2009 Audi A4

The 2009 Audi A4 lineup includes 4-door sedans, 4-door wagons called Avants and 2-door convertibles called Cabriolets. The sedans and wagons are redesigned for 2009, while the convertible carries over with the 2008 body style. The Avant is offered as one model called 2.0T, while the sedan comes as the 2.0T or the 3.2. The Cabriolet is offered as the 2.0T, the 3.2 or the S4 with a 4.2-liter V8 engine. This review covers the redesigned sedan and wagon.

Standard equipment on 2.0T trims includes leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, the usual power accessories, an 8-way power front seat, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a sunroof, an 180-watt AM/FM/stereo with 10 speakers, an auxiliary input jack, Sirius Satellite Radio, fog lights and P225/50R17 tires on alloy wheels. Wagons also have roof rails for a rack or other cargo carrier.

Upon introduction, the 2.0 T Sedan FrontTrak Multitronic is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 211-horsepower, turbo engine. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 3.2 Cabriolet quattro Tiptronic is equipped with a standard 3.2-liter, V6, 255-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

Jeep Patriot To Be EV

The Jeep Patriot EV comes with front-wheel drive and a 150 kW (equivalent to 200 horsepower) electric motor with an integrated power-control module and a lithium-ion battery pack. According to Jeep, the Patriot EV will be able to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in eight seconds. The company also says the batteries, motor and power-control module will not interfere with interior space.

An extended-range electric vehicle always runs on electric power, relying on a gasoline engine to recharge the battery. Chevrolet announced plans for the first extended-range electric vehicle, the Volt, at the 2007 Detroit show. Chrysler says all of its extended-range EVs will be able to drive on an electric charge for 40 miles. After that, a small, possibly 1.0-liter 3- or 4-cylinder gasoline engine will charge the battery and extend the driving range to as many as 400 miles, depending on the size of the auxiliary gas tank. The company says the extended-range EVs will produce no emissions in the first 40 miles and only half the emissions of comparable vehicles thereafter.

Regenerative braking will help recharge the batteries in all Chrysler EVs. Owners will be able to fully recharge the batteries in eight hours by plugging into a standard 110-volt power outlet or in four hours using a 220-volt household appliance power outlet. Chrysler reports that the current average cost of electricity is the equivalent of about 75 cents per gallon.

2009 Auto Show Calendar

January 2009

Through January 25
North American International Auto Show
Cobo Conference and Exhibition Center, Detroit, Mich.

January 16 — January 18
South Carolina International Auto Show
Palmetto Expo Center, Greenville, S.C.

January 16 — January 19
Utah International Auto Expo
South Towne Exposition Center, Sandy, Utah

January 16 — January 25
Montreal International Auto Show
Montreal, Ontario, Canada

January 22 — January 25
Midlands International Auto and Truck Show
QWEST Center, Omaha, Neb.

January 22 — January 25
New Jersey Auto Show
Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, N.J.

January 22 — January 25
Greater Toledo Auto Show
SeaGate Convention Center, Toledo, Ohio

January 23 — January 25
West Virginia International Auto Show
Charleston Civic Center, Charleston, W.Va.

January 23 — January 25
Mississippi International Auto Show
Jackson Convention Complex, Jackson, Miss.

January 24 — February 1
Houston Auto Show
Reliant Center, Houston, Texas

January 28 — February 1
Pennsylvania Auto and Boat Show
Pennsylvania State Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, Pa.

January 28 — February 1
St. Louis Auto Show
America's Center & Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Mo.

January 31 — February 8
Philadelphia International Auto Show
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pa.

February 2009

February 4 — February 8
Washington Auto Show
Washington, District of Columbia

February 4 — February 8
101st Annual Syracuse Auto Expo
OnCenter and War Memorial, Syracuse, N.Y.

February 4 — February 8
Buffalo International Auto Show
Buffalo, N.Y.

