to knock out one percent of global greenhouse gases, automakers are being urged to choose the sustainable solution in "The Cool War" as they make their decision over which new refrigerant to adopt for air conditioning in cars in the coming weeks.

"CO2 Technology outperforms competing chemical refrigerants on all three counts", said Wolfgang Lohbeck, Greenpeace's Head of Technical Innovations and Projects. "It is more environmentally friendly, more technically ready and more cost-efficient than competing chemical refrigerants. The danger is that a chemical blend such as Fluid H, DP1, or AC1 prevails due to a focus on short term cost savings and as chemical companies employ delaying tactics to try to buy time to develop new substances that they can profit from."

The legislature has formulated a mandate phasing out the existing chemical refrigerant HFC-134a. The mandate, which is estimated to cost $14.5 billion this year, will start from January 2011 onwards. The reason behind such mandate is the warming potential of the refrigerant which is over 1,400 times greater than that of CO2 Technology. To comply with the Directive, automakers are expected to settle on a new refrigerant as they usually need three to four years to develop new car platforms including the new air conditioning systems.

"From the perspective of environmental protection, we see CO2 Technology as the only viable solution for car air conditioning", said Jurgen Resch, the Head of the German NGO Deutsche Umwelthilfe. "By using a CO2-based air conditioning system, total car emissions can be reduced by up to ten percent."

"Moreover other sectors are adopting a wait-and-see approach", he continued. "If the car industry opts for CO2 Technology then we are likely to see it also being adopted by the manufacturers of vending machines, supermarket cabinets, heat pumps for domestic water heating, industrial refrigeration, to name but a few. At this level of uptake, CO2 Technology has the potential to remove three percent of the world's greenhouse gases. In essence CO2 Technology is taking the problem and turning it into part of the solution."

At present, carbon dioxide is emitted as an industrial waste product directly to the environment. By reusing it for cooling and heating a car, this carbon dioxide becomes environmentally neutral. On the contrary, competing chemical alternatives have to be manufactured from scratch with all accompanying environmental yokes. Though the mandate does not require other auto parts like a Hummer cold air intake and filters to be replaced, a significant amount is necessary for its compliance.

How alarming is global warming? As reported, America is facing its worst summer drought since the Dust Bowl years of the Great Depression. "A lot of people think climate change and the ecological repercussions are 50 years away," said Thomas Swetnam, an environmental scientist at the University of Arizona in Tucson. "But it's happening now in the West. The data is telling us that we are in the middle of one of the first big indicators of climate change impacts in the continental United States."

The West can expect ten to twenty percent less rainfall by mid-century and shrink the available water supply by as much as twenty-five percent, said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations recent report.

Feb Looks More Promising For Edge

The Edge, a midsize crossover sport utility vehicle under the Ford marquee, has become controversial not only for of its distinctive appeal but due to last years delay in scheduled delivery to dealerships. According to the Ford Motor Corp., the delay was triggered by last minute supplier concerns, stubborn weather that includes ice storms in Texas, and other quality issues. The Ford Edge was finally delivered on December instead of the scheduled early part of November.

The CUV from Ford is off to a nice start, with January's first full-month sales greater than those of the Ford Fusion sedan which is the big hit of Fords last years. Moreover, the automaker expects to yield more sales this February.

Ford knows that one wrong move in these crucial phase of its turnaround plan could cost the company its future. This is why the automaker was obviously vigilant with the production and delivery of its two new crossovers - the Ford Edge and the Lincoln MKX.

According to Ford, about 10 percent of Ford dealers still have not received their first batch of Ford Edge units. The company added that all of them will receive their initial allotment by the end of this month. Smaller Lincoln dealers will have to wait longer for their Lincoln MKX orders though. This is because the company intends to build up inventories at high-volume dealers in major metropolitan areas first.

Sources familiar to the delay issues said that the automaker discovered a minor quality issue with the ball bearings in the rear axle that prompted a last-minute redesign. As a result, some of those who had pre-ordered the ford Edge did not get it on the scheduled time.

"It's never easy to launch anything in the middle of winter, but we've been working real hard to get units out with the right quality," Ford spokesman Jim Cain said. "We've got a lot of problems that are good ones to have."

But dealers still waiting for the new crossovers felt the other way around. Randy Fuller, the owner of Pinetop Motors in Lakeside, Ariz., did not receive his first Edge until three weeks ago and has been unable to get additional models notwithstanding having customers waiting for them. All of those purchasers want the 18-inch rims, and that automaker has yet to fill those orders. But Fuller said such delays are not unusual in any launch. "It usually takes about six months to catch up," he said.

