Easy Virtue

Last I was watching the movie Easy Virtue (Starring Colin Firth, Jessica Biel). It was originally shot by Alfred Hitchcock in 1928 but I didn’t have chance to watch it. When I started watching this movie I was not expecting to see a grand prix racing at Monte Carlo in 1930s. The first minutes of the movie starts with nostalgic grand prix race in Monte Carlo. And at that moment, this movie caught my attention! However the involvement of cars was not limited with the race sequence. After the race, Jessica Biel drives BMW 328. I am not sure about the model but I think that is a 328! And this means the time is after 1936! Actually I am not sure about this, if I found reliable information I will share it here.

After watching the movie, I searched YouTube for vintage racing footages. And I found some :) And I also shocked! The safety measures were nothing at those times, I am not talking about safety car. There is not seat belt, no safety barrier, no safety flags, cars don’t have any safety. And drivers were dying during the race and it was mentioned like something very normal. When you consider contemporary races, drivers at those times would not consider as a real race. Like many people I always respect the drivers in early years of motor racing. Winning and losing was so tightly attached with living and dying, I think we cannot understand how it feels to race those times. By the way in one of the footage, Alfa Romeo was taking over the Bugatti !

I hope you will enjoy the nostalgic Grand Prix race :)

Charity Posting

This posting is for charity event which is organized by University of Birmingham, The Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS). This is an official charity event, therefore I have placed the web link to pages which can be found in University of Birmingham’s website.

Original website, Facebook Page

'Give a Xmas smile' flyer (PDF 2.13MB, opens new window)

Give a Xmas smile!

The Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) is organising a Christmas Charity Event in association with Birmingham Children's Hospital (Event No. 02459).

Be a 'smile-giver' in 3 simple steps:

1. Pick a label from the Xmas Tree

2. Buy the present (as a group or as an individual) for the child which is in hospital

3. Return the wrapped gift under the tree and replace the label with a Xmas decoration which is already provided by us

All presents will be given to children who are currently patients at the Oncology / Cancer Unit (Ward 15) of Birmingham Children's Hospital. The event will be held between the 2nd -13th December.

Location of Xmas Tree: 3rd Floor POLSIS, Muirhead Tower East

here are two POLSIS Christmas Trees this year, one in the Undergraduate Office and one in the Postrgraduate Office- both in the third floor of Muirhead Tower. But THIS year instead of decorations... the Xmas trees have labels! Each label represents a present of around £10. It is up to you which label you pick (green are for boys and red labels are for girls). 'Smile - givers' can either buy the presents individually or as a group. Once the present is bought it should be placed under the tree and the label replaced by a xmas decoration (we already have these in a box under the xmas tree). The goal is that by December 13th the tree will be full of Xmas decorations and presents rather than labels! The labels are going fast so please make sure you pick one before they are all taken.

Alternatively, you can donate to the cause by giving the money to the secretaries (either UG or PG Office) who will pass this forward and the present will be bought on your behalf.

'Give a Xmas smile' flyer (PDF 2.13MB, opens new window)

To avoid any infection / hazards the hospital has asked for only new presents and no soft toys please. For further questions or to find out how to get involved please email Eleni Christodoulou: eleni.cyp@gmail.com

Ready for Snow?

Nowadays in UK it started to snow. Actually north parts of UK are very familiar with the snow but, I cannot say the same thing for the rest of the UK. People still don’t know what to do while driving in snow. Basically, it is more fun than normal road condition, if you have proper tyres. If you don’t have proper tyres, it will be an interesting adventure.

However if you own a Land Rover vehicle and replaced your tyres with proper tyres. You don’t need to worry about the snow because, Land Rover’s know how to drive in snow. They are trained at Coventry for how to drive in snow, mud, rock, sand, grass and etc. Actually there is feature called Terrain Response, many owners don’t know it, which has pre-defined road conditions for very traction. You just select the appropriate terrain and whole electronic systems adjust its parameters.

For nowadays in UK, you should select Snow mode and don’t worry for anything. More basically, this system turns high heels into Wellington boots, t-shirt and jeans into suit :)

 

Pictures' Copyrights

Burberry, Land Rover, Paul Smith

Renault's Hip Hop Bag

Pushing the limits of design, in terms of creativity sometimes cause terrible products. In terms of design, Renault is one of the very well respect company for concept cars and terrible at transferring to production. I don’t know how they manage to destroy a concept car in manufacturing process but it should be thought in operations management lecture as a case.

Renault Wind Roadster is a very good example for ugly Renault design. Actually the concept car version was also ugly. Anyway, I never noticed this car on advertisements. There were many in everywhere but the car was looking so weird and it never caught my attention. However it reminded me something very similar to this, Louis Vuitton Géronimos hip bag. This hip bag has the same characteristics as the Wind Roadster, looks weird and don’t know what to do with it. I have no idea how to use this bag for in men fashion, this product is present under “men” section not “women”.

Wind Roadster shares one more interesting with Ferrari 575 Superamerica. They both share the 180 degree turnable hard top. You just push a button and top of the car moves to top of the boot. In Ferrari, there was not cover and when you want to close your top, you will have the bird poo inside your side. Hopefully Renault did place a cover to prevent this unpleasant experience. Still Wind Roadster is ugly and probably it will disappear after end of its life-cycle.

Overheated Brain!

Like cars, our brains sometimes overheated due to heavy load and high pressure. When engine water overheating lamp appears on your dashboard, it is advices to stop the engine and cool down to prevent burning head gasket! It is the same with humans; when the brain is overheated, try to cool it down to prevent burning your head gasket :) Until I post a new article, please enjoy the Victoria's Secret Fashion 2010 :)

Chase Automotive has built a reputation on providing courteous, honest service. Our customers appreciate the way we do business, and we know you will too. At Chase we specialize in Trucks and SUVs, offering exceptional values on fine automobile.

How to Pass the Driving Test - Learn All the Secrets For Passing!

If you want to officially have your driver's license, you'll first have to learn how to pass the driving test. Even if you think you know how to drive, you still may not have what it takes to pass the test. The written test may have hard questions that you don't know the answers to. The road test may be much harder than what you might expect.

Let's face it, the DMV handbook doesn't provide nearly enough information on how you can pass the driving test. You can read it every day for a month and you still may end up failing your test. It's all too common. It's so common, in fact, that over half of the American population fail their very first driving test.

If state handbooks are really all that great, then why do half the people who "read" them end up failing? It's simple: they weren't prepared enough. Those failing their first driving test didn't show up to the DMV with all the knowledge and skills they needed for passing.

