Category: Cars (Page 40 of 69)

Car Review: 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 4WD

May 9, 2013 / Staff

We drive a lot of cars, and sometimes, redesigned aren’t always much better than outgoing models, but that’s not the case with the 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 4WD. The first-generation Highlander pioneered the midsize crossover utility vehicle segment, ushering in car-like performance, comfort and fuel efficiency with SUV-like roominess and versatility. The current, second-generation Highlander amplifies those attributes and is among the leaders in the segment in standard active and passive safety features. Toyota has really taken serious steps forward with the Highlander as this is one very impressive vehicle.

EXTERIOR

The Highlander now has that wow factor that you don’t regularly see in an SUV, but it’s real. Designed at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., the second-generation Highlander conveys a contemporary, dynamic presence via clean, sculpted lines, a wide, stable stance and muscular contours. The Highlander grade could be mistaken for an upgrade model with its six-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, color-keyed power outside mirrors and silver-painted front grille.

The Highlander Limited as tested has a luxurious appearance with sporty 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome door handles and roof rails, puddle lamps and rear spoiler. The 2013 Highlander Hybrid is distinguished from the gasoline model by its own unique grille and bumper design, color-keyed rockers with chrome accents, plus vertically stacked fog lamps. The projector-beam headlights and taillights feature blue lens covers. Our classic silver metallic test model looked refined and upscale with an overall sleek look.

INTERIOR

Continuing with that upscale feel, the 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited really hit a homerun with the cabin quality, design and fit and finish. All Highlander models feature a standard 50/50 split third-row seat and rear climate control. Generous standard features on the Highlander grade include front and rear air conditioning; eight-way adjustable driver’s seat; power door locks and windows with driver’s window jam protection and auto-up/down feature; manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel; cruise control; multi-function keyless entry system; UV-reduction windshield and rear privacy glass; digital clock; conversation mirror; illuminated entry system; scheduled maintenance indicator light; full-size spare tire and more.

Car Reviews, Cars

Toyota Highlander Toyota SUV

Car Review: 2013 Honda Accord 4DR Sport

April 30, 2013 / Staff

The new 2013 Honda Accord 4DR Sport is one of many Accord variants produced by Honda, and with a 6-speed manual transmission, it sure is one of the more intriguing. We were fortunate enough to test a sweet, modern steel sport model and came away with some new impressions of the Accord.

EXTERIOR

Crisply styled and aerodynamically efficient, the 2013 Accord Sedan body design is the most sophisticated in Accord history. The 2013 Accord unit-body uses 55.8-percent high-tensile steel, more than in any previous Accord. In addition, 17.2-percent of the steel is now grade 780, 980 and 1,500 – extremely high grades that have never before been used in any Accord. This contributes to higher body rigidity and reduced weight, which directly benefits ride and handling, interior quietness, performance and efficiency and long-term durability.

With its contoured body sides, the Sedan’s exterior design is sleek, bold, decisive and athletic. Extensive use of under-covers improve aerodynamics for increased fuel efficiency, while other advances include available LED headlights, DRLs and brake lights, mirror-mounted turn signals, and the standard Expanded View Driver’s Mirror that increases the driver’s field of vision by 4.2 degrees. Our test model also sported 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, power door mirrors, dual exhaust, rear decklid spoiler and auto on/off headlights.

INTERIOR

As with past Accords, the 2013 Honda Accord 4DR Sport offers a cabin that is clean and stylish. There really is something about the Accord interior that elevates this car over her rivals, and it’s been that way for years. A completely new interior provides a level of luxury and craftsmanship never before seen in the Accord. Available in Black, Gray and Ivory cloth or leather, the interior combines welcoming comfort with an impressive range of available technologies. Standard features include redesigned seating, dual-zone automatic climate control and simplified controls and instrumentation.

Car Reviews, Cars

Honda Accord

Restoring a Classic On a Budget

April 30, 2013 / Bullz-Eye Staff

Restoring a classic car such as a 1970 Datsun 240z or a 1966 Pontiac GTO is a pipe dream for many men. I guess I should not limit it to men, for some women having a muscle car is right up their alley. If you are so lucky to have an old junk car cross your path, restoring it could be a great way to save money while having the classic car that catches the attention of everyone who passes it.

