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Archive for June, 2009

The new Magnum is a great looking car that may get your neighbors talking as you rumble around the block. The unique styling of the Magnum will also attract gawkers in the shape of 18-22 years old fellows pointing for their chums to “check that out”. And a few people will approach you as you are filling up the gas tank to ask, “Does it really have a Hemi?”, with only an imprecise idea that it somehow makes the car better.

The Magnum is offered with many various engine sizes ( either a 6-cylinder or 8-cylinder) with your selection of horsepower output of 190, 250, 340 and 425. The price of the vehicle also corresponds with the engine size starting at $30,345 to the pricey STR-8 model for $37,320. A large part of the mystique around this auto is the Hemi engine. The Hemi is short for hemispherical combustion chamber, which creates more efficient fuel burning and allows bigger valves for better airflow. Basically, it produces more power than an engine with its displacement would usually produce. ( there also are flaws to the Hemi, explaining why it’s not the sole engine that Chrysler produces).

The interior of the vehicle looks much more expensive than you’d be expecting for the cost of the Magnum. Since Mercedes bought Chrysler, the Dodge automobiles I’ve sampled have had a pointy improvement in interior quality. While on the road, the car is very solid and the seats are cushty even on long highway runs.

As much as I like the looks, after driving it a bit I really have to ask the design concept that the Magnum offers. It’s a station wagon built to move plenty of folks and lots of stuff. But mating this with a powerful engine with the taught racing-like suspension is uncomfortable for both. It is like having a Corvette tow a little trailer, and you are in the trailer and the Corvette driver is 15 years-old, pushing the auto to its limits. (Only an actual Corvette has a much more comfortable suspension than the Magnum). Even driving on smooth roads, the steering is very darty and tough to control. And with a big vehicle, all that weaving and road feedback is exaggerated for the passengers and everything you have stored in the back.

I like having a navigation system, but working out how to use it with the wheel controls made me often refer to the user’s manual. Regardless of the high horsepower and low-end torque I played with when starting from a full stop, the RT model I drove averaged 20 Miles per gallon on the higway.

What I presume to be the target market for this auto, those 18-22 year old fellows that I discussed, will likely love this car. And as much as I like driving sports cars, the darty steering and sharp suspension make it too uncomfortable without any spectacular payoff. The 0-60 sprint is fun for a little while, but I’d pass on buying a Magnum as a daily driving vehicle.

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The new 2007 Dodge Caliber has been set so as to be the first automobile from Chrysler to offer a continuously variable transmission or CVT. This new vehicle will also hold the new World Engine family that has petrol engines with 4 cylinders. Along with that, enter the 2007 Dodge Caliber with a new electronic all wheel drive system and another new part – a 2.0 litre diesel engine. More power has been made to this vehicle, it seems.

This new vehicle from the Dodge brand is targeting the market that holds the 20-somethings who are also first time new car buyers. Their stats indicate that mostly these shoppers are people who have a median income of almost $45,000. Although, of course, anybody who wants a Dodge Caliber can buy a Dodge Caliber.

This vehicle sports 5 doorways. It’s got a profile that is pretty much like a combination of a sports vehicle and a coupe. Yet, it also has the strength, stance, and great functionality of a sports application auto. The 2007 Dodge Caliber has a very sheer surface treatment. This inspires attention and exudes just what a Dodge is – bold, strong, able, and very street smart. Unmistakably, the 2007 Dodge Caliber is totally a Dodge car.

Aside from the change and improvement in power, the 2007 Dodge Caliber also boasts of new styling designs that is pretty much has a crossover feel. The design is very much a Dodge’s and it’s much anticipated that it will make increasing sales internationally. It sports cutting edge features for its owners and users. The change in power now gives its driver the opportunity to do more things unlike formerly.

The 2007 Dodge Caliber redefines the whole idea of an entry-level car. It includes high worth as well as bold styling that is definitely a Dodge and an extremely flexible interior that is the pleasure of its passengers. This vehicle has been designed so as to target the fancy of people and consumers who are selecting a Dodge attitude as well as the capability and flexibility that a sports automobile could only hold. However, despite these, the 2007 Dodge Caliber still keeps the affordability and fantastic fuel potency of an entry level auto. This car gives its owners the flexibility to seat more friends and family as well as store in more packages and stuff in its rear storage area.

