Talking About Automobiles

Lexus Malaysia, the luxury division of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, will be launching a new model, the Lexus IS250. Lexus is expecting this model to create a name in the market, more of something that will boost its sales by next year.

The Lexus IS250 is the fourth and smallest of the Lexus range. And, it is powered with a 2.5 L V6 engine that produces a top speed of 205 bhp. Since there is a trend of small cars these days worldwide, UMW Toyota managing director Datuk David Chen foresees that this new model would probably account for 30% of the 300 units they will be selling for 2008.

Currently, there are 7,000 luxury car units being sold in the local luxury market annually. Chen said, “I think the market is ready to share with another new brand.”

According to Chen, the Lexus IS250 is potentially competitive in the compact sedan segment of the luxury car market, joining its top rivals: BMW 325i and Mercedes C-class. Considering it in the line, the segment seemingly represents about one third of the total luxury market, Chen said.

Lexus Malaysia will get to have a complete range composed of the Lexus IS250 in the compact sedan division; the Lexus LS460L in the limousine segment; the Lexus GS300 in the mid-sized sedan group; and the Lexus RX300 in the sports utility vehicle segment.

Lexus just set has set a sales target for the new model in 2008, considering that its operations were actually limited to the Lexus Center (a RM35mil 3S center opened in Mutiara Damansara last January) as it is their only outlet. In a span of nine months, more than 150 unites were sold. For that, the company is expecting to have about 200 units for the entire year.

Chen said, “The Lesux GS300 and the Lexus LS460L (the two top-selling models) sold in almost equal quantity. I’m pleasantly surprised at the strength of both models.”

Recently, Arabian Automobiles has launched the 2008 models of Nissan Altima, Qashqai, Xterra and Navara in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Arabian Automobiles is an exclusive dealer of Nissan in Dubai and Northern Emirates who now brings the latest models with high performance, excitement and technical innovation for their market. Several guests were invited to the Al Sahra resort to get a nice view of a majestic light and laser show.

Michel I. Ayat, CEO of Arabian Automobiles, said, “Continuing our tradition of offering world-class automobiles with excellent customer service, we are proud to launch the 2008 models of Nissan Altima, Qashqai, Xterra and Navara. We decided to launch these models during the holy month of Ramadan, in celebration of our heritage. With advanced features and attractive designs, we’re sure customers will find these models exciting and appealing.” “We wish everyone Ramadan Kareem from Arabian Automobiles,” he continued.

A play has been presented, the ‘Jumana – Secret of the Desert’, wherein Omar Sharif’s voice is held the storyteller. It includes fusion of different light, water, laser and pyrotechnic effects, associated with vibrant soundtrack. After the presentation, the SUV and Sedan line-ups of Nissan’s 2008 new editions’ launch followed.

These are the three new models included in the Nissan’s 2008 SUV line-up:

• Nissan Xterra – Equipped with 4.0 L engine, this model lead in enhancing Nissan’s presence in the growing SUV segment.
• Nissan Qashqai – This model gained a safety rating of 5 star Euro NCAP.
• Nissan Navara – This model combined the best of Nissan SUV heritage and the utility of a commercial pick up.

On the Sedan line-up, Arabian Automobiles holds the new Nissan Altima 2008 sedan. The model has significant built-in quality, enhanced comfort, sporty performance and high technology features.

Ayat said, “We are pleased to offer our customers a wide range of 2008 model vehicles to choose from, all coming from the trusted name Nissan, supported by our customer-oriented sales and after-sales professionals.”

Arabian Automobiles is well dedicated in continuing its leadership, providing customer satisfaction in all aspects involved in the business. To put this goal into realization, they have set plans of infrastructure and network expansion, of which includes a warehouse in Jebel Ali free zone. They have also established several showrooms and workshops. For possessing such impressive commitment, the company wouldn’t be considered among the fancy ones, since it operates through Oracle systems. They even invest in hiring and training specialists, of which will provide excellent service to their customers.

All of their characteristics being considered, the company most likely could manage to prevail for decades, as it continuously focus on the customers’ needs.

It’s not quite surprising that there are several cool cars not found in America. That is since the makers might have created them for a certain market of which U.S. has been excluded. But, of course, we love them to be here. And, we continuously ask “Why can’t they be here?”

