The Pentastar V-6 Engine-Equipped 2013 Ram 1500 Bowed at the 2012 New York Auto Show

By Marty Bay
Chrysler has finally revealed the 2013 Ram 1500 which is powered by a Pentastar V-6 engine and this has happened at the 2012 New York Auto Show. During this event, Chrysler has provided a number of important information about the 2013 Ram 1500 and most of the details included on the car maker's statements have truly delighted some of the car buyers and automotive experts that were present in the said event.

According to Chrysler, one of the existing models of the 2013 Ram 1500 that will be released in the automotive market in the near future will be equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine which is capable of producing a maximum power output of up to 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine's impressive performance was further enhanced by the company's use of the TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission.

The TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission was the product of Chrysler's partnership with ZF. Unlike the conventional transmission that uses a shift lever which is mounted on the console, the TorqueFlite is using and controlled by the rotary "e-shift" knob which is mounted on the vehicle's instrument panel. Due to this rotary "e-shift: knob, the 2013 Ram 1500's transmission helps in making the vehicle more fuel-efficient.

The Pentastar V-6 was the engine that Chrysler has used to replace the 3.7-liter V-6 engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission which is only capable of producing up to 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. Due to this, it is quite obvious that the current version of the Ram 1500 particularly the Pentastar V-6 -powered model is more powerful compared to its predecessor.

But despite of the increase in the maximum power output and amount of torque produced by the new Pentastar V-6 engine used on the 2013 Ram 1500, the vehicle's fuel consumption is better compared to the previous year's version. Based on the company's estimates the 2013 Ram 1500 which is equipped with the new Pentastar engine is almost 20 percent more fuel-efficient compared to the previous year's models.

Aside from the introduction of the new Pentastar V-6 engine and the TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission, Chrysler has also implemented a few revisions on the Ram 1500 to complete the vehicle's overhaul. This includes the installation of a larger grille, revised foglamps, LED tail lamps and turn signals, new front fascia, and quad projection headlamps.

The Ram 1500's interior was also upgraded. The vehicle's seats and door panels were revised, the materials used inside the cabin are more upscale, and the number of standard features has increased. Due to these improvements, Chrysler is optimistic that the 2013 Ram 1500 would emerge as one of the most sought about truck models for this year.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marty_Bay

2012 Chrysler 200 Review and Road Test

By David Louis Johnson
For years Chrysler has struggled in the mid-size sedan segment with their un-loved Sebring. Their replacement the 200 is aiming to change that. Re-named to fall into the line-up below the 300, the 200 has many modern features such as bluetooth, heated seats and LED light strips in the headlights. Some DNA is carried over from the Sebring, but Chrysler promises that this is a new car. On first sight this is hard for some to believe as it shares common styling with the Sebring. Over all Chrysler has made a decent effort to modernize the look of the car.

Inside the cabin is an improvement over the Sebring with better materials and some nice touches like an analogue clock in the middle of the dash. Put your hand on the dash and the material is soft to the touch, not the hard plastic you might expect. Strategically placed chrome trim also helps liven up the inside. No doubt this is light years ahead of the Sebring. Then is it a nice interior? Don't be so sure, while it is better than those that came before it there is still an intangible cheap feeling. Interior noise levels are higher than on many of its competitors such as the Chevrolet Malibu. The dome lights give off a very harsh bright white light that is enough to make you feel like you're in Guantanamo Bay.

On the road the 200 has a decently comfortable ride. The suspension is firm but not overly so and the handling is good. Steering feel is numb and unresponsive like many other midsize cars. Going over bumps the car feels solid enough. Under acceleration the 2.4L 173 horsepower 4 cylinder engine feels lacking. Overall the driving experience to under-whelming and forgettable. Driving it you can't escape the feeling that Chrysler is the last American car company holding onto their age old formula: build it cheap and market it well. The Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu have managed to cast off that reputation but it won't be so easy for the 200.