George Murphy, the senior vice chairman in Global Marketing of Daimler Chrysler, states, “Dodge Caliber isn’t your typical tiny automobile. car. The all new 2007 Dodge Caliber redefines the compact vehicle by combining crossover styling with space-efficient packaging, interior suppleness, cutting edge features, and cheap performance. Caliber permits owners around the globe to be active, do more, and stand out – to live life to the fullest, and do so at a very competitive price.”.

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DaimlerChrysler’s Dodge division has actually been making a name for itself over the last 10 years. No longer in the shade of Chrysler or a carbon copy of Plymouth, Dodge has its own autos stamped with its own unique personality. The Charger is Dodge’s latest hot model; what can Dodge do for an encore? Read on for all the exciting details!

Caliber – The compact Neon is dead and a replacement car is waiting in the wings by the name of Caliber. Sporting Dodge’s signature crosshair grille, the Caliber looks like a Chrysler Pacifica but it is in the Chrysler PT Cruiser’s size range. This 5 door wagon-like vehicle features jacked up wheel arches and a sloped roofline that tapers off to a rear hatch spoiler. On demand all wheel drive is predicted to be one of the car’s options. Built on a Mitsubishi Lancer platform, the Caliber has been planned to go toe-to-toe with the VW Golfing and Mazda three. The Caliber is expected to debut in early 2006 as a 2007 model.

Nitro – Dodge gets a tiny SUV, the Nitro which is a rebadged and barely redone Jeep Liberty. As is customary with all contemporary Dodges, the Nitro sports the Dodge crosshair grille and unique wheel arches. The rest about the Nitro is predicted to be nearly the same as the Liberty including engine and transmission selections. The Nitro is expected to debut late in 2006.

Charger Coupe – O.K , I am dreaming. So are a lot of other people who are just itching for Dodge to release a 2 door version of the awesome Charger. The word about Charger is this: half the folks like the sedan and the other half are disappointed it wasn’t developed as a coupe. No confirmation has been made, but a coupe may show up in late 2007 joining with [not replacing] the present sedan.

Love Those Vans – Chrysler is nearing the end of the life cycle for the current crop of minivans which still outsells any rival on the market. Stow ‘N Go has been such a preferred hit that any revamp will be built around this clever feature. Expect the latest rendition of the Caravan and the Chrysler Town and Country to show up a little time in 2008.

So, there you have it. The division that at one time gave us the Aries K and Omni now includes the Rattlesnake , Ram, Dakota, Durango, and a large number of other exciting cars. Dodge fans are pinching themselves hoping that it’s not all a dream. Well, it’s not and the approaching models guarantee to uphold Dodge’s new found place in The Chrysler Group.

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If you are a car fan you know fun of the fun of following the market is examining new models as they enter the showroom. There is just something special about a new car: the smell, the look, the price tag! For some 17 million American drivers a new car is in their future, while many others opt for the used auto market. Some of the automobiles on the market today are hot, hot, hot! Let’s have a look at several new and future offerings from Dodge.

Thanks in part to new ownership [Daimler Benz purchased the Chrysler Corporation in 1998] a fresh infusion of great looking Dodge models have hit a showroom near you. Extra models are shortly to appear and the makeover that Dodge has been receiving is nothing but shocking. These are some of my favorites:

Magnum – who said that a station wagon should resemble a family hauler? The Magnum sure doesn’t. With a frightening grille and a rakish exterior, the Magnum is a true man pleaser while also giving girls a bit extra room in the back to haul stuff. Chuck in a Hemi and the Magnum actually rocks!

Charger – O.K , so the new Charger has 4 doors. Well, you can not have everything. You can have macho looks, a powerful engine, and a vehicle that is certain to compete with anything that Japan or Germany throws its way. Word has it that DaimlerChrysler is considering a coupe version. Now, wouldn’t that be cool!