It could also be that they were nervous. However, if they walked into the DMV knowing that they were well prepared, their anxiety could have been lessened. Mistakes are bound to happen, and that's fine, but those who prepare themselves well enough ahead of time are less likely to make them.

Thankfully, there is hope. There are wonderful resource guides on the Internet that will give you all the knowledge you'll need to succeed. If you want to know how to pass the driving test, you will need to read a good guide that help you understand the rules of the road better. You don't have to read your boring DMV handbook over and over again. You don't have to spend a fortune on driving lessons. You can find all the information you need for passing the driving test online!

Free Classified Auto Ads

Are you ready to sell your car? When selling anything, it's very important to get the best possible price. Forget the trade in money that dealerships are offering towards your next car. You'll be paying for that trade in value through higher monthly payments or a lower discount on the car you're buying.

The best way to sell your car is through free classified auto ads.

By selling online, you have way more people who can see your car listing and make an offer. Traditional ads limit your exposure because they target local buyers only, but with free online auto listings, anyone with internet access is a potential car buyer. The more people who see your ad, the more potential buyers you have. There may be thousands of persons searching for a car like your one but not living in your area, or not reading that specific newspaper where you purchased a classified ad, they'll never see your listing; this won't happen with classified ads as they offer the same visibility to your car ad for your neighbor as for someone in a different state.

Not only can free classified auto ads blast your ad in front of more potential car buyers, but they are completely free. What does this mean? Unlike traditional newspaper classified ads, free automotive classified ads stay up until your car is sold.

There are no extra fees to keep the ad active and each and every day potential buyers see your listing. You don't have to settle for a lower offer just because your newspaper ad ran out.

It's very easy and quick to put up free classified auto ads. All you need to have is the information about the car you are selling, but you can also put up pictures of your car. Adding photos of the car is strongly recommended, both inside and outside of the vehicle should be well visible in the images.

The more information you put in your ad, the better chance you will have of finding a buyer quickly.

Your car is one of your biggest personal investments so it pays to make it easy by more and more people. Free auto listings help you do just this. If you are serious about selling your car and getting the best possible price, then putting up a free classified auto ad is the way to go.

Truck Wheel

When it comes to selecting wheels for your vehicles, then you need to go by some specifications, otherwise you will end up with tires that are incompatible to your type of vehicle. Trucks especially come in many types, for example, SUVs, vans and pick ups. More often than not, they are used for ferrying heavy weights although this culture is slowly but surely changing.


For this reason, you need to ensure that your truck wheels are the appropriate ones. These days, there are those customized tires that will fit without a problem.The custom tires will serve many purposes at a go because, besides bearing the heavy weight of the vehicle, they also give better performance and enhance the appearance of the vehicle. Think of the vehicles you have seen with over sized tires, raised to over 8 inches and fitted with fog lights for no specific functional reason but for glamour.Truck wheels should be reliable, otherwise you will need to replace them every so often and this will cost you a fortune. For the best results, it is good if you are sure if you need them for light or heavy vehicles. Light vehicles consist of pickups, mini vans, full-size vans and sports utility vehicles. All the other big vehicles fall in the heavy weight category.
For long-lasting tires, you may want to consider going for the alloy ones because for one thing, they are non-corrosive and they are also lighter than the ones made from single metals. Others available one are those made of stainless steel, aluminum brushed and chrome. Their diameters range from 15 inches upwards. The choice is yours.

Tank Presidency

Later on 20 January, the president elect Barack Obama will formally appointed as president of the United States. All preparations have been made, including making a "tank" a new presidency.



Tank? Yes, the car is more feasible presidency called tank. Not only because it is designed bulletproof, antimissile, but also because of, according to the designer of the car, there is no "elegant" at all.

"Oh my god ... why Obama is not all just wearing Abrams," so that their comments had to see photos of the car. Abrams tank is a series of powerful United States used in the war in Iraq.

Cars presidency is a Cadillac limousine. Designed for comfort food at a time, because the door is only as thick as 8 inch (20 cm). "With such strength, shooting just will not enjoy break through," said a news agency.

The General Motors, the manufacturer of the Cadillac, ensuring that the model Limo Obama is the original model, not a development model that has been there before. "Cars are made with special specifications, the test has been through various extreme conditions, but in accordance with the principle beauty Cadillac cars," said Joanne Krell K, spokesperson for General Motors.

Of course not opened to the public what is distinctive car, for the security aspects. "What is certain, if the president is in, all the commotion of the world will vanish. He will be in total isolation in the box is a very protected," said Joe Funk, a retired Secret Agency experienced oversee President Bill Clinton.

Said Joe again, although "isolated in the box," but Obama will still be connected with the outside world because all the communication equipment available. How the Internet? There ..! Phone? Do not also asked ... surely available. "Only in a flash, he was able to contact any of the world," said Joe.


Although the car was quite large and heavy, but the engines are made so that the form of energy. The goal clearly is not simply a car that is environmentally friendly. Made energy efficient, because the Secret Department considers the situation worst. For example, should the president was far from the threat, the car still has enough fuel. Not funny, is not it, when the time to secure the president, the car must first drop in gasoline to pom, or Mr. Obama should come out of the car broke down a taxi ago?

Raptor this new plan will be launched in 2010.

The company's legendary motorcycle United States of America, Harley-Davidson, the agrersif. After the ownership be acquired MV Agusta (which also have the brand Cagiva) Claudio Castiglioni's hands early this year, Harley-Davidson want to restore the glory of motor sport Cagiva.



Newspaper circulating, they are now preparing for the new motor under the Cagiva brand. In fact, the motor is not really "new", because they will develop the Raptor has been previously sold by Cagiva.

Raptor this new plan will be launched in 2010. Blade Anyar they will be equipped with a machine equipped with a 140 dk with a 1125 cc V-Twin. The same engine used in the Buell 1125R and 1125CR.

Raptor In addition, they also prepare the other big motor. version of the 650 cc and 850 cc.

However, the two manufacturers that collaboration does not use the machine itself. They are wanted to join the Piaggio and BMW. Not only a great motor they intend outsourcing, 125 cc version will also be issued from one of the manufacturer.

The plan this big, in the end you want to make a Cagiva foremost manufacturer of motor sport. In three to four years, they will also make a motor with a 1200 cc engine plant Rotax v-twin which can give off energy to 180hp.

