Car Audio

Archive for March, 2009

Even when times are good, there are plenty of people who look to economize, and in buying a car, a cost-cutting double whammy is to buy a used hybrid.  Afterall, as we all know, a car depreciates in value the moment it is driven out of the dealership, making a reliable and fuel-efficient car a safe decision. While hybrids are more expensive, it is well proven that they pay for the extra cost in just a few years from increased gas savings.

USED HYBRID CAR FACTS

The difference in price between most used hybrid cars and used conventional cars is not as wide as it is between new hybrids and their new conventional counterparts. Stepping in to buy a hybrid that is only a few years old is therefore a major bargain, since it was the first owner that paid for the steep initial depreciation.

The sole caveat is the reason why the price difference sorted itself out: the battery. Hybrid batteries are typically warranted for between 8 to 10 years, and are generally expected to last at for a decade or more before their performance starts to drop off. Sad to say, those batteries will need to be replaced one day and a brand new hybrid car battery can cost thousands of dollars. This is an important consideration for anyone who intends to buy a hybrid, new or used, and drive it into the ground. When the battery runs out and is time for a replacing, it could cost you as much as the actual car itself!

However, a hybrid will save you money in other respects. They are usually half again as fuel efficient as conventional vehicles. For example, The Nissan Altima hybrid gets 35 mpg in the city, while its conventional counterpart gets 23 mpg in the city. This ensures that your hybrid car was a good investment, especially if you are someone that spends a lot of time on the road.  Hybrid cars are especially fuel-efficient in the city.

Lastly, used hybrid cars are very good for the environment. The technology involved obviously burns less gasoline to do the same job, with emissions that regularly meet the requirements for Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (SULEVs).

Overall, purchasing used hybrid cars is a sound decision if you want to get around the high price tag for a new hybrid car. The same low emissions and gas savings rules apply to used hybrids as to new hybrids, so potentially a used hybrid will save a buyer even more money because they haven’t paid the hefty new hybrid mark-up. However, it is a wise policy to either get a used hybrid that is only 2 or 3 years old, to maximize the expected lifetime of the hybrid car battery.

The Brand New Ford Fiesta has been released and there has been plenty of wailing and gnashing of teeth since it first rolled off the forecourts. The overwhelming opinion is that Ford have triumphed, creating a vehicle that embarrasses every other similarly priced supermini on the market. This isn’t fresh news though; Ford have achieved this virtually every time they have released a newer edition of the Fiesta. Here is a news flash that may surprise some of you out there in the real world: the brand new Ford Fiesta is actually no different to the previous model. Ok, so there are cosmetic differences, but the same engines are available with the same trims. Therefore, now would be an excellent time to claim yourself a bargain.

The last Ford Fiesta was an understated affair that essentially looked like a slightly scaled down Ford Focus. It was chunky, sturdy and above all, had excellent quality engines to deal with the power/weight ratios. The bolshy 1.25 petrol engine was more than enough to render the Fiesta the perfect, zippy town & city mobile. This is the point where things get very interesting indeed.

As the new Fiesta was announced, the bottom fell through the international economy and no one was financially capable of buying cars anymore. Stocks built up and thousands upon thousands of vehicles sat in parking areas, just waiting for the chance to be shipped to a dealership forecourt. Like every other manufacturer, many of the older Ford Fiestas weren’t shipped before the new edition was available to order.

The crux of my point is that these older Ford Fiestas need to be shifted and dealers who are selling these models are letting them go with ridiculous discounts on them; even more so if you consider a nearly new or ex-demo model.

If you are not too bothered about being on the cusp of fashion then you will be able to find a perfect Ford Fiesta for a lot less than the current new model. In the current economic climate, who can afford to miss a bargain?

Whilst all the fuss surrounding the brand new Ford Fiesta is going on, the savvy and economically minded amongst us have spotted the ideal opportunity to bag ourselves a recession-busting bargain. Anyone who is seriously considering buying a Ford Fiesta in the not-too-distant future is automatically going to hone in on the brand new model. These people are missing out on one of the greatest money-saving bargains available on the car market, but it’s certainly not one that I am going to turn my nose up at.

