28. August 2009 by admin.

DETROIT—The first station wagons were cool. These trusted family conveyances proclaimed that their owners lived the suburban American dream. They were so popular, in fact, that they became ubiquitous and eventually lost their cachet. Then Detroit gave us the minivan, the SUV and the crossover, all with tailgates and ample storage space—wagons all but disappeared. But Europeans never lost their interest in these cars, so BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi all offer sporty and luxurious wagons.

Enter Cadillac, whose mission is to compete with those luxury brands on nearly every level. The first wagon ever to wear the brand’s crest-and-laurel badge was the BLS, a compact built and sold only in Europe. Now, America gets its turn with the CTS Sport Wagon that Cadillac hopes will revitalize and grow the small market for station wagons here. In other words, it seeks to make wagons cool again. Does it? —Kevin A. Wilson

The Specs

Mechanically, the Sport Wagon is identical to the CTS sport sedan, offering a choice of rear- or all-wheel-drive, two engines and standard six-speed automatic transmission. For 2010, the base 3.0-liter direct-injection V6 makes 270 hp with improved fuel economy, and new engine mounts cut noise and vibration. But our test car had the optional 304-hp, 3.6-liter V6. There is, for now, at least, no CTS-V V8-powered performance variant. Our car wore 19-inch wheels with Continental summer performance tires. The base wheel is a 17-inch alloy, and there’s an 18-inch option too, both with all-season tires.

The distinction between the sedan and the wagon is the 200 pounds of metal and glass behind the vehicle’s rear doors. Designed in a studio led by Bryan Nesbitt, recently promoted to general manger of the Cadillac division, the high-style wagon frames its tailgate with extended taillights that reach to the roof. The roofline sweeps downward to a slanted rear window, and the sides taper, prioritizing elegance over cargo volume. Yet the Sport Wagon boasts twice the capacity of the sedan. There’s 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats (the sedan’s trunk is 13 cubic feet) and 58 cubic feet with the seat folded, about the same as a BMW 5 Series Touring or Audi A6 Avant. The rearmost roof pillar is thick and, less evident from outside, there’s stout rollover protection structure over the top of the power tailgate. A rearview camera is standard and handy.

The Drive

We used the wagon to perform our usual weekend chores and found thoughtful touches throughout the cargo area. A concealed area a few inches deep beneath the floor is covered by a cleverly designed folding lid that can be propped in different positions to keep smaller items from sliding around. Adjustable tie downs atop the plush carpet ride on chrome rails. The liftgate opening angle can be adjusted for use in garages with low-hanging doors or to make sure access to the power lift button (on the door bottom) is within reach for short users. Need to carry even more stuff? The concealed rooftop rack can be equipped with optional accessories to suit most any lifestyle.

Like any CTS, the Sport Wagon offers a luxurious and entertaining driving experience. Rear visibility is a bit tunnel-like, but not as badly impeded as you’d imagine when looking at the design from outside—the rearmost pillar aligns roughly within the area already blocked by rear headrests. We’d think twice about choosing the 19-inch wheels—we noticed an SUV-like ride harshness and noise level that would make the all-weather utility of the smaller wheels our choice.

The Bottom Line

CTS Sport Wagon pricing tracks the sedan’s, with a base MSRP at $40,485. That’s a healthy price advantage over German-brand competitors, boding well for Cadillac’s ambition to sell upward of 4000 units in a narrow market niche of fewer than 40,000 vehicles from all brands. The luxury crossover segment, by comparison, is 10 times that size, so Sport Wagon sales are unlikely to cut into the Cadillac SRX crossover’s sales. But we think that this sport wagon is hipper than the now-ubiquitous SUVs and crossovers. Are wagons back? Could be

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28. August 2009 by admin.

Chrysler has announced that they are recalling certain models of the 2009 Dodge Ram light duty pickup trucks equipped with manual temperature control (MTC) only.  They stated that the software programmed into the heating ventilation and air conditioning module may cause the windshield defrosting and defogging functions to become inoperative.

This can decrease the driver’s visibility under certain driving conditions and result in a crash without warning.  Dealers will reprogram the HVAC module free of charge.  The recall is expected to begin during August 2009.  Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-835-1403.