Truck Value - Don't Get Taken For a Ride

You've seen the ads with huge miles per gallon numbers in great big type. You've seen plenty of others with little tiny monthly payment figures also in big bold type. Switch on the TV and there are plenty of ads there too that feature little trucks pulling huge semis full of half-naked women up impossibly steep hills.
How do you sort through all the hype and hoopla about price, performance, fuel economy and style to find a real truck value? One way is to make sure you don't set foot in a dealer's showroom until you know exactly what truck value means to you. To figure that out all you need is a piece of paper and a pencil.Truck value can mean many things. One person may measure it by payload and off-road driving limits while another measures it by current price and resale price averages. Understanding what you need your truck to do for you now and at the end of its life can mean the difference between getting a good deal or getting taken for a ride.
If an immediate answer doesn't come to mind, here are a few questions to ask yourself to help figure out what you need.

Where will the truck be driven most -- on the highway, in the city, off road?
What will you normally haul in the truck - tools in a more or less permanent case, heavy items occasionally, bulky but lighter weight items, etc?
Who will be driving it usually and are there any special accommodations you need to make for multiple drivers (cab height, tilt wheel etc.)?How important are fuel economy and/or environmental concerns?Do you have a preference for fuel type (gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, ethanol, etc.)?How long do you plan to own the vehicle - will you resell it or drive it until it dies?Do you use/need additional engine or braking performance beyond standards?



Some of these questions may seem redundant. Others may seem unnecessarily picky, but this is just the first step in doing your research. Once you've gotten all your answers written down, you'll want to go over your list and put a star by those areas that are more important than the others. You should quickly see a pattern emerge that will help you determine your major and minor value points.
For example, let's say you starred where the truck will be driven, have a preference for one fuel type and that environmental concerns are important to you. Fuel economy is clearly an important value for you but you'll need to research your different fuel options further. If you decide that you might want the option to make your own biodiesel in the future if prices of regular diesel rise, you clearly won't find a sale on gasoline powered trucks a good value.
Any new truck you buy represents a huge investment. You owe it to yourself to take the time and go through every decision making step you can to make sure that you get the very best truck value for you before you make that investment.

How to Drive on Snow to Avoid Having a Car Accident

When it is snowing, more care than usual is required to avoid having an accident. Driving in winter should be avoided when the weather conditions are bad. However, if there is something that cannot be postponed and you have to make the trip, you should be prepared for what might confront you on the road.



You should take all the preliminary steps and make your car fit for the winter. You should not get on the road until the snow ploughs have had a chance to clear the snow from the road. When you do get out, you should have the necessary tools like scraper, shovel, flashlight, rope, etc with you so that you can deal with any emergency situations if they arise.Be sure to use fog lights or headlights while driving so that your own visibility can improve a little, and the other drivers are able to see you. Both the brakes and the accelerator should be pressed gently. The distance of your car from that ahead of you should be considerable and almost double than what it should be in normal conditions.When you're driving and you are not able to see the edge of the road or the snow pole, then you should preferably stop because this indicates that the visibility is not favourable enough for you to be driving.
It is not wise to overtake vehicles while it is snowing. It should not be done especially when you are on a hill or at an intersection. In poor snow conditions, you should use snow chains in order to improve the grip of the tyres on the road. This would increase your control over the car. It is always good to practice how to fix the chains yourself. This can help you a lot as you can fix the chains when needed and don't have to wait for someone to arrive and do it for you. It is always wise to carry the snow chains with you in the winter season. You can either hire snow chains or buy your own, but you should make sure that the chains are in accordance to the diameter of the tyres. You should put on the chains when you feel it is really important. However, they should be removed as soon as the conditions improve and you can drive without them.
While parking the car, the handbrake should not be applied; instead the wheels should be chocked. In addition, you should not use rocks when you park the car as this may damage the snow clearing machines. If you feel that the snow is getting worse and you are losing focus on the road, you should give yourself a break and pull the car over and wait for the weather conditions to get a little better. When you are calm again you can get back on the road.
If you get into some kind of trouble and are not capable of resolving it on your own, then you should call for help and stay where you are until help arrives.

How to Drive When it Starts to Snow

Driving in the winter season is relatively more difficult than normal, and requires skill and practice. In the absence of these important factors, accidents can occur. It might be best to stay at home in bad weather but it cannot always be done as some tasks cannot be postponed.



For people who are not accustomed to driving in snow, the task can be challenging. In order to avoid any kind of unpleasant experiences during the winter season, you should have your car thoroughly checked before the season so that you car is well maintained. You should keep yourself up to date with the weather forecasts so that you know what to expect on the road.
Before leaving home, make sure that your car's battery, cooling system, electric connections, tyres, windscreen and all other things are in the right order. For emergencies keep materials like a rope, flashlight, first aid kit, blanket and wheel chocks in the car. You should keep in mind that the first fall of snow can be very dangerous if the roads are not gritted, as the tyres don't have a grip on the road and this can cause the car to slip.
Your windshield should be clean so that when it starts to snow, it doesn't affect your already reduced visibility. In the snow season you should try to get snow tyres so that it is easier to control the vehicle when it snows. When you see the first signs of snow, you should make sure you cut the speed to half and not try to drive fast as this can have serious consequences.
You should keep calm the whole time and try not to get stressed or nervous as this is likely to affect your judgment, which is very important while driving in bad weather. In case of a spin out, you should let go of the accelerator and you should steer only when the tyres have gained a grip on the road again. Otherwise the car is likely to spin even more. However, during the whole time you have to be really quick and alert because the wheels take only several seconds to get a grip, and in that moment you have to take action.
You should make it a point to check that the headlights and taillights don't have snow on them. You should keep the headlights so that others are able to see you. During snow, the car should be accelerated slowly and gently. When you stop the car somewhere, instead of pulling the handbrake, chock the wheels and leave the car in gear with the wheels steered away from the slope.
In order to avoid accidents during snow, you should use snow chains, which would make the tyre's grip on the road better. Make sure that the chains you get suit the diameter of your car's tyre. It is always better to get some practice in fixing the snow chains so that you can do it in bad conditions and not have to depend on someone to do it for you.

Selling a Used Car Versus Trading It In - Which is Best?

You've decided to buy a new car. The natural question is what to do with your current car. You've got a couple options, so you need to understand the relative value of selling a used car versus trading it in when you buy.
The good news is that understanding the trade-in math can help put a nice chunk of change in your pocket. The bad news is that the math is not quite as straightforward as you might think.