Unless you are an experienced mechanic, a project like this can tie up finances that you may not have. For this reason, those who have this dream often never achieve it. Tackling such a project can be overwhelming to someone with minimal knowledge. This does not mean it is impossible.

A GUIDE TO RESTORING A CLASSIC ON A BUDGET

You first need to find your car if you haven’t already. It is a good idea to look for one that has been partially restored, especially if you lack experience. This will cut down on your cost as well as your labor. Talk to other car enthusiasts, as they may have a lead on a good deal or have the connections to get you on your way. Also be sure to check the web, as you can find a lot of great deals through online resources.
Once you have found your car you need to know what parts you’ll need. You’ll need a number of parts, but you should be able salvage some of the parts already on your car. Know what your budget is and break it down according to your needs.

Look into salvage centers in your area to see if they have a vehicle that includes parts that may be interchangeable. Again, utilize the internet. There are websites dedicated to similar projects and there may be people selling the exact parts you need.

The best way to restore your car on a dime is to do the work yourself. This will require a number of tools, the owner’s manual and experience. If you are lacking in experience it is important to seek out the advice of professionals. For the parts that you are unable to locate, using resources such as The Local Book (yellow pages) will help you find auto repair to fit your needs.

I recently ran into some car trouble that could have been fixed by myself with an appropriate amount of time. However, time is something that I didn’t have. Using The Local Book, I was able to find an Middletown auto repair shop that got me up and running without breaking the bank or causing unnecessary headaches during the process.

Body work is a big part of restoration, as the final outcome is more about how the car looks than how it drives. Most car enthusiasts rarely take these vehicles out and when they do it is all about the show. This doesn’t mean that you want to focus solely on the body; it just means that is equally as important as the internal workings of the car.

Do as much of this work as you can, but don’t try to paint yourself. Put money aside for this job. Prime it yourself to save money, but leave the paint job to a professional.

Remember, that this is a project that should not be rushed. Take your time to find the best sources to save you money on parts, repair and painting. Do as much of the work as possible, and visit forums to get advice when you are stuck.

Cars

classic cars restoring cars restoring classic cars

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe pricing released

April 29, 2013 / Staff

Chevrolet recently released pics of the 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe, and now, pricing has arrived. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe will have a suggested starting retail price of $51,995, and the Corvette Stingray Convertible will start at $56,995. Both prices include a $995 destination fee but exclude tax, title and license.

Standard features on the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray include:

– Seating with lightweight magnesium frames for exceptional support, and eight-way power adjustment
– Five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors up to 12 vehicle attributes
– New seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching
– 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine with direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system
– Carbon fiber hood on all models, and a carbon fiber removable roof panel on coupes
– Aluminum frame that is 99 pounds lighter (45 kg) and 57-percent stiffer than the previous model’s structure
– Advanced, high-intensity discharge (HID) and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting
– Dual, eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, with next-generation Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and rear vision camera
– Bose nine-speaker audio system with SiriusXM Satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and SD card and auxiliary input jack
– Keyless access with push-button start
– Power tilt/telescope steering wheel
– An all-new, fully electronic top on the convertible that can be lowered remotely using the key fob

As shown at the North American International Auto Show, the Stingray Coupe fitted with the major available options would be $73,360, including:

– 3LT interior package, with leather-wrapped interior ($8,005)
– Z51 Performance Package ($2,800)
– Competition sports seats ($2,495)
– Exposed-carbon-fiber roof panel ($1,995)
– Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management ($1,795)
– Dual-mode exhaust system ($1,195)
– Carbon fiber interior trim ($995)
– Sueded, microfiber-wrapped upper interior trim ($995)
– Red-painted calipers ($595)
– Black-painted wheels ($495)

The 3LT interior package includes: Bose 10-speaker surround-sound audio system; SiriusXM Satellite radio with one-year subscription and HD radio receiver; color head-up display; memory package; navigation system; heated and ventilated seats with power lumbar and bolster adjustment; premium Napa leather seating surfaces; and leather-wrapped dash and instrument panel, console and door panels.