Caliber – Bye, bye Neon. The Neon served Dodge well, but it is not in the same caliber as the Caliber. Pun intended. To be introduced in Spring 2006 as a 2007 model, the Caliber will have three engine choices: 1.8, 2.0, and 2.4 I4s, a steadily available transaxle, and all wheel drive. In addition, 2.0L diesel engines should be available outside of the North American market – why not here? – as DaimlerChrysler sets to introduce the Dodge name into new markets.

Other Dodge vehicles that are getting noticed include the Ram and Dakota pick up wagons, the Durango SUV and the soon to get introduced Dodge Nitro, the division’s version of the compact Jeep Freedom . Oh, yep, who could forget the 510-hp V10 Viper? Are you say, Corvette beater?

One word you can not associate with Dodge anymore is the word, “boring.” Exciting cars, trucks, and SUVs for a market craving these sorts of hot vehicles. I assume the “ram” insignia truly does befit the name.

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Back during the 1950s through the mid 1970s, Detroit automakers produced several cars that were out and out “muscle” automobiles. These kinds of cars shared the same characteristics : they were 2 door coupes with souped up engines, responsive transmissions, an aggressive exterior design, and a sporty interior. High fuel prices and changing tastes finally limited sales to the point where only a few models were produced beyond that time period. Today, muscle car mania is back, despite even higher gas prices. Thanks to the Ford Mustang and to a lesser extent to sedan and wagon models from Dodge, there’s new interest in a class long given up. The future is bright for the muscle car segment as another manufacturer, Chevrolet, considers bringing back one of its darlings of yesterday, the Camaro.

Besides the Ford Mustang there were a complete host of autos produced that at a previous time or another could have been considered a muscle car. In addition to the Mustang, the Ford Fairlane 500 and Ford Torino did duty ; the Mercury Montego was another model; Chevrolet produced the Camaro and Corvette ; Pontiac the GTO, Firebird, and Tempest; Olds the 442 ; Yankee Motors’ had its Javelin ; Plymouth had the ‘Cuda, and Dodge produced the Challenger and the Charger. Today, only the Mustang and Corvette survives though the Dodge Charger has returned as a four door muscle car along with its sibling, the hot Dodge Magnum wagon.

Interestedly, it took Ford’s redoing of the Mustang for the 2005 model year to stir the current muscle automobile time craze. Styled after Mustangs built in the 1960s, the present Mustang welcomes a retro look while incorporating contemporary technology. The result has been that the Mustang currently sells its whole 150,000 model capacity without incentives.

The Mustang has been provoking DaimlerChrysler to go ahead with a retro cruiser of its own. The Dodge Challenger concept auto, popping up at car shows across the United States, has been a big hit and Chrysler plans on bringing the V8 hemi powered model back in 2009. Additionally, General Motors is considering giving its blessing on the Camaro, another car also making the rounds of the States automobile show circuit.

So, isn’t it silly to bring back such gas hogs? Back during the early 1970s, the then current crop of muscle cars averaged only 10-12 miles to the gallon in town and 15 or sixteen m.p.g on the highway. Thanks to computer technology and efficiency, even the Corvette returns a very respectable twenty-eight miles to the gallon the road. So, though fuel mileage will certainly be lower than many other models, the new group of muscle autos will still better the prior generation vehicles with fuel mileage eighty percent or more above the cars from the 1970s.

Fortunately, we live in a reasonably free country and what the customer wants, the customer gets. So, V8 powered muscle cars mated to 6 speed manu-matic transmissions, with sport handling, bucket seats, and better fuel economy will possibly appeal to many. No, they won’t be actual copies of yesterday’s muscle cars, but they’re going to provide the nostalgia and power that motorists seek. I can’t wait!.

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Blogs, automobile sites, and car shows have been hyping up the postulate Dodge Challenger to the point at which you would think the automobile is almost ready to roll off of a DCX line. To assert that the prototype is being well received is an understatement — quite overtly if the Challenger was available for sale today the list would be many months long. Such is the requirement for a retro automobile that takes its styling cues right from the ‘71 Challenger.

As it currently stands, the car will be built as DaimlerChrysler has given its blessing to the new Challenger. Still, the Challenger is more than 3 years from being manufactured as it is likely to be released a little time during 2009 as a 2010 model. Yes, the wait will be hard for most but if the hype equals the performance, then the wait will definitely be worth your while.