Well, let us just lay those cars lined up. I have gathered a list of the top 10 cars that we can’t get in the U.S., featured in motortrend.com:

1. Audi RS 6 Avant – This model comes with 580 hp twin turbo V10, Quattro all-wheel drive and Dynamic Ride Control (which reduces pitching and rolling movement). The optional ceramic brakes (front 16.5 inch discs and rear 14.0 inch discs) with 20 inch alloy wheels provide stealthy looks and stellar performance. It features 10 LED daytime running lights in each headlamp cluster. It also has 59 cubic feet of cargo space. And, it has top speed of 155 mph on highway.
2. Artega GT – Backed by auto supplier Paragon, this beautifully sculpted two-seat sports car has been designed by Henrik Fisker, the former Aston designer and the man behind Fisker Coachbuild. This machine is powered with rear-mounted 3.6 L, 300 hp VR6 mated to VW’s DSG duel-clutch transmission. It has a curb weight of approximately 2400 lbs for being aluminum and carbon fiber made.
3. BMW M5 Wagon – This model has been equipped with 507 hp V10 and SMG tranny, which makes its performance equal to the sedan’s capabilities. It also has 19 inch wheels and four exhaust pipes.
4. Ford Kuga – This has been made available with 2.0 L Duratorq TDCi diesel engine and six-speed dueal-clutch transmission.
5. Honda Civic Type R – This comes with the same high-revving 197 hp, 2.0 liter four in the Si. But, it has more futuristic interior, racier bucket seats and available 19 inch alloy wheels.
6. Peugeot 207 RC and Clio Renaultsport 197 – The Peugeot 207 RC gets funky Euro styling and equipped with 1.6 L direct-injected turbo four. The Clio Renaultsport 197, on the other hand, got 197 hp four, front Brembo brake calipers, 17-inch anthracite wheels, stiffer suspension, Recaro seats, and Renault F1 team decals.
7. Mercedes Benz GL420 CDI – This is stuffed with V8 engine producing 516 lb-ft of torque at 2200 rpm and 206 hp at 3600 rpm. The model, with such powerful engine, could run 60 in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 143 mph.
8. Fiat 500 – After 30 years of absence, it has now returned to the European market. However, it is still uncertain that this will cross the Atlantic for U.S.
9. Mazda2 – This model is provided with 1.3 L Miller-cycle engine, CVT, and roomy interior and sporty dynamics.
10. Suzuki Swift – This machine has been equipped with 1.6 L, 125 hp engine, four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch wheels, and a 2400 pound curb weight.

They are all great. So, in case, when would they come? Let’s just hope it will be soon.

For those who missed the 27th week in NASCAR here is an update for you:

1. Jeff Gordon — Just like the other 41 cars in the field, Gordon spent his day following Clint Bowyer's No. 07 car in a four-hour game of follow the leader. After passing Tony Stewart on lap 224, Gordon made no headway in chasing down Bowyer, who wans handily by over six seconds.
2. Jimmie Johnson — Johnson finished sixth in New Hampshire, and in doing so, lost the 20-point lead over second he had worked all year to accumulate. Johnson still is in first, tied with teammate Jeff Gordon, who finished second.
3. Tony Stewart — Stewart finished third behind Clint Bowyer and Jeff Gordon to maintain third in the points. Stewart cut his deficit to the points leader from 30 to 10.
4. Kyle Busch — Busch finished fourth in New Hampshire to climb three places in the standings to fifth, where he is 35 points out of the lead.
5. Clint Bowyer — Bowyer completely dominated the field in New Hampshire, leading 222 of 300 laps in route to a massive six-second victory over second-place Jeff Gordon. The win moved him from last in the 12-man field to fourth, where he trails Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson by 15 points.
6. Martin Truex, Jr. — Truex scored his sixth top-five of the year by coming home fifth in New Hampshire. That moved him up one spot in the points to sixth, where he trails the leaders by 40 points.
7. Carl Edwards — Edwards wrecked his primary car in Friday practice, forcing him to qualify in the backup. After a solid 11th qualifying position, a rainout of Saturday's final practice left Edwards unable to shake down the backup. Still, he finished a respectable 12th, but seven of the twelve Chasers finished better.
8. Matt Kenseth — Kenseth, showing the consistency that has made him no threat to win the Cup, had another poor qualifying effort that started him 30th. He still battled his way to a seventh, his 17th top 10 of the year.
9. Kevin Harvick — Harvick suffered two flat tires on the Loudon surface last Sunday, one of which caused him to fall from sixth th 36th, a lap down to the leaders. Harvick also avoided disaster when he just missed the spinning car of Reid Sorenson.
10. Kurt Busch — Busch's Dodge lost a cylinder about 120 laps into the Sylvania 300, handicapping his efforts for a solid start to the Chase. Busch finished the race one lap down in 25th, the worst finish among Chase qualifiers. He is now last in the 12-man Chase, 102 points out of first.

This has been quoted from sports-central.org, which featured it with cool fictional quotes to put a little spice in it.

