Driver Training and Driving Schools in the United States

Overview

Ever since the dawn of the automobile, teens have had to learn to how drive. And unfortunately, up until very recently, driver's education has not been taken seriously in the United States. Prior to the 1970's there was no prescribed curriculum of driving lessons and new drivers were minted in public schools by whatever teacher had free time available.

History

The first attempt at driver training was created in the 1970's where a curriculum was put in place in the form of a book called "Drive Right". It covered the basics and was taught in classrooms along with a series of often gruesome videos meant to "scare" teens into proper driving techniques. The next big revolution in driver training was known as defensive driving, which is defined as "driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others". Unfortunately, defensive driving is really aimed at a wide variety of drivers and not really focused on the specific issues dealing with teen drivers. Recently, driver's education has moved out of the public schools to the private sector and is being taught in dedicated private driving schools. The typical driving school today is a business whose only goal is to teach drivers, often teens, to get their drivers license. The problem is that just getting a drivers license is only part of the picture as a true understanding of managing distractions, controlling their car, and attitude are a large part of what a teen should be taught as part of their driving lessons.

Today

In the recent past, there has been research specifically aimed at teen drivers with the goal of finally understanding the issues that cause teens to have major problems early in their driving career. This research has been done at various research institutions, such as VTTI, UMASS, etc. The research has been aimed at understanding teen driving issues and has been enlightening in terms of pointing out the areas that cause the most trouble. Unfortunately, most of the research has remained with these institutions and virtually none of it has made its way into teen driver training.

Tomorrow

Finally, this research is making its way into driving schools allowing them to build a program with driving lessons that can address the true issues at hand. The bridge between research and driver training is just beginning and there are a small number of emergent driving schools creating the kind of programs that are based on research. Finally, there seems hope that we can see a reduction in the number of incidents involving teen drivers.

Seized Car Auctions - Do-It-Yourself

You can be successful doing things you've never tried before on your own. Sometimes you just need to be steered in the right direction. So it is the case when it comes to benefiting from seized vehicle auctions. A seized vehicle auction might be something you thought only professionals could do. However you can become a professional doing it yourself.

What does it take to take advantage of seized car auctions? Let me be honest a lot is not required. You might write a list of the vehicles that you are interested in finding at the vehicle auction. Bringing along a blue book to show you the value of the vehicles at the car auctions can be of great benefit.

What will also benefit you is knowing where the auctions are at. Let's say for instance you are a person that comes from Los Angeles. Los Angeles is a very big city. However there are many auctions that take place selling vehicles in Los Angeles. Using a car auctions vehicle location website would benefit you in finding car auctions in your city. We mentioned LA, however this could be applied to any city.

Now you might be a little standoffish when it comes to auctions. And that's okay. I know some people who have just gone to auctions to observe. If you're not sure what goes on at car or truck auctions I would recommend doing the same. This will give you an opportunity to feel comfortable with the vehicle auction scene. Once you are comfortable then you can get involved.

Fram Oil Filter Cross Reference

Owning a good car is a real joy that pretty much all of us aspire to in our lives, though doubtlessly car ownership is something that can start making us want to pull our hair out when the vehicle actually begins having problems and it comes time to find spare parts as well as the proper care for it. And all the different tales of intrigue and deception floating around out there regarding the universe of used auto parts doesn't really help out at all in this regard, but rather makes the entire affair of obtaining the correct spare parts for one's car seem all that much more daunting.

One tool that vehicle owners will find to be much to their advantage and convenience during their search is a cross reference chart, which can provide you with quick and easy information regarding models that will be a suitable fit for the part you need to replace. When it comes to replacing oil filters in particular-a part requiring periodic replacement that auto owners are well-advised to pay due attention to-the easiest way to go about the process is using a Fram oil filter cross reference chart.

Fram oil filters are well known for being both economical and high performance, maintaining a sufficient balance between these two factors to make them the filter of choice of a great many car owners of different sorts. They have proven to not only be optimum in trapping dirt and other impurities in the oil circulating in your engine, but in retaining such particles for a significant amount of time-all without reducing oil flow at all practically. Whereas the average oil filter out there will only trap somewhere around 80% of the impurities circulating in your oil, with a Fram filter you'll be looking at anywhere from 95% on up depending on which kind of product that you get from them. So if your engine all of a sudden needs an oil filter replacement and you've never been smart enough to use a Fram filter before, you might as well conduct a Fram oil filter cross reference to see which products of theirs you'll be able to incorporate into your engine properly.

