Wednesday, April 9, 2014

In the Race to Be King of the Diesel Trucks, Who's Winning? #DreamCars


James Allen. For more information about truck diesel engines, visit this webpage Gem State Diesel



In the Race to Be King of the Diesel Trucks, Who's Winning?

For years, Ford has topped the sales charts for diesel trucks. While Ford's Powerstroke engine and Super Duty line have a comfortable lead over the competition, the race for second place is heating up considerably. Currently, Chevy's Silverado holds the silver medal position in diesel truck sales, but Dodge Ram trucks are closing quickly. With more than 8,000 pre-orders in the first three days of availability, according to International Business Times, the new Rams are hot sellers. What's fueling the rise of the Ram?

Many drivers who aren't part of the traditional market for diesel trucks are looking farther afield to find great fuel economy and flexibility. With the energy efficiency of the updated Dodge Cummins EcoDiesel engine, the Ram 1500 promises 28 miles per gallon on the highway. "When a truck's fuel efficiency rivals what some luxury cars deliver, it's going to have broader appeal," says master technician and diesel engine repair specialist Shawn Musgrave of Gem State Diesel, a Boise Idaho area diesel repair shop. "You can use a truck to do just about anything a luxury car or SUV can do, but try getting your car to pull a trailer the way a truck can, and you'll see why more people are looking at diesel."


Reliability is also a significant factor for truck owners, the Boise diesel repair expert adds. "Whether you go with the new EcoDiesel Rams, drive a Silverado with its GMC/Chevy Duramax engine or opt for the most popular choice with a Ford, your diesel engine needs regular maintenance. Diesel engines run hotter than gas-fueled engines, and you can't delay an oil change the way you might be able to with a gas-powered car without a decrease in performance." Dodge truck owners, he says, have been more than willing to talk about the relatively easy maintenance they've had with their trucks.

Aggressive marketing is another reason Dodge trucks are gaining on their Chevrolet competition. "Dodge is doing an exceptional job at giving people what they want," says Musgrave. "That doesn't mean other companies aren't, but when you look at how Dodge has marketed its roomy cabins, air suspension and efficient diesel fuel injection system, you can see why the company's attracting a lot of attention." He's quick to point out that the marketing message isn't just hype: "EcoDiesel represents a welcome jump forward in fuel economy for diesel engines and will help open the diesel market to more buyers."

Ultimately, Musgrave says, how drivers treat their trucks has more to do with the engines' longevity than the brand name. "No matter which of the big three manufacturers you choose, you're going to get a reliable truck if you give it the attention it deserves."



Saturday, April 5, 2014

Automobile Repair #DreamCars



Balcatta Panel. A smash repair car center should be such that, it should bring back a smile on your face and the vehicles' The staff should be happy to assist the customer with the queries and discuss about the whole process and give you a complete understanding of what is going to be involved. Go Articles



Automobile Repair

The word itself explains putting things together after mending. We will be talking of automobile repairs, painting, insurance and restoration. When and if your car meets with an accident, always go to the best committed center that can give your smashed car the best restoration and allow you to experience a sublime in driving.

The best way to avoid auto repair rip-offs is to be prepared. Knowing how your vehicle works and what maintenance it needs is a good going. More important is how to choose your mechanic, what questions to ask and how to know about the consumer rights.

Ask friends, family and other people you trust to help you in finding a good repair store or just go online to see smash centers like Balcatta Panel and Paint Company the most popular one in not just suburbs of Perth but in the entire continent. Do not forget to ask the shop if they will honor the vehicle's warranty. There are no standard warranty for repair parts, so get a clear picture of what are covered under warranty and get it in writing.

One always has to look for a totally equipped shop which can give the most up to date technology available. The shop should possess a strong association with Car Craft, and aim to raise the panel beating/smash repair industry. The ambiance is very important, the store should be well presented, and kept clean and tidy, and the team has to be motive highly driven to ensure that the customer gets a smooth experience.