Most people will want to opt for the 6-speed transmission for best performance and fuel economy. Our test car was equipped with the 2.4L 4 cylinder, while the optional 283 horsepower 3.6L Pentastar V6 promises to deliver class leading performance.

Bottom line: Not a bad mid-size car, but a tough sell against better and well priced competitors like the Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima.

http://www.compareacar.net/blog - try a different way of researching a car, expert reviews and exclusive visual comparison tool.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Louis_Johnson

Toyota Innova's Upcoming Rivals: Maruti Ertiga, Nissan Evalia

By Aman Rawal

The launch of Toyota Innova in the country way back in 2005 has changed the way you look a Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) or Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV). Earlier, an MUV or MPV was only about space and space minus any modern day feature, comfort or gadgets. At that point of time, Innova was termed as 'risk' because it offered optimum 'sedan-like' comfort along with innovative equipments and premium looking outer shell with a futuristic face. But keeping all the taunts aside it came, it saw and it conquered the MUV segment comprehensively creating a golden benchmark for the others to follow.

Recently it got its first facelift, which has made it sportier and more upright than the previous one together with addition of several gadgets at the instrument cluster and console along with grand comfort making it a multi 'Premium' vehicle in the segment. While the hood has got two choices of motors namely diesel 2494cc and 1998cc petrol mill that offers a mileage of 12.0kmpl and 13.5kmpl respectively. After leading the segment for long, it got first pinch by Mahindra Xylo, which is second most bestselling after Toyota Innova in India. The rivalry will undeniably become denser after the launch of upcoming Maruti Ertiga MPV and Nissan Evalia; both were showcased at 2012 Delhi Auto Expo.

Maruti Ertiga

This compact MPV from Maruti has been the talk-of-the-globe ever since it was displayed as RIII Concept at many Auto Shows worldwide. Maruti Ertiga MPV will be made available in convenient options of petrol and diesel powered low displacement engines, which can have some edge over the two big diesel power-trains offered in Innova. The 7-seater will have decent space in the cabin along with many up-to-date elements as well. Although it will not fight in terms of power with Innova's 2.5L or smaller 2.0L engine, but will definitely eat a good amount of market share when it comes to fuel efficiency. It will offer very good drivability compared to Toyota MPV due to its compact design. The Ertiga will be launched by the end of this month i.e. March 2012.

Nissan Evalia

Nissan Evalia is also said to be 'Nissan NV200' and with its launch, the battle will worsen as the two Japanese auto majors will be on even grounds as both will be offering near about the same size vehicle. The Nissan MPV has won many awards as it provides optimum utility to its buyers. Globally the 8-9 seater is available in many avatars for instance, taxi and cargo carrier along with private and passenger vehicle. Nissan is said to launch it as premium MUV, which has outmost quality material used in the interiors together with technically advanced gadgets and its robust yet superior looking face. It is expected to boast a 2.0L heart under the bonnet with petrol and diesel run choices that offer amazing mileage figures of more than or around 15 kmpl. This Nissan flagship vehicle will be brought here in August 2012.

Keep yourself updated with the latest information about Toyota Innova Pictures and Toyota Innova Reviews.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aman_Rawal

5 Reasons to Take Driving Instructor Training

By Darren Hirst

Many don't know the benefits of taking driving instructor training and therefore rule out the career of a driving instructor. Here are a few reasons why driving instructor training needs to be considered by all looking for a new career.