Some people are against the entire retro auto revolution. Mentioning that Detroit must reach back in time to make important vehicles is an affidavit to the each automaker’s woes. On the contrary, I believe the various revived models currently being planned or already on our streets is a clear testimony to Detroit finally listening to its patrons : we want cars that are uniquely styled and we’d like them to perform exactly the way you may say they’re going to perform. No fake hood scoops, no heralded model name slapped on an auto that pales in comparison to the first. No, we do not would like you to build the original model we want you to build the first model better. Take the styling cues and run with them and incorporate modern technology to improve on the original design. That is all we ask.

So, just what can enthusiasts expect when they take delivery of their Challenger? Well, like I claimed the car is still in the planning stages, but what I have gleaned from various sites is the following information:

Modified Platform — If you like the Mercedes based LX platform now used to run the Chrysler three hundred, Dodge Magnum, and Dodge Charger then the LY platform will suit you too. DCX is planning to tweak the LX platform for its next generation of vehicles and the LY based Challenger will be one of many vehicles built upon it. Some have advised the LY will be the LX on steroids, whatever that means.

Did Somebody Say Hemi? — Each Mopar product of significance will have optional Hemi power and the Challenger is not an exception. Expect a V6 to be standard with the optional Hemi V8 for performance versions of the auto. Some have suggested the the 425 h.p. SRT 6.1L V8 will also be made available for the Challenger.

Ragtop Regalia — Chrysler asserts that the Sebring will be its only convertible offering, but that leaves Dodge dealers without a soft top car to market [other than the Viper, of course]. Regardless of this bit of info, look for a Challenger convertible to turn up 1 or two years after the car’s debut. Heck, if DCX doesn’t want to build one then aftermarket coach builders will do the job for them. You can bet that Dodge dealers will make these arrangements if DCX doesn’t.

Yes, the Challenger will not be in new car showrooms anytime soon. For those among us waiting with “baited breath” we’ll have to console ourselves with the various blogs, sites, and auto shows hyping the car. Apart from that, try to imagine your glossy new Challenger stopped at a traffic light with a Mustang on one side and a Camaro on the other side….

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The Coventry based van manufacturer, Modec, announced yesterday that they had sealed a deal with a French distributor worth £3m for electric vans. Modec released this news soon after they had announced that their battery powered eletric delivery van was the first van to gain the EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval. This means that the van can now be sold to any country within the EU without having to go through anymore testing for that country.

UPS, FedEx, Tesco and Center Parcs are only a few of the major clients that the electric van manufacturer, Modec, can boast about. Now they can add ElecTruckCity to their list of clients who have payed £3m for 100 new vans.

ElecTruckCity is a van dsitribtor based in France, they are now going to be the first French Modec distributor. This was said by Bill Gillespie, chief executive of Modec: “International demand for Modec is extremely strong. ElecTruckCity has taken the lead by setting up a distribution network in France and we are very excited about the future of the French market.”

The vans that were bought by ElecTruckCity were the popular urban delivery vans. There are currently 150 of these vehicles based in the UK cities belonging to customers like Tesco’s. These vans are becoming so popular because they are built for city use. Using the lithium ion battery, they can travel around 100 miles through the cities and they cost around 15p per mile to run compared to a petrol powered van which costs 37p per mile.

The vans also help companies reduce their emmission because they save more than 9 tonnes of CO2 every year.

As these Modec vans become ever more popular, it appears that the common vans that you see around like Citroen vans or Nissan vans will have alot of competition as more and more companies want to get greener.

Modec are also entering into the tipper van market with their new electric tipper van. This new vehicle has been specifically designed for local authority refuse collection. No doubt these will become popular as councils try to lead the way for a greener country.

I also wouldn’t be surprised if we started to see an increase in van leasing companies that are investing in Modec vans as alot of companies that are currently leasing their vans may be interested in a cheaper, more greener alternative.

Mitsubishi have begun delivery production versions of their i-MiEv electric car to select customers.

Other customers around the world will see their cars being delivered next year for an April release date. The car manufacturer is selling the car for 34,000 euros and are beginning to take orders next month.