The convenient thing about a Fram oil filter cross reference is that you can search according to a variety of criteria, meaning that if you don't have all the necessary information you might still be able to find the correct replacement. You can scan the Fram oil filter cross reference charts by vehicle application (as they do produce a wide gamut of products), through a quick search mode, or even according to a competitor's parts number (to find the Fram equivalent). All of that means that when you get around to replacing your car's oil filter, you're practically guaranteed to find a more-than-apt replacement through Fram.

Of course, you should remember that your oil filter's performance will always be conditioned by the conditions in which you operate your vehicle and the kind of oil you use. With regards to the latter issue, it is always best advised to use purely synthetic engine oil of the highest grade to make your filters last as long as possible.

Car Headlights - More Than Just a Fantasy Flashlight

Headlights have been an integral component of automobiles ever since their introduction in the early 1900's. They were originally developed to offset the high fatality rate of night time drivers. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that, "Nearly half of all traffic-related fatalities occur in the dark, despite only 25% of traffic travelling during darkness."

Have you ever wondered why there are so many different types and styles of headlights? Advances in technology, ever changing demographic trends, and varying safety standards have spurred the transformation of the once elementary and simplistic headlight design into a plethora of different shapes, designs, and styles.

With over 200 million motor vehicles on U.S. roadways everyday, chances are, you've seen just how different headlights can be.

Today, headlight construction is based on one of two main standards; The ECE or the SAE. The distinction among the two standards is based upon three main criterions.

1. The extent of allowable glare on other drivers
2. The least amount of light emanating down a straight away
3. The precise location and light levels of emanating beams

The ECE is widely accepted by nearly every industrialized country outside of the United States. The SAE is unique in that it is the only standard that is mandatory in the United States and no where else.

U.S. automotive lighting manufacturers began to focus on the strategy of balancing low power and efficient light, where as Europe manufacturers focused mainly on performance and maximum output. Due to the difference in safety standards and performance goals, the distinguished styling of headlights produced by the U.S. and countries outside of the U.S. vary heavily in design and features.

So what specifically affects the performance of a headlight? There are two main factors responsible for lighting.

1. The optical systems which direct the light towards a focal point.
2. The light source itself that is actually emanating the light.

Today, there are two main types of optical systems used on automobiles. The first is known as a reflector lamp. These lamps use optics to direct reflected light. There are two main types of optics used in reflector lamps.

1. Lens optics - refracts light through a lens at the front of the headlight into a desired pattern.

2. Reflector optics - disperses light in a pattern designed into the reflector itself, rather than into the lens.

The second type of optical system common to automobiles is known as a projector lamp. This system concentrates reflected light into a focal point aimed through a condenser.

Beyond optical systems, the light source itself is the other major factor responsible for lighting. The original light source used for automobile headlights was ignited Tungsten gas in a sealed vacuum. These headlights are virtually obsolete due to their lack of efficiency.

The addition of halogen (quartz-iodine) technology with Tungsten created more light using less power.

The next advancement in lighting uses metal halide lamps that contain xenon gas. This method was dubbed as a high intensity discharge or HID. Introduced in the early 1990's by BMW, HID's had a much higher adoption rate in Europe and Japan than North America.

HID's have been praised for many benefits over halogen lamps. These reasons include:

1. Less power consumption with higher luminosity
2. Longevity
3. Increased Safety

The newest advance in automotive lighting was the use of LED technology. Advantages of LED's include lower power consumption, longer life spans and more flexible design possibilities. The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum was the first all-LED headlamps sold in the U.S. market. LED headlights are still currently improving and are aspiring to be the new premium headlight.

In conclusion, there are many technical aspects that can affect the lighting of an automobile. Beyond optics and light sources, the dynamic control of headlights can drastically improve a vehicles performance. Also normal care and cleaning is a small detail that can drastically affect your headlights visibility. With continuous breakthroughs in technology, headlights will only bring us closer to a safer road.

Road Defects

Many people do not acknowledge the hazards of driving. While they may harbor fears of airplane accidents or terrorist attacks, these things are much less likely to occur than a fatal car accident. Car wrecks are the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 1 and 38. While a number of factors can cause a car accident to occur, road defects are an especially unnerving possibility.