1. It's very flexible and can be taken around times to suit you, evening or weekends it doesn't matter because it's your driving instructing course. You control when you take the training which wouldn't happen in many other training programs. The flexibility continues to when you're a fully qualified instructor as you organise your own diary to fit around your daily schedule.
2. Taking driving instructor training isn't expensive and the skill remains with you all your life. Once you're given the skill it sticks with you and ensures you will never be out of a job even if you decide to move on to a new career after driving instructing for a few years. It's a skill that can be compared to the one you actually teach, learning to drive. Once you know how to drive it sticks with you all your life, you will always be able to teach someone how to drive.
3. No qualifications are needed to become an instructor, all you need is to be over the age of 21, have 4 years of driving experience and pass a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check. Once you have done that you're ready to start your driving instructing course and pass your instructing test!
4. Taking instructor training can be a quick process depending on how much time you're willing to dedicate to it. If you train full-time you can become an instructor very quickly and get earning a lot quicker than you would in other careers. This is why it's favourable to a lot of other trades as it takes years to become a professional in other lines of work.
5. The final reason for taking the training is the earning power! However many hours you can work you can earn! With driving lessons now been charged at around £20 per hour the money you bring in all depends on how many hours you can work and many make a very healthy living from it.

There are many reasons for taking instructor training and the above are just a few of them. When thinking about your next career don't rule out anything until you have thought about all the reasons to take it up.


Just Instructor training offer driving instructor training to everyone who qualifies to learn how to become a driving instructor.
If you're wanting to start taking driving instructor training or gain more information about how to become a driving instructor visit their website.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Hirst

Improve Your Truck or SUV With a Suspension Lift

By Walter As Dyer

You put a lot of time and money into keeping your truck or SUV looking good and riding smoothly. Why not add enhance your pride in the work you've done with a suspension lift. Suspension lift kits add additional height to your truck or SUV to increase fender clearance and allow for larger tires. If you want to take your truck or SUV off-roading or you just want a new look for you vehicle, lifting your suspension can do the trick.

If you are a DIY kind of person, then you probably view working on your truck or SUV as a long-term project; and purchasing a suspension lift kit so that you can carry on with the improvements you've already makes sense. However, you don't want to go to any old place to make this purchase. You want products of the highest quality at the lowest price. And you want to be sure that the parts will last for a reasonable amount of time.

This may seem like a tall order, but it need not be. Indeed, now is a great time to be in DIY. There are many shops that cater specifically to the needs of such persons. You can find suspension lift kits and other repair parts and mechanisms at many online stores. This makes a huge difference in being able to get the right parts to do the job you have in mind. You no longer have to limit yourself to doing little touch up here and there, or minor operations such as changing tires or installing a new stereo. You can now do almost everything an auto shop can do. It's just a matter of getting the equipment you need.

The web has changed our abilities. With the proliferation of information on the worldwide web of all kinds of stuff, it should come as no surprise that more and more people are taking on DIY projects that involve the most complex kind of work. Jobs like suspension lifts used to be the exclusive purview of the expert mechanic. Now this kind of work can be done by self-taught amateurs who want to improve the look or the functionality of their truck or SUV. We can not only learn how to do the job of the mechanic, we can shop like one as well. If you are a DIY enthusiasts, you now enjoy all of the logistical support an expert automotive dealer or repairman may receive.

Fortunately, the online shops that offer such goods and services are not that difficult to find. If you are interested in purchasing a suspension lift kit for example, all you need do is go to Google and enter 'suspension lift kits' and a great number of online shops will appear on your screen. This will enable you to compare price and value. It will also enable you to determine the record of customer satisfaction of each shop. This is a great way to shop and save!

So, don't delay. Your next great DIY job may just be a mouse click away!

If you are a DIY person, then you may be interested in lift kits. Get high quality suspension lift kits at a premiere online auto parts shop. Please visit http://automotivepartswarehouse.com.au/suspension-lift-kits-c-1077.html to learn more.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Walter_As_Dyer

Volkswagen Becoming More Popular Amid Record Profits

By Itzik Juliet Saedin

This first quarter of 2012 Volkswagen has seen its profits jump massively with them nearly doubling to 3.2bn Euros ($4.2bn; £2.6bn) compared with a year ago. This can be put down to many external factors however with brands such as Audi, Skoda, Seat and Bentley under their belt it is hard not to see why Volkswagen cars appeal to the masses.

