So you have a bit of money saved up and now the time has come to get yourself a car. You are in for a ride of your life even before you get in your car. Few things are more stressful looking for a car. Luckily though, there are places in the internet where your browsing pains can be relieved.
Head over there and start looking for your future car. Used car deals have a lot more benefits behind them than one might think. Why go for a brand new Kia Cee’d which is a great car overall, but a bit cold on the inside (figuratively speaking). For the same amount of you can get one of those BMW E60s you have always dreamed of. A quick search through exchangeandmart.co.uk’s engine and we found a perfect specimen from 2008 in an absolutely decent nick (50,000 miles in the clock). The price – £16,500.
How about a Porsche 911 Carrera 4 S Convertible – 10 years of age, 63,000 miles of passionate driving and roughly the same price. You are of the classic types? No problem – a 1991 Porsche Carrera 2 – 100, 000 miles of history, no difference in the price.
These are just shots in the dark really. Dive into the world of second hand cars, and you’ll find your own gem. Here are some tips from us when snooping around
Always look for the service history – keeping everything in check is essential for the car’s longevity
Check to see if the engine has been thoroughly cleaned – if so, pass to the next one. A thorough cleaning is usually an attempt to cover up an oily leak.
Check the upholstery, steering wheel, pedals and gear lever for waring – a car that has suspiciously few miles on the clock, might be clocked.
Make sure to view the car on a well light day, no rain, no fog – this may sound a bit daft, but noticing rust, bumps, cracks and scratches can be done most effectively during a bright day.
With the London Olympics right on our front doorstep, many automotive institutions tend to relate by issuing a themed vehicle or at least a clever promotion. The guys at Kahn however would rather accent on athletes and thus release a… Chelsea Truck CJ 300 Expedition Vehicle which is a Jeep Wrangler in military green. Maybe the focus is more on the security organization around the games. (It’s actually for triathlon athletes this Jeep).
No military vehicle however can boast brake calipers dipped in liquid gold. The headlights and the indicators are smoked thus looking sleeker and yet less prominent especially in the presence of LED daytime running lights. Apparently, a lot of work has gone into modifying the front grille – there’s talk about special openings on the valance and the grille area, better airflow to the radiator, intercooler and brakes etc. Some sense of luxury in this otherwise seemingly crude vehicle is brought by the stainless steel sill plates. Then there’s the back with the Kahn enamel tailgate and the branded spare wheel cover. Kahn cross hair exhausts in stainless steel emit style and subtlety. Finally, the wheels round up the look – Smoked black Kahn RSs measuring at 9 x 20 that fit all original center caps.
Kahn CJ 300 Expedition Jeep
Inside, the seats are heated and the pedals are all aluminum with wholes in them – stylish, yet hardcore. Kahn have taken into account that you might be entering in and out of the CJ 300 with muddy boots so everything is easy to clean and non-absorbent. It’s still mainly leather though – quilted and perforated front and rear seats in black with matching stitching while the speedo and rev counter fascia is in red.
The MH1 S BiTurbo is the latest project of Manhart Racing. It is based on BMW 1-Series ///M.
The engine is a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged in-line six with 415HP (305 kW), which means that the small BMW will be faster than the current M3 and Porsche 997 Carrera GTS. The result is thanks to new sports exhaust system including stainless steel mufflers and an ECU re-map.
The new exhaust system not only provides more horsepower, but a nice deeper and aggressive sound.
Manhart Racing also has installed a specially tuned coilover suspension and a Manhart beautiful Concave One set of rims – 9J x 20” at the front and 10.5J x 20” at the rear fitted with 245 and 295 Conntinental Contact5 sports tires.
The exterior gets a new handmade Carbon fiber front splitter, a new rear diffuser also made from carbon fiber. The last touch is a pair of new mirrors.
The interior boats performance front seats in Alcantara finished with red stitching.
Manhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurboManhart Racing BMW MH1 S BiTurbo
Seat welcomes to the family theExeo Ecomotive – a bundle of clean and economical technologies wrapped up in a car’s body. It’s basically parallels Volkswagen’s Bluemotion line. And it won’t be just the Seat Exeo that gets it. All the current models will be available with that extra dose of sensibility.