Despite the delay, the Ford Edge still yields increasing demand. Bob Jamison, the owner of James Ford in rural Half Moon Bay, Calif., normally sells mostly pickups and vans. He has already received two Ford Edge units and has sold both of them already. "It's the best vehicle Ford has had in awhile," Jamison said. "We're extremely happy with them and look forward to getting some more and selling them."

Nonetheless, a number of dealings are lamenting foul. "Someone ends up waiting, and it's usually the little guy," said Michell Van Vorst, the executive director of the Ford Dealers Alliance, a trade group representing Ford dealers. She said dealers have complained to her organization about the delays, adding that lawyers are reviewing Ford's allocation policy.

The Ford Edge which debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show is a vehicle that bridges the gap between minivans and truck-based sport utility vehicles. The crossover is designed to rival the Chevrolet Equinox and the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Ford is also in the process of enforcing its turnaround plan to alleviate its standing in the industry. Ford brands like Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo are also modified to boost the restructure plan. As a fact auto parts like Volvo water pump, Jaguar heating and cooling system, Land Rover engines and other car systems are now aimed at refinement for improved quality.

BMW 6 Series for 2008

German automaker BMW has recently announced the details and features of the new 2008 6 Series Coupe and Convertible models. For 2008, the company gave the 6 Series a wide array of new features and equipments. Only one model variant will be offered in the U.S. market - the BMW 650i.

The BMW 650i Coupe and Convertible offers luxurious and elegant driving experience with a host of new features inside and out. Outside, the BMW 650i is equipped with reconfigured optical headlight lenses, new front air dam with larger opening, amber DOT reflectors, LED design taillights, reshaped trunklid, and taller spoiler.

New features for 2008 are extended on the interior, which include brushed aluminum radio knobs, brushed aluminum iDrive controller, leather-wrapped center console, seats with Sun Reflective Technology, standard and optional seats with Active Head Restraints, LED brake and turnsignal lights, and wider trunklid-mounted third brake light. Other new features include Active Cruise Control Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning system, and USB adaptor for iPods and other MP3 players.

Under the hood of this luxury-inspired model comes a 4.8-liter Valvetronic V-8 engine that offers up rated horsepower and torque output. The engine now pumps put 360 hp and pulls out higher torque peak output of 360 lb-ft. rotating at 3,400 rpm. This power unit will be combined with a 6-speed manual or Sport Automatic gearbox. BMW commented on the new Sport Automatic, "this new transmission boasts quicker shift response in "Sport" mode, as well as standard shifter paddles on the steering wheel."

Furthermore, the BMW 6 Series Coupe and Convertible models are equipped with front suspension system with double-pivot front system. This features stronger self-centering feel in steering, lower ride height, and firmer springs and shock absorbers. Meanwhile, the rear suspension comes with multi-link layout called Integral Link that controls rear-wheel angles very precisely. Other technical features found on the 2008 BMW 6 Series include Active Roll Stabilization, rack-and-pinion steering with Servotronic power assist, and innovative brakes.

Aside from the new exterior features mentioned above, other exterior features include luminescent rings around the high beams, redesigned turn indicators, standard foglights with restyled lenses, front flanks, recurved spoiler, reconfigured rear lamps, reshaped lower tail lamps, rear diffuser, and dual exhaust. The 6 Series models are also equipped with new side sills and all aluminum front-end structure. A choice of either 18 or 19-inch wheels and run-flat tires standard completes the exterior package.

Inside, the 2008 BMW 6 Series offers a comfortable, sporty, convenient, and luxurious interior environment. Interior highlights include redesigned instrument cluster, LED ground lighting, illuminated doorsill logos, illumination of interior door handles, 1-touch open/close door windows, retractable rear window, GPS Navigation with DVD database and Real Time Traffic Information, Voice Command System, and standard AM/FM/CD system with eight speakers. A 12-way power adjustable seats including 4-way power lumbar support is also included, plus a wide range of active and passive safety equipments. The BMW 6 Series really stands out compared to the 5 Series models like the BMW 528i with quality BMW 528i parts.

XM NavTraffic Satellite Information Adds 6 Markets

XM, the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than 7.6 million subscribers, today announced that its real-time XM NavTraffic satellite information service for GPS navigation will add six new markets thus allowing XM NavTraffic subscribers in the U.S. to access the real-time traffic data service in 50 major North American markets. And this starts on March 31.

The six new markets include Fresno, CA; Jacksonville, FL; Montreal, QB; Salt Lake City, UT; Toronto, ON; and Vancouver, BC. Additionally, Portland, OR also has an expanded coverage with traffic flow data available allowing drivers to see how fast the traffic is moving.