On the profit announcements Volkswagen also said that they were performing incredibly well in all markets, and outperforming the competition in all regions much to the dismay of brands such as BMW, Citroen and Peugeot.

Why the sudden rise in popularity?

Volkswagen's record profits for Q1 2012 are quite surprising amid the economic outlook however as a brand Volkswagen has always been extremely popular in Germany its native country, the UK and other countries within the EU alike.

When shopping for a car whether on the lookout for a sporty hot hatch, economic diesel for business or even a supercar, Volkswagen is now a leading brand within the car market and the reason for this is simple; Volkswagen has a history behind it and also a great product portfolio.

Volkswagen has always been seen as a premium brand and some of their cars are seen as iconic. On the premium front, Volkswagen's are priced at the higher end of the scale in all markets they attack which has led to a brand awareness which attracts those with a higher disposable income and businesses alike. In the case of their Audi brand, cars sporting the four ring branding are seen as luxury and are highly sought after by many purely because of the persona that they carry.

It isn't all premium brands and high price tags, though.

Volkswagen owns Seat and Skoda, two car brands which appeal to completely different markets compared to Volkswagen and Audi.

Seat is the sporty youthful brand and Skoda is the underdog brand which carries a super low price tag. When you combine four car badges (VW, Audi, Seat Skoda) which appeal to those with a high income, those who are younger and want something cool and those looking for a genuine bargain, it is easy to see why Volkswagen cars are so popular and it is also easy to see why Volkswagen's quote above of outperforming the competition in all regions is feasible.

Aside from history, heritage, brand awareness and a large vehicle portfolio though, there are other reasons that Volkswagen is so popular within the markets they operate.

Resell value

Volkswagen cars hold their value notoriously well and in cases it is not rare to see a 4 year olf Volkswagen Golf GT 140 TDI with 100,000 miles on the clock sell for upwards of 8K, practically half the cost of when new whilst other competitors in the same segment (Renault Megane, Toyota Auris) drop like a stone above a certain mileage.

Reliability

VAG group cars have always scored well in reliability tests and this can be put down to a) lots of practice and years worth of experience and b) German engineering.

Throughout car history the saying 'German engineering' has been used a lot for a lot of different car brands to portray a sense of skill and craftsmanship, however it is hard to argue with that saying when all German manufacturers create extremely reliable cars.

If you are in the UK and thinking where can I sell my Volkswagen for the best possible price I would recommend visiting the Cash for Cars comparison site called dealerbid.co.uk

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Itzik_Juliet_Saedin

Spark Plugs and Air Filters, Oh My!

By Aiden Jefferson

Last week we talked about horsepower, pistons and cylinders, but this is hardly the end of the matter. There are plenty of other car terms that people might try to impress you with, so let's work on disarming them a bit more. Another common term is "dual overhead cams."

"Dual overhead cams" is a technical term that applies mainly to high performance cars. Remember, when a piston pumps inside its cylinder it sucks in air that mixes with the gasoline. The gas is then ignited to create the energy to move your car. Each cylinder has valves on them that open to let air in and let the exhaust out. Cams are the lobes that press on the valves to control when they open and close. A high performance engine will usually have four valves and one cam per two valves. So a four valve cylinder would have two, or "dual" cams. Overhead refers to the position of the cams. They sit "overhead" of the cylinders. This matters to car lovers because dual overhead cams are much more efficient and add more power and energy then a single cam. For your average car this isn't really an issue.

So if air and gas mix to create combustion, then there must be something that sparks it right? Enter the spark plug. Sparks plugs are one of those little parts that need to be changed every now and then and you will know it when it needs it because your engine will kick or misfire with the loss or power.

Spark plugs sit at the top of the cylinder. When the piston is in the downward motion it sucks air and gas in, then with the upward pump it pushes it into the spark plug which ignites it. The force of the explosion pushes the piston down, which is also attached to a crankshaft. The crankshaft transfers the energy to a circular motion that will then turn the wheels.