Now that the entire population are clamouring over themselves to get hold of the new Fiesta, you will find a whole host of the previous model at unbelievable discounts, especially if they are ex-demo or nearly new. The 04-08 model Fiestas are going to have trouble shifting off the forecourts with the brand new model available, so the dealerships are going to start slashing prices like they were in some kind of low-budget 70’s zombie film.

This bodes extremely well if you are in the market for a Ford Fiesta, but aren’t concerned with constantly being on the cusp of fashion. As a man comfortable in a wooly jumper and denim, I firmly fit into this category.

The previous Fiesta was an absolute triumph of form and engineering that looked and performed akin to a slightly scaled down Ford Focus. With a wealth of engines and trims available, there is bound to be a used Ford Fiesta to suit everyone’s tastes. The only issue is which Fiestas are available at which dealers? That, my friends, is where the bargain hunt begins.

After checking the internet briefly, I found loads nearly new Ford Fiestas with discounts that were all highly impressive. For around £5,000 you can get a 2 year old Fiesta Zetec 1.4litre, with less than 10,000 miles on the clock. Just a matter of months ago this very model would have been worth double that!

If you’re looking for a vehicle to just get you from A to B of a weekend, how about a 1.25Litre Zetec Climate, with less than 14,000 miles on the clock for less than £5,000? The deals you can take advantage of if you look in the right places are unbelievable.

This is a perfect time for first-time car owners as well. A Used Ford Fiesta is the perfect car for new drivers as it combines, safety, practicality, economical driving and looks the part as well. With the initial cost-effective outlay of being a used Ford Fiesta, you can concentrate on using the rest of your cash upgrading the soundsystem, or paying the ridiculously high insurance rates for new drivers.

Whilst all the posers and trendy-types are queuing up and joing mailing lists for the new Fiesta, you could get one today, at a fraction of the price, which has practically the same engine and specification as the new model. So unless you are highly concerned about the exterior aesthetic of your car, can you really afford to ignore these bargains.  

So I guess I’ll see you down the dealerships then!

Did you know that you could run your car on water? Sounds pretty far-fetched, right?  Believe it or not it’s actually possible and not some scifi futuristic idea!  There are many people around the world that have already converted their cars, trucks and/or SUVs to run on water.  Needless to say the mileage of the auto has increased and the fuel consumption has dropped significantly!

It’s known that water can be used to create power using a hydrogen generator. Over the years this technology has powered many industry processes and generally involves huge generators.  However, recently a new prototype hydrogen generator model has been invented which is smaller and can help run your car with water.

The technology used in this process is quite simple. Water can be broken down and seperated into both hydrogen and oxygen or HHO, which is called Browns Gas with the help of an electrolyser.  This has helps in the combustion process of gasoline.  Which is why gasoline is still the main fuel.

Setting up an HHO generator is not very expensive to set up and use.  You can find all the components in a hardware store.  The only thing you will need are some wires, hoses, clamps and a container to store the water in.  Also, some pure baking soda is required to act as a catalyst.  You can generate about 1886 gallons of Brown’s gas from a gallon of water. Once the system is set up, it needs to be installed in the car and plugged to the engine manifold or the carburetor. This ensures that when the gasoline mixes with Brown’s gas, the proportions are correct.  The automobile’s battery is what is used to power this set up.  Once complete, your car is ready to run on water!

What are the benefits of running your car on water?
•    When you run your car on water, you actually qualify for a tax refund from the government since you are contributing to the environment and saving on natural resources.

•    You save on your gas mileage by as much as 35% per gallon of gas when you run your car on water. These days newer models are being developed that can even save up to 60% that translates to more than $1000 on gas expenses!

•    The planet thanks you since you aid in eliminating the carbon emissions and reducing the pollution levels in the environment. You are also helping to create a better planet for your children when you run your car on water.

•    Your car’s performance and engine life will increase since there are lesser emissions and lesser wear and tear of components.

When you runyourcarwithwater, you yield great rewards that translate into more money in your wallet. Your engine will not need to be serviced as often since there is a lesser wear and tear in the components and the interiors. So, enhance the efficiency and the performance of your car by running your car on water. Your car will sure thank you for it!

kick scooters

Gone are the days of those home-made scooters with their skate wheels and pieces of wood. Today, the Razor electric scooter is very popular and the company also sells other products, such as kick scooters, so there is something to please everyone. Their continuous efforts to keep designing and listening to the public about what is needed have made them a very popular brand.