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28. August 2009 by admin.

Are your headlights aimed correctly?According to the National Safety Council, the number of traffic deaths is three times greater at night than during the day. Since ninety percent of a driver’s reaction depends on visibility, it is extremely important that your headlights are aimed correctly, are clean and are working.

If other drivers are flashing their lights at you, it could be a sign that your headlights are not adjusted correctly. Another telltale sign is when you cannot see the full road with your high or low beams.

Even if your lenses are only slightly off the mark it still reduces your ability to see, increases night time glare and throws off depth perception.

All the bouncing around your car does going over bumps and potholes will gradually throw your headlights out of adjustment. If you get into a small fender bender or are carrying a heavy load in the trunk, this will also throw off the aim of your headlights. Some high end automobiles aim their own headlights and some you can aim yourself using a level driveway, a screwdriver, measuring tape and patience. But most headlights need to be aimed at your local repair shop or dealer using their expensive, specialized headlight aiming equipment.
Why is night time driving more difficult?
It’s all about the light. Without sunlight you just can’t see as much during the night as you can during the daylight hours. Your headlights are the main source of light for your car, and this is the reason that having correctly aimed headlights that are clean and in working order are imperative.

Did you know that headlights lenses used to be made out of glass and now are made out of plastic?

Glass headlights only came in a limited number of sizes and shapes. If they cracked or broke, they had to be replaced. Approximately 10 years ago, automakers started using plastic headlight assemblies. The plastic material is easier to mold and the auto designers love it because the plastic lends itself to unlimited styles and reduce drag because of better aerodynamics.

Unfortunately the plastic headlight lenses become yellow and cloudy overtime. In only 2-3 years the light output can be cut by 75 percent, which may make it unsafe to drive at night. What happens is that the sun’s harsh UV rays, acid rain, harsh weather conditions, and chemicals all wear on the lenses. Plus, while driving, the lenses pick up dirt and grime. When the lights are on, the plastic gets hot and expands. After you are done driving you turn them off and the plastic cools and contracts. This can trap the dirt and grime on the lenses.

According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, “An average of 9 out of every 10 cars on the road today has dirty or yellowed headlights that greatly reduce vision and need to be replaced, cleaned, and/or repaired.”

Until recently, plastic headlights had to be replaced to correct this problem. The average replacement was on the average $200.00 each, not including installation and aiming. High end headlights can cost in excess of $350-$400 each.

When the headlights get cloudy and yellow, they will not pass the yearly Vermont State Inspection. Now a days, there are ways to repair cracks, repair leaks and even clean plastic headlight lenses. Consider having them restored at a fraction of the cost. When you have your headlights restored, you be able to see again! Plus, your car will pass state inspection, will look almost brand new, be safer to drive and give you piece of mind.

Can you do it yourself?
Sure you could. Would I? Nope. I do love to wash and clean my car inside and out on a beautiful summer day, but this is more then I want to do.

If you have a crack or leak and there is water inside the lenses, you need to get the water out and repair the crack. This involves removing the lense, drilling a hole to get out the water, drying out the inside, resealing the hole with a silicone seal and reinstalling the light.

If the lenses are just yellow and grimy, you can purchase a restoration kit. They range from $19.95 to $49.99.  Most of the kits have you do 3 steps that involve a drill or a sander. Step one is cleaning, step two is polishing and step three is applying a surface sealant. It can take anywhere from half an hour to an hour per headlight.

You can also ask your friendly repair shop to do it for you. It costs approximately $50.00 per side. So depending on how you want to spend your time, you can do it yourself or have the shop do it for you.

To help slow down yellowing and clouding of headlights you can clean the headlights once a week and more often if necessary. Don’t forget to clean the parking lights, back-up lights and turn signals too.

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23. August 2009 by admin.

Auto Beat

According to a report in today’s Yomiuri newspaper, Toyota plans to raise its annual production forecast. The Yomiuri reckons the Japanese automaker will now make 6.67 million vehicles this fiscal year, compared to its most recent official forecast of 6.3 million.