Let's say you have a car that you can sell for privately for $5,000. And let's say you're in the market for a $25,000 new car. Should you sell your car yourself, or should you trade it in when you buy the new one?
You might put more cash in your pocket by selling it yourself, but your net gain on the sale might be lower than if you traded it in. That might sound strange, but it's really not. The missing piece of the puzzle is the impact of sales tax.
When you buy a new car, you have to pay sales tax only on the difference between the purchase price of the car and the trade-in amount.
So if you can find a dealer who will give you $10,000 for your trade-in (and he very well might in order to move a car off of his lot), you'll owe tax on $15,000. If the tax rate is six percent, that's $900. Consider that savings when you're deciding whether to sell your used car on your own.
If you sold your car on your own, you'd have to sell it for $10,000 plus $900 (your tax savings) to equal what your dealer was going to give you. That's a pretty high hurdle.but that's really only one consideration.
The other big thing to consider is the hassle of selling on your own, or to look at the other side of the coin, the convenience of letting your dealer handle the entire transaction.
If you sell on your own, you have to advertise the vehicle and try to market it in your area. Do you know the right price to charge? What sells where you are, and what does not? You'll also have to show it to interested parties, wait while people let their mechanic look at it, and so on. You'll have to handle all of the paperwork yourself, transfer the title appropriately and meet any requirements your state has for people who sell vehicles.
If you trade in your car, you're pretty much selling your car to the dealer. He does all the paperwork, and he's very likely to offer you more for the car than you'd get from a private buyer. You could have the entire transaction done the day you buy your new car, and never have to deal with another headache.
Selling your own used car and trading it in are both good strategies, and you can make out pretty well with either. But before jump into the seller pool, consider very carefully whether it's worth the bother, or whether trading will net you more money.

Used Car Warranties - 5 Key Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Car

If you are in the market for a used car, you need to be in another market at the same time-the market for a used car warranty. You need to shop for both. And if you're not careful, you can end up costing yourself hundreds or thousands of dollars on a bad extended warranty.


When you are shopping, remember what an extended warranty is. It is essentially a service contract that covers things after the new car warranty (the factory warranty) ends. You will not get all of the new car coverage, even in a great extended warranty, so don't let that bother you. But be smart about what you do get. Here are some questions to ask.
Do you really need an extended warranty? You might not if there is a big portion of the original warranty left. If the warranty transfers to a new buyer, you might be covered as much as you need or want. Saving the money you would have spent on an extended warranty might be a smart option.
What is covered by an extended warranty you're considering? This is an extremely important question to answer. Many people shop for an extended warranty like they shop for gas-they buy the cheapest they can find. That is often a big mistake. In the world of extended warranties, you often get what you pay for.
What you want is a warranty that covers mechanical breakdown and "wear and tear." Wear and tear refers to items that tend to wear out and degrade the performance of your car. That means things like worn rings, shot pistons, overheating damage, leaks, etc. Stuff in your car tends to wear out, not fail, so do not settle for a warranty that does not cover wear and tear.Is the warranty company reputable? If you can not get information about the company from the Better Business Bureau or Web Assured, avoid them like the plague.You will find that many companies offering cheap extended warranties with low teaser rates reject most (or even all) claims. That's the way they make money on such a cheap product. They might not answer their phones. They might not send you a contract to review before you agree to the warranty. These are all bad signs.
Will the warranty pay the repair shop directly? If they make you pay first, they can quibble about reimbursing you. This is one of the biggest scam tactics out there. You should pick a warranty that will pay the repair shop directly and not force you to shell out your own money and hope for reimbursement.
Can you get repairs at any ASE certified shop? You don't want a warranty that forces you get service where you bought the warranty, or that restricts you to a few repair shops in the greater Newark area (although that might be convenient if you live in New Jersey). You want a warranty that will let you get your service at any shop certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). That gives you the flexibility to have 400,000 professionals to choose from.Used car warranties can be a great way to protect your purchase, if you know what to look for. If you answer these five key questions, you will be able to protect yourself as much as you are trying to protect your car.

How to Get the Best Deal on a Used Mercedes Benz Car

So you want to buy a used Mercedes Benz car. There is nothing wrong with that, and you can save a bundle. But be smart when you buy. You are going to have to make some important decisions as you consider your purchase.

The most important decision you will make is where to buy.

You can obviously buy a Mercedes car from an individual owner. You might get a great deal that way, and if there has only been one previous owner, you will have a better chance of getting a car that was taken good care of.

But there are serious advantages to buying a certified, pre-owned Mercedes Benz car from a dealer.

Mercedes Benz prides itself on the quality of its certified, pre-owned cars. They intentionally make the certification process rigorous. The put each vehicle through nine different inspections, with a total of 162 different checks. That includes a complete check of the engine components and compartment (28 points), a road test (14 points) and a check of the electrical system (33 points).

Mercedes wants a certified, pre-owned car to be as close to new quality as it can be, and the results prove it. The reliability of these vehicles is superb. But they don't ask you to trust them on that.

Every certified, pre-owned Mercedes car comes with a comprehensive limited warranty. Any remaining part of the four-year/50,000 mile new vehicle warranty still applies, of course. Beyond that, the certified pre-owned warranty extends the coverage another 12 months, or up to 100,000 total miles. That warranty takes effect at the time of vehicle delivery for any car no longer covered by the new car warranty.

They also offer a Mercedes Extended Warranty that covers just about everything imaginable, including the steering, brakes, engine and powertrain, transmission, and so on. The warranty guarantees the work at over 300 authorized dealers nationwide in the U.S., and you will get all genuine Mercedes-Benz parts. There is no deductible for the extended warranty, and you can transfer it to a new owner if you sell your Mercedes car.

So the cars are exhaustively evaluated, and Mercedes stands behind their reliability with one of the best warranty programs in the business (right up there with BMW-maybe it's a German thing). But Mercedes goes above and beyond with their certified, pre-owned vehicles.

You will get 24-hour roadside assistance, just like new Mercedes owners do. You'll also get what they call Sign and Drive services, which gives you a free jump-start, flat tire change, or gas if your tank is empty and you are stranded.

And when you buy a certified, pre-owned Mercedes Benz car, you will get the seven-day/500 mile exchange privilege. That means you can return the car within that time and swap it for another pre-owned Mercedes of equal value (or greater value, if you want to pay the difference).

If you are considering buying a used Mercedes Benz car, it is certainly worth your time to investigate buying a certified, pre-owned vehicle from an authorized Mercedes dealer. You might get a steal if you buy from some other source, but you might be surprised to find that Mercedes itself is the best deal around.

Protect Your Cars Paintwork

Today's car finishes are very delicate and require special care. Avoid washing your car at automated car washes as this is a sure way of damaging your cars paint work. The best method to clean a car is still doing it by hand. You will need two buckets filled with clean hot or cold water and a wash mitt.


Only use the best car wash products on the market. Do not use any household cleaners as it will damage your cars paint. Park your car in the shade, use a hosepipe to remove and soften the dirt on your cars paintwork. Open the tap just a little as you want a slow flow of water, don't use a strong jet of water because the high pressure will blast dirt particles into the clear cote that protects the base coat. Start with the roof and work your way down.

