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The Isuzu Rodeo rounds up my vote

carlover — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:48:59 +0000

It’s hard to make a choice in a saturated market. The automotive market is no different as most manufacturers offer a model to fit into each category. This leaves buyers confused with a plethora of different makers, models and specs that are often confusing. The pickup truck market is no exception with many models offering a variety of cab and engine sizes.

Isuzu Rodeo

Having driven the range of pick up trucks available, the Isuzu Rodeo stood out for its generous loadbay and standard equipment. There is plenty of space for anyone who requires a vehicle of this nature and interior space is also good if you opt for the double cab option which can be found on 5 of the 6 models available. The interior provides ample space for a family or set of friends and the high seating position aids in visibility and control for the driver. The Isuzu Rodeo has light steering for when driving around town and functionality to switch between 2 and 4 wheel drive. The 4 wheel drive option offers a smooth ride, whereas the 2 wheel performance is firm and more responsive.

There is no hiding that you are in a truck when you start the engine and it creates harmony between the concept of a ‘lifestyle’ pickup truck and professional vehicle. The Isuzu Rodeo is a handsome brute, with looks only matched the popular Mitsubishi L200.

The ride is benefited by a smooth diesel engine that offers plenty of torque and low-down grunt, which is great for when driving around the country and carrying a heavy load. The 2.5-litre engine offers 134bhp, giving punchy performance and the range comes with an average fuel consumption of 34.9mpg which is very strong against its competitors. At high speeds there is adequate sound proofing and the engine refrains from being too vocal and here you can sometimes forget you are in such a large pickup truck.

The Isuzu Rodeo is offered at a very competitive price for the industry and should be considered seriously as a contender for the pickup truck you intend to lease next. Pickup truck leasing is a sensible way of getting your hands on the Rodeo for a low monthly cost and you can also trade it in at the end of the agreed period for something like a Mitsubishi L200 if that takes your fancy. If you intend to use the Isuzu Rodeo for business use, the tax band is appealing too as it falls just over the tax-critical weight threshold. This means you can claim back VAT and pay a low rate of tax similar to a family saloon.

Image: www.motoweb.pl/

Luxury Exotic Eco-Friendly Cars

SarahHarris — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:01:58 +0000

With more and more people looking for ways to clean up the environment by reducing waste and pollution, the last several years have shown a marked growth in the market for eco-friendly vehicles. From biodiesel to hybrids to fully electric automobiles, there are an astounding number of options these days for consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint (and their total at the gas pump). Of course, most expect that the car they end up with is going to be bland and boring, with limited range and acceleration capabilities, but nothing could be further from the truth. With new advances popping up at breakneck speeds (improved acceleration among them), consumers might be surprised at what they can get these days in the way of green transportation. So if you’re looking into purchasing an eco-friendly vehicle, here are just a few that might get your heart racing.

1. Aston Martin Cygnet. Who would have thought that Double-oh-seven’s ultra-masculine chick-magnet of streamlined metal could become eco-friendly? Considering the company’s dedication to building some of the most exclusive cars in the world (and the association with gadgetry), it really should come as no surprise that they would take it to the next level by creating an eco-friendly vehicle. Although this one looks more like a Smart car than the sleek and sporty vehicle driven by the world’s best spy, it’s certainly not short on amenities. And this tailor-made city car won’t break the bank, either. With a starting price of just under $50,000 and an mpg of nearly 60, you can get all the luxury of an Aston Martin for less (while going green).

2. Bentley Continental GT with flex-fuel capability. It’s pretty hard to accept that any car with 12 cylinders under the hood could fall into the “green” category, but that’s just what Bentley would have you believe. Of course, they’re not offering a hybrid here, but it will run on biodiesel (up to E85) with virtually the same performance as gasoline. With a 0-60 of 4.4 seconds and a newly modeled exterior, this Bentley’s still got the speed and class you’re looking for, but now in a greener package (and with a price point of close to $200,000, it’s certainly not the priciest option out there).

3. Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid. It really doesn’t get much more exciting than a car that looks like pure, molten, metal zipping down the road, yet it still delivers 500 hp, nearly 80 mpg, and goes 0-60 in 3.2 seconds. Of course, if you’re getting all hot and bothered just thinking about it, all you have to do is look at the price tag to cool down. At $845,000, you’re likely to feel a little less amorous.