XM NavTraffic provides detailed NAVTEQ Traffic information overlaid on the navigation road map, allowing the navigation system to show the traffic conditions between you and your destination. The service provides data on incidents, such as accidents and road construction, directly to a vehicle's GPS navigation system via XM's satellite pipeline.

Through the traffic data service, the driver is alerted to these blockages. Hence, he could change his route so as to avoid getting caught in traffic. Where available, XM NavTraffic also offers information that allows users to view an overlay of color-coded traffic flow information, representing the average speed of travel along the driver's planned route. The traffic data is collected from data sources by NAVTEQ Traffic. Data sources include police and emergency services, road sensors, traffic cameras, commercial traffic data providers, eyewitness reports, and real-time aircraft surveillance reports.

XM NavTraffic offers considerable benefits including traffic flow speed information, indicating the average traffic speed along major highways, "Personalized Traffic Information" for current location and destination, visual presentation for clear "at-a-glance" communication, advanced notification of congestion along traveled route, and aids a driver to re-route around upcoming congestion.

NavTraffic is available as a factory-installed feature on new models that include Acura MDX, RDX, RL, TL; Cadillac CTS; Infiniti G35 Sedan; Lexus LS 460 L, LS 460, LS 600h L; and Nissan Altima. Every time aficionados open Nissan doors to enter the Altima, they could be ensured of the reliable traffic information from NavTraffic. Aftermarket parts and handheld units from Alpine, Garmin, Kenwood and Pioneer Electronics also feature the NavTraffic. XM NavTraffic is expected to be available in 200,000 vehicles by the end of next year.

"Consumers demand new methods for saving both time and money in their daily lives, particularly on their commute with gas prices once again on the rise," said Roderick MacKenzie, XM's VP of Advanced Applications and Services. He added, "XM NavTraffic's real-time traffic technology is a powerful and valuable tool, allowing commuters to reach their destinations quicker, spend less time sitting in traffic, and ultimately save money at the pump."

Remade Silverado Sums Up Pickup Power

General Motors knows exactly that a mild error could mean a detrimental fall. Moreover, all its entries are meticulously conceptualized and tested to boost the automakers fragile standing. The current version of the Chevrolet Silverado, to boot, is now bolder, bigger and also better.

The remade Chevrolet Silverado, a full sized truck that replaced the GMC Sierra, is given significant upgrades and modifications to boost its already outstanding performance and appearance. The meaner look of the truck contributed to its high-performing trace. In fact, it is also equipped with parts truck fuel pump aftermarket to enhance the purpose.

The all-new Chevy Silverado, the second best-selling pickup truck behind the Ford F-Series, was launched by the automaker to entice more truckers. GM's vice chairman of global product development, Bob Lutz said, "We can't keep making vehicles to be as good as the competition. We have to aim three notches higher so by the time we hit the market, we're in the lead - we can't just be good enough anymore."

Chevy is the biggest brand of General Motors and the Silverado is Chevys cream of the crop model with a remarkable 636,000 units sold in the previous year. Despite tough truck competition from the Ford F-Series, Toyota Tundra and the Dodge Ram, the automaker expects to sell more units this year. According to industry critics, with the remade Silverado, GM can put up an even tougher fight.

With the new $850-million Tundra facility in San Antonio, Texas to produce 200,000 trucks a year, Toyota is said to be a serious threat to both Ford and GM. The Toyota Tundra, with a length of 228.7 inches and a wheelbase of 145.7, is virtually spot-on with the Chevrolet Silverado. With regards power source, the Toyota Tundra is powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 and a six-speed automatic, which is capable of producing about 400 horses and more than 400 pound feet of torque. When towing capacity is to be made an issue, Toyota said the Toyota Tundra is engineered to tow more than 10,000 pounds. These facts alone should make GM more cautious.

However, the greatest threat to Chevrolet is the prolonged dominance of the F-Series trucks from Ford. Said series has been sold for more than 5 decades now. Its most popular variant is the Ford F-150. So far, it has established a record for 23 years as the best selling truck in America. It is also the best selling truck around the globe for 39 years now. The sales of the Ford F-Series are so strong that it makes up half of the automakers profit in the previous years.

The serious threats surrounding GM is pretty tough. To circumvent this, the automaker is continuously launching striking and groundbreaking vehicles to boost its edge in the auto market. Furthermore, it has rebuilt the Chevrolet Silverado not just to improve the overall appeal and performance of the vehicle but to enhance GMs performance as well.