Auto Car Rewess: October 2009

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Chromium-plated cars Bugatti

Bugatti automobile company introduced the concept of chromium-plated car, Galibier Bugatti 16C. According 4WheelsNews journalists who attended the closed-car introductions, Galibier 16C is the name of the four-door sedan from the latest car manufacturer based in Molsheim, France, the.
As reported by JustLuxe, recently, the Galibier derived from the name of one path Dauphine Alps Mountains in the south of France. Cars that have been advertised since July that has exhaust system with eight pipes.

In contrast to the "brother", Veyron, W16 engine Galibier has located at the front. It weighed about 1900 pounds and can reach top speeds up to about 350 kilometers per hour. Still impressive indeed. But the difference, Galibier no longer needs as well as the second key Veyron, in order to achieve exceptional speeds.

As for the car body, chassis Galibier made with carbon fiber. In addition, these futuristic cars are also coated with chromium. Length is about 5.3 meters, which is nearly 80 inches longer than the Veyron. Although his first appearance is still a puzzle and could not be found in automotive exhibition Frankfurt Motor Show, Frankfurt, Germany, this car is expected to be launched starting in 2013.

Chromium-plated cars Bugatti

MAYBACH 62 S

И все-таки, не зря Mersedes не остановился перед миллионными вложениями ради реинкарнации уже канувшей в Лету марки Maybach. Ведь этот фешенебельный Maybach 62 S со своим роскошным дизайном «пера» Оливье Булэ, с мажорным хромированным бампером и изысканной бижутерией светотехники выглядит «эксклюзивно» даже на фоне реальных эксклюзивов!

62 — это количество дециметров в длине кузова, S - значит Spezial — модификацию с активизированным битурбомотором V12, развивающем 612 вместо стандартных 550. Выпуск «специальной» серии начался еще в 2005 году, когда на свет появился «короткий» Maybach 57 S. Но если в короткой версии форсированный двигатель вполне понятен – за его руль владелец порой садится и сам, то для чего он 62? Или потенциальный владелец настолько щедр, что готов доплачивать немалые деньги за мощный движок для своего водителя?

Что качается комфорта салона, то в мире нет больше легкового автомобиля, который сравнился бы с Maybach 62 по количеству свободного места для ног задних пассажиров. Так растянуться на кресле вы сможете разве что в самолетном бизнес-классе – ноги не заденут ничего кроме подставки для ступней. Подголовники при этом поистине царские. Выполненные из тончайшей кожи, они оснащены специальным бесшумным сервоприводом, регулирующим высоту и угол наклона, избавляющим вашу шею от малейшего дискомфорта.

Настоящее восхищение вызывает огромная прозрачная крыша. Вот уж действительно вселенная над головой. При желании ее можно закрыть и салон погрузится в мягкий полумрак. Отделится от внешнего мира, помогает и перегородка между водительским отсеком. Нажатием одной клавиши стекло перегородки из прозрачного становится опалово-матовым, и ни одна живая душа не способна будет помешать покою пассажира.

MAYBACH 62 S

Hyundai Equus fortify Korean Market

Seoul - Hyundai felt the need to keep the country from the onslaught of luxury saloon manufacturing outside South Korea.

It would be very annoying if dipecundangi in his own country. Hyundai also fortify its market by presenting the most luxurious variant of a saloon exclusively for propping Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-series to move freely in South Korea. Hyundai Equus result created by the perfection of design and mechanical heart capable terrible.

"Hyundai Equus will improve the brand image of Hyundai to the highest level. We are confident with our products and sales target of 13,000 units in 2009 and 19,000 units for the next 2010 years," said Chung Mong-Koo, Chairman & CEO of South Korea's Hyundai. Hyundai Equus The launch took place at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on March 19, 2009 and was special with the presence of South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-Soo.

Equus exterior filled with fine lines that imply the luxury of starting from the front bumper to the rear. Each curve is made with typical modern Hyundai and characterized as an upscale sedan. In the interior, leather seats, dashboard and doortrim made with high quality materials that provide comfort as First Class seat on the plane. Equus also features advanced audio system offerings Lexicon Sound System with 17 speakers. In addition, 3.5-inch screen size is placed in the middle of the dashboard will display a variety of information that will be useful to drivers.