Another common thing that needs replacing is the air filter. While having a dirty air filter isn't going to hurt your car, it can hinder fuel efficiency and gas mileage. When the pistons suck air into the cylinders the air passes through the air filter. This keeps out dust, dirt, insects or anything else that might clog your engine or mix with the fuel. For the record you should never pay to have somebody change your filter, it is incredibly easy and cheap to do and mechanics make a killing on it.

So next time your friend tries to impress you with some car term you will know what they mean. Better yet, now you can impress them by throwing out your own terms.

Aiden Jefferson lives, works, breathes and writes in sunny Southern California. He primarily writes about, used cars San Diego, used cars online, education and real estate.He has an unrepentant love of pop culture and humor that he works in whenever he can. He would love to write about dating and romance but knows nothing about them.
 
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aiden_Jefferson

Kumho Ecsta ASX Review

By Chuck Nelson

The Kumho Ecsta ASX is part of the Kumho family of high performance tires, and it combines high-end design with innovative technology. Not only are these tires designed for all seasons, but they also respond well to dry or wet road conditions. In fact, they even work well in light snow.

The high tech silica and carbon tread compound materials give the Ecsta ASX tire excellent traction. In addition, the circumferential channels aid in preventing hydroplaning. The contact center blocks help in reducing road noise and deliver stable contact. This improves the vehicle's straight-line steadiness. Furthermore, the ultra-hard filler enhances the vehicle's handling capabilities while at the same time provides safe dependability.

Kumho Ecsta ASX tires possess the Kumho's "Dynamic Causing Shape" technology, which regulates tension through the tire. As a result, Ecsta ASX tires make the ride more comfortable for drivers. These tires absorb the bumps in the road, which makes the ride much smoother. Also, the technology helps the vehicle remain steady when it is cornering.

The twin steel belts integrated into the Ecsta ASX tire provides better handling for any type of road. These belt packages are produced using strong steel belts and nylon cap plies, which reinforce the tread without compromising on speed or stability. This is ideal for delivering a smoother ride and improving wear. These tires also have extra rim protection and a longer wearing asymmetrical tread pattern, which protects the wheel from scratches and abrasions.

Kumho Ecsta ASX tires utilize various technologies that allow them to handle exceptionally well, provide great weather traction, low noise, and overall top performance. These tires were specifically designed to function properly under the most challenging road and weather conditions.

In addition, the Ecsta ASX tire is made with superior materials that provide drivers with an enjoyable, comfortable, and exceptional driving experience. These tires typically cost anywhere from 155 to 200 dollars; and are offered in a number of different sizes. These tires have a 30,000 mile tread wear warranty.

Kumho Tires continues to grow in popularity as more and more people are discovering the advantages of this brand. Many drivers around the world regard Kumho Tire as a reliable company that produces quality tires that are safe, efficient, and affordable.

The Ecsta ASX enhances the overall driving experience by increasing braking capabilities, improving comfort, improving steering, and more. The Kumho Tire Company has been making premium tires for trucks, cars, and SUVs for many years. So, if you are looking for high end, efficient, and inexpensive tires, then you should consider using the Kumho Ecsta ASX.

Chuck Nelson is an expert and review writer for all different types of automotive supplies, including tires. For more great information visit KumhoTiresReview.com. Here you can find reviews and buying guides for tires such as the Kumho Solus Kr21, Kumho kl78, Kumho Solus Kh16, and others.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chuck_Nelson

GPS Fleet Tracking for Cost Effective Deliveries

By Antoinette Ayana

In the trucking industry, the timely transportation of goods from one location to another is critical to a successful business. And in order to insure efficient transportation, the company has to keep track of three things. They must organize themselves to keep track of the driver, the truck and the merchandise being moved from one stopping point to the next. These methods are how companies are able to estimate or even guarantee a delivery date. They are able to do this with GPS fleet tracking devices. They cannot control the weather, the condition of the roads or the addition of new roadways that alter the map of their routes through the United States and Canada. Yet, they can monitor the driving routes that are ideal for the size trucks and shortest route for the most efficient delivery with preapproved routes. The company can protect their own financial investment and assets by avoiding roadway and deadline fines. They can also use GPS fleet tracking to not only plan but they can use them to pin point the location of a truck along their route and its location anywhere in the country if they happen to ever get lost or their truck breaks down.

