The New 2.2 Turbo Diesel Engine of Jaguar XF

Jaguar developed a new car named Jaguar XF that is equipped with 2.2 liter turbo diesel engine. It is using a 4 cylinder 16-valve 2.2-liter common rail diesel unit, 188bhp motor which has a torque of 332lb ft and has a speed of 52.3mpg; all for the tailpipe-price of 149g/km of the dreaded carbon dioxide. By using the new engine, it brings also new features such as a water-cooled turbocharger, low friction pistons, new injectors and a new crankshaft. They installed a new crank configuration that helps the Jaguar engineers to add new oil pan and new electric system affecting the crankshaft. This gives the new “intelligent” Stop-Start system to operate proficiently. Jaguar wants to improve the Stop-Start system by adding new crankshaft sensor and fuel rail pressure holding system. They want to reduce the extended time spent in the start-up and shutdown phase. This system has a remarkable ability to restart an engine while it’s still shifting down from as little as 400rpm. Theoretically it is estimated to increase the new XF’s overall fuel efficiency from between five and seven per cent. They also installed an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, with the seventh and eight ratios acting respectively. The multi-ratio-assisted sprint to 62mph takes 8.5secs with a top speed of 140mph. Jaguar wants to redress the balance and arm the XF with the final tax-dodging weaponry it needs to complete its already rather impressive executive car arsenal of looks, handling and generous stylish specs.

Brabus iBusiness 2.0

Mercedes Benz developed a car that has remarkable features and can be called as an “Apple Oriented Car” – as it integrates a choice of one or two iPad 2 tablets into the rear compartment; Brabus 800. It is equipped with a multimedia system based on the new Apple iPad 2 called the Brabus iBusiness 2.0. It has two Apple iPad units, a 64GB iPod Touch and a 15.2 inch Mac display/TFT display with a 16.9 aspect ratio. Via a WiFi network the iPad 2 is connected to a Mini Mac, which a serves as the central computer. A high speed USB ports integrated into the rear compartment and two standard screens in the back of the front seats are also available.

The system is installed to the rear compartment of the Mercedes S-Class which controls entertainment system and high-speed internet connection. This allows controlling all the functions of the S-Class command systems from the rear seats – made possible with the help of an application that connects iPad2 into the electronic system. The systems that can be controlled from the rear seats are radio, navigation and telephone. It is said that the Brabus 800 iBusiness 2.0 high tech luxury car is the fastest office on wheels. It uses a 12-cylinder twin turbo engine which produces 800hp /588KW and a torque of 1,420Nm. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/hr at about 3.9 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 350km/hr (219 mph). The BRABUS all-leather interior creates an exclusive ambiance – a high quality leather that is not only very soft and breathable but also durable. In addition, Brabus wears a sporty yet stylish designer suit and has an extreme driving performance.

Advanced Technology of Ford

Ford introduced its SYNC technology, an in-car communications and entertainment system built on the Microsoft platform. It is a new MyFord touch that allows you to fully integrate all your favorite mobile devices with your car. It can connect to a Wi-Fi card and can be used as a router for up to 4 devices.

The said technology is compatible to all mobile devices with the vehicle. The user can control it by voice activation, through keypad that is properly placed on the steering wheel or through touch screen. It is equipped with safety features like calling 911 if the airbags deploy and the system will send the location via GPS to emergency services. It has also additional features called the MyKey. MyKey can provide you the ability to control some feature such as the max speed, radio volume and requiring seat belts. The system can save all the settings and preferences so that you don’t have to readjust every time you share your car to someone. The entertainment features are also amazing as you can choice either you use your iPod; start streaming with Pandora or switch to radio. You can also set a particular artist or song as your favorite and the car will let you know when the artist or song is playing on another station. In addition, you can also connect a PlayStation but it can be used when the car is in park.