There are two petrol engine choices of Lambda Tau 3.8 V6 and 4.6 V8. Hyundai makes the machines construction with aluminum materials to maximize energy and minimize exhaust emissions and fuel consumption. Machine technology also CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing), Variable Water System and equipped Industion transmission 6-speed automatic.

3.8 Lambda V6 engine has a power of 290 hp and 358 Nm of torque, while the Tau engine is included into the Ten Best Engines by Detroit-based Ward's 2009 record Autos 366 hp power with 439 Nm of torque. Hyundai claims to be able to carve Lambda fuel consumption as much as 9.3 km / l and Tau 8.8 km / l.
On the feet, suspension Equus uses a multi-link with a ZF-Sachs shockabsorber featuring Amplitude Selective Dampers for stability, the slip phenomenon, and unsteady. For the safety of passengers and the driver, Equus has 9 airbags.

Hyundai Equus fortify Korean Market

Seoul - Hyundai felt the need to keep the country from the onslaught of luxury saloon manufacturing outside South Korea.

Luxury cars fitted Microsoft Surface

Be proud BMW owners. This luxury car is the first official car in the world to implement a touch screen, aka the Microsoft Surface, a product navigator.

For this purpose, BMW uses a special software made Vectorform, called BMW Configurator. It works like this. BMW owner put his car keys on the Microsoft Surface, and soon the car will appear on the screen. Next, he determines to live a small model of his BMW car who want to learn on the surface of the touch screen.

He for example, could put 'boxes' in the small color touch screen and the car will instantly change. Wheels can be replaced in the same way. kompas.com

Luxury cars fitted Microsoft Surface

Friday, October 30, 2009

Dagmar and the front end of 1950s American Automobiles -- when the sensual and auto design merged

My thanks to Ed Garten for bringing this topic up for conversation. Both Dagmar and Ed are native West Virginians!

Ask any old guy about Dagmars, and the early 1950s Cadillacs are sure to come up, with their front bumpers. And ask any real old guy, and he will be sure to remember Dagmar as one of the first stars on Television during the early 1950s. Who was Dagmar?

Dagmar Dagmar declined to give her birth date, although it is listed as November 29 in 1920, 1921, or 1927. She was born in a small town in West Virginia, and her real name was Virginia Ruth Egnor. Before marrying a Naval officer by the name of Lewis in 1941, she worked in a drug store, and as a waitress in Huntington, West Virginia. In New York City she fell in to a number of small parts in burlesque and theater. Her character was that of the dumb blond with obvious physical attributes up front.

Beginning in 1950 she appeared on television, as she was featured in Broadway Open House and with Jack Paar. She was voted the most photogenic girl on TV by a nationwide poll of editors and she appeared on the cover of Life magazine. In 1952 Dagmar starred in her own TV show, Dagmar's Canteen. A flash in the pan, she went though at least two other husbands during the 1950s and faded off the scene -- but her attributes was forever etched in the American Memory. She died on Oct. 9, 2001.

The linking of this woman and her breasts with the grill and front end in the early 1950s was one of the most powerful examples of the merging of the automobile with sexuality and sensuality in the immediate post-war period. Perhaps the only other aspects of cars that held a similar connection were a number of luxury car hood ornaments of the pre-WWII era that featured beautiful flowing female profiles.

dragster

12-hour endurance race American Le Mans Series next year will receive a new participant, Acura that will compete with Audi, Porsche, Mazda and private teams. This is Acura's first endeavor as a manufacturer of auto racing program in the 20-year history of this company.

American Le Mans Series is racing cars racing high-tech prototypes followed, including manufacturers and private teams. Advanced technology and engineering, ranging from electronics, to aerodynamics and fuel efficiency the key to victory in this series. Factory that supports competing teams include Volkswagen / Audi, Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, Lexus, Aston Martin, Panoz and Chevrolet.

dragster

Michael Carrick and luxury cars

Famous English soccer player with glamor life, including a luxury car. Michael Carrick, midfielder who currently plays in the giant club Manchester United (MU) has its own story about the cars that never had.

Players paid 80,000 pounds or approximately USD 1.4 billion per week, the first time a Ford Fiesta Ghia used. At that time, he was only 17 years old and still playing for West Ham's club in the junior team. New salary is 450 pound, or about Rp 8.1 million. That happened in 1999.