If the story proves correct—and Toyota hasn’t confirmed the Yomiuri　article—much of the credit must go to hot-selling hybrids. The new Prius, aided by government incentives for cleaner, greener cars, is Japan’s best selling auto. Prius sales have also made a solid start in the U.S. where it is comfortably outselling the Honda Insight. The even newer Lexus LS250h hybrid sedan, a first Lexus offered only as a hybrid, has received 10,000 orders in Japan—twenty times Toyota’s monthly sales projection. And according to a separate report, Toyota is now planning to buy hybrid batteries from electronics giant Sanyo because its current supplier (Toyota controlled) Panasonic EV Energy cannot keep up with demand.

Perhaps of more interest, though, is what all this will mean for profitability. After all, Toyota made a first loss in almost six decades in the fiscal year that ended in March. Meanwhile, critics of hybrids have claimed that because they require batteries, electric motors and other parts in addition to a conventional engine, the technology is too costly to drive earnings. (Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn, a long time skeptic, criticized hybrids at the recent unveiling of the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle.)

Toyota says the boom in hybrid sales in sales won’t have a huge impact. At its most recent quarterly results, it announced a loss of $818 million for the April to June quarter and, despite sweetening its forecast, projected a loss of $4.7 billion for the full year.

To me, though, that number looks conservative. Indeed, with the sales data improving (albeit from a low base) and the yen below the company’s projected level of 92 to the dollar, Toyota could even return to profit this year. For sure, analysts are more upbeat than the company. Andrew Phillips, who covers Toyota for KBC Securities in Tokyo, recently cut his net loss forecast from $2.9 billion to $210 million, citing improving sales volumes and better profitability at group companies. From a deficit of $210 million, it wouldn’t take much more of an improvement in the sales environment—or a weakening of the yen—for Toyota to be back in the black a year ahead of schedule.

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22. August 2009 by admin.

My corgi loves being outside. She “helps” me water my potted plants by sticking her face into the hose water and snarling at the spray coming from the nozzle. To her, this is bliss. It’s also a great way to have fun with her while keeping her cool. I love in Southern California and it can get hot hot HOT here. In fact, recently we have had some record heat waves passing through.

Because the hot summer months can mean danger for your traveling pooch pals, I put together some helpful tips!

 Tip #1: Stay cool this summer by taking a road trip with your pet to the beach! There are dozens of dog beaches popping up everywhere now. In southern California there are dog-friendly beaches in Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Malibu, Carmel, and Monterey to name a few. Pack up your pooch and head to the waves to keep cool and have fun. While you’re packing up your car, don’t forget to include your doggie surf board! Check out Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition (put on every year)! This summer’s competition has already passed, but why not practice for next year?

Tip #2: Be prepared for summer heat with correct packing for a trip. The last thing you need is a sick puppy on your trip. Make sure you pack the fun things like balls, ropes, toys (try to bring toys that float) and treats, but don’t forget the essentials: towels for cleaning, lots of water for drinking or flushing out eyes and mouths (in case some curious fido eats something), bowls to hold the water for drinking, and a basic first aid kit for any small emergencies. If you think your dog might be overheating from all that summer fun, look for these signs of heat exhaustion: restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, dark tongue, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness, or lack of coordination.

Tip #3: Make sure your pup goes with you when you leave your parked car! According to Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW), even if it’s only 78 degrees outside, cars parked in the shade can heat up to over 90 degrees, and those in the sun can reach 160 degrees. It’s not safe to leave your car closed up with your pet inside. Even if it’s for a minute! If you see a parked car with a n animal trapped inside, note the vehicle information (make, model, license number) and go to the nearest store and ask for the manager’s help in finding the owner of the car. You can also try calling the local police or animal control. Remember you can tell if a dog is overheating based on the symptoms listed in Tip #2.

Tip #4: Don’t let your dogs ride loose in your car. This is not only unsafe for the pet should you get in an accident, but it’s not safe for you either. An animal thrown around in an accident becomes a projectile, endangering the driver’s and passengers’ lives, as well as the dog’s life. Check out some safety harnesses and seat belts made just for dogs. I have ones from Ezydog and my pups love them! Check them out wearing their red and blue seat belt harnesses!