February 5 — February 8
Michigan International Auto Show
De Vos Place, Grand Rapids, Mich.

February 5 — February 8
Portland International Auto Show
Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Ore.

February 6 — February 9
Iowa-Illinois Regional Auto Show
RiverCenter Convention Center, Davenport, Iowa

February 12 — February 15
Baltimore — Motor Trend International Auto Show
Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Md.

February 12 — February 15
North Carolina International Auto Expo
Jim Graham Building at the NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, N.C.

February 12 — February 15
Pittsburgh Auto Show
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, Pa.

February 13 — February 15
Jacksonville International Car and Truck Show
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, Jacksonville, Fla

February 13 — February 15
Spokane International Auto Show
Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds, Spokane, Wash.

February 13 — February 21
Chicago Auto Show
McCormick Place South, Chicago, Ill.

February 13 — February 22
Canadian International Auto Show
Metro Toronto Convention Centre & Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario

February 18 — February 22
Dallas Auto Show
Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas

February 19 — February 22
Cincinnati Auto Expo
Cincinnati Convention Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

February 20 — February 22
Louisville New Car Show
Kentucky Fair and Expo Center, Louisville, Ky.

February 21 — March 1
Greater Milwaukee Auto Show
Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee, Wis.

February 25 — March 1
Rochester International Auto Show
Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, N.Y.

February 26 — March 1
Edmonton Motor Show
Edmonton, Alberta

February 27 — March 9
Melbourne International Motor Show
Melbourne, Australia

February 28 — March 8
Cleveland Auto Show
International Exposition (I-X) Center, Cleveland, Ohio

March 2009

March 5 — March 8
Oklahoma City International Auto Show
Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, Oklahoma City, Okla.

March 5 — March 15
Geneva Motor Show
Geneva, Switzerland

March 11 — March 15
Calgary International Auto & Truck Show
Calgary Roundup Centre & Corral, Calgary, Alberta

March 11 — March 15
Greater Kansas City International Auto Show
Bartle Hall, Kansas City, Mo.

March 13 — March 15
Virginia Motor Trend International Auto Show
Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, Va.

March 14 — March 22
Atlanta Journal-Constitution International Auto Show
Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga.

March 19 — March 22
Columbus International Auto Show
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio

March 20 — March 22
New Orleans International Auto Show
Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, La.

March 21 — March 29
Greater Minneapolis/St. Paul International Auto Show
Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minn.

March 26 — March 29
First Hawaiian International Auto Show
Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu, Hawaii

April 2009

April 1 — April 5
Denver Auto Show
Colorado Convention Center Denver, Colo.

April 2 — April 12
Seoul Motor Show
KINTEX, Seoul, Korea

April 3 — April 5
Albany Auto Show
The Times Union Center, Albany, N.Y.

April 10 — April 19
New York International Auto Show
Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York, N.Y.

April 17 — April 19
StatesmanCars Auto Show
Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas

April 17 — April 19
New Mexico International Auto Show
Albuquerque Convention Center, Albuquerque, N.M.

April 20 — April 28
Auto Shanghai
Shanghai New International Expo Center

April 21 — April 25
Comtrans 2009
Crocus Exhibition Centre, Moscow, Russia

September 2009

September 17 — September 27
Frankfurt International Motor Show
Frankfurt, Germany

September 18 — September 20
Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles
Glenmoor Country Club, Canton, Ohio

Texas State Fair Auto Show
Dallas, Texas

October 2009

October 2 — October 4
Delaware Auto Show
Wilmington, Del.

Tokyo Motor Show

San Antonio International Auto and Truck Show
San Antonio, Texas

Central California Auto Show
Fresno, Calif.

Auto Expo Long Island
Long Island, N.Y.

November 2009

November 12 — November 15
Sacramento International Auto Show
Cal Expo Sacramento, Calif.

November 19 — November 22
Charlotte International Auto Show
Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, N.C.