When you have hosed the car down, open the tap for a stronger jet of water and remove the dirt under the wheel arches, reduce the flow and hose the tires and rims. Follow the directions of the car wash liquid and mix the required quantity into one of the buckets with water. Place both buckets next to the car; dunk the wash mitt into the bucket with the car wash liquid and start washing the roof working your way down. Rinse the mitt frequently in the bucket with clean water. When you have finished washing the car, take the hosepipe and rinse the car to remove the soap suds from the cars paint. Most people don't dry the car, but for the best results dry the car preferably with a microfiber towel or a chamois leather. Use a separate towel or chamois leather for the mags. For the best protection of your cars paintwork polish your car at least once every three months. Always follow the instructions on the polish container. If your car has mags use a good brand of mag cleaner and polish to put the shine back on them. Clean the windows with window cleaner and use tire polish to polish your cars tires. Never use dirty water, cloths or abrasive polishes. When you are finished you can step back and admire your bright and shiny car, knowing that the paintwork on your car will stay in a superb condition for years to come.

Sakis's Hummer

I was thinking are there any video clips which were taken in Europe and placing a Hummer! Usually Hummer is mostly preferred by the American Rappers, they love to song with their 42inch wheels and flashy interior with 2467873 LCD screens with unidentified exterior colour. This is very usual and nobody would be shocked to a Hummer in those kinds of video clip.

However I watched a video clip and I was shocked by seeing a Hummer H2. Not H1; the petrol eater, usual, inefficient, pointlessly big, ugly, plastic H2. But it becomes more surprising, the video clip is from Greek singer Sakis Rouvas. I was not expecting to see Sakis inside a Hummer H2, what was the producer thinking while placing a Hummer in a video clip! There is one explanation for this, they wanted to get bankrupted very quickly. That machine is eaten petrol like nothing else on planet! Even if you used an Airbus A380 double deck air plane, it would be cheaper than Hummer H2 :)

Hopefully that’s an old video clip and there is no more Hummer brand exists :) Sakis next time try to drive something better like a Range Rover or Mercedes G Class or Toyota LandCruiser not a petrol eater ugly machine :)

And my creation for the lyrics:

I am guessing the lyrics of the song. I bought this Hummer, I don’t know how to fill it up, I decided to make a song for it, may be someone will listen it, then I can fill up my Hummer. I bought this Hummer, I can’t find place to park it, so I drove to mountain but I run out petrol. I bought this Hummer, I wrote this song for it.  

Technical note: Hummer H2 has an inefficient 6,2lt engine which produces only 393 horse powers. Germans are producing 510 horse powers from the same engine with better consumption.

Translation by Google Translate:

Σκεφτόμουν υπάρχουν τα βίντεο κλιπ που ελήφθησαν στην Ευρώπη και την τοποθέτηση ενός Hummer! Συνήθως Hummer είναι ως επί το πλείστον προτιμάται από την αμερικανική Ράπερ, αγαπούν το τραγούδι με 42inch τροχούς τους και φανταχτερός εσωτερικό με 2467873 LCD οθόνες με αγνώστων στοιχείων εξωτερικό χρώμα. Αυτό είναι πολύ συνηθισμένο και κανείς δεν θα είναι συγκλονισμένη με Hummer σε αυτά τα είδη των βίντεο κλιπ.

Ωστόσο Είδα ένα βίντεο κλιπ και σοκαρίστηκα βλέποντας ένα Hummer H2. Δεν Η1? Ο τρώγων βενζίνης, συνήθως, αναποτελεσματικές, άσκοπα μεγάλο, άσχημο, πλαστικό Η2. Αλλά γίνεται όλο και πιο περίεργο, το βίντεο κλιπ από την ελληνική τραγουδιστής Σάκης Ρουβάς. Δεν περίμενα να δω τον Σάκη μέσα σε ένα Hummer H2, ποια ήταν η παραγωγός σκέψης ενώ δίνει Hummer σε ένα video clip! Υπάρχει μια εξήγηση για αυτό, ήθελαν να πάρουν χρεοκοπήσει πολύ γρήγορα. Η εν λόγω μηχανή τρώγεται βενζίνη τίποτα άλλο δεν ήθελα στον πλανήτη! Ακόμα και αν έχετε χρησιμοποιήσει ένα αεροσκάφος Airbus A380 διπλό αεροπλάνο κατάστρωμα, θα είναι φθηνότερο από Hummer H2:)

Ας ελπίσουμε ότι αυτό είναι ένα παλιό βίντεο κλιπ και δεν υπάρχει πλέον μάρκας Hummer υπάρχει:) Σάκης επόμενη φορά που προσπαθείτε να οδηγήσετε κάτι καλύτερο σαν ένα Range Rover ή Mercedes G Class ή Toyota Landcruiser δεν τρώγων βενζίνη άσχημο μηχάνημα:)

Και της δημιουργίας μου για τους στίχους:
Είμαι μαντέψουν τους στίχους του τραγουδιού. Αγόρασα αυτό το Hummer, δεν ξέρω πώς να το γεμίσει, αποφάσισα να κάνω ένα τραγούδι γι 'αυτό, μπορεί να είναι κάποιος θα το ακούσει, τότε μπορώ να γεμίσουν Hummer μου. Αγόρασα αυτό το Hummer, δεν μπορώ να βρω μέρος για να το πάρκο, γι 'αυτό οδήγησε στο βουνό, αλλά εγώ τρέχω έξω βενζίνη. Αγόρασα αυτό το Hummer, έγραψα αυτό το τραγούδι για αυτό.

Τεχνική παρατήρηση: Hummer H2 είναι αναποτελεσματικός 6,2 lt κινητήρα, η οποία παράγει μόνο 393 ίπποι. Γερμανοί παράγουν 510 ίπποι από τον ίδιο κινητήρα με την καλύτερη κατανάλωση.

 

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GM, Toyota, Land Rover, Mercedes

Nissan wants Car Buyers to "Look Closer" in new Ad Campaign

Having planted a flag in the ground that proudly waves the Nissan badge with its ongoing “Look Closer Nissan Delivers” marketing campaign, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) is taking on the competition in a new multi-media effort that utilizes third party quotes to highlight Nissan vehicles’ “excitement edge.”


The new advertising, which encompasses broadcast, print, interactive and direct mail, begins airing today and will continue for the foreseeable future.