4. Ferrari 599 HY-KERS. If this car got any hotter, it might spontaneously combust. The name is a little weird, but it refers to the Kinetic Energy Recovery System that Ferrari has been using in their Formula One race cars (for regenerative breaking), so at least it’s descriptive. However, you’ll give little thought to the name once you see this breathtaking piece of automotive excellence…and learn that it emits 35% less hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. Smart and sexy? It’s a win-win. And since the car won’t be available until 2015 (hence no pricing), you’ll have plenty of time to dream about it.

5. Tesla Roadster. Okay, okay, so it’s not exactly new. But it’s undeniably exciting, and still the best electric car on the road. With stats like 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (oh, yeah) and 245 miles of travel per charge (still the highest available), not to mention zero emissions and a body that looks fast even at a standstill, you’d be crazy not to want this car. Of course, there is the one small detraction: a price tag that comes in at just over $100,000. But if you’ve got the dough and a hankering for green transportation, you really can’t do better.

Sarah Danielson writes for CT Limo where you can find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs.

Volkswagen XL1 super efficient diesel electric hybrid

admin — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 19:56:44 +0000

Germans just send the message to the oil rich Arab world: – We do not need you anymore!

To send this message they choose Qatar Motor Show which was held in Doha the capitol of oil rich country of Qatar from 26 to 29 January.

In Qatar, VW – the masters of the diesel technology just launched the XL1 concept. Volkswagen XL1 is diesel electric hybrid which fuel consumption is only 0.9liters/100km and it is nature friendly. The CO2 rating is only 24g/km. The aerodynamic drag is very low – just Cd 0.186.

Volkswagen XL1 is powered by two engines. One is 800cc turbo diesel injection engine with two cylinders and the second one is 20KW electric motor. The concept car has a small 10 liters tank which is good for a range of 550 km. In electric mode XL1 has a range of only 35km. To store electric energy from the common household electric output this plug in hybrid XL1 is using lithium ion battery. Battery is also storing a recovering energy from the brake system while the car is slowing down. For getting to 100 km from 0, XL1 need 11.9 seconds and the top speed is limited to 160 km/h. The weight of XL1 is 795kg because carbon fiber and other advanced materials are used during construction of this magnificent car.

If the heads of VW decide to go with serial production of this magnificent car, many things on this concept will be changed. So we decide to continue with the pictures instead boring information and statistics.

Enjoy VW XL1 gallery…

Volkswagen XL1 concept

Volkswagen XL1 sketches

VW XL1 interior

Volkswagen XL1 Concept at Qatar with the Qatar officials
Take a time to closely see the faces of the Qatar official delegation – They don’t look very happy!!!
From the other side, Germans are opposite to their Arab hosts. They look very happy.

Volkswagen XL1 wallpaper

Volkswagen XL1 concept diesel electric plug in hybrid

Volkswagen XL1 Concept with Qatar officials. Qatar officials do not look happy again…

Volkswagen XL1 interior

Volkswagen XL1 prototype front angle view

VW Volkswagen XL1 Wallpaper SEV- Super efficient Vehicle.

Volkswagen XL1 efficient car top view angle

XL1, Volkswagen fuel efficient vehicle under the Doha palms.

Volkswagen XL1 concept statistics

Top Green Cars

admin — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 23:41:00 +0000

Green cars are the in thing and more and more people are getting in line to get one for themselves. Environmentally friendly green cars are a vital step towards a healthier planet. A great green car means better fuel efficiency (or no reliance on gas at all!), and is cost effective both to purchase and maintain. It should also be mechanically reliable for you and your family for many miles and many years, and it should be easy to service. A good green car should be comfortable and safe to drive and ride in as well as perform better on emissions tests than the majority of other vehicles available in the mainstream market.

Let’s examine a few of the top green cars of 2010 and examine the price tag associated with each of them.

Chevrolet Volt 230

This car receives top marks for being eco-friendly and comes in with gas mileage for city driving at an incredible 230 miles per gallon. At this rate, if you do not do much driving in the city every day, like less than 40 miles, it’s quite possible you won’t use any gas at all. This is because the car’s fantastic electric engines can go 40 miles before needing a charge. With a price tag at around $40,000, the Chevrolet Volt is one of the more pricey options for green cars, but certainly a remarkable one.