GPS fleet tracking is cost effective business management. The GPS component helps to guide the drivers. Each device costs less than four hundred dollars depending upon its type, size of display screen and any bells and whistles that the company chooses to invest in for their truckers and their trucks. The equipment can offer automated voice response, 2D/3D screen display, touch screen activation and easy mobility from one truck to another. They utilize access to external satellite information about the changing roadways and their names in order to offer increasingly accurate routes of decreased traveling time. This information combined with local weather and up to the minute traffic updates eases the transportation process. It helps to reduce fuel costs as well because clearer routes lead to less time on the road figuring out where they are going. And every driver knows that the heavier your vehicle is the more fuel the vehicle will burn.

GPS fleet tracking is good for the truckers because they don't have stress about figuring out how to make it to their destination based on a paper map, direction printouts or stories from other drivers about good routes, like the other drivers on the road who don't have the benefit of GPS directing and tracking. GPS fleet tracking makes good business sense and good travel sense. The company should know where their clients' products are and where their equipment and employees are at all times even when they are all, all the way across the country.

With GPS fleet tracking technology you can improve your safety and efficiency. Give you company a leg up by going to http://www.tracknetonline.com.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antoinette_Ayana

New York: Hyundai Revealed Two Versions of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

By Marty Bay

Hyundai has revealed two versions of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe at the 2012 New York Auto Show. This includes the version which is capable of accommodating up to five passengers and the seven-passenger version.

The five-passenger version of this vehicle will go on sale in the month of September of this year. This will be introduced in the market as the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. This will be offered in two engine options. The base engine that would be used to power this model is the 2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine. This engine is capable of producing up to 190 horsepower and about 180 lb.-ft. of torque. This is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a standard front-wheel drive system. The all-wheel drive system is also available as an optional feature.

The second engine used in the 5-passenger 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is the company's own version of the turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine that generates a maximum power output of 264 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. Based on these figures, it is quite correct to assume that the turbocharged version is more powerful compared to the base engine-powered model.

In terms of projected fuel consumption, the base engine-powered model is considered as the most fuel-efficient. It obtained the estimated fuel economy ratings of 23 miles per gallon in the city, 31 miles per gallon on the highway, 25 miles per gallon when combined. The turbocharged version has obtained the ratings of 22 miles per gallon in the city, 31 miles per gallon on the highway, and 25 miles per gallon combined.

The seven-passenger version of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is considered as the regular-sized model on the line-up. This will serve as the replacement for the Hyundai Veracruz in January 2013. Hyundai has decided to stop the production of the Veracruz to give way for the larger version of the Santa Fe when the vehicle goes on sale early next year.

The seven-passenger Santa Fe will be powered by a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that was sourced from the Hyundai Azera. This engine is capable of producing up to 290 horsepower. Unfortunately, the torque generated by this model was not yet determined and so are the estimated fuel-economy ratings.  But despite of its failure to reveal the estimated fuel consumption of this vehicle, Hyundai has provided and assurance that this vehicle would surely be as efficient and likable just like the Hyundai Elantra and the Hyundai Sonata.

Marty Bay is an Automotive Journalist providing helpful tips and advice which powers the Car Finder at the Car Finder Service website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marty_Bay

New York: The Redesigned 2013 Nissan Altima Makes Its Official Debut

By Marty Bay

The 2012 New York Auto Show served as the most appropriate venue for the release of the 2013 Nissan Altima sedan. In addition to this, the model is also celebrating its entry as the fifth-generation version which is sold under the Nissan Altima nameplate. Due to this significant event in the history of this mid-size sedan, Nissan has bundled some of the most exciting features into this vehicle to attract more customers.