Road Defects and Liability

The slightest defect on a highway may be enough to cause a serious accident to occur. The department responsible for roadway construction and maintenance should be held accountable for driver safety. Commonly reported roadway defects include:

• Large potholes-A large pothole can cause a motorist to lose control of their vehicle and veer into another car or careen off road

• Lack of guardrail (or defective guardrail)-A defective or absent guardrail can result in an vehicle falling several feet in an accident

• Shoulder drop off-Shoulder drop offs without adequate warning signs may give drivers a false sense of security; consequently, causing an accident to occur if they pull off of the roadway but there is no shoulder

• Uneven pavement-In extreme cases, uneven pavement can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle

• Lack of signs-Traffic signs and integral in keeping drivers updated and attentive to their surroundings. Without ample notification, otherwise avoidable accidents may occur.

• Construction zones-Temporary roadway construction can result in detours, narrow lanes, or other unsafe conditions. If these zones are not carefully designed, accidents may occur.

While accidents caused by roadway defects are rare, they do occur. If you observe a roadway defect, be sure to call your state's department of transportation office to report the defect and have it resolved as soon as possible.

Wiesmann GT

Wiesmann GT, 2006

The success of the Roadster concept is based on a successful synthesis of classic design and state-of-the-art engineering. This encouraged Friedhelm and Martin Wiesmann to develop a new, similarly fascinating, sports car on the basis of the Roadster, the Wiesmann GT.

The 2-seater coupé celebrated its premiere as a production vehicle at the IAA 2005 in Frankfurt, to be acclaimed by the motoring experts.

Despite the suggestions of a classic design as a further development of the Wiesmann-Roadster it was a completely new car which was created. Basic data were gained from the Wiesmann Racing GT, which was tested as a experimental vehicle under extreme conditions during the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 2002.

Since it was clear from the outset that this vehicle would not only be optically different, but based on different fundamental data, from the Roadster, there was plenty of room for manoeuvre in the development. Starting point for considerations was the engine. This was to represent a new sparkle, come what might.

Since, as it is well known, displacement can only be replaced by one thing, and that is more displacement, thoughts quickly made friends with the idea of using a BMW V8 engine of 4.8 litres capacity. This made a larger engine compartment than the Roadster's essential, which consequently meant that all the dimensions of the Wiesmann GT would have to be oriented towards that.

The GT grew in all directions, compared with the Roadster: it was three centimetres higher, eleven wider, and no less than 37 longer. To take account of the rather higher fuel consumption of the larger engine, 10 litres additional fuel tank volume was provided, at 70 litres, to guarantee adequate range on longer journeys.

The challenge now facing the engineers was to convert the engine's output into vehicle dynamics. Normally, a larger vehicle also weighs more, which in turn adversely affects the performance figures. This was avoided by designing an aluminium monocoque, familiar from the racing scene. In this way, the increase in weight was kept within bounds, and at 70 kg was extremely modest for a car of this size. The bodywork is of lightweight, high-quality, fibreglass-reinforced compound material and in the familiar manner is also fabricated in the factory.

The xenon headlights ensure good visibility in darkness, and the rear lights, which consist of LEDs, not only give a clear signal but are also unmistakable as the hallmark of the Wiesmann GT even at night.

With a power-to-weight ratio of 3.41 kg/HP the Wiesmann GT is to be found in the leading group of sports cars. The low centre of gravity, the perfectly-tuned running gear combined with the bullish torque delivered by the engine, the optimum seating position for driver and passenger ensure unalloyed driving enjoyment.

The Wiesmann GT is an individual sports car with a classic design, which fits perfectly in the automotive landscape and which will capture its own niche.
Base price: € 111.000 incl. VAT

Dodge Dakota

Dodge Dakota, 2008

Chrysler Group unveiled the new 2008 Dodge Dakota mid-size truck with a new engine that not only offers 25 percent more horsepower and 10 percent more torque, but also better fuel economy and increased refinement. The 2008 Dodge Dakota also features new exterior and interior styling, and many best-in-class capabilities. The new truck arrives in dealerships in August.

New for 2008 are striking exterior and interior enhancements that bear signature Dodge styling cues while creating a new persona for Dakota.

Powertrain selections
Dodge trucks have always earned a reputation as bold, powerful and capable. The powerful and capable parts of the equation in the 2008 Dodge Dakota begin with powertrain choices, which include a new V-8 engine -- the only V-8 option available in the mid-size pickup segment.