Seattle International Auto Show
Qwest Field Event Center, Seattle, Wash.

Alabama International Auto Show
Birmingham, Ala.

Memphis International Auto Show
Memphis, Tenn.

South Florida Auto Show
Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, Fla.

Nashville International Auto Show
Nashville Convention Center, Nashville, Tenn.

Connecticut International Auto Show
Connecticut Expo Center, Hartford,

Central Florida International Auto Show
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla.

Arizona International Auto Show
Civic Plaza, Phoenix, Ariz.

Puerto Rico Auto Show
San Juan, Puerto Rico

December 2009

New England International Auto Show
Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, Mass.

Tampa Bay International Auto Show
Convention Center, Tampa, Fla.

Indianapolis Auto Show
Indianapolis, Ind.

San Diego International Auto Show
San Diego, Calif.

2010 Volvo XC60

The 2010 Volvo XC60 is an all-new model and arrives in the U.S. as the T6 AWD powered by Volvo’s 281-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Standard equipment for the XC60 T6 AWD includes Dynamic Stability Traction Control, Hill Descent Control, Automatic Climate Control, High-Performance Audio System with Sirius Satellite Radio and HD radio, leather seats, alloy interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Roll Stability Control (RSC) rollover sensor, power adjustable front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and power liftgate.

2009 Toyota Venza

The Toyota Highlander makes a lot of sense as a car-based urban crossover sport ute. It blends excellent everyday practicality and Camry reliability in a vehicle that's roomy but not so large as to be ponderous around town or be a big-time fuel guzzler. Problem is, it's boring. A smart purchase, for sure, but not one you'll brag about to your pals at work. Indeed, it's the Camry of crossovers.

Enter the new Toyota Venza. Yes, it's based on the Highlander's platform, but somehow this new Kentucky-built Venza exudes much more personality, which we chalk up to the elegantly aggressive styling penned at Toyota's CALTY Design Research Center in Newport Beach, California. The Venza is a fastback 5-door that defies categorization; it's not an SUV, it's not a coupe, it's not a sedan. Perhaps it's best described as a tall 5-seat wagon with the step-in height of a car and the elevated seating position of an SUV, all blended into an attractively styled package. And we all know that in today's world of increasingly competent vehicles, styling plays a more significant role than ever.

Available in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations, the new Venza is powered by a 183-bhp 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V-6 with 268 bhp. We had a chance to drive both, and came away impressed. The all-new dohc 4-cylinder, which will soon find a home in other Toyotas, is remarkably smooth for its large displacement, thanks in part to some large engine mounts clearly designed to quell some of the inherent shake. This aluminum-block engine, which has dual balance shafts, gets the job done reasonably well, mated exclusively to a 6-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy with the 4-cylinder is 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway.

The V-6, which mounts to the same seamless-shifting 6-speed automatic, is a model of smoothness, generating its 268 bhp at 6200 rpm and 246 lb-ft. of torque at 4700 rpm. Even with a full load of five folks in the V-6 Venza (three adults fit pretty well across the wide, split-folding rear bench), power is more than sufficient. On the other hand, EPA fuel economy with the V-6 isn't quite as good as with the four — 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway. The V-6 Venza is differentiated by dual exhausts and 20-in. wheels shod with 245/50 tires; they look just right in this application, whereas the 19s on the 4-cylinder models almost look too small.

Limited edition Edo Lamborghini LP 710 Audigier

Lamborghini presented new car model which is the fastest of all time. The limited edition Edo Lamborghini LP 710 Audigier, of which only five will be created, is a car engineered to the highest standards, combined with Christian Audigier’s unusual themes and unparalleled sense of color. The base car, a Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640, is totally disassembled. The adaptations to the engine, aerodynamics, wheels, tires, exhaust system and interior are made to measure at edo competition within a three month time frame. The name says all and it is really a limited edition. All of them should acquire a highest speed up to 360 km/h. The Limited Edition Edo Lamborghini LP 710 Audigier to date comes for a cool €495,000 (US $692,500).