One television spot, for example, utilizes a pair of automotive enthusiast magazine quotes about a competitor to the Nissan Altima. “Perfectly boring automobile,” says AutoWeek. “Dull as dishwater,” claims Car and Driver. A Nissan Altima then slides across the screen wiping off the quote lettering while the voice-over announcer explains, “Good thing for you, quality doesn’t have to be boring.” Other executions focus on Altima’s horsepower and torque advantage versus the competition and highlight Altima’s top segment ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2009 Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) award. The ads also include Nissan’s value positioning and financing availability.
“We’re using the words of leading automotive authorities to make our case, both in terms of driving exhilaration and quality, then closing the deal with our strong value story,” said Christian Meunier, vice president, Nissan Marketing. “We want buyers to understand that you get more in a Nissan, including excitement – more than Toyota and Honda. Consumers’ dollars today must go farther so their choices must be smarter. And Nissan delivers.”

The campaign was created in conjunction with Zimmerman Advertising, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Acura brand is 5-Star Safety Winner from NHTSA, IIHS

For the first time in the history of automotive safety crash testing, an automobile nameplate has simultaneously earned top government and IIHS safety ratings for every vehicle in its line-up.

On March 25, 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA*), as part of its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing, awarded the all-new 2009 Acura TL performance luxury sedan a 5-Star rating - its top rating - for side impact crash safety for both front and rear passenger seating positions. In earlier NHTSA testing, the 2009 TL achieved top safety ratings (a 5-Star rating for frontal crash performance for both driver and front passenger along with a 5-Star rating for Rollover resistance) meaning the 2009 TL now ranks as a top performer in all governmental safety ratings.

In November 2008 the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2009 Acura TL performance luxury sedan its top safety rating of “GOOD” for Frontal Offset Crash Test, Side Impact Crashworthiness Evaluation (SICE) and Rear Crash Evaluation. Furthermore, all Acura vehicles employ Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), an electronic stability control system that, when combined with GOOD ratings in Frontal, Side and Rear crash protection allow every 2009 Acura model to earn the IIHS’ prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK rating.

“Acura’s achievement means that no matter which Acura model buyers choose, they’re getting a high level protection for the most common types of real-world crashes,” said IIHS president Adrian Lund.

The 2009 TL’s top safety ratings, combined with the rest of the Acura line-up’s top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, mark the first time in history that an automotive nameplate has achieved top honors for front, side and rear crash worthiness for all of the vehicles in its lineup.

“No other automotive brand has accomplished what Acura has, nor can make the safety claims that Acura can,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of automobile sales. “When consumers think safety, they really should think Acura.”

The NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings are a direct result of Acura’s “Safety Through Innovation” initiative that is based on the brand’s commitment to leadership in safety. The initiative’s goal is for all Acura models to provide a high level of occupant protection along with injury mitigation to pedestrians, as well as increased crash compatibility with other passenger vehicles - regardless of vehicle size or price.

For 2009, all Acura models include as standard equipment the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure along with a host of other standard safety equipment including Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual-stage/dual-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side airbags for all outboard seating positions, front seats with integrated active head restraints, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

Acura’s ACE™ body structure is designed to help absorb the energy of a frontal crash, while also helping to minimize the potential for an “under-ride” or “over-ride” phenomenon that can occur during frontal impact with a significantly larger, smaller, higher or lower vehicle. ACE™ channels frontal crash energy to both upper and lower structural elements, including the floor frame rails, side sills and A-pillars. These specially engineered load pathways help distribute frontal impact forces through a greater percentage of the vehicle’s total structure and away from the passenger compartment.

Acura engineers have the advantage of being able to utilize two ultra-sophisticated crash test facilities, including the world’s first indoor multi-directional car-to-car crash testing facility, located in Tochigi, Japan. This facility has played a crucial role in the development of enhanced designs for occupant and pedestrian safety as well as vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility.

Acura engineers also utilize the company’s Raymond, Ohio, Automotive Safety Research Facility to perform advanced testing on all U.S.-developed models. The facility features the world’s first pitching test sled, which aids efficiency by enabling economical, repeatable and quick crash test simulations with certain interior safety components (such as seats and seatbelts) prior to conducting a crash test with an actual vehicle. The lab also features one of the world’s highest resolution impact barriers, which enables precise measurement of the distribution of impact load forces on a vehicle allowing for even more advanced vehicle designs.

Acura has been the first to market on many safety technologies including: the first production vehicle in the U.S. to offer a 4-channel anti-lock braking system; the first car to have dual-stage driver- and passenger-side airbags; the first luxury SUV to receive a 5-Star crash safety rating from NHTSA; and the first production vehicle to offer Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) that varies the deployment of the passenger side airbag depending on the occupant’s body location.

As part of its commitment to improving safety for all road users, Acura has also led the U.S. industry in the application of features designed to reduce injuries to pedestrians in a collision (such as collapsible hood hinges and breakaway windshield wiper pivots) with a focus on reducing severe head injuries which account for 60 percent of pedestrian fatalities. In addition, the company sought to better understand the dynamics of pedestrian collisions, thus it developed the POLAR II safety test dummy which is widely recognized as the world’s most advanced pedestrian safety test dummy.

About NHTSA
NHTSA is a United States government agency within the Department of Transportation (DOT). In addition to conducting vehicle crash safety testing, NHTSA also develops standardized crash test dummies used by most testing agencies. NHTSA also develops a wide variety of automotive related regulatory parameters including, but not limited to: Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, Vehicle Information Number (VIN) standards, automotive defects and recalls, as well as maintaining the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) that provides statistical information regarding vehicle crashes.

NHTSA established the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) in 1979 based on Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that serve to improve occupant safety during an automotive crash. Based on a series of “star” ratings, NHTSA rates the safety of a vehicle through frontal impact and side impact crash testing, rollover resistance measurements, and dynamic stability testing. The highest NHTSA rating for any test/measure is 5-Star, with 1-Star being the lowest rating. NHTSA information and vehicle ratings can be obtained by visiting www.safercar.gov.

About IIHS
The IIHS is a not-for-profit organization that conducts independent testing to help reduce losses - deaths, injuries and/or property damage - from crashes on the nation’s highways, and provides its findings to automotive insurers. Based on crash test ratings, insurers have valuable information to help determine automotive insurance liability. IIHS has been conducting vehicle testing since 1969, and while it conducts impact crash tests similar to those conducted by NHTSA, IIHS tests make use of offset barriers rather than full-vehicle-width barriers. Based on post crash test analysis, IIHS rates crash safety using four ratings: Good, Acceptable, Marginal and Poor. IIHS also conducts other vehicle safety tests including low-speed bumper impact tests and seat headrest evaluations based on rear impact tests.

2010 Chevy Equinox: On sale in June starting at $23,185 MSRP

DETROIT - Chevrolet announced the 2010 Equinox crossover will carry a MSRP of $23,185, including a $745 destination charge, for the FWD LS model. It goes on sale this June.