The new 4.7-liter V-8 offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous 4.7-liter High Output engine, while at the same time delivering improvements in refinement. The new 4.7-liter V-8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler Group engine to do so, other than the 5.7-liter HEMI, increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 290 horsepower, a 25 percent increase; and 320 lb.-ft. of torque, a 10 percent increase. The new engine is also capable of operating on E85 ethanol fuel, making the Dodge Dakota equipped with this engine a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV).

Refinement improvements in the new 4.7-liter V-8 result from significant revisions to the induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and reduced accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. Engine smoothness at idle is enhanced with a new valve-lash adjuster system. The new 4.7-liter V-8 is also equipped with Electronic Throttle Control.

The new 2008 Dodge Dakota comes standard with a 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine producing 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine also comes with Electronic Throttle Control for positive throttle response, and exhaust gas recirculation to help lower emissions.

A first-for-the-segment remote starter for more convenience is standard on both the 3.7-liter and 4.7-liter engines in the 2008 Dodge Dakota.

The new 2008 Dodge Dakota's powerplants are backed up by a choice of a six-speed manual transmission, standard on all V-6 equipped 2008 Dodge Dakota models except Laramie; a four-speed automatic with overdrive available with Dakota's V-6 engine; and a five-speed automatic available on V-8-equipped models.

For more capability when traction is at a premium, the new 2008 Dodge Dakota may be equipped with a transfer case featuring two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with locked high and low ranges, or an available transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive as well as selections for locked high and low ranges. The 2007 Dodge Dakota is the only pickup in its segment to offer full-time four-wheel drive.

New look, more model choices
In addition to powerful and capable, Dodge trucks are also known as bold.

For that part of the equation, the 2008 Dodge Dakota's exterior includes a newly styled hood, grille, front fascia, rear spoiler, fenders and headlamps. The front end has been designed to improve aerodynamics and features better fit and gap management. The hood surface was designed to signify power and further amplify the drop-fendered, signature look for Dodge trucks. With these styling enhancements, the "face" of the 2008 Dodge Dakota is better aligned with the rest of the Dodge truck lineup.

Like the Dodge Nitro, headlamps are rectangular units primarily for a contemporary appearance, but also to maximize the surface area for better forward lighting. Reflectors are deep-set behind each lense to achieve a serious demeanor.

All-new fascias better integrate with the restyled grille and incorporate fog lamps. The 2008 Dodge Dakota's tailgate includes a new spoiler that helps smooth air flow over the rear of the truck to improve fuel economy, and the top surface of the cargo box has a new protective surface.

Interior loaded with form and function
The new 2008 Dodge Dakota's interior includes a new instrument panel, center console and accent finishes, and several new interior storage choices.

The 2008 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab's available Full Swing rear access doors open nearly 170 degrees - unique in the segment -- to an interior with class-leading room and seating for five.

Separately, the 2008 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab offers best-in-class room - 37.1 cubic feet -- and seating for up to six. With rear seats folded, a new under-seat storage system, a first for Dodge Dakota, is easily accessible. This system includes a unique, collapsible and removable cargo management system that enables gear to be organized and taken anywhere.

Other storage options are provided throughout the interior. For example, an additional storage bin is located above the glove box, providing easy access for everyday items. An all-new center console incorporates cup holders with modular inserts and a pull-out bin specifically designed to hold electronics such as an MP3 player (which can be plugged into any of the 2007 Dodge Dakota's audio systems), cell phone or Personal Digital Assistant. An additional power outlet is also provided.

Electronic choices include AM-FM stereo radios with MP3 capability and available SIRIUS Satellite Radio that delivers more than 125 channels of music, sports, news, talk and weather. Also available as stand-alone options are a 508-watt SoundBox system (available on Extended Cab models) and a DVD navigation system with turn-by-turn directions. A power accessory delay, standard on all 2008 Dodge Dakotas, allows power functions, including radio, to operate after the vehicle is turned off.

Dodge Dakota = versatility
The foundation of the new 2008 Dodge Dakota is a ladder-type frame, with main rails formed to precision tolerances under liquid pressure and fully boxed for strength and rigidity. All 2008 Dodge Dakotas feature independent front suspension with coil-over shock absorbers. The result is identical ride height for two- and four-wheel-drive models, which contributes to smooth ride and handling characteristics.