Hamann BMW X6 Tycoon

Hamann, the german tuner has exposed the details on their newest tuned up BMW X6. Named Tycoon, the car is a renovation of a series of Hamann X6 models that were revealed in 2008. To make sweeter the deal, the new BMW X6 Tycoon features a innovative body elements, performance upgrades and an upgraded interior.The designers built a body kit designed to provide the car a more muscular look. The kit has innovative front wings, a rear wing extension, a new apron with big air intakes and LED daytime

The interior of BMW X6 Tycoon is, perhaps, one of favorite parts, stunning aluminum pedelas and carbon fiber elements on the dashboard. The 3-spoke steering wheel gets a innovative shape and it includes carbon fiber elements.

Hamann as well working on a performance kit for the top-of-the-line BMW X6 xDrive50i. At this time, that car is rated at an remarkable 407 hp and 600 Nm of torque, produced by its 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo.Hamann uses their Design Editio Race Anodized 23-inch rims with 315/325 tires. Special chassis springs enhance light alloys. Ride height is lowered by a maximum of 40mm both at the front and rear axles.

Toyota UK Launches Auris SR Versions

The Toyota Auris is now becoming a familiar sight on UK roads. It replaced the Toyota Corolla – the world’s best-selling car –and has received some criticism for looking very similar to its predecessor. However, it fits neatly into the manufacturer’s model range, complementing the Yaris’s “big small” with “short and tall”. The Toyota Auris SR adds 17-inch alloy wheels, rear tailgate spoiler, smoked glass headlamps and dark-tinted rear privacy glass over other models in the range to enhance the car’s sporty credentials.

The Toyota Auris SR is only available with the 175bhp 2.2-litre (there are four further engines – two petrol and two diesel - available for other models in the range). The D-4D 180 engine used in the SR comes from Toyota’s Avensis model with power delivered through a six-speed manual gearbox. It helps the car cover 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds and can achieve a maximum speed of 130mph. This performance is the biggest single difference between driving the SR and one of the other models in the range. Putting your foot down produces an instantaneous, powerful response.

Obamamobile

It's official call sign is Cadillac One, but it will always be known as the Obamobile.

This is the top - security armoured limousine which has been custom built to be Barack Obama's presidential car.

llustration of the new Cadillac One by John Lawson, Obama included. Specially things like "Doors: eight-inch thick and the weight of a 757 door". Other highlights:

• It can withstand rocket impacts and it's perfectly sealed against biochemical attacks.

• Petrol tank: Can withstand a direct hit thanks to a special foam and armor-plating.

• Bodywork: made of dual hardness steel, aluminum, titanium, and ceramics to "break up posible projectiles".

• Tyres: Kevlar-reinforced with steel rims underneath so it can run away no matter what.

• Accessories include: Night vision cameras, pump-action shotguns, tear gas cannons.

• Comes with bottles of blood compatible with the President's blood.

The bailout, which is in addition to the £450billion fund approved last year, offers tax cuts to the middle class and small businesses as well as a massive cash infusion to modernise roads, bridges, schools and medical care.

Money would also be provided for renewable energy projects.

A US intelligence document has revealed the Secret Service fear a 'lone wolf' type attack on the day rather than an organised, well-planned plot to kill Obama.

According to the intelligence document, no specific threat to Obama has been uncovered.

Source : www.dailymail.co.uk

Tips For Buying Auto Insurance the First Time

Buying car insurance for the first time is a scary situation. After all, you are buying a contract, and any sort of binding contract makes us nervous and with good reason! But buying car insurance is a relatively painless procedure, and if you follow these tips, your first time buying auto insurance will be nothing to be afraid of.