Perhaps one of the best things about the Razor Company is that they build so many different styles and designs that everyone is sure to find one that is right for them. Thanks to the inventive design Razor kick scooters are great for stunts and tricks as well as still being economical and practical.

Perhaps one reason that the Razor electric scooter is so popular is that it is a viable option in alternative modes of transportation. Not only viable, but preferable as well, as it provides more power and control, and is obviously built to last. The E300 electric scooter is one of their most popular models; it includes the patented rear fender brake with rear hand brakes, as well allowing the rider stop easily. It can handle riders of up to 220 pounds.

The handlebars are adjustable to ensure that all riders are able to handle it smoothly, the twist variable speed acceleration gives more control and the twist grip throttle just adds to the power of these electric motor scooter products. Of course, you will love the look of this scooter with lead-free paint and the beautifully designed accents.

The Razor electric scooter has several good selling points and that includes a high torque electric motor with a couple of 12 volt batteries to ensure that you can get the most fun and mileage out of your scooter. Of course, additional selling points would include the fact that overall an electric scooter is less expensive than a gasoline scooter. There are far less costs for up keep requirements for an electric scooter as well because there are no oil changes or tune ups necessary. Of course, you will also be doing your part to keep the environment green since the electric scooter does not give off emissions into the air.

There aren’t many cars out there that are worth more than a quarter of a million dollars, but if one were to judge based on appearances alone, then the 2009 Aston Martin DBS would most certainly be one of them.The car is as elegant as James Bond would like to have it. 

The 2009 DBS better be pretty though, because it will set prospective buyers back between two hundred and seventy and three hundred thousand dollars, but just as with any Aston Martin, there is more to this car than just a pretty face… 

Beneath the hood of this beautiful specimen sits one powerhouse of an engine – a 5.9 liter V12, churning a whooping 510hp to move the car just past the 190mph top speed.Acceleration for the DBS is an elegant 4.3 seconds. 

The DBS’s initial launch into the automotive world was just eighteen short months ago, its beauty and performance took the driving world by storm then and Aston Martin hasn’t changed a whole lot since the original – they didn’t have to. 

New for the second incarnation are the diamond turned wheels which, aside from being absolutely stunning, manage to take an impressive four and a half pounds of weight off per wheel – that coupled with a portion of the body being made from carbon make this version almost two hundred pounds lighter than the DB9 which it is partially patterned after. 

The 2009 version also has an option for two rear bucket seats where the original just had a modest amount of storage behind the front seats. This at least helps to give the impression that Aston Martin also had the family man in mind when slightly retooling this incredible piece of machinery, though I don’t know a whole lot of people with two children, aside from professional athletes and movie/television stars who could afford to plunk down three hundred thousand for an everyday travel vehicle. 

For drivers, like myself, who would rather be immersed in their favorite music than hearing the roar of the massive 510 horsepower V12 engine rumbling beneath the hood, the 2009 DBS comes with an absolutely out of this world sound system – a ten speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that is truly capable of making ears bleed should you have the desire. 

The 2009 DBS still uses the space age form of entry that every one fell in love with from the original – the ECU or “Emotion Control Unit” in lieu of using the more traditional keyed form or automobile entry. 

If you have more than a quarter of a million dollars to spend on your next vehicle and are still having doubts about the Aston Martin DBS, ask yourself this – if it was good enough for James Bond to use (and destroy) not once, but twice how could it not be good enough for you.

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This document is a short guide that will serve to acquaint you with the parts of an RV electrical scheme that is rigged to operate on renewable energy .  The goal is that you will be comfortable enough with the parts to fit your own RV solar panels.  I will give details on each part.

Battery – most   are 12 volts. They often say 12V, but in realism they are 13.8 volts.  The voltage they write on the battery itself has actually been rounded down .  This won’t have an effect on you, as most  things made to employ 12 volts are actually designed for 13.8.  Note that one of the most electricity hungry devices in an RV is usually  the microwave oven.  If you’re preparing to get one in your RV, you’ll almost certainly require at least 3 batteries, as a usual approximation knowing the power requirements you’ll face for the average microwave and battery capacities.