The Exeo however is the perfect example of how a green family car should behave. The Ecomotive uses a 2.0-liter TDI engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s power comes in two stages – 120 PS and 143 PS and between them, there seems to be no difference in emissions and consumption: 117 g/km of CO2 and 62.8 mpg. If that turns out to be true, why bother going for the 120 PS one?
The tech that saves you money is not new or ground braking. There’s a start/stop unit somewhere along the lines, an energy recovery system and a set of low-resistance Goodyear tires. For the sake of aerodynamics, the Ecomotive is also lower than usual.
Seat Exeo Ecomotive
Don’t feel that you’d be in short of common equipment as well. The 120 PS Exeo Ecomotive S (which is the basic model) gets 16-inch Morfeo alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, voice-activated Bluetooth and a multimedia steering wheel. All of that for no more than 20, 040 British pounds or 31,488 dollars. The next step is the SE and Sport versions which add clever windscreen wipers, clever headlights parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, sports seats, bi-xenon lights, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, tinted rear windows and dashboard inserts (those last 6 ones come with the Sport models). On the options list, one can further laden their SE or Sport trim with a Tech pack that throws in a satellite navigation and a BOSE stereo.
On a side note, if one is not a family man but rather a teenager or a college graduate, Seat can offer a Seat Mii Ecomotive. Essentially a 1.0-liter, three cylinder petrol engine that does 68.9 mpg and 96 g/km of CO2 which gets much of the extras and technologies that are similar to the ones in the Exeo – air conditioning, electric windows, electronic stability control and split folding rear seats.
VellanoWheels has announced their project – Range Rover Sport riding on 24” Forged monoblock wheels fitted with ultra-low profile tires.
The vehicle is prepared by MC Customs and boasts nice white paint and a complete aerodynamics package including new front and rear bumpers as well as a pair of side skirts. The car also has a new rear diffuser housing sports exhaust system.
The big SUV rolls enormous 10J x 24” Vellano – VM03 wheels fitted with Toyo Proxes ST II – 295/30 ZR24.
The most powerful Range Rover Sport has a supercharged 5.0 liter V8 sourced by Jaguar. It develops 510HP (380 kW) and 625Nm (461 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (140 mph). The average fuel consumption is 14.9 litres per 100 km and 348 g/km of CO2.
VellanoWheels Range Rover SportVellanoWheels Range Rover SportVellanoWheels Range Rover SportVellanoWheels Range Rover SportVellanoWheels Range Rover SportVellanoWheels Range Rover SportVellanoWheels Range Rover SportVellanoWheels Range Rover SportVellanoWheels Range Rover SportVellanoWheels Range Rover Sport
I have just stumbled on this video/thing on YouTube. It’s from the Volkswagen channel and it’s supposed to be a teaser. Yes, the Beetle is newish but the focus is not on it per se. In August, Discovery Channel are going to broadcast their annual “Shark Week” and Volkswagen will somehow be involved in it.
Volkswagen Beetle Shark Observation Cage
Why a Beetle then? Well, since the Inglostadt guys don’t have a particular car named after a certain species of shark, why not? Besides, If we got this right, they will be putting together a “Beetle Shark Observation Cage“, which sounds like the most unsettling, comfortable thing ever. Volkswagen have rigid and reliable history but this stunt takes on a whole new meaning.
However, If the cage is to be modeled after a Beetle, it kind of makes sense since it’s the perfect shape – spacious and view friendly. Thus vigilance won’t be an issue when dipping for sharks.
The whole plan will come to light, we guess, on Sunday, the 12th of August when Discovery’s Shark Week will be in motion. Don’t miss out.
Whenever in need of suspension bits and pieces, two names should…spring to your mind – KW Automotive and Weitec (by KW Automotive). We’ve always felt that someplace desolate hides a great storage house (think Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull type of installment… you know, with the big storage house part that… never mind). So at that place, KW stockpiles springs and shocks and all kinds of coilover kits. A shopping cart can be hooked up with a suspension if it was up to them.