1977 to 2007. 30 years have passed. And, these 30 years is how long Saab has been turbocharging. Saab is reportedly commemorating the event with the unveiling of their ultimate performance car and giving the new-look 9-3 range its public debut.

According to media reports, “turbocharging is key to Saab’s ‘rightsizing’ engine philosophy, getting ‘more for less’ in terms of both power and environmental performance”. This has been justified by Saab BioPower’s number one position in the emerging ‘flex-fuel’ segment in Europe.

World Premiere of the Saab Turbo S has been set. The Turbo S is actually a driver-focused, all-wheel-drive car, and loaded with all of the following features:

• Black Limited Edition evokes iconic appeal of Saab’s first black 900 Turbo
• Innovative Saab XWD for greater driver involvement and dynamic chassis control
• Active torque split between both axles and rear wheels
• Tuned suspension and electronic chassis settings for optimum handling
• 280 hp/206 kW 2.8V6 turbo engine, 400 Nm of torque. 0-100 kph in 5.7 secs
• Distinctive styling additions for enhanced aerodynamics

Public debut of the new Saab 9-3 Range is also set, with the 9-3 range provided with more assertive look adopted from Saab’s Scandinavian design tradition, as weel as the award-winning Aero X concept car. Here's what to expect from the new Saab 9-3 range:

• All-new bodywork forward of the A-pillars
• Cleaner looks, new doors, light and bumper assemblies front and rear
• Two-stage, 180 hp/132 kW 1.9 turbo diesel for class-leading power and efficiency
• Addition of more powerful, 200 hp/147kW Saab BioPower (E85) engine

While most carmakers are busy with their small cars and hybrids to counter the rapidly increasing gas prices… Tesla Motors, on the other hand, is just about ready to roll out its Tesla Roadster.

Tesla Motors has also reportedly invented and improved a free energy device. It brought Nicola Tesla, their nearly mythical scientific figure, scientist and inventor, recognized achievements in the past years. According to Tesla's website, “Among his life’s many inventions (and more than 700 patents) are the induction motor and alternating-current power transmission. Without Tesla’s vision and brilliance, our car wouldn’t be possible.”

Enter the famed Roadster. It is an electric supercar that runs 0 to 60 mph in only 4 seconds. Top speed is held at 130 mph. It would not be provided with free energy, but Tesla Motors claimed that the 135 mpg is equivalent with a cost of approximately 2 cents a mile. 200 miles will be the maximum travel before it requires charging.

What I, and probably most of you, would love about the Roadster is that it is an emission free vehicle. And, it can be charged overnight for about 3.5 hours. However, charging is quite a big responsibility for some, as situations might occur that could hold us back from charging. The company anticipated this issue so they held a home solar system as an option. But it would cost, aside from the $100,000 pricing of the car alone.

But I doubt if that would stop all of us from salivating over this gorgeous electric supercar, and wanting it for ourselves. Tesla Motors will make the Roadster available in the market this fall.

Spending the night having a nice talk with a friend, near a warm fireplace, sipping wine, talking about the good old days...it's all great. Then it's time to go home, you go to your car, and then you realize that the car is in “cryostasis” cast by Mr. Freeze. Everything’s frozen, the motor isn't working, and it is simply frozen solid. And you are left wondering what you could have done to prevent such situation.

Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council, said, “Inspecting and maintaining your vehicle’s cooling system takes just a few minutes of your time, but it is well worth it when you consider what could happen… Cooling system failure is the leading cause of engine-related breakdowns, which can cost thousands of dollars and leave you and your family stranded at the worst possible time.” Not exactly the perfect way to end a nice, enjoyable evening right?

But fret not. Unfortunate endings like this can be prevented. Here are some tips from the Car Care Council, which I found at news.carjunky.com:

• Check coolant levels accurately. Basic service tools and an antifreeze ball tester would greatly help. You can find them at your local auto parts store.
• Let the engine cool down. Note: opening a hot radiator, coolant reservoir or overflow tank can probably cause severe burns.
• Make sure the mix ratio is right. If the antifreeze or coolant is low, add a 50/50 mix of approved antifreeze and distilled water. If you have changed your antifreeze recently, but levels are low, make use of the antifreeze ball tester to assure that the coolant-to-water ratio is correct.
• Inspect the hoses. Changing coolant is a good time to check for and replace any leaking, brittle, spongy or cracked hoses. Be extra cautious and make sure the radiator hose clamps are tight to prevent leaks at the connections.

Now these things wouldn't take up so much of your time. Compared to ending a night in mishap, why not make sure your night, special as it is, end a happy ending?