"The car did not even have a CD player. I remember only that I had a tape into a CD player connected with a cable so that I have entertainment in the car," he recalls.

After two years of saturation using the Fiesta Ghia, Carrick is now the backbone of the English national team to buy a BMW 328 series marks.

"I love to Fiestanya father. It is my gratitude as he did an extraordinary thing to me," he said.

Born July 28, 1981 was then further falls in love with a German brand is. He also brought to the BMW X5 car garage.

When the new BMW X5 comes in the UK two years and is now worth £ 48,000 or sektiar USD 480 million. He was proud to have the X5 because it was in line with other English players who sepabola have the same series.

"When I was very pleased with the X5 as the car is really the first new car I ever bought for my life and I loved it," Carrick said that bringing the MU took the title European Champions League in 2008.

Not satisfied with the BMW X5, Carrick and then buy a car Dodge Viper roadster that carries 8.3-liter engine. But a love of the car is not comparable to his career. Club West Ham in 2002 degraded the English first division while at the same time he also suffered injuries.

In 2004, Carrick and then move to Totenham Hotspurs club to get back to playing in England's primary league hard with his colleagues from West Ham, Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe played the same club.

With the transfer value of £ 2.7 million or approximately USD 48 billion, Carrick adds unnecessary confusion his car collection. He fell in love with the Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG.

Michael Carrick and luxury cars

Sport Car Renault

London - Renault dismissed the circulation of news that the French car maker is delaying sports car project. Renault even made sure to launch a new sports model, the Alpine as soon as possible.

As reported by Autocar.co.uk, quoting a source from Renault, said that Renault Alpine ready for launch in 2011. Renault Product Development Leader Patrick Pelata explained that the price is very affordable Alpine Renault, because it uses the basic ingredients of light, and very easy to drive.

"In accordance with the concept of our company since the 1950s, a model Alpine car identical to the lightweight construction and affordable price. Our concern is to keep the characteristics of this car," said Pelata.

Alpine Renault powered four-cylinder engine equipped with Turbocharge. With this machine, then become rivals Renault Alpine heavy Mazda MX-5. This sports car scheduled to be sold in Europe at a price of 20 thousand pounds or 360 million rupiah (1 pound = 18 thousand rupiah).

Meanwhile, the platform that will be used in Alpine still has not delivered. However, some sources say that the concept of Alpine will use Nissan's Urge concept two seater that has shown to the public by Nissan in the year 2006.

Nissan Urge concept car itself is a small version of the Nissan 350Z. "The idea of the Nissan Urge very bright. I really like it," explained Patrick Pelata.

Guaranteed that Alpine Renault will be a joint project Nissan and Renault. However, Patrick Pelata suggests that this cooperation is cooperation that involves two independent companies. "We only work if there are benefits in both parties," added Patrick Pelata.

Sport Car Renault

sports car

The news circulating the founder of Vector, which bounced Gerald Wiegart when Tommy came in, went back to his ambition. Concept rendering model, Vector V8 Biturbo appeared in one of the Romanian sites. Shown with Vector characteristics in modern form, complete with scissor doors is a trademark Vector. Not known technical specifications and production power bi-turbo V8. Vector is a U.S. automotive company who created the exotic car ambition to compete with cars made by Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche. Very few units ever produced. This brand is more famous for his often changed hands and names of the world who buy selibritis cars.