Background Research
The best way a novice can overcome the fear of first-time auto insurance buying is through education. When you know all of the different types out there, and what the average quotes are, you don't have to second-guess your decisions. Get car insurance quotes online, and research the confusing terminology you might find in your insurance manual. One good way to do research is by talking to a friend or family member in the insurance industry, and see what they're advice is.

Assess the Coverage You Need
Take a good look at your car, and ask yourself what it is your car is going to need. If your vehicle is old, you might need towing coverage. If there are several drivers in your home, you will need additional coverage to add these drivers. Is your car owned by a lien holder? If so, you will probably be required to have extra coverage or a higher premium. Once you've assessed the car, you need to look at your finances to see what a realistic expectation is for the month. Your typical monthly car insurance costs should vary between $300-800.

Comparison Shopping
The difference in price within a company for the same plan is huge-even bigger are the differences in price between auto insurance companies. You need to do a thorough price comparison of different plans within a company and between companies in order to get the deal that's right for you. A few years ago, this would have been an enormous choir that would have required the services of an independent insurance agent, but nowadays, there are several on-line sites available which can help you comparison shop for the best auto insurance in your area. Remember, however, that price isn't everything. A lot of times with auto insurance, what you're paying for is contract flexibility. You might be unhappy with your insurance and want additional coverage, or you may want to take away a costly bit of coverage that you don't need. Once you've found a policy that works within your budget, then jump in with both feet!

Source http://ezinearticles.com

Lexus RX 400h Hybrid Overview

Did you know that the Lexus was mass-produced by Toyota, the Japanese Motor Company that makes Corollas and Highlanders? Well they do and they come in second only to Ford Motor Company's Escape Hybrid vehicle. The Lexus RX 400h Hybrid is the Lexus 350 with a newly designed electric motor. It has also been labeled as the very first luxury hybrid car in the world. . Lexus' have a reputation of being affordable luxury cars and their SUVs do not slack in that department either.

The Lexus RX 400h Hybrid can definitely hold its own against the competition. J.D. Power and Associates rated it among one of four SUVs for being recognized as part of the Automotive Environmental Index in 2006. This index rates the top thirty vehicles that are environmentally friendly and green. They also recognize the fuel-efficient hybrid as one of the top luxury vehicles for its Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study in 2005. With so many people being concerned about emissions, damage to the ozone layer, and global warming, the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid is a great choice for a hybrid SUV.

This hybrid was actually rolled out in January 2004 at the North American International Auto Show a few months after the Ford Escape Hybrid was introduced. The Escape was so well received that it was a no-brainer that the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid would be received just as well. It was an immediate hit and the Escape suddenly found itself a competitor. Plus, Lexus is Toyota's high end product so fans of the vehicle expected it to be elegant and appealing.
This SUV has been described as "handsome". It's been geared to attract executives who are environmentally savvy. It is a middle-sized luxury SUV hybrid that is sophisticated and definitely trying to get the attention of the upper class. The 2008 model of the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid has a few updates, namely chrome door handles, a new front grill, rear spoiler, and shiny 18 inch wheels. This is the first time Toyota and Lexus ever designed and developed a vehicle that was geared for a particular financial class.

Bill Gates Car

Hyundai releases first renderings of Equus

Hyundai has revealed the first official renderings of their upcoming flagship sedan, Equus, code-named 'VI'. The Equus is due to be officially unveiled next month in South Korea, the only country where it is expected to be sold.The renderings do not surprise, as the recent stream of spyshots has given us sufficient clues on how the Equus would shape up. According to Hyundai's Korean statement, the car will feature LED technology in the headlights - a Hyundai first - and incorporate LED taillights as well. Similar to Mercedes-Benz, the Equus will also feature Pre-Safe seatbelts. Other innovations include Vehicle Stability Management II and Lane Departure Warning System

2010 Ford Mustang

The 2010 Ford Mustang looks leaner, although it actually gains a few pounds. It looks lower, although it's not. With headlights trimmed in black chrome (at least on the GT model) and a squatter, all-black grille, the look is sinister. Even the pony mounted to the center of the grille is finished in black chrome.