Chevrolet Volt 230 photos:

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Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape Hybrid model is a great option for those who want to be green and eco-friendly but still have some big hauling jobs to do or just need a bigger option for the family. It does a great job both in performance and style. For such a good quality hybrid sport utility vehicle, the price tag for the Ford Escape Hybrid starting at around $31,500 isn’t too shabby.

Ford Escape Hybrid photos:

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Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is still kicking in the green car arena and now into its newly redesigned 3^rd generation. It still tops the charts for some of the most environmentally friendly cars available. It’s more affordable than the Chevy Volt at about half the price, coming in with a price tag of around $22,000. Not to mention this car is stylish and very in style.

Toyota Prius photos:

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Honda Insight Hybrid

Honda is known for its reliability among its fans, and this option is great for combining that classic reliability with a great fuel economy and an affordable starting price. The going rate is under $20,000, and a likely purchase for a small family looking to save money and be eco-conscious. Available in a variety of colors and interior styling sure to please, this car is a great purchase in 2010.

Honda Insight Hybrid photos:

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Tesla Roadster Sport

How does 60 mph in 3.7 seconds sound to you? Going green doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a sporty style or speed. The Tesla Roadster Sport goes an estimated 244 miles on a full charge. Oh, did I forget to mention this is an electric car? That’s right, this 92% efficiency rated sports car is certainly one of a kind. The going rate, however, is around $130,000. While not a likely purchase as a family vehicle, the Tesla Roadster Sport certainly changes the way we think about the traditional weekend car.

Tesla Roadster Sport photos:

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Which 2010 green car is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Vern Marker is an expert in the auto industry, specifically truck accessories. When he’s not writing, blogging or working on his car, he loves to travel. Follow him on Twitter @VernMarker.

Who Does The Electric Eco Car Future Belong To?

carlover — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:00:44 +0000

Mayor Boris Johnson had pledged to install 22,500 electric car charging points across London, with 7,500 in place by 2013 of which 6,000 were to be installed at work places, 500 on the streets, 330 in public car parks, 50 at Tube stations, 140 in supermarket car parks and 120 at car clubs. This £60 million scheme was intended to make London the “Electric Car Capital of Europe” , but, following the Spending Review, the mayor’s earlier pledge of £20 million funding has now been cut back to just £7 million. Boris also promised that no Londoner would be more than a mile from a charging point. At present there are only around 250 charging points in London with just over half of them funded by Transport for London (TfL), to service the capital’s 1,700 electric vehicles currently registered.

There’s no doubt that the specification of Electric Vehicles (EV’s) is improving all the time. Ranges are steadily being extended and their performance is getting closer to regular cars. The various technologies are still sparring for dominance and projected retail prices seem to be relatively high (£30,000 is suggested for a Plug in Prius for example). That’s reflected in sales of new electric cars in the UK, which plummeted by nearly 90% in 2009 compared with their peak in 2007, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Nearly half of the electric vehicles sold last year were the tiny G-Wiz, which is ineligible for a government grant scheme thanks to its low speed and limited range.

In January 2011, a grant of up to £5,000 towards the price of a series of newly launched electric cars could be available. This subsidy was the brainchild of the former Labour government and the Department for Transport (DfT) anticipates around 8,600 of the cars will be sold in the first year of the scheme. So far, £43 million has been committed to the scheme that will run until March 2012, with a review taking place in January 2012. There are suggestions that the subsidy will continue after March 2012, albeit at a lower rate. New EV models that may benefit from the grant could include the £28,900 four-seater Mitsubishi iMiEV, the as yet unpriced Norwegian-made Th!nk City and the £28,350 Nissan Leaf, which has received some pretty good reviews and will be built in Sunderland from 2013.

So until the subsidy has been confirmed and the various technologies settle down, you might be best advised looking at contract hire for an electric vehicle rather than parting with your hard earned cash outright. Some leading luxury marques are plugging into the electric bandwagon. Audi contract hire on something like the all-electric Audi A1 premium compact hatchback may be a better bet for the time being. 20 of these beasts will be on trial in Munich by mid 2011 supported by 200 ‘electric filling stations’. Capable of a top speed of 81 mph thanks to a hefty under floor lithium-ion battery pack, the electric A1 Audi also uses a small, single-rotor Wankel engine as a “range extender” to produce an extra 15 kW of charging power. Audi reckon that will deliver ‘fuel economy’ equivalent to 148.7 mpg.