sports car

Lotus Sport Exige GT3

2006 Lotus Sport Exige GT3Lotus Press ReleaseA prototype of the Lotus Sport Exige GT3 race car was unveiled at the annual FIA GT Championship presentation ceremony outside the world famous Casino in Monte Carlo, Monaco on 2 December, 2005. The following day (2 December, 2005), the first test for the car took place at the high speed Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track in Southern France under FIA supervision, the first stage in the Lotus Sport Exige GT3 becoming eligible for FIA GT3 competition. This latest FIA series, which will start in 2006, is for race cars that have an equal power to weight, and that have a direct lineage to their road going versions.The Lotus Sport Exige GT3 entrant has been developed by Lotus Sport, the performance arm of Lotus Cars and is a derivative of the standard Lotus Exige coupé model. Weighing in at approximately 750 kg, it stays true to the "performance through light weight" core Lotus philosophy. The car uses a race prepared 1.8 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i engine with a Roots type supercharger and air to air intercooler which utilises the Lotus T4e Engine Control Unit to produce 285 hp (289 PS) at 7,800 rpm. This gives an impressive power to weight ratio of 380 hp / tonne or 2.6 kg / PS.Following a brief shakedown programme at the Lotus Test Track at Hethel, factory test driver Gavan Kershaw carried out final chassis set up work on wet tyres in the morning session at the Paul Ricard official FIA test. This was followed by an outing on slick tyres on a drying track by FIA nominated test driver Christophe Bouchut.Commenting on the encouraging test session, Chris Arnold, General Manager of Lotus Sport, explained: "We were delighted to attend the official FIA test session. Considering the car was still on the drawing board two months ago it's a fantastic achievement by the team to complete the build in such a short time. We knew this test would be a first shakedown for the car on slicks and I'm very pleased with the results. Our winter development programme starts with a wind tunnel test just before Christmas followed by further work in preparation for the next FIA test in March."The FIA has announced a five race European championship for the new GT3 class with rounds in the UK, Germany, Belgium, France and Italy. Various national GT Championships are also considering amending their regulations to include a GT3 class.Basic prototype specificationLike the standard Exige, the Lotus Sport Exige GT3 comes complete with the award-winning light weight bonded aluminium chassis. This is complemented by low weight 5-spoke forged alloy wheels, carbon body panels, and a revised high downforce aerodynamic package incorporating a race front splitter and adjustable carbon fibre rear wing.An FIA 6-point roll cage, ignition kill switches, and uprated braking and suspension systems including Öhlins 3-way adjustable dampers also feature on the new race car. A 6-speed sequential transmission system, and full data logging system have been fitted to the single seater prototype vehicle.Availability, full specification, and price of the Lotus Sport Exige GT3 will be announced in early 2006.

Lotus Sport Exige GT3

Frank Lockhart, the Greatest Automobile Race Driver of them all

Malcolm Campbell, Frank Lockhart, and Ray Keech

Frank Lockhart. Hi folks -- I don't know why, but I am getting very interested in the life and accomplishments of this man.

He was known “the King of the Dirt Tracks,” and as much of a household name as Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey during the 1920s. After his successes on the track he decided to become the fastest man on earth and to accomplish this he built the Stutz Black Hawk, which experts of the day called “the most mechanically perfect automobile ever built in the world.” Eclipsing the then standing record of 206.95 m.p.h. with a speed of 225, a blown tire caused his car to roll down the beach. Lockhart, body broken, died in the arms of his wife at age 25.
In achieving fame Lockhart defied all the odds. He was poor, relatively uneducated, and obscure. Appearing rather frail, he was five foot eight and 135 pounds. But he had a will that was unstoppable. Born in Dayton Ohio in 1903, it was said that he lived next door to the father of the Wright Brothers,. Frank’s father, Casper Lockhart, was a theology student from Indiana. When his father died at age six his mother, Carrie, moved to California. While growing up, Frank was different from the other children. He read material on mechanics voraciously, and enjoyed playing with numbers rather than words. At age eight he built a Soapbox Derby type of vehicle, and won the neighborhood races. But at school he did poorly, only interested in automobiles and drawing cars with envelope profiles. His mother recalled to Griffith Borgeson that “His teachers were always calling me to school and confronting me with drawings of streamlined cars. They would say, ‘this is the way your son is spending his time, drawing these ridiculous things.” I would protest that those were automobiles. They would say, “What! Those things? Nobody will ever ride in things like that they’re impossible. They don’t even have running boards. The child is crazy. Punish him!”[1] Somehow, Frank managed to graduate from high school, but only with great difficulty.
At age 16 Frank owned his first car, a rusted Model T, and he immediately sought to improve it by scrounging parts, including those from Ray McDowell’s Hollywood speed shop. It was from Ray he got a Model T engine, and he rebuilt it on the floor of his mother’s home in Inglewood. Attending a technical school at night, driving at Ascot and other West Coast tracks, he drove his homebui.lt racer with courage and skill. It was recounted that “No one ever sat in a race car like Frank. One a mile dirt track he seemed to begin his slide in the middle of the straightaway. Nobody ever imitated him. His skill and daring were tremendous. He wasn’t exactly cool. He always got real bad butterflies before a race. He’d even vomit. In the car he’d say, “pat me on the shoulder.” You’d do that and it seemed to fix he butterflies. But once the flag feel he was in command of everything. I once asked him what he thought about when he was racing. ‘All I think of from one second to the next,’ he said, is how to drive to win.”
[1] Griffith Borgeson, The Golden Age of the American Racing Car (New York: Bonanza Books, 1966), p.241.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