Hyundai releases i20 in India

Hyundai Motors India Limited has officially launched the Hyundai i20 in India today. The company calls it “Uber Cool” car that is available in three variants and sports a fuel-efficient Kappa engine. The i20 replaces the Getz hatchback.

The i20 is powered by a 80 ps 1.2L Kappa engine that is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. It packs a plethora of standard features, such as air conditioning, tilt/telescope steering wheel, front/rear power windows, cooled glove box, multi-information display, and 2 DIN CD/MP3 audio system. The top-range i20 features automatic climate control, steering mounted audio controls (first in segment), foldable key with keyless entry, 14-inch alloy wheels, and segment-first six airbags.

Kia releases gasoline Mohave

Kia Motors released the long-awaited gasoline variants of the Mohave SUV (Borrego in NA) today. Alongside the 3.0L VGT diesel, the Mohave is now available with a 274 horsepower 3.8L Lambda V6 or a more potent 340 horsepower 4.6L Tau V8.Gasoline Mohaves are priced on average 3.5 million Won (USD$2464) less than its diesel counterparts. With the 3.8L V6, Kia boasts a mileage rating of 8.6km/L, an equivalent of 20MPG. For the flagship 4.6L V8 models, Kia includes a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission. The 3.8L V6 models have a 0-60 MPH time of 8.5 seconds, while the 4.6L V8 models boast 7.4 seconds.

Suzuki Kizashi 3

Kizashi 3 foreshadows a four-door sports sedan that will join the lineup as Suzuki's flagship in 2010. Though much of Suzuki's current product lineup was designed by Daewoo or General Motors, we know their own designers can come up with great small cars -- if they do as well with the production version of the Kizashi 3, Suzuki could become a major player. About time.

2009 Lotus Esprit

Lotus wants to sell 1000 units a reason, reason why a cabrio version was also added.The 2009 Esprit is powered by a upgraded longitudinally mounted engine, with the adoption of a more modern BMW V8.The launch of the Esprit was caused by the decision to launch the "Project Eagle", a 2+2 V6 coupe that will be priced at around £40.000. The project Eagle will be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Audi A3 Black Edition Models Launched in the United Kingdom

The new Black Edition specification is available in conjunction with the 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engines with 160HP and 200HP respectively, and the two 2.0 TDI common rail diesel engines (140HP and 170HP). While it carries a premium of £905 over the equivalent S line model in each case, Audi supports that when the additional equipment it offers is taken into account, it represents a customer saving of £675 on the A3 Black Edition and £650 on the A3 Cabriolet Black Edition.

Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO

The BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS gets the same 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the Fortwo as an additional range extender - just like the Chevy Volt. The three-cylinder powerplant that has an output of 50 kW can recharge the 17.5-kWh lithium-ion battery by means of a similarly rated alternator. A range of up to 370 miles is possible on a single tank. The purely electrical, locally emission-free range is up to 120 miles.

All three BlueZERO models feature front-wheel drive and according to Merc, they all accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than 11 seconds while their top speed is electronically limited to 93 mph in the interests of optimal range and energy efficiency.

Measuring 4.22 meters in length, 1.89 m in width and 1.59 m in height, the BlueZERO models can accommodate five passengers and a payload of around 450 kg (992) lbs with a luggage compartment capacity of over 500 liters.

Kia Soul

Kia Soul, slated to debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show in October. The prototypes caught in these pictures are clad in Tomato Red and Clear White.

They also look to be the range-topping trims, as evident by the 18-inch alloys, chrome trims, and the diminutive rearview camera.

A Kia executive told us that the Soul Burner Concept wheels seen on the recent teaser video with the bouncing wheels, the trademark H-grille, and other sporty visual aids will be optional.