The Z51 Performance Package includes: high-performance gear ratios; transmission-cooling system; larger 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels and tires; larger, slotted rotors and brake-cooling ducts; electronic limited-slip differential and differential cooling system; unique chassis tuning; and available Magnetic Ride Control active-handling system with Performance Traction Management. Equipped with the Z51 package, the Corvette Stingray is capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph in under four seconds, and more than 1 g in cornering.

Cars, News

Chevy Corvette

The 5 Most Inspirational Racing Drivers

April 25, 2013 / Bullz-Eye Staff

Professional race car drivers inspire awe in most people as they whip around the track at speeds that would make most people lose their minds. It is not a sport for the faint hearted. There are, however, several professional drivers who have inspired fans on a special level with their accomplishments over the years in unique ways. Here are five of the most inspirational race car drivers.

Alessandro “Alex” Zanardi
As an Italian race car driver, Zanardi had a respectable career with two CART championship titles in the late 1990s. He also participated as a Formula One driver. However in 2001 he suffered a horrific crash that resulted in the amputation of both of his legs. Less than two years after the accident, he returned to racing and competed in the FIA World Touring Car Championship. Even more famously, he switched sports and went into handbiking, which is a type of cycling for the Paralympics. In this sport he won gold and silver medals at the 2012 London Paralympics. He is a wonderful example of perseverance in spite of adversity.

Ayrton Senna da Silva
Sadly, Senna was the last driver fatality in Formula One when he was killed in an accident during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, but his legend lives on and continues to inspire many, especially in his native Brazil. Senna made his Formula One debut in 1984, and he won three Formula One world championships during his career. He is popularly considered one of the greatest Formula One drivers in the history of the sport. He also was victorious during the Monaco Grand Prix six time, which continues to be a record. The sheer number of his accomplishments is extraordinary and warrants him mention.

Michael Schumacher
This German race car driver is also popularly regarded as one of the best drivers in Formula One history and statistically is one of the best the entire sport has ever known. He holds numerous records including the most number of championships, points scored, victories within a single season, fastest laps, race victories, and more. In 2002 he gained notoriety for finishing in the top three in every race of the season (and thus gaining the most consecutive podium finishes), the only driver in Formula One history to have done so. He is also known for his involvement with various charities and donations millions of dollars. He is another example of what can be accomplished with the incredible intersection of talent and hard work.

Danica Patrick
One of the most famous names in racing, even among people who do not follow the sport, Patrick has carved a name for herself as the most successful woman in the sport. She is the only woman to have ever won a race in the IndyCar series, and placed third at the Indianapolis 500, which was the highest finish by a woman. She won a NASCAR Spring Cup Series pole as well, the first female NASCAR driver to have done so. She has also been the fastest pole qualifier to successfully qualify for the Daytona 500 since 1990. She is inspirational because of her ability to overcome stereotypes and compete on a level that previously no woman had successfully achieved.

Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton
This British Formula One driver was the youngest to ever sign a contract that resulted in a Formula One drive in 2007. He is also considered the first black driver in the Formula One series, and was the first black driver to win any major race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He is the holder of numerous records, and finished second in the 2007 Formula One Championship, but went on to win the World Championship the next year. He accomplishments at such a young age as well as being a trailblazer in the sport for people of different ethnic backgrounds are two great reasons to be inspired by this young Brit.

Each sport produces athletes and competitors which offer fans and the rest of the population someone to admire. They overcome adversity, achieve amazing goals, and persevere even when the cards seem stacked against them. Race car driving is no different. These five competitors have inspired many who follow the sport of racing around the world.

Article courtesy of www.design911.com.

Cars

Alessandro “Alex” Zanardi Ayrton Senna da Silva Danica Patrick Daytona 500 Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton Michael Schumacher race car drivers racing drivers