The car comes with a 64 hp electric engine fitted into the back of the car. The engine is powered by a lithium ion battery that gives you 160 kilometres of driving time before being drained. As for the speed, you should be able to reach 130 kmph using the lithium battery.

After you have drained all of your 130 kilometres, you will have to wait another 7 hours for the battery to be fully charged again. However, you can do a quick charge which has been said to charge it yo 80% in just 30 minutes, not sure why it takes 7 hours for a full charge.

Although the car is relatively small in size at only 3.4 metres in length and a tight 2.5 metres in width, it can still hold 4 people. It also features air conditioning to keep your passengers cool, aswell as a navigation and entertainement system.

The new i-MiEv is definately not the cheapest car at 34,000 euros (29,000 pounds or 47,000 dollars). However, I suppose if you really do care alot about the environment, then you won’t worry too much about the cost.

You will definately be able to get a ride in this car for a cheaper method. By getting a Mitsubishi lease out for this car you often pay less because you don’t buy the entire car. This is the same with any other car maker I must add, whether you want a Chrysler lease or a eco friendly Mitsubishi. Although, when you think that the i-MiEv doesn’t need petrol, it sounds even cheaper to lease.

Police Car Auction UK

Every hour of every day, all across the UK, police officials seize an astonishing amount of items and possessions from crooks and criminals. Many of these goods (such as cars and trucks) have no pragmatic value to the bureau. This means intermittently they must organize a police car auction for getting rid of these cars and trucks in a profitable way. A police vehicle auction is a terrific place to locate amazing bargains at up to half off their normal market price.

Police Car Auction

Advantages of Police Auto Auctions

More than just law officers confiscate the vehicles you see at a public car auction. Plenty of the vehicles are taken by Revenue, Customs & Excise, courts and bailiffs. This makes it necessary on a frequent basis to dispose of the items via a government car auction. Many people who attend these events turn around and re-sell the vehicles they buy for a tidy profit that’s often double or triple the price they paid at auction. The bureaus disposing of the vehicle just want to get rid of it, even if they don’t make a profit. Since there are no direct expenses involved, cars sold at police car auctions have a small or no reserve price. A reserve is the amount set by the seller below which a bid will not be accepted. In regular auctions, a seller will set a reserve at a vehicle’s actual market worth. But the reserve for an auction ran by a bureau will be much less.

UK Car Auction

What You Must Know Before Purchase

Although a police auto auction is a nice spot to locate a wonderful deal on your next auto, let’s go over some things to think about first. The first thing to keep in mind is that if you bid, you are obligated to honor the bid if you win. Next, when you place a bid in a public police car auction, you’re automatically saying you agree to the terms and conditions of the sale.

Once you research the items and know what you’re getting into with a UK police car auction, you’ll almost be set to get a good deal on a great car you might not could afford outside the auction.

The car companies Ford, Nissan and Tesla have been given a combined sum of $8 billion by the Energy department of the US government. This money is planned for developing new electric cars, which in turn will create new jobs in the car industry.

The money is simply a low interest loan which the US has given out to help increase jobs in the car industry, aswell as developing greener cars in the process.

The money has been split quite largely. Ford has received the majority, $5.9 billion. This money will be spent developing new electric cars, aswell as new technology for current gasoline powered cars.

Ford will benefit alot from this money due to the extremely low interest rate of around 3.75%. If Ford had tried to get the money on the open market, they would have ended up paying double figure interest rates.

Nissan are getting another large chunk of the loan, $1.6 billion. They have said that this money will be going towards one of their plants that are developing lithium ion batteries. The new batteries developed will be going into a new electric car in development for 2012.

Finally Tesla, they are only getting a small sum comapred to the likes of Ford. Tesla will only be receiveing a loan of $465 million. A new factory in California is being developed to create their new Model S Sedan using part of their loan. The other money will be spent on creating new greener car parts for other car makers.

Now that these car manufacturers have been given this money, we should see some new electric cars come to the market in the next few years. Being able to choose from an electric car over gasoline would save a leaser even more money. I imagine a huge number of people with a Ford lease or Nissan lease would love to have an electric car as this would save them even more money.