What we have here is not exactly a shopping cart, but it is close. It’s an Opel Zafira Tourer C which has been fitted with some Weitec sports springs and the end result is a low-riding fun wagon (that doesn’t sound right). Obviously, the graffiti paint job and the wheels help boost up the appeal but the main point is that this Zafira is now 30 mm lower than the standard one. Useful? Maybe. Cool? Definitely.
Weitec Opel Zafira Tourer C
What about some lowering springs on an already cool car? Say a Peugeot 208? Sure – 30 mm less ground clearance for that one too. A VW Golf 6 GTI? Bring it on. A Kia Cee’d, an Optima? Just state your preferences.
Loder1899 have gotten their hands on the rather flawlessFord Mondeo Mk 4. What could they have possibly done to it, to make it better?
For one thing, they have installed a cupspoiler which is also available in carbon for twice the price. A new rear apron also comes as part of the package with again an all carbon option. We can’t see it but apparently at the back end there’s also a diffuser and some neat pipes sticking out. The exhaust system offered by Loder1899 consists of two stainless steel pipes. Sports catalysts are also an option. Wrapping up the exterior look is the lowering kit which lowers the car’s stance by around 35 mm. Not only do you get more stability out of the corners with that, but the 9×20 Vergito Viginti wheels with 245/30R tires on them will gain more prominence.
Is your Ford Mondeo a diesel? If so, throw in a performance upgrade as the cherry on top. The 2.2-liter TDCI model can gain up to 45 hp with Loder’s ECU remapping know-how. That’s 244 hp of pure power coming at you at 3,500 rpm. Naturally, the torque is up as well. Nearly 500 Nm of it at just 1750 rpm. With that in mind, the top speed is now 228 km/h and the zero to 100 km sprint can be done in 8.0 seconds. No dramatic changes in the consumption though – 6,5 l/100 km.
So that’s about it. The Loder1899 Ford Mondeo is ready to take on the other family and businesspeople in a between-the-traffic-lights thrashing.
Loder1899 Ford Mondeo Mk4Loder1899 Ford Mondeo Mk4
Cars are probably the most precious toys for men and sometimes we spend a lot of money for improving or restoring our vehicles, instead of buying things for ourselves.
People like different cars depending on their nature. Some of them prefer super sports vehicles bringing a lot of adrenaline, other like big cozy limousines or even old-school cars having a real spirit. However, all auto lovers want to improve their vehicles, because neither the speed is never enough nor the comfort.
A very good opportunity to upgrade your car is buying parts online, because most of the times you’ll find the needed spare fast and even cheaply than in normal conventional store. EcklersChevelle offers a wide range of car spares at decent prices for Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Porsche and even for some old Chevy models.
Whether you need a single car part or you run a major restoration project, Ecklers will provide everything you need in order to repair your vehicle. All car parts are individually selected for quality and value, so you don’t need to worry if you need ultra-rare or historical pieces.
Customizing parts are also available including sports suspensions, brake kits, seat-covers, gifts, and carbon fiber trim kits. Practically, you can fully redesign your vehicle in order to make it look better as well as the performance.
Using online parts suppliers like ecklers is a great way to customize your car quickly and inexpensively. soon, youll have the tricked out car youve been dreaming of and can show off your toy with pride!
ABT Sportsline has introduced their latest tuning package, which is for the S7 Sportsback. The luxurious four-door car comes with more power, better stance and nice wheels completing the aggressive exterior.
The 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged TFSI engine now produces 520HP (382 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque, instead of factory’s 420HP (309 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft). This is an improvement of 100HP and 100Nm. The result is thanks to a number of upgrades including a new sports exhaust system, cold air intake and an ECU re-map. The top speed is 290 km/h (180 mph), again electronically limited.
The exterior boasts a set of new enormous 21” alloy wheels fitted with ultra-low profile tires. The stance is improved thanks to a set of sports springs and if the car is equipped with air suspension, ABT offer a special setting called Abt Level Control.