The after effects of an accident can be an upsetting time for you, should you have an accident, and aim to make your repair process as stress free as possible, call for a store which can arrange towing for you and also help with your motor vehicle insurance claim.
In a normal scenario no one really wants to go to a smash repair shop, but the crude reality is if you have had an accident then your vehicle needs some professional attention. So reach a place which will have crafts men being passionate about repairing the customer's pride and joys. By using the best of - materials, equipment and skill. There has to be an obsession on work and commitment by quality and detail. Meaning to say when we trust them with our vehicle, they should stand up to it.

The repairs done, dent removed then comes the painting, which is very essential, because if you leave it unpainted and get the repairs alone done, your machine is sure to look pretty bad and pathetic. Getting the vehicle painted is another major task though not a herculean one. Using one of the highest quality paints will save your car looking new and good. And with a good quality paint, you can be rest assured that it will not fade or peel, as long as you look after your vehicle with care.

Now comes the most important step rather issue, insurance. The smash repair shop should able to get this done for you. They should take care in such a way that the accident claims are processed efficiently and professionally, and make you run from pillar to post.
Most of the Smash repair car companies will have a long standing relationship with many insurance companies and maximum of the workload is through insurance companies.



Thursday, April 3, 2014

Is The Volkswagen LX1 The Model For Efficient Cars Of The Future? #DreamCars


Jillynn. Article Base




Is The Volkswagen LX1 The Model For Efficient Cars Of The Future?

Innovative car manufacturers develop both concept cars and prototype cars as a prelude to what will actually be on the road. Always a leader in anticipating and planning for the car of the future, Volkswagen took its LX1 diesel hybrid concept car announced in 2002 and brought it the prototype stage. Now the LX1 is ready to join the family of new Volkswagen cars for European release, and many think it's the model for efficient cars of the future.

Fuel Efficiency - What's different about the LX1? Virtually everything but the Volkswagen name. A two-seater car with futuristic lines, the LX1 offers a maximum fuel efficiency of 261 miles per gallon. In a world where only a handful of cars can claim over 50 mpg, the LX1 takes fuel economy to a whole new level. Proclaimed as a 1 liter car, which means the amount of fuel needed to travel 100 km, the LX1 offers closer to .9 liters to go 100 kilometers, which is how VW comes up with the 261 mpg figure. Operating on electricity as well as diesel fuel, the car can travel about 22 miles on electric power alone.


Lightweight, Aerodynamic Design - The high mileage is only possible because of the weight and shape of the car. The carbon fiber body and the futuristic, aerodynamically optimized cigar shape, and features such as fender skirts, result in a curb weight of less than 1,800 pounds and a drag coefficient of 0.189. Earlier versions of the vehicle weighed less, but mandated safety equipment, along with comfort and convenience features that drivers' desire, doubles the weight. Though the car looks like a futuristic sports car, the vehicle has a top speed of 99 mph (50 mph for the electric mode) and takes 11.5 seconds to go from 0 to 60.

Unique Features - In terms of design, the two-seater car lacks a rear window, but features a pair of rear vision cameras to gauge traffic. The doors are scissors style, which open up rather than out. After several reconfigurations, the passenger in this two-seater car sits beside the driver, but the seat is staggered for weight distribution.

Target Audience - The production version of the LX1 is intended to take its place on the European highway alongside SUVs, sedans, and mini cars. With manual steering, competent brakes, and very low emissions of only 21 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, the car is intended to be a "daily driver," ideal for driving a person and a colleague to work.


LX1 Among New Volkswagen Cars In Production

During its prototype days, there was hope that the LX1 would retail for around $50,000. After the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, VW started registering interested customers for a vehicle priced at $146,000. More than 200 potential buyers registered for the 200 available units that will be produced for retail customers, so a draft will be held to select the customers who have an option to actually buy a car. At that time, they will be offered a purchase contract but only after they pay a down payment of about $27,000.

Though the LX1 is not currently available in the U.S., the car will go on tour to gauge the reactions of U.S. consumers. Given Volkswagen's track record of channeling innovative technology in the cars that do come to market, expect to possibly see some performance and stylistic features of the LX1 to show up in another car the company does sell in the U.S.