Tip #5: Avoid car sickness! With all that summer vacation traveling, the family dog might become a bit nauseous. You can avoid it by getting your dog used to car rides with smaller trips in the beginning. Make sure your pet hasn’t been fed right before you take off as well, so their stomach doesn’t get upset. Try to avoid potholes as much as possible – just think how big those bumps must feel to that little Chihuahua sitting in the back seat! You can read more about how to avoid car sickness at Small Dog Paradise. 

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15. August 2009 by admin.

The Ford Taurus is all-new for 2010, promising an expressive design, impeccable driving dynamics, class-leading technologies, and unsurpassed value.

If you’re interested in taking a test drive of the new Taurus without the pressure of a salesman looking over your shoulder, Ford is joining forces with AskPatty.com to introduce Los Angelinos to the new 2010 Taurus and share its story in a special event that’s part of the “Summer of Taurus 100 City Tour.”

This Sunday, August 16 from 6 to 8 pm, Los Angeles area locals can stop by the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Lobby Patio to socialize with other bloggers and attendees, get the inside scoop on the Ford Motor Company, and take a test drive of the new 2010 Ford Taurus. A special attendee to the event is Neil M. Schloss, vice president and treasurer for Ford Motor Company. Schloss has overall responsibility for the company’s treasury operations and will be on hand to discuss the future of Ford Motor Company with event guests.

“This new sedan completely redefines expectations of what Taurus stands for - and what Ford is capable of delivering - quality, fuel-efficient vehicles featuring the latest technologies and head-turning design,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas.

Pricing and Features: On sale this summer, the 2010 Taurus will start at $25,995 - the same as the 2009 model - but with more class-leading features, new technologies, and craftsmanship that rivals premium-priced sedans. Taurus available technologies - 10 of which cannot be found on any other cars in its segment - deliver on consumer needs and wants by enhancing the driving experience. These class-exclusive technologies include:

* Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support
* BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert
* MyKey(TM)
* SecuriCode(TM) Keyless Entry Keypad
* Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS(R) Travel Link(TM)
* Ford SYNC(R) with Traffic, Directions and Information
* Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion(TM)
* Easy Fuel(TM) Capless Fuel-Filler
* 3.5L EcoBoost(TM) Twin Turbo Engine with Direct Injection
* Sony(R) Surround Sound System
Under the hood: Standard power for the full-size sedan is provided by Ford’s Duratec 263-horsepower/3.5-liter V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and is available in front- or all-wheel drive. The Taurus SHO features Ford’s new twin-turbo 365-horsepower/3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 which delivers the power of a V-8, without compromising V-6 fuel efficiency.

Let’s talk safety: The all-new 2010 Ford Taurus has earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) based on its performance in standardized testing. The Taurus body structure has been optimized for strength and stiffness, and features energy-absorbing structural members designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment. Also included are dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, side impact air bags, and Safety Canopy(R) with rollover sensor - a Ford exclusive protection system featuring side curtain air bags that help protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollover and side impact crashes.

Does all this pique your interest? Then we hope you’ll come out to Ford’s special event on Sunday, August 16 from 6 to 8 pm, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Lobby Patio to take a test drive, and find out even more about the new 2010 Ford Taurus!

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14. August 2009 by admin.

Is it possible for the renown super car maker Ferrari to produce a potent vehicle worthy to wear the Ferrari badge and get decent fuel mileage?  According to Ferrari engineers they will be producing the 458 Italia, complete with a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds and will do so at 17 mpg.

Take this announcement with a grain of salt, especially considering actual specs have yet to be released.  Furthermore, the harder you stomp the right pedal the faster the fuel gauge drops, no matter the technology.  I would think it would be pretty difficult to keep the foot off the go fast pedal in something as sleek and sexy as a Ferrari.

The Ferrari 458 Italia fuel efficient super car can be seen below.  Image courtesy of Ferrari.

17 MPG Super Car

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14. August 2009 by admin.

Hyundai has announced that they are recalling certain models of the 2005 through 2007 Elantra, Tuscon, Sonata, Azera, and accent vehicles. They stated that a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released.  A defective stop lamp switch may also affect the operation of the brake transmission inter lock feature so the transmission would not be able to shift out of the “Park” position.  It may also cause the electronic stability control malfunction light to illuminate, and it may not deactivate the cruise control when the brake pedal is depressed.