Here are the first two pictures of the 2013 Lexus LS 460 F Sport. The car will make its official debut at a special event in San Francisco on Monday, July 30.
The car comes with new headlights, a modified front grille and larger air vents feeding cold air for the huge engine. It will be a 4.6 liter V8 with 385 HP (283 kW) and a hybrid model will be also available – 5.0 liter V8 with 444HP (327 kW) and an electric motor. The model range includes LS 460, LS 460 L, LS 600h L and the all-new LS 460 F SPORT.
The exterior of the new 2013 Lexus LS also features tinted taillights and a dual exhaust system.
The aerodynamics package includes aggressive front and rear bumper, a pair of side skirts and a rear diffuser.
2013 Lexus LS 460 F Sport2013 Lexus LS 460 F Sport
The facelifted 2012 Honda CR-V is the fourth generation of the emblematic model, which has appeared for the first time in 1995. The facelift include modifications on every level of this Honda model.
First of all, the length and height of the car have been reduced by 5mm and 30mm respectively compared with the current model. However, the interior space of the SUV is not reduced.
The new CR-V has more aggressive and aerodynamic stance with deeper sculpting of the bodylines and a bolder nose section. The front bumper’s smooth, flowing lines are joined by a horizontal three-bar grille and deep-set headlights.
Furthermore, the CR-V’s signature vertical rear brake lights are now more three-dimensional style. In addition, the front LED daytime running lights and rear LED lights are other stylish enhancements.
This means that now the vehicle has sleeker proportions. Moreover, the rear seats fold flat, so the boot capacity of the CR-V has grown by 148 litres to 164 litres. This means that the boot of the CR-V can now accommodate two mountain bikes or four sets of golf clubs.
2012 Honda CR-V Facelift
What about the interior of the Honda? Of course, there were made several important modifications.
For instance, the major controls have been further grouped according to their function. Here is the “driver interface zone” which is positioned behind the steering wheel as well as the “information interface zone” in the centre of the cabin.
The materials used of course are only high quality ones and have been carefully chosen for the European market. A lot of attention has been put on the details as well.
The interior enhancements include impressive range of equipment that has been added. It features 5 inch “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID), which controls the audio, telephone and navigation systems.
Next, the front seats incorporate the new whiplash mitigation system. These seats work in conjunction with the CRV’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACETM) body structure.
The passengers’ seats on the other hand have transformed hip point. They have now been lowered by 38mm compared to the current model, resulting in a more comfortable seating position and increased headroom.
Here is also included for the first time a new design which allows the introduction of Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seats. They now can be folded flat in one movement. Hence, the CR-V can be transformed from a five-seater passenger car into a versatile load-lugger.
More importantly, the aerodynamics is another key area of the new CR-V design. The drag coefficient has been reduced by 6.5% compared with the current model and now benefits from performance, fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
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Under the bonnet can be seen either a 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol engine or a 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, both fitted as a standard with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The power and torque outputs of the i-DTEC engine remain at 150 hp (110 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) respectively. However, the CO2 emissions fall from 171g/km to 149g/km for the manual version and from 195g/km to 174g/km for models equipped with the five-speed automatic transmission.
On the other hand, the power output of the 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine has risen from 150 hp to 155 hp (114 kW), while the torque has been increased to 192Nm (142 lb-ft). Although there has been increase of the performance, the CO2 emissions have fallen here as well from 192g/km to 173g/km for the manual version, and from 195g/km to 175g/km for the automatic one.
At last, the new CR-V now includes upgrades to the car’s suspension, steering and four-wheel drive system. Here the next generation Motion Adaptive electric power steering system now combines maneuverability with increased feedback and response at higher velocity.
In addition, this sophisticated system includes Advanced Vehicle Stability Assist system, which detects instability in slippery road conditions and automatically initiates steering inputs that prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction.
A wide range of electronic systems are also included: Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Honda’s Advanced Driver Assist System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, and Emergency Stop System.
In short, the new improved model of 2012 Honda CR-V is now more confident, efficient and functional and successfully builds on the fame of its predecessors.