“Offering the fuel economy of a sedan with the functionality of a crossover, the Equinox is a superior value for our customers,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet.

Chevy expects its Equinox to have best-in-class fuel economy at 30 MPG with its advanced 4-cylinder, direct injected engine. It is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim, with available all-wheel-drive. Two new engines are offered, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Vehicle highlights include:* New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (135 kW), which delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
* New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 264 horsepower (190 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
* Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent fill-ups
* Six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags
* Standard four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control
* Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio
* “Advanced” remote starting system that also activates the HVAC system and optional heated seats depending on the outside temperature

Inside, the Equinox features attention to detail, including standard tilt and telescoping steering wheel, standard driver seat power height adjustment and power lumbar, and a number of storage bins: an oversized glove box, a closed storage bin in the instrument panel above the center stack, and closed storage under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer.

“Getting best-in-class fuel economy and great storage for less than $24,000 is significant,” Peper added. “In fact, the starting price for this all-new model is $1,800 less than the previous generation Equinox.”

While the all-new Equinox carries a smaller price than its predecessor, the list of standard content is larger - including more airbags, power lumbar support, and 17″ wheels. Combine this added content with the improvements in fuel economy, driving performance and available features, and the value proposition improves even more with the 2010 Equinox.

IIHS awards 2010 Mazda3 “Good” for Frontal Crash Tests

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 has received a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for frontal crash performance in recently released Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests.

The IIHS frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.
“Safety is at the forefront of every Mazda we build and we are proud that the MAZDA3 demonstrates that safety can come in small packages,” said Robert Davis, senior vice president, Quality, Research and Development, MNAO. “Our customers care about the total package - safety, style, performance and fuel economy, all tied together with the soul of a sports car.”

The 2010 MAZDA3 excels in agility, maneuverability, and ease of control at the limits of braking and cornering adhesion. Powerful disc brakes, ABS and electro-hydraulic power steering are standard equipment. Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control are standard on most models.

To minimize the likelihood of injury when a collision cannot be avoided, the MAZDA3 uses a technology called Triple-H unibody design. Efficient H-shaped reinforcements in the floor, roof, and sides of the body structure resist intrusion and support crush zones at both ends of the vehicle. Six airbags and active head restraints are also standard MAZDA3 equipment. Side-curtain air bags, which help protect all outboard occupants, are a new fast-inflating design with 40-percent larger coverage area.

For more information on these test results, visit www.iihs.org

2010 Audi Q7: More Powerful, Cleaner than ever with TDI

When it was first rolled out three years ago, the Audi Q7 performance SUV immediately achieved a leadership position – as a sporty, comfortable as well as high-performance recreational and business vehicle on a grand scale. Now Audi is making it even better – more elegant and more efficient, with lower emissions: the Q7 3.0 TDI consumes only 9.1 liters per 100 kilometers (25.85 US mpg). And now it’s also available in a new version as a TDI clean diesel, with the world’s cleanest diesel technology and even lower fuel consumption of only 8.9 liters/100 km (26.43 US mpg).The Q7 is the large Audi for sporty individualists, for people who are seeking a vehicle that will take them anywhere they want to go for sports, recreation, and business. Its dynamic proportions and distinctive lines express this character, and subtle modifications endow its styling with even more elegance.

The design: The language of dynamics

At the front end, the large single-frame radiator grille has been redesigned. Vertical chrome bars contrast with its black high-gloss finish. The bumpers too have been restyled. Their lower section is now painted in a contrasting black or gray, depending on the body color. The newly integrated underbody protection in the center section of the bumper has a distinctive ribbed design.

As alternatives to the standard halogen headlights, Audi offers a xenon plus variant and a new adaptive-light system that integrates not only low-beam, high-beam and a special superhighway beam but also turning and cornering lights. In conjunction with the xenon headlights, light-emitting diodes assembled to form
U-shaped bands provide the daytime running lights. The front blinkers are also composed of LEDs as straight-line arrays, located at the upper edge of the air intakes.

The side view too, with its coupe-like roofline, low window area and tautly curved body surfaces, reinforces the dynamic look of the Q7. Door moldings have been modified to add interest. The lightweight alloy wheels are size 7.5 J x 18, the wheels size 235/60. In the V6 vehicles they have seven spokes, in the V8 versions they have six.

At the rear end, the bumper has also been given two-tone paintwork; the tailgate, which includes a portion of the rear pillars in an S-shaped contour, has been given a new and distinctively 3D shape in the vicinity of the license plate bracket. To reduce the weight of the Q7, the tailgate has been made of aluminum, as have the engine hood and the fenders. Standard LEDs in the tail lights create a distinctive lighting pattern.

Eleven paint finishes for the Audi Q7 include four new shades: Ibis White, Graphite Gray, metallic, Teak Brown, metallic, and Orca Black, metallic. An aluminum exterior package is optionally available from Audi: gleaming chrome bars in the bumpers and door moldings; the lower portion of the bumpers is painted in the body color; the center portion of the front apron and the diffuser are painted in a contrasting shade.

The interior: Room to spare

Thanks to its luxurious 300-centimeter (118.11-inch) wheelbase within an overall length of 5.09 meters (16.70 feet), the Audi Q7 has interior room to spare, and the interior flexibility is unrivalled. The seatbacks in the second row are divided into three fold-down sections to provide a level cargo floor.

This increases the luggage space from a volume of 775 liters (27.37 cubic feet) to 2,035 liters (71.87 cubic feet). With the leather upholstery option, the middle seat now has an even more comfortable contour.

Two very useful features are optionally available: either a longitudinally displaceable second seat row or individual comfort seats that are separately displaceable. Another available option is a third row for passengers no taller than 1.60 meters (5.25 feet), combined with an improved easy entry function.

A multitude of detailed improvements in the interior enhance the elegance and the sense of well-being. The instrument cluster has been redesigned: the large, round, easily readable instruments are encircled by metallic frames. Interior lights in the door linings and an inlay on the passenger side enhance the interior styling. Many details of the control elements have been restyled and also enhanced by chrome elements.

The selection of interior colors and materials is also new. Upholstery fabrics are available in black and light gray; leather upholstery additionally also in Para Brown, Savannah Beige and Cardamon Beige. Standard inlays are finished in matt black. In optional design packages, aluminum and wood finishes are used.

The power train: Performance and efficiency

The Audi Q7 is available with six powerful and highly efficient direct injection engines, two of them gasoline-powered and four diesel engines, including the world’s most powerful diesel SUV, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI. Their power is transmitted via a convenient and fast-shifting six-speed tiptronic to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which distributes it between the axles with slightly more than half to the rear.