The new 2008 Dodge Dakota also continues to wear the crown for highest tow ratings in the mid-size pickup market, with towing ability of up to 7,050 pounds.

Opel Corsa GSi

Opel Corsa GSi, 2008

The new Opel Corsa GSi is 'more substance than show'. In contrast to the Opel Corsa OPC, the new GSi radiates subtle sportiness rather than uncompromising high-performance. Powerful 1.6 ECOTEC turbo engine produces 110 kW/150 hp at 5000 rpm, positioning the new sporty model between the Corsa Sport 1.7 CDTI (125 hp) and the high-performance Corsa OPC (192 hp).

Opel fans know just what the three letters GSi stand for:
plenty of fun, good value for money and no compromises in everyday use or driving conditions. The Corsa GSi combines the virtues of its compact dimensions with impressive performance over the entire rpm range, which actually positions the model in the next higher car class." The addition of the GSi to the Corsa model line expands the range to five gasoline and three diesel variants with a performance spectrum of 60 to 192 hp. Over 320.000 new Corsas have been sold across Europe since the fourth-generation's launch in October 2006.

Corsa GSi customers have the choice of a three or five-door variant. Powered by the 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine, the new Corsa has a top speed of 210 km/h and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) with variable progressive feedback curve and lowered sport chassis (front: 18 mm, rear: 15 mm) with ESP as standard ensure agile handling.

The Opel Corsa GSi's styling is also subtly sporty, with exterior modifications such as a front spoiler lip, rear apron lip and spoiler, color-keyed side sills, chrome sport tailpipe and 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior's dynamic ambience is emphasized by the comfortable, charcoal/red upholstered sport seats with high side support, a leather steering wheel with red inserts, red safety belts and aluminum-style pedals.

Dacia Logan MCV

Dacia Logan MCV, 2009

A new version of the Dacia Logan MCV, the best-selling station wagon in France, was launched following the Dacia Sandero and new Dacia Logan.

The fresh body styling adopting the new visual identity of the brand, an upgraded Lauréate model and the arrival of a Prestige version, new Dacia Logan MCV is an integral part of the renewal of Dacia, a generous and clever brand.

New Dacia Logan MCV obviously retains its successful formula of unbeatable cabin room for the price, impressive modular design and versatility in use, along with recognized reliability found in the previous generation.

The new Dacia Logan MCV was launched in France on October 3, 2008, naturally with the threeyear 100,000 km warranty. The entry-level price is as attractive as ever at just €8,900 in France.

The new Dacia Logan MCV is produced at Dacia's ISO 14001-certified Pitesti plant in Romania. The new model is 95% recoverable and contains 5% recycled plastic. The 70 hp dCi and 85 hp dCi models, emitting 140 g/km of CO2 and 137 g/km of CO2, respectively, both carry the Dacia eco2 signature.

Dacia Duster Trophee Andros

Dacia Duster Trophee Andros, 2010

Dacia has chosen to base its challenge in the 2009/2010 Trophée Andros ice-racing season on the so-called 'Silhouette' category. All the circuits visited by the Trophée Andros put reliability to the ultimate test, and this will give Dacia a chance to showcase the fact that robustness forms an integral part of the brand's DNA. The discipline also places a cap on excessively complex and costly technical solutions, while the chassis, gearbox and tyres, for example, are all carefully governed by the regulations, forcing teams to explore simple, ingenious solutions, an approach which totally fits the Dacia spirit.

Dacia's newcomer will get its first taste of ice racing in the hands of Alain Prost, with the brand seeking to spring a surprise by using the campaign to premiere Dacia Duster, the lines of which preview the 4x4 model that is due to go on sale in 2010. Dacia Duster's high body line and prominent wheel arches are clear pointers to its 4x4 credentials, while the bodywork of the competition version is perfectly suited to the specific demands of the Trophée Andros. The extensive front glazed surface area and the positioning of the windscreen pillars ensure outstanding forward and lateral visibility.

The Dacia brand has forged a reputation for challenging established thinking in the automotive world, delivering all the essentials… at just the right price.

The Trophée Andros stands out as one of motor sport's most exacting disciplines. In ice racing, the track conditions can change very quickly as a result of prevailing weather conditions, and driving calls for precision, rigour and race-craft, three qualities which all come naturally to a champion of Alain Prost's calibre.