Wonder how it feels, to kill... When something is annoying, kill it. When it's bothering you, kill it. We are talking about gasoline bills here my friend, and we do want to kill ‘em all. License to kill; yeah you got that right, kill those nasty Gas Bills in no time with this killer 45 from howtoadvice.com:

We all have our dream cars. And we mean dream cars, for more often than not these cars remain in our dreams -- unbearably expensive and fast. Here's one car that truly is the stuff dreams are made of:

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4. This supercar has the ability to run 0 to 60 in less than 2.5 seconds. It can even reach 253 miles per hour as its top speed, making it one of the fastest cars on the planet. For now, it is by fact the world’s most expensive production vehicle. And because it is, everyone desires to possess one. However, besides its worth of about $1.4 million to $1.7 million, buyers would have to wait for quite a longer time for those models to be available.

Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute (a market research firm) said that the people who can afford the most exclusive cars see them as status symbols. According to forbesautos.com, such cars rank them with oil sheiks, tech moguls and captains of industry, or, if nothing else, allow them to be regarded as movers and shakers in their own city.

Pedraza said, “These cars exert influence… they say who you are in the hierarchy and can be a power base for business deals… And how long you’ve been on the waiting list for a particular vehicle says how long you’ve been a power broker.”

I agree that the more exclusive a vehicle is, “the more likely it is to be coveted by those who can afford it”. Economics say that lack of supply creates demand. This situation triggers the rise in pricing of the specific product involved. And, this is what automakers see as the long-term value for their brand. Limited supply equals exclusivity equals demand. This is the concept that holds Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce successful. The same has been applied to Aston Martin.

Bob Cann sold exotic sports cars and prestige luxury cars for 30 years through his MotorCars International and Lamborghini Houston dealerships. He said, “Lamborghini and Ferrari have found that if they build cars in a limited number, it really drives the market… and price almost becomes secondary to other factors like ‘How soon can I get it?’ or ‘How many are there?’.”

Questions of course, that most of us know all too well, but, may always have to ask repeatedly without ever being able to drive the dream car itself.

You don’t need to be an expert to do it; you only need to follow these special tips on charging your car's battery.

You know how it feels when suddenly your car battery dies in the most inconvenient time right? Usually, the car battery is fully charged by your alternator, however, if your alternator is not running, it is not possible for you to charge your car battery. So what are you going to do?

Here are some tips from ehow.com to help you:

All you need are jumper cables. Then start right away with these following procedures:

1. Ask a favor from someone to lend their fully charged car battery long side with your car.
2. Now, attach all the jumper cable wires on to its proper places, from the battery of his car to your battery.
3. Then ask someone to start your car and let it run, with these cables attached to your battery for % minutes.
4. Attempt to try getting your car started. If the car does not start, you may need to wait for another one long minute before doing another try. Start the car again and see if it works. Something might be wrong with your car battery if it does not start right away.
5. Finally disconnect the cable wires attached from his battery to your car battery. Remove the red cord first before the others.

Remember to consult a mechanic if you do not have any knowledge about charging your car battery. Leaky battery must also be replaced immediately because it may cause your car to explode. Remember to take extra precaution when dealing with car batteries.

Car Tuning and Modified Cars has released the Top Ten Most Expensive Cars in the US car market. The online website is a reliable source for information about cars. I found this list on their official website:

No.1 is Bugatti Veyron
Price: $ 1,700,000

No.2 is Ferrari Enzo
Price: $ 1,000,000

No.3 is Pagani Zonda C12 F
Price: $ 741,000

No.4 is Koenigsegg CCX
Price: $ 600,910

No.5 is Porsche Carrera GT
Price: $ 484,000

No.6 is Mercedes SLR McLaren
Price: $ 455,500

No.7 is Maybach 62
Price: $ 385,250

No.8 is Rolls-Royce Phantom
Price: $ 320,000

No.9 is Lamborghini Murcielago
Price: $ 279,900

No.10 is Aston Martin Vanquish
Price: $ 255,000

Among the ten most expensive cars, the Bugatti Veyron ranks the number one with $ 1,700,000 price tag. This is the most expensive car among the bunch. The second spot goes to another European car Ferrari Enzo with $ 1,000,000 price tag. Following are Pagani Zonda C12 F and Koenigsegg CCX with741,000 and $ 600,910 landing on the third and fourth spot respectively. The fifth spot was covered by Porsche Carrera GT with $ 484,000.

The sixth spot also goes to Mercedes SLR McLaren with price tag of $ 455,500. The seventh spot was for Maybach 62 under the price tag of $ 385,250. On the eighth spot is Rolls-Royce Phantom wearing the price tag of $ 320,000 with Lamborghini Murcielago on the ninth spot tagged with $ 279,900 price. Nd the last among the list was Aston Martin Vanquish with only $ 255,000 as its price.