/daily sketch

Fulfilling Your Dreams Of Luxury With The Help Of BMW Los Angeles

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Fulfilling Your Dreams Of Luxury With The Help Of BMW Los Angeles

Since 1913, BMW has been revered as a vehicle of great luxury and performance. Today’s modern drivers still look to the BMW to deliver the high-end quality for which it has been known for nearly 95 years. And while the BMW may have originated in Munich, Germany, it is a vehicle much beloved in America. If you look to those American cities renowned for glamour and luxury you will inevitably find a strong population of BMW drivers. So it’s no wonder that some of the most popular dealers in the country are BMW Los Angeles dealers.

Los Angeles is a city strongly associated with prestige – from the weather to the Hollywood industry; L.A. is home and host to a multitude of high-powered business and entertainment executives; it is where the money is and where the beautiful and rich go to work, live, and vacation. But unlike its east coast counterpart of New York City where public transportation thrives, Los Angeles is a city firmly rooted in driving. So it should stand to reason that the vehicles being driven in and around Los Angeles carry quite a bit of weight. BMW Los Angeles dealers know that they must deliver a wide variety of BMW models – everything from sedans and compacts, to SUVs and motorcycles - befitting the L.A. lifestyle.

Before purchasing your BMW from a BMW Los Angeles dealer make sure you have aligned your budget with your wish list. BMW is a luxury vehicle brand and as such it comes with a luxury vehicle price tag. But not all BMWs are same; if you are willing to sacrifice some bells and whistles you can own a BMW without quite as hefty payments. Shop online to compare prices and be mindful of pre-owned vehicles and deeply discounted year-end models.

But vacationers can get in on the action as well; if you are visiting California and find a need to rend a vehicle, visit a BMW Los Angeles dealer for a luxury vehicle that will elevate your vacation from ordinary to spectacular Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle bery

Fulfilling Your Dreams Of Luxury With The Help Of BMW Los Angeles

BMW Lights

For many people BMW is the symbol of the perfect car. It has the luxury to impress the connoisseur, the sporty look for every adrenaline lover and it is as safe as a car can be today. The great design and the driving experience you can get from it are an attractive factor.

BMW engineers took their time to think about every aspect of this amazing vehicle and the lights are one of their fine solutions. The simplicity is rarely the case when talking about the BMW lights. They are always innovative and modern looking. They are the very thing that comes to mind when thinking about the car of the future.

Latest technology is implemented on regular bases to keep the lights to the best quality they can be in every moment. They are durable and they will last as long as you could normally need them.

Headlights are maybe the most important lights for the driver. They ensure that the driver has the visibility he needs during the night or in dim and foggy days. The visibility should be always provided no matter of the lights you use but there are many other factors which are also important.

The technology of the headlights passed a long way. Headlight bulbs are improved to provide a better lighting with less energy cost. The glare they become for other drivers is also greatly reduced. This is one part of the technology that makes the BMW safer. Most of the headlights in BMW use the incandescent light bulb technology. Usually the halogen-type is used with separate high and low beam bulbs to insure light for short and long distances. In some cases a single light bulb is possible too. It has dual filament on each side.

The lenses of the headlights are also improved to provide a better heat resistance. No matter what the weather conditions are these lenses should endure everything for a longer period of time. New more durable materials are used to provide that and the final durability of these lenses is increased with every next solution BMW provide.

One very popular solution for BMW headlights is called Euro Altezza. Some pretty cool things about these lights are headlight covers and masks. These accessories are adding some aesthetic look to the lights. This pretty solution inspired many people to add the unique look they desire for their cars.

Every time the driver sits behind the wheel and takes control of the vehicle he has the access to all the levers and buttons that should be used while driving. Still even with all these functions present the driver can't have the absolute control over the vehicle. That's why some safety devices should be present. The auto taillights are one of these devices. They provide information about the car condition and if it will stop right in front of the driver behind it and provoke a dangerous situation.