Volkswagen Passat at its Best

The new and more improved Volkswagen Passat will be available in the Indian Market by the end of March. Volkswagen Passat is a luxury car which uses 1.8 TSI engines – an engine that is used by Skoda Laura and Skoda Superb. It also offers 2.0TDI, blue-motion technology and can consume 4.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. They made it more remarkable and they equipped it with acoustic sealing and the damping of the suspension. The interior become more comfortable as lesser noise and bumps filter into the cabin; plenty of chrome on elbow rests, vents, instruments, steering and buttons. They also installed adjustable dampers and others adjustments – driving at low speeds or cruising on highways is now more convenient. Volkswagen Passat has also advanced electronic features such as park assist, radar-based cruise control and lane assist. Volkswagen made its seats more comfortable as it offers massaging seats with ample shoulder and headroom. The new Volkswagen Passat is expected to be offered with a price tag of around Rs 23 lakh (Rs 2.3 million).

Preventive Measures – Keeping Your Car Running for Years

The cost of maintaining a vehicle and keeping it on the road is not exactly irrelevant. As an owner, having a good maintenance to your car avoids you to spend more money – bringing it to the car technicians. Here are some preventive measures in keeping your car’s good condition and keeping it running in the road for years.

Air Filter

Checking the air filter is one of the common things that should an owner do. A dirty air filter can greatly affect the economical aspects of fuel efficiency. When you noticed that there is a dirt or dust build up and it seems that it needs to replace it, just simply change it.

Brake Fluid

Brakes will need to be replaced over a car’s lifespan but drivers or owners should check the brake fluid regularly. Replacing brakes are one of the most expensive repair jobs of a vehicle. Brake fluid is very important to a car as it is needed for the lifespan of brakes. If you noticed that the fluid is below the line of demarcation, add fluid up to that line but be careful not to overfill it.

Motor Oil

A regular checking of the motor oil is also important in maintaining the lifespan of your vehicle. Changing oils should be done and should be based on the car manufacturer’s guidelines.

Tires

Tires should have the recommended tire pressure. Properly inflated tires make it easier for the engine to operate, lowering fuel costs at the same time decreasing wear and tear on the engine.

The Energy Efficient and Economical Car – Lexus CT 200h

Lexus has developed a car that is energy efficient, economical and environmental friendly. This is the type of car that fits to an environmentally conscious car enthusiast – the Lexus CT 200h.

A sporty car that is equip with an ergonomic cockpit, interior options, aerodynamics design and a low center of gravity excellent handling. It has an extensive green features -this car is made from bio source materials and it is 85% recyclable. They made the interior more comfortable as the upholstery is made from NuLuxe fabric which has the lithe softness of leather. The exterior features become better looking as they install 89 LED lights including the 2 headlights. The CT 200h is a green car because it only produces almost 60% less smog-forming emissions compare to other vehicles. Provided its hybrid system, the car can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 10.3 seconds and has a speed of 42 miles per gallon with a maximum speed of 112mph. CT 200h safety features too, such as the 5 passive safety features such as the 2-stage airbag – driver and front passenger, full-length curtain shield airbags – left and right, ISOFIX attachment – outer rear seats, knee airbag – driver and front passenger, thorax Abdomen Pelvis (TAP) side airbags – driver and front passenger. It has also an active safety and driving dynamics like 4 Driving Modes: Normal, Sport, ECO and EV, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Electric Power Steering (EPS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

The combined green features, luxury design and low price tag makes the CT 200h an ultimate driving machine to all car aficionados.

The Clarion CX501 Car Stereo

Clarion has developed a stereo that fits the needs of a driver and that is the Clarion CX501. Clarion CX501 is easy to use and install with a clean and good features. It has multiple capabilities and extra features and it produces a clear sound. It is automatically connected to your cellphone as you start the engine. CX501 is also equipped with a built-in bluetooth and has a high quality sound that comes from the car speakers. The most standard feature to this stereo is the AM/FM tuner – the owner has an option on how they play their music. USB port allows you to use your iPod or iPhone, Android, MP3 player or any devices/gadgets that are available. It has the ability to charge your gadget as long as it is plugged into the receiver and it can play CD’s or CD-Rs with MP3 or WMA format. The built-in amplifier with a Magna Bass EX – gives great boost and more base sound. It has also a 3 band parametric equalizer, preamp outputs and high- and low-pass filters which give you a more dynamic sound. The radio can be upgraded by installing HD Radio tuner to have more choices than the standard AM/FM tuner and SCC1 tuner that lets you tune into SIRIUS satellite transmissions. Clarion CX501 is a high-quality and user friendly device that gives latest telecommunication technology and an additional comfort to the owner.

An Advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) for Vehicles

As years passes by, the technology that are installed to each and every cars are more advanced compare to their predecessors. GPS (Global Positioning System) has gone up to the next level as the 3D modeling technology that are used in GPS devices are now being used in some vehicles.

The GPS systems that are equipped in cars provides the vehicle’s actual position, best route to the destination, traffic streets/areas and also the ability to display the time required to reach the particular destination. The driver just need to set the device into your designated location and the system will calculate the distance and find the best way immediately. The devices can also track the car mileage and speed. It has also some additional features such as live traffic reports, voice activated turn-by-turn navigation, touch screen controls, interactive maps and some safety features like an automated contact. The system can execute these commands and features through the satellites that revolve around the earth’s orbit twice a day. These satellites are monitored by ground stations located at various sites on earth which in turn update, verify and correct the navigational signals of the satellites and once they are verified and monitored, they are later received by the receivers installed in the vehicle.

The CR-Z Mugen Type

Mugen Euro has developing a more powerful, faster and highly-enhanced version of the remarkable Honda CR-Z and it is called the CR-Z Mugen. It is said to be a joint project of Honda UK and Mugen EURO – a partnership that has been tested since the past years. Some features that they improved are the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and the Honda IMA system to boost power and torque. They also install bestpoke brakes and suspension to have superior chassis dynamics. The CR-Z are equipped with lightweight components such as a carbon fiber bonnet to lower the overall weight and an alloy wheels to reduce unsprung mass.

They made major changes to the engine to come up with a greater speed and lower CO2 emission. Additional body parts will be added like spoiler, front and rear bumpers to improve its aerodynamics and to have a sportier look. Though they made huge of enhancements to the car but they are still using the Honda’s design, philosophy and concept and the electric motor is still one of the reason in having a superb performance and economy. As of this moment Mugen is still developing the car’s prototype as plans for production is not yet available.

2011 High Performance Tires

Tires are one of the important parts of a car – helps to keep its full speed, maintains safety and outstanding handling. Here are some 2011 models of tires that can be found in the Canadian Market.

Michelin – Pilot Sport 3

Pilot Sport 3 gives a car an exceptional handling in corners and ”the best fuel efficiency” in its class with outstanding tread life compared to other tires. It is a high performance summer tire designed for cars which has a tire sizes range of 16 to 19 inches – mostly available in Canadian market.

Michelin – Pilot Super Sport

Pilot Super Sport is also a great high-performance summer tire that is developed for cars. This type of tire helps the car achieve its maximum performance – said to be the next generation of tires as they are used by some auto developers like BMW, Ferrari and Porsche in 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car race. Available tire sizes range from 17 to 22 inches.

Yokohama – Advan A048

As Yokohama said, this type of tire is primarily designed for trucks but can be used on the road as well. The user has an option to go on racing using the same type of tires. Sizes range is from 12 to 18 inches which has three available compounds: soft, medium and hard.

Firestone – Firehawk Wide Oval indy 500

It is develop as a road-oriented tire which offers a sportier look and a great grip on wet and dry surface. Firehawk Wide Oval indy 500 s an ultra-high-performance summer tire designed for cars which has a sizes range of 15 to 20 inches.

Hankook – Ventus V2 Concept H437

Ventus V2 Concept H437 gives the car an extra stability and braking performance at high speed. It has available sizes of 15 to 18 inches. The tire manufacturer which is the Hankook is having a test on this tire, trying to both on the road and the track to have a better assessment in quality and performance in various conditions.