Any of these malfunctions could result ina  crash.  Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge.  The recall is expected to begin during August 2009.  Owners may contact Hyundai of puerto Rico customer service at 1-787-999-4310.

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11. August 2009 by admin.

Starting today and continuing through September 8, General Motors is implementing a test program in California that will allow buyers to shop for vehicles online using eBay. In a partnership first announced in early July when GM emerged from its bankruptcy procedures, the pilot program  enables shoppers to browse hundreds of online showrooms, ask questions, negotiate prices, and arrange financing and payment options to buy a new 2008, 2009, or select 2010 car, crossover or truck — and can even determine the value of their trade in through the site.

“Together with eBay Motors, GM and our dealers are reinventing the car-buying experience for our California customers,” said Mark LaNeve, GM sales vice president in a statement released by the automaker. “As the dealer showroom expands from the parking lot to the laptop, this makes it easier for a customer to browse available new-car inventory, make an offer, buy it now, or send a message asking for more information from a dealer - all at the customer’s convenience.”

With more than 225 General Motors dealers participating in California, shoppers will discover as many as 20,000 new vehicles at what General Motors says are “very competitive prices.”  Shoppers can bid using the traditional eBay options “Buy It Now” (if they agree to the advertised price) or “Make Offer” (if they want to try to negotiate the price down further). Shoppers can use the site to compare pricing across models or participating dealerships, and eBay also provides expert tips and advice with a buyer checklist.

“With 12 million individual car shoppers visiting our site every month, eBay Motors has unique insight into how people prefer to buy their cars,” said Rob Chesney, vice president, eBay Motors. “Through this program, we are helping GM dealers to extend their physical showroom while at the same time delivering to our buyers the great deals and broad selection they expect from eBay.”

Complete program details, including participating GM dealer inventory, are available through individual GM brand websites that can be found at gm.ebay.com, chevrolet.ebay.com, gmc.ebay.com, buick.ebay.com and pontiac.ebay.com. If this pilot program works well in California, it could prove to be a whole new model for how General Motors sells vehicles across the United States.

Would you be inclined to shop this way? Take a look at the sites mentioned above, and let us know what you think!

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11. August 2009 by admin.

It is one of those 90-plus-degree days, hot, hazy and humid. Isn’t it great to be able to get in your vehicle and enjoy the comfort your air conditioning system provides for you and your passengers?  

The Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide wants all car owners to understand how their vehicle’s air conditioning system works, be able to recognize problems and optimize performance so they can enjoy maximum comfort while driving.  

 Tips to achieve the quickest interior cool-down:  

• If possible, leave the windows down slightly on hot sunny days. Temperatures in a closed car can exceed 140 degrees. An A/C system works by removing heat, so the cooler the interior is to start with, the easier and faster the A/C will do its job.   When you first get in the car, roll all the windows completely down, or even better, open the doors for a short period of time. This helps the hot interior air escape quickly.  
• When you first turn the A/C on, set the controls to “MAX” and/or “REC”, and use highest blower speed. This moves the greatest volume of air, re-circulates cooling air for even faster cool-down, and prevents hot outside air from entering.  As soon as you are comfortable, switch the system to “NORM” or “OUTSIDE”, and select a lower fan speed. The lower the blower speed, the colder the air from the system.  
• Applying window tint can help reduce interior temperatures. The tint does not have to be dark to reflect sunlight—- some tints have a metallic substance within them for this purpose.  Always check your local and state regulations; window tinting products may not be legal in some states or municipalities.  

The Mobile Air Conditioning Society advises all consumers to take their vehicle air conditioning problems to a professional service facility that is certified in proper refrigerant recovery, recycling and recharging methods.      (Photo left: A service technician checks a mobile A/C system for leaks.)

To learn more about your vehicle’s air conditioning system, contact the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide for an informative 32-page consumer booklet, Getting to Know…Your Car’s Air Conditioning and Engine Cooling System. E-mail info@macsw.org, call 215/631-7020 x 304 or fax your request to 215/631-7017. Visit the MACS Worldwide website at www.macsw.org .  
Sponsor Information
Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide
P.O. Box 88
Lansdale, PA 19446
Phone: 215-631-7017
www.macsw.org

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