Many car accidents happen just because of that - the driver behind can't tell if the one in front of him is stopping and bumps into him. That's why the taillights are so important and they should always be visible for the driver behind to tell him when he should decrease the velocity of his car to ensure a fine quick stop if he needs it.

BMW projector headlights are one reliable solution you could get. It will replace the standard headlights of your car. This will help you navigate in dark environment in a better way without compromising your safety. These projector headlights differ from the other one. The light here is more focused and the "scatter loss" is reduced.

The projector headlights are designed to work as a slide projector and not as reflectors. It is said that this way is superior and provide higher efficiency. This technology provides a good and accurate light dispersion. These lights also provide high and low beam and the driver will not feel a lack of anything he needs.

BMW projector lights are available everywhere and finding the one you desire will be very easy. Full specification is provided by BMW and it is available for everyone.

Now let's see a few products available on the market. The first one I will discuss is called Stealth Light Bulbs or Invisibulbs. These lights have a silver color and a pretty appearance when they are off. When turned on they radiate amber light. They are desired because of the fine style they give to the vehicle. They come with lifetime guarantee or in other words 5000 hours of work.

Xenon headlights are one very good solution too. It is normal for the xenon to warm up for 15 seconds but even in the instance you turn on these lights you will have enough light and the next seconds you will get even more. The real xenon BMW headlights will adjust themselves as you drive. They will dip the moment you brake and rise when you increase the velocity of the car. This simple thing comes to be pretty amazing when you are behind the wheel. They will adjust their position too giving you exactly the visible area you need. For example they will point up a bit when you accelerate keeping you informed of the distance further because you are rapidly reaching for it.

These automatic adjustment xenon lights will compensate everything no matter if you drive up or down the hill. It is illegal to prevent them from doing that by jamming them off because the xenon is brighter and it could become a risky component when blinding up other drivers ahead. That's why you should pay attention on what exactly you are buying when thinking about xenon headlights. Keep also in mind that their price is around $1000 for each of the xenon headlight assemblies.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kalin_Staikov

BMW Lights

Latest technology is implemented on regular bases to keep the lights to the best quality they can be in every moment. They are durable and they will last as long as you could normally need them.

BMW projector lights are available everywhere and finding the one you desire will be very easy. Full specification is provided by BMW and it is available for everyone.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kalin_Staikov

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Tips to Buying a Car

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Tips to Buying a Car

I need a car. I've been a pedestrian for too long. I need information. I'll hop on the web. Search for "car buying guides." Whoa! Over 15 million sites/pages! Refine my search. "Free first time car buyer guides" and narrow it down to only 4 million. That's about as refined as I can get right now. Look over the first page of my results, chose some links with names I recognize. Open some pages. Lots of interesting articles. Let's see if I can pull together a cohesive list.

What type of vehicle do I need? Notice I wrote "need" not want? I want a cool car, but this is a major investment and cool doesn't really last that long. Do I buy new or used? What kind of driving am I really going to be doing, and in what kind of conditions? How much can I reasonably spend for monthly maintenance? How much can I spend on a loan or lease payment? Should I buy from a dealer, an auction or private sale? How's my credit rating? Where should I buy insurance? Lots of questions to answer, and probably some I haven't included here.

Before you search for that cool car, decide exactly what your needs and wants are. Don't buy what you want, buy what you need. Don't get into a cash bind because you spent more than you can really afford because the "cool" factor fades fast but those monthly payments continue. Review your budget to determine how much you can really afford. That means not only the car payment, but insurance and an estimate of your monthly maintenance (gas, oil, etc.)

Check your credit so you have an idea of what type of loan you can qualify for. Decide on a firm price (payment or full-purchase), because dealers and salespeople will be doing their best to get more out of you. Be firm and stick to your dollar amount. If financing, decide on a realistic maximum payment you can make. If possible, check with your bank to see what type of loan you qualify for.

With the internet, it's now much easier to compare vehicles. Take the time to check out some websites that offer information about vehicles and compare. Don't just rush out and buy the first car you see. Remember, your vehicle is a major investment and unless you can change vehicles every year, this car will probably have to last you 4 or 5 years. Be choosy. Look at the pictures, sure, but READ the information. Check to see if the dealership offers web discounts (that is, if you buy from them they will offer some discount for using the web).