DACIA DUSTER Prepared by Renauld Sport Technologies

The competition version of Dacia Duster has benefited extensively from the motorsport expertise of Renault Sport Technologies. Its glass-fibre body conceals a tubular chassis which houses a three-litre, 24-valve V6 engine from the Renault-Nissan Alliance range. The powerplant has been carefully tuned in order to optimise its performance potential at the high altitudes at which the races will be held. It delivers peak power of 350hp at 7,500rpm and maximum torque of 360Nm at 5,500rpm. The 6-speed sequential gearbox ensures fast, precise gearshifts, even when drifting through corners at full speed. The mid-engined layout offers perfect weight distribution, whilst the low centre of gravity ensures enhanced control.

The double wishbone suspension and long-travel dampers have been specifically engineered to allow Dacia Duster to take in its stride the different conditions it will encounter during the Trophée Andros campaign. The competition version of Dacia Duster is equipped with limited slip differentials which are indispensable for the extreme conditions. This feature, which is also seen on other Renault Sport Technologies-developed competition and road cars, ensures efficient traction irrespective of the road surface, driving style or type of corner. The competition version of Dacia Duster also incorporates a four-wheel steering system for complete cornering control. This mechanical system links the front and rear wheels, and can be rapidly adjusted to meet the demands of each circuit.

DACIA DUSTER COMPETITION CAR
Technical Data

* CHASSIS
o Tubular steel chassis
o Double wishbone suspension, front and rear

* Engine
o Renault-Nissan Alliance VQ 30
o Position: mid-engined
o Six cylinders (V6)
o Number of valves: 24
o Cubic capacity: 2,987cc
o Bore x stroke: 93mm x 73.3mm
o Maximum power: 350hp at 7,500rpm
o Maximum torque: 360Nm at 5,500rpm
* TRANSMISSION
o Six-speed SADEV sequential gearbox
* BRAKES
o Front: 260mm-diameter ventilated steel discs
o Rear: 265mm-diameter steel discs

* Wheels
o 5.5" x 16" (magnesium)
o Tyres: Continental Racing Contact 3

* Dimentions / Weight
o Length: 4,001mm
o Width: 1,900mm
o Front/rear track: 1,690mm
o Wheelbase: 2,500mm
o Weight: 950kg
o Fuel tank capacity: 25 litres

Holden Cruze

Holden Cruze, 2010

The all-new Holden Cruze made its Australian debut at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show signalling the company's latest entrant in the competitive small car segment. Holden Cruze is the first of General Motors' new wave of global products and enters Australia's small car segment equipped with striking road presence, advanced interior comfort and high levels of safety features. Powered by a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine or optional 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine, Holden Cruze will go on sale in the second quarter of 2009.

Exterior styling

With a wide track, long wheelbase and its wheels located at the outer edges of its body, the Holden Cruze sedan's 'four-door coupe' styling delivers the presence of an upscale mid-size sedan. State of the art manufacturing processes ensures gaps are minimised and margins in the exterior design deliver high levels of quality, fit and finish. Holden Cruze has been designed to appeal to drivers who value sophisticated design combined with sporty good looks.

The Interior

The Holden Cruze boasts one of the most advanced interiors of any small car on the market offering exceptional quality and functionality, while delivering sportiness and luxurious comfort. Stylish and spacious, the Holden Cruze interior offers exceptional fit and finish and comfort with contoured sport seats and a dual cockpit design which houses an advanced integrated centre panel with graphic information display and CD with MP3 "plug and play" functionality. An integrated centre stack houses the infotainment display, radio and HVAC controls resulting in a fresh and contemporary look. With generous rear passenger leg, head and shoulder room this small car comfortably sits five adults, and when combined with one of the largest range of standard features from the base model customers do not need to compromise on large car features. Storage, functionality and convenience applications found on the new Holden Cruze are plentiful with 60/40 split rear seats, seatback pockets, a centre console CD storage, a shopping bag hook and six cup holders.

Safety

Safety was an overriding objective in the development of Holden Cruze. Significant advancements in structural strength and a full offering of active and passive safety systems should combine to make the all-new Holden Cruze among the safest in its class. The Holden Cruze's stiff structure helps to minimise noise and vibration as well as assuring a good crash safety performance and optimal ride and handling properties.