BMW too has ripped the petrol-guzzling heart from the Mini and replaced it with batteries and an electric motor. Prices for final retail models of the Mini E remain unconfirmed, so BMW contract hire may be the more judicious approach here too. The Mini E manages to deliver an impressive performance (thanks to an enormous battery pack) to reach a top speed of 95 mph and a whopping 155-mile range, but the size of the battery pack needed for this means you can only carry one passenger, so not too sure how that one will go.

Kia Pop Zero Emission Concept Car

carlover — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:38:33 +0000

Kia Motors, who have become renowned for their innovative concept cars, have announced they will be revealing their all-new electric concept car; the Kia Pop.

Although the Korean firm are being remarkably quiet about the exact details of their new machine, which will be displayed at the Paris Motor Show on the 30th September, a few details have been released.

The offical details released by Kia are minimal to say the least, but they highlight some pertinent facts. The car produces zero emissions while in use, as it’s electric only, making it one of the most environmentally sound concept cars ever produced. It also has enough room for three people, despite being only three metres long. Whilst this may be hard to picture looking at it, the overhead shot reveals more about the incredible styling and use of space inside the car:

The styling of the cars’ exterior is also very unique, and could form the basis of one of Kia’s next City cars.

Although the car is only a concept, Kia have built an excellent reputation for putting their previous concept cars into production (see the Soul or the Venga for good examples of this), meaning we could well see this car, or at least the majority of its’ features, on a future Kia model.

Unfortunately that’s about all the information available on Kia’s latest concept model, but we’ll bring you details of the car once it has been properly revealed at the Paris Motor Show.

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Guest post by Mark, who works for a holiday company specialising in shark diving and general scuba diving holidays.

New Vehicles in the Mini Family

Monika — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:55:57 +0000

The Mini team has been working on a smaller version of the MINI for some time now. Rumor has it, that the concept should be ready for the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March. Not much information has been revealed yet, but it will probably be a two-seater based on a modified version of an existing front-engine/front-wheel-drive platform with a shorter wheelbase and small-capacity gasoline engine. It would make it a direct competition to Smart ForTwo. Another possibility is that the car will have three seats. It is also expected that it will be a development of an existing concept that first appeared in Geneva in 1997 – a 4-seater known as the MINI Spiritual.

The plans for new smaller MINI are part of BMW’s Project “i” – aiming to develop cars for the future. The first vehicle in the program is the MINI E – an all-electric version of Mini. The car is not yet widely offered, but the field tests are in progress. For example, Mini E is available through leasing to private users in California and the New York area as well as in the UK. The Mini E is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack weighting 572 pounds (259 kg) that is placed instead of a back seat. The car range is said to be 156 miles (251 km) on a single charge under optimal conditions, but when it comes to standard driving conditions, the MINI can offer a range of 109 miles (175 km) in the city and 96 miles (154 km) on highway. The top speed is 95 mph (153 km/h). What is interesting, when the battery levels drop to 20%, the system automatically slows power delivery and shuts down the air-conditioning etc, to help the driver get home.

The BMW engineers also tests a race car version of MINI E. Its electric motor is identical to the one used in the standard MINI E, but the body of the car is 225kg lighter, mainly thanks to carbon-fibre panels. The vehicle is in a concept stage and it is not yet sure if it will go for sale.

The 2011 Geneva Motor Show will also host two other new releases: the 2012 Coupe and Roadster models – sportier-looking, lightener, two-seat variations of the MINI. Later this year MINI will release its Countryman model – a crossover SUV that was first shown also in Geneva, in March. It is the largest car produced under this brand.

Written by the team of CarTruckTrader.com. Visit the website to find new and used MINI cars for sale.

The T.25 City Car

carlover — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:07:59 +0000

The T.25 City Car has been recently unveiled by the designer of McLarens F1 sports car; Gordon Murray. The aim of the T.25 is to be the most complete car for easy use in and around the city. A very lightweight and small car the T.25 is set to rival the smart car in the city car market place.

Its small size means that the car is very easy to park, being able to fit sideways or long ways into a parking space. In fact the T.25 is even slimmer than a smart car. With its single door design the car is able to be parked in the smallest of spaces whilst also allowing the driver to easily access and exit the vehicle.

Extra benefits of the reduced width of this car mean that it is feasible for two T.25’s to occupy a single lane side by side, which could potentially reduce the amount of traffic jams during peak times.