The 3.0 TDI puts out 176 kW (240 bhp) and delivers as much as 550 Nm between 2,000 and 2,250 rpm, yet on the EU cycle it consumes only 9.1 liters / 100 km (25.85 US mpg). The optionally available 3.0 TDI clean diesel even consumes 0.2 liters (0.05 US gallons) less.

Despite highly complex exhaust gas recirculation and the resulting world’s cleanest diesel technology, it consumes just 8.9 liters/100 km (26.43 US mpg). It meets the strict ULEV II Bin 5 US standard and already complies with the Euro 6 limits announced for 2014.

The technology of the TDI clean diesel is highly complex. An advanced version of the common rail injection system with 2,000 bars of pressure, new combustion chamber sensors and a high-performance exhaust recirculating system ensure a highly efficient combustion process. An innovative DeNOx catalytic converter reduces the remaining nitrogen oxides. Just upstream of it, a pump injects an additive named AdBlue into the hot exhaust flow, where this solution decomposes into ammonia, which splits the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water. Audi partners replenish the additive during regular maintenance servicing.

In the Q7 4.2 TDI too, fuel consumption has been drastically reduced – from 11.1 (21.19 US mpg) to 9.9 liters per 100 km (23.76 US mpg). Yet the V8 diesel is more powerful: with an output of 250 kW (340 bhp) and a torque of 760 Nm, it develops enormous propulsive power. This maximum torque is available in the range from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm.

At Audi, efficiency and dynamics go hand in hand. That’s also the case in gasoline engines. The 3.6 FSI, a V6 with a small cylinder angle, has a power output of 206 kW (280 bhp) and delivers 360 Nm between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm. Its average fuel consumption is 12.1 liters per 100 km (19.44 US mpg). The 4.2 FSI, a V8, delivers 257 kW (350 bhp) and 440 Nm at 3,500 rpm. Its fuel consumption is 12.7 liters/100 km (18.52 US mpg).

A novel technology from the Modular Efficiency Platform further improves fuel efficiency in all the engines: the recovery system, which during braking and coasting phases converts mechanical energy into electric energy and buffer-stores it in the battery. It reduces CO2 emissions by up to 5 g/km (8.05 g/mile).

The chassis: Safe and sporty

In its suspension technology too the Audi Q7 is exceptional. As a customer option, Audi equips the Q7 with adaptive air suspension – a pneumatic suspension system that operates in conjunction with an electronic shock absorber control, varies the ground clearance at five different levels, and lets the driver select three driving modes: comfort, automatic and dynamic. In its road handling the Q7 excels in its sporty, highly responsive precision. Off-road, it provides a superior ride on widely varying terrains.

The choice of wheels ranges from 18 inches to the 10 J x 21 top version with 295/35 tires. Ten different designs are available, including two very elegant, high-luster, bicolor versions. Large brake discs provide superb deceleration – with
18-inch diameters front and rear.

Optionally available in the eight-cylinder models are carbon-fiber ceramic disk brakes which further enhance the dynamic character of this performance SUV: they are lighter than their steel equivalents, extremely abrasion-resistant and virtually fading-free. They achieve high driving performance and ensure short braking distances. The diameters of the ceramic discs are 420 millimeters
(16.54 inches) in front and 370 millimeters (14.57 inches) at the rear. The calipers are black and adorned with the wording “Audi ceramic”. A total of 24 pistons are used on the front and rear axles.

The equipment: Luxury and high-tech

The Q7 comes with a splendid range of standard equipment. The speed-dependent servotronic steering system is standard, as is a double floor in the cargo area complete with a storage compartment and a dirt tray; there is also a roof rack, an automatic air conditioning system, and an MMI radio operating system complete with a CD audio player and eight loudspeakers.

The option program includes luxury features such as the remote key and four-zone automatic air conditioning. Another high-end option is the climate-controlled comfort seat, which can keep the body warm or cool it by means of small fans.

Particularly dynamic Q7 drivers may wish to consider one of two other quality option packages. The S line exterior package enhances the styling with details such as distinctive bumpers and a solid paint finish. The S line sports package includes a black interior, sport seats with Alcantara leather or Verano leather upholstery, aluminum trim (optionally in piano lacquer finish or birch grain wood), special exterior colors, 20-inch wheels, and a firmer setup for the steel spring suspension or the adaptive air suspension.

The Q7 also offers many intelligent solutions for the practical needs of everyday use – such as an electric luggage space cover, a reversible floor mat, a set of luggage rails, a removable ski bag, and a moveable storage box. The options program includes separation grids, an interior bicycle stand, various roof-mounted carriers, a distinctive off-road styling package, and a pivoting trailer hitch: this powerful SUV can tow up to 3.5 metric tons.

In the infotainment field, Audi provides a carefully differentiated selection of modules. The three optional systems are part of the new generation of Audi devices. The top-of-the-line version integrates a hard drive for navigation, music and telephone data, a high-resolution color monitor and 3D map graphics, a DVD player as well as voice control. It can be expanded into a luxury media center with features such as a Bluetooth telephone, a TV tuner, a digital radio tuner, plus rear seat entertainment. A very special highlight is the advanced sound system from Bang & Olufsen with its ten channels, 505 watts of power and 14 loudspeakers.

The range of optional equipment is rounded off by technologies from the luxury class. The radar-supported adaptive cruise control regulates the speed and the distance to the preceding vehicle in a range from 30 to 200 km/h (18.64 to 124.27 mph) by acceleration and deceleration. If a threat is detected, the integrated Audi braking guard warns the driver at two levels.

From a speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph), Audi lane assist helps the driver stay in lane by means of a camera that recognizes the lane lines. Audi side assist ensures safe lane changes above 30 km/h (18.64 mph) with the aid of a radar system that monitors the traffic pattern within 70 meters (229.66 feet) behind the vehicle. Finally, the Audi parking system advanced assists parking by means of a rearview camera and reference lines on the onboard monitor.

The world’s strongest diesel SUV: The Audi Q7 V12 TDI

Even when it was first rolled out, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI, the world’s strongest diesel SUV, had a uniquely distinctive look resulting from its large air intakes. The new version features modifications to the interior and the rear end.

The V12 diesel, with a 6-liter (6,000 cc) engine closely related to that of the R10 TDI racing car – a triple Le Mans winner – delivers 368 kW (500 bhp) and develops a torque of 1,000 Nm between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm.
Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds and a capped top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) equal the driving performance of a powerful sports car. Despite these impressive performance data, the V12 diesel gets by on an average of 11.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (20.82 US mpg). Its luxurious standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels, a Bose sound system, and many additional features.