The impressive level of standard safety features across the range:
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
* Traction Control (TC)
* Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
* Brake Assist (BA)
* Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
* Six airbags including driver, front passenger, front side and curtain airbags
* Seatbelt retractor and lap pretensioners with seatbelt load limiters
* Sixty-five percent of the structure is high-strength steel
Holden Cruze CD Feature Highlights:
* 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine or optional 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine
* 5-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
* 16 inch steel wheels
* Body coloured door handles and mirrors
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC) incorporating:
o Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
o Traction Control (TC)
o Brake Assist (BA)
o Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
* 6 airbags including:
o Front airbags for driver and front passenger
o Front side impact airbags
o Side curtain airbags
* Automatic headlamps
* 6 speaker audio system with MP3 compatible in dash CD, radio and MP3 "plug & play" functionality with graphic information display
* Air conditioning
* Steering wheel audio controls
* Cruise control
* Trip computer
* Power windows, front and rear

Holden Cruze CDX, specific feature :
* 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine
* 5-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
* 17 inch alloy wheels (4)
* Front fog lamps
* Leather steering wheel
* Leather appointed seats
* Heated front seats
* Rear park assist

BMW 7 Series High Security

BMW 7 Series High Security, 2006

The E65/E66 automobile platform is the basis for the 2002 through present BMW 7-series.
It replaced the BMW E38 in 2002. E65 is the designation of the short wheel base version of the automobile, and E66 is the designation of the long wheel base version.

The arrival of this model heralded a new styling era for BMW, the work of chief designer Chris Bangle, with bold visual cues that did not premier on the scene without noted controversy from E38 community. The E65/E66 seems to be gaining favor after its colorful arrival, and it appears to be the gatekeeper for styling cues of future BMW models yet to come. The "Bangle-butt" rear styling has been especially controversial, and was toned down in a 2005 restyling.

The most important innovation contained in the 7 is also the most controversial one: the iDrive system. While able to manage a lot of functions on board telematics, including GPS navigation, Internet access and the new BMW Assist system (for emergencies), as well as climate and stereo functions -- iDrive has a steep learning curve. Basic adjustments can be made rather easily.

bmw x6

bmw x6

bmw x6 gallery

bmw x6 pics

bmw x6 wallpaper

bmw x6 back

bmw x6 pictures

bmw x6 image

It seemed like a strange partnership when BMW joined GM Motors & DaimlerChrysler in a corporation to develop hybrid technology in 2005. The two American companies were working on hybrids for heavyweights—a technology that could provide better fuel efficiency on three-ton full-size SUVs designed to carry seven or eight passengers, extra cargo, and tons of extra weight towed in back.

“The technologies will be adapted to the individual vehicle models but the participating brands will retain their distinctive characters.” BMW’s Burkhard Göschel said. The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid’s concept unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show, gives shape to the company’s distinctive interpretation of the full-hybrid technology. Maybe in 2009 or 2010 BMW’s first hybrid scheduled to hit the United States market, the conventional BMW X6 is expected in 2009.

The BMW X6 is a cross-over SUV that has crossed over into sports car territory. BMW calls the vehicle a “sport activity coupe.” Its chief characteristics are a sleek profile, low-slung stance, sloping roof line, long rear overhang, long wheelbase, short front overhang, muscular wheel arches, four-wheel drive, stability control, large wheels, and lots of performance. BMW X6 ActiveHybrid will get 350-hp 4.8-liter V8 engine currently supplied in the X5.

With their concept, It’s a BMW first and a hybrid second, BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is the sample how the company is keeping its focus on luxury and performance while integrating slow steady fuel efficiency improvements.

BMW X6 Hybrid’s two mode full hybrid – which appears in American form as the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe, and the now discontinued hemi powered Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen – has been BMW-ized in the X6 hybrid. The two-mode’s motors, gearsets, batteries, and software should add up to a 20 percent fuel efficiency improvement over the conventional X6, which is rated at 20 miles per gallon on the road. The price is expected to be close to $70,000.

bmw z3 review

The model BMW Z3 Roadster car with the roof body is a much more open and V. It was first shown in Geneva in October 1995. In addition, once a film - was primarily car role in a movie on the story of British super agent James Bond.

BMW Z3 Established by the classic front-engine, rear driving wheels, but this can be much more car very tough curves at high speed without fear of storms thanks to a wide track gauge, almost perfect load on the axle, a low centre of gravity, combined with a rigid suspension and precise steering control with amplifiers. A highly efficient and reliable braking system with ABS and disc brakes on all wheels with automatic stability control system with traction control (ADC + T) to control machines in all situations.

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