Gordan Murray T25 city car

Not only is the T.25 City Car making waves with its design and style it is also changing the way cars are being manufactured. Via a new process called iStream manufacturers are able to significantly reduce the size of the factories where the cars are produced and cut down on CO2 emissions at the same time.

T25 city car

Thanks to the use of high tech materials the T.25 is able to be incredibly light weighing in at just 575kg whilst still being very strong. A small motor provides the city car with 51bhp, which can get it up to a maximum speed of 90mph. Giving the driver an impressive 74 miles per gallon the T.25 City Car is ideal for those looking to car for the environment.

You will official be able to buy the T.25 City Car in two years time.

Gordan Murray T25 city car

Alex has a passion for cars and works for a Web Design company who also provide SEO services.

China’s BYD with electric car for the US market

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:12:40 +0000

One of the most successful Chinese automotive companies in China – BYD (Build Your Dreams) Auto is going to attack the US auto market with a four-door electric car, which was presented at the last Detroit auto show.

BYD e6 will roll out of the assembly plant soon and the first vehicles will be offered on the American market by the end of 2010 year.

BYD e6 is full sized electric vehicle with 4 doors. The operational costs are only 1/3 of the regular car in the same segment. Autonomy is 205 miles and the maximum speed is 88 miles per hour. In 14 seconds can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles. BYD e6 can be charged at home, but charging stations will be offered to any interested party like transportation companies, airports, restaurants etc…

byd e6 exterior

The plans for the near future are selling of 800.000 vehicles in China and abroad and becoming the biggest automaker in China mainland. There are plans for establishing a R&D and assembly plant in USA. The distribution network is still not established but BYD and their US partners are working on this issue.

byd e6 picture

byd e6 interior

byd e6 photo

byd e6 dashboard

byd e6 front

byd e6 girl model

BYD is not making only electric vehicles. Recently they reveal their first plug in hybrid BYD F3 DM which will be the first hybrid produced on the mass scale.

6 New And Semi-New Cars Ideal For Gas-Saving Road Trips

erea — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:13:55 +0000

Picking one car that has everything you desire and need for your family road trips usually boil down to what you can afford. Because you’re traveling with precious cargo – your family – safety and security are often at the top of the checklist for cars.

Then comes comfort. The American pastime is driving across the country and many days on the road are going to add up to frazzled nerves and short tempers if everyone is uncomfortable.

One thing that is creeping up on the list is gas mileage and environmental considerations, especially as gas prices continue to gouge our budgets.

So, if you’re preparing for one of those road trips, or gearing to make them a tradition while the kids are still under your roof, which car is going to give you the most for your money – and keep saving you money? If you’ve traveled 1500 miles and are looking for things to do in, say, Boston, the last thing you want to be worried about is constantly filling up your safe and comfortable, but gas-guzzling vehicle.

Here are six cars that may fit your checklists beautifully

The New 2011 Ford Fiesta is not your old boxy memory of the old Fiestas. With plenty of room, high safety standards, loaded with extras, and boasting 30 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway, you’re talking about a lot of gallons saved and an ideal fit for small families.

The Mercury Milan Hybrid is a bit more luxurious and a bit pricier initially, but one reviewer got 37.1 mpg during a weeklong test drive and used less than a quarter tank of gas. That adds up to some serious savings.

toyota dyna two story truck

Parenthood.com also recommends the Volkswagen Passat with 20 mpg city and 29 hwy and Toyota’s Avalon(21/29), Camry (23/32) and Sienna (21/29). Not as great as the fiesta or Milan in terms of mileage, but combined with the other factors are pretty good deals.

As you’re shopping for cars, you will of course be mindful of your budget, want a vehicle that fits your family, and has all the safety features you need. But, if you’re looking specifically for road trips cars, you’ll want one that can render some relief to your gas budget as well.

ø Sports cars, Sporty Sexy cars ø » Green

The Isuzu Rodeo rounds up my vote

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Luxury Exotic Eco-Friendly Cars

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Volkswagen XL1 super efficient diesel electric hybrid

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Kia Pop Zero Emission Concept Car

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New Vehicles in the Mini Family

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The T.25 City Car

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China’s BYD with electric car for the US market

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6 New And Semi-New Cars Ideal For Gas-Saving Road Trips

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