Educate yourself about vehicle pricing. Dealerships have to make a profit; otherwise they would not be in business! Simple economics. Dealers will negotiate, but YOU have to be prepared as well. The dealers and salespeople know their bottom line on any vehicle. Again, check the web for information regarding pricing. Ask family and friends to help you learn about vehicle pricing. There are many factors that most people don't even know about.

Make certain you qualify for insurance. Check out your state's department of motor vehicles website and learn the minimum insurance necessary. Check around the web and you'll find many major insurance companies with rate comparison features. Use those resources. Be very aware that your past driving record will affect your rates, but also if you are a first time buyer, be ready for slightly higher rates to begin with. After all, the insurance company is really gambling on your not making any claims against the insurance. Think about the type of driving you will be doing and review the "extras" offered by the insurance provider. Also, the type of vehicle you are looking to purchase will affect your rates as well. Older cars usually mean less safety features, so rates will be higher. Your vehicle insurance is just as important as your health insurance.

A short note here about car dealerships (and not just the new vehicle showroom guys). I personally have not had good results buying from a private seller. Way too many variables and basically no recourse if something isn't right. Dealers have certain rules and restrictions they must comply with, such as title registration time limits, the lemon law, and the "buyers remorse" (3 day changed my mind) rules. Dealerships must be licensed and follow the laws; private sellers often don't. Dealerships also can provide a wider range of options than a private seller. Go to your state motor vehicle or department of licensing website and educate yourself. What you don't know can hurt you.

Also, there is a list called the Customer Service Index (or something similar) which each car maker maintains for dealerships. The ranking indicates who a dealership satisfies customers not only in sales, but also in service. Basically, go to the manufacturer's website, search for customer service index and then navigate the website to find that manufacturer's criteria for a great dealership. Yes it takes time, but this is a major investment. Family and friends can help here as well.

Once you have decided what type of vehicle you want, and which dealerships you want to check out (always try at least 2 dealerships, don't just settle on one!), take someone with you, preferably someone knowledgeable about the vehicle you have chosen (a family member or friend you feel comfortable with). That person will probably ask some questions you didn't think of! I'm a wimp when it comes to negotiating, but my hubby isn't, and he knows about cars. I let him do most of the questioning, even though I was the one purchasing the car. Believe me, it helped, because he asked questions I really never thought about.

Last, but certainly not least, TEST DRIVE THE CAR! Sounds simple, but it is very important. Just because you found what looks like the car of your dreams, it may still not be right. You need to be comfortable behind the wheel, your sight lines should be clear, you should be able to judge your surroundings based on the size of the vehicle, and you should be able to find all those little areas of vehicle maintenance you can do yourself.

Remember, a vehicle is a major investment. It should be chosen with care and deliberate thought. There a many factors to consider and, ultimately, you are the one that has to pay for any mistakes in your choice.

Article Source http// ezinearticles Steve anderson

A Brief History (1900-1960s) of Automobile Chassis and Body Design

All Steel early Dodge

1934 Press

1934 Traction Avant

Mid-1930s GM Turret top steel body top

Hi folks -- I found this handout in one of my folders as I was sorting my materials on auto history and thought it provides a good overview one important aspect of development that I often neglect.

Origins to 1920 --

Coach structures -- phaeton, tonneau, landau, wagonette, etc.
Wooden frame/wooden body panels
introduction of steel and aluminum sheets
Development of hammer, dolly,and buck -- hand formed techniques
Metal sheet body on a wooden frame
1915 Hayes body, and notions of structural functionality
Introduction of the Budd body-- entire steel car
1922 Lancia Lambda -- monocoque structure with body and frame finding a common solution in the load bearing body
X-frame structure of the late 1920s Auburn

1930s & 1940s

Citroen Traction Avant (1934) -- mass production of the monocoque body
Small scale introduction of Chrome-Moly steel -- racing car bodies
Use of aluminum alloys -- Marmon
GM Steel Turret top
Riveted aluminum body -- 1948 Land Rover

1950s

Stamped steel unibody construction and mass production
Fiberglass body (1953 Corvette) over steel space frame
Maserati Birdcage (1959) complex tubular chassis skeleton

1959 Maserati Birdcage

1960s

Backbone chassis (1962 Lotus Elan)
Fiberglas reinforced plastics (Autobianchi Stellina) 1963
Persistence of Body-on-Frame solution for mass produced cars in U.S.
1962 Lotus Elan