Battery Cables – don’t ever undervalue the significance of good , broad battery cables.  DC electricity is infamous for requiring large cables.  This is because the resistance inherent in any cable you’ll use has additional loss than would occur for AC power.  Always make sure to get good thick cables.  See references to AWG (Wire Gauge charts) to discover how big of cable you’ll require based on your power requirements.  OKAY!  Let’s move on.

Inverter – This machine will get the DC power supplied to it from your batteries, which came from the RV solar panels (also in DC form), and convert it to AC form that can be used by the majority of appliances you’d take into into your RV from your house .  A TV , for example , if not specifically  intended to run on DC power, will need AC (like you’d get from an electrical outlet in your home ).

AC Breaker Panel – You’ll desire a panel on the AC side of the inverter that is alike or even the same as the panel in your basement at home that is full of circuit breakers.  These will trip when power usage exceeds the capacity  of the breakers, just like blowing a fuse, only without the hassle of having to put back the fuse… just reset the tripped breaker.  Note that these can be, but often aren’t wanted on the side of the inverter fed by the batteries and RV solar panels.  A fuse will normally be just fine for protection, since it is recommended that SOMETHING be installed to protect here, but many people don’t use breakers.

Because I’m not one who is into taking advantage of anything but the sun , I wouldn’t normally recommend a generator, but at times they are handy .  I apologize, Mother Earth.

Charge Controller – The power created by your RV solar panels will be required to be regulated when charging the batteries.  This is since batteries can only take so much charge, and your RV solar panels may cause them to rupture , leak or blow up with no charge controller!  Not high-quality !  You can get away without one if you can check the battery charge levels physically, but it’s very tedious and causes a safety concern when you forget and fall asleep.  Don’t underestimate their importance .

That’s all.  Look for future write-ups about the significance of other parts, and how to install them.  For more info on RV Solar Panels, be sure to visit newenergytips.com.

A racing car that you can drive on the British roads; what driver could ever ask for me. When stopping at traffic lights I still get the (rather immature) urge to rev my engine, as if challenging the person in the next lane to a drag race. In a Hot Rod this would be perfectly rational behaviour, in a Ford Mondeo it’s just slightly embarrassing. What your average common or garden driver is really looking for is a compromise between the Hot Rod and the Fiesta; a car that is practical, but can still get the heart racing when you put your foot down. With some confidence, Vauxhall claim to have created this elusive amalgamation of form, function and performance in the Vauxhall VXR Range.

This obviously isn’t the first time mainstream car manufacturers have attempted to create a speedy but practical model. Volkswagen have been doing it for years with the Golf GTi ranges and Ford have a rich lineage of racing cars from the RS Cosworth. All of these cars are hugely exciting to drive and all perform to increasingly high standards. The only grievances I hold against them are the rather insulting connotations that drivers of these vehicles are often labelled with. What started off as a rather jovial and almost friendly “boy racer” has now transformed into the less agreeable “chavs”, “townies” and “neds” (dependent on your geographical location). These labels don’t seem to concern those who actually are chavs etc…, but the rest of us normal human beings want to drive these wonderful cars without the social stigma.

With the VXR Range, Vauxhall want to readdress the balance and have designed and engineered a car that goes like stink, but retains understated looks. That is until you get to the brand new Vauxhall VXR8…which looks like it has careened straight out of a post-apocalyptic landscape in the year 3000 in a hail of fire and bullets. Alas, the VXR8 would be pointless if Vauxhall hadn’t kitted it out with an engine that could strip paint from 20 miles. So let’s be hugely thankful that they have done exactly that.

The Vauxhall VXR8 6.2 Litre V8 engine has an unbelievable 431 BHP which when put to the test, will get you from 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. If you count that in your head, you can almost feel the raw acceleration power that the VXR8 houses. However, as the popular saying goes, with great power comes huge responsibility. If you push the VXR8 even slightly too far, you will find yourself in a ditch with your face on fire. To say its a bit nervy at speed would be something of an understatement, even on a dual carriageway you feel like you might flip at any moment in a huge tidal wave of explosions and noise.

My only fault with the Vauxhall VXR8 would be that it seems to create a drama out of everything, like some kind of stereotypical pantomime performer refusing to grow old gracefully. But unlike most criticisms, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the Vauxhall VXR8 despite all its tendencies toward fuss and commotion. Without descending into the world of horrible clichés, you genuinely feel like the Grim Reaper is stalking you every single time you put the key in the ignition, but for the exhilaration it is worth it. The Vauxhall VXR8 is a car of pure brilliance, but don’t even consider going near one unless you are either a) a skilled driver, or b) completely insane.

Alternative energy is big today so people think about it.  There can be alternatives to gasoline.  That’s where the electric dirt bike comes into the picture.

electric dirt bikes

One company that produces these is Zero Motorcycles.  Their electric dirt bike is high performance and low sound.  They couldn’t handle all the orders in 2008.  There were only 45 of these made by this time.  They want to roll out 2000 in 2009.  They’ll also introduce an electric bike for street riding.

An electric dirt bike is ideal for people who want to ride off-road in barren areas near cities.  These are areas like forest preserves or trails.  Regular bikes are far too loud.  But the electric version hums along quietly.  That’s why it’s becoming popular.

One negative of the electric dirt bike might be price.  Gas powered bikes are cheaper.  They also have limited range.  They travel about 40 miles per charge.  That’s good for about two hours.  People sometimes ride for an entire day.  The bike can’t be recharged while on the trail.

electric dirt bike

Serious dirt bikers see the electric dirt bike as a passing fad.  They believe it will pass.  One rider, also an editor of a motorcycle magazine, said  this is a good second bike, but not something most enthusiasts would want to own as an only bike.  Others think they’re fun.

Zero’s founder became interested in the electric dirt bike in 2002.  He was formerly an aerospace engineer, but later became a motorcycle designer.  He wanted to change the perception of electric vehicles as slow.  All of the parts of the Zero are custom made.

The electric dirt bike battery is an issue.  Lithium ion batteries get very hot.  Zero had to develop a quick cooling material to surround the batteries.  The pack that they came up with costs nearly $4,000 to replace.  It lasts for six years.  A full charge takes only 2 hours.  That’s not bad.  The bike can go 0 to 30 in under 2 seconds.  Test riders have been amazed by the performance.

Shipped, this electric dirt bike costs about $7300.  The company only sells it online.  The overall goal for the company is to become big.

razor electric dirt bike

The electric dirt bike may be here to stay.

http://dirtcrazy.com/

People like to ride off road.  Other terms for it include four wheeling.  Many types of vehicles are used.  Razor’s four wheeler is called the Razor Dirt Quad.

razor dirt quad

It’s electric, it’s small, it’s the Razor Dirt Quad.  It has a lot of features specifically for off road driving.  That’s why it’s good for off roading.  People love to race it, or just ride around the countryside.  Many people use these just to make short hops around the neighborhood.

The engine is pretty amazing.  The Razor Dirt Quad Has a 350 Watt super quiet motor.  That’s strange because people associate noise with power.  It fits in a very small space.  The price is only around $330.

Children enjoy driving off road.  Someone over 120 pounds can’t ride a Razor Dirt Quad.  It’s certainly not for adults.  Parents should exercise extreme caution when letting their children ride a vehicle like this.

The battery is a 24 Volt lead acid battery system.  It’s really two 12 volt batteries sealed together.  It’s 8 hours to charge to maximum capacity.  It runs for an hour on each charge.  Its maximum speed is 8 mph.  It’s 100 LBS.

razor dirt quad electric

It’s always wise to search around for bargains when shopping for something like the Razor Dirt Quad.  It sells for only $299.99 at Amazon.  Wal-Mart, on the other hand sells it for $349.67.  That’s a savings of $50.  Don’t you want to save $50?

Compare Razor Dirt Quad prices online before buying one.  One is My Simon.  For this vehicle it shows prices ranging from $300 up to $370.  It lists Amazon’s price incorrectly at $370.

YYahoo’s comparison site is excellent.  It has the right price for the Razor Dirt Quad at Amazon.  100% a good deal.

A Razor Dirt Quad search on Google comes up with 55,000 sites.  That’s a big number.  Google returns ads for pocket bikes.  While these aren’t four wheelers, they are off-road racing motorcycles.  At 50MPH they travel a lot faster than the Razor.

razor dirt quad bike

The Razor Dirt Quad is an excellent product.  But if you intend to buy one do your homework.

http://dirtcrazy.com/