First off, Nissan has subjected the Altima sedan to a redesign. This simply means that the vehicle's exterior layout and design were somehow revised to provide the Altima with a fresher and a more competitive look. The 2013 Nissan Altima has also obtained a new set of projector-style headlamps that provide the vehicle with a more imposing aura, a new grille, and the new LED taillamps that are offered as standard features for the model's upper trim levels.

But despite of the redesigns that were implemented, the 2013 Nissan Altima has retained the wheelbase of its predecessor which is about 109.3 inches in length. The vehicle's tracks in front and rear has also grown by about 1.4-inches and this particular change was basically intended to improve the Altima's road performance.

Aside from retaining the previous model's wheelbase, Nissan has also decided to use the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine that was used by the previous year's model. This engine is capable of producing a maximum power output of up to 270 horsepower. But instead of using the same 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine on the 2013 Nissan Altima sedan, the company has revised this engine to further improve its performance. As a result, the maximum power output produced by the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine was bumped from 175 to 182 horsepower.

Both of these engines are currently mated to a redesigned version of the "Xtronic" continuously variable automatic transmission. The modifications made on the transmission were basically conducted to boost the Altima's fuel economy regardless of the engine used. Fortunately, the modifications obtained some positive effects. As a result the 4-cylinder models obtained the improved fuel economy ratings of 27 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway. The V-6 models on the other hand obtained the ratings of 22 miles per gallon in the city, and 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

Nissan has also extended the range of the 2013 Nissan Altima sedan. The model is now offered in seven trim levels. The 4-cylinder versions are available as the 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV, and the 2.5 SL model. The V-6 versions are divided into the 3.5 S, 3.5 SV, and the 3.5 SL models.

Marty Bay is an Automotive Journalist providing helpful tips and advice which powers the Car Finder at the Car Finder Service website.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marty_Bay

A Closer Look at the Range-Topping 2013 Ford Explorer Sport

By Marty Bay

Ford Motor Company has recently provided the buying public and the rest of the automotive community with the key details regarding the range-topping 2013 Ford Explorer Sport. Although Ford failed to provide the vehicle model's price, the company has provided a clear hint that the performance-based Explorer would probably cost around $40,000.

Given this tentative pricing estimate, it is quite clear that the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport would surely be considered as the most expensive trim of the Explorer line-up for this year. This is because the expected price of the Sport which is about $40,000 is higher than the current price of the 2013 Ford Explorer Limited which is about $36,680 which also includes the destination charge of $825.

In addition to this, the difference between the prices of the base model which is about $29,695 and the Sport version's rumoured price of $40,000 has also caught the attention of many car experts since the gap is quite high. But despite of all the uncertainties that were created when the company revealed the possible starting price of the Sport model of the Explorer, Ford is still optimistic that this SUV would become one of its most in demand vehicles in the market since the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport is equipped with a lot of premium features that are not readily found on its siblings.

Aside from the premium features that are found on the 2013 Explorer Sport, this vehicle also takes pride of its powerful engine. It is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine which is capable of producing a maximum power output of up to 350 horsepower. The engine is connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission which is equipped with paddle shifters. The Explorer Sport is also using the 4-wheel drive system that allows the vehicle to take on the challenges that it might encounter when taken off-road.

To further impress its potential customers, Ford has used the company's "Terrain Management System." This system helps the 2013 version of the Explorer Sport in handling different road conditions. The system has specialized settings that tune the vehicle's performance when this SUV is driven on snowy, a rutted mud or sandy roads. The system also features a hill descent function that empowers the Explorer Sport in climbing hilly terrains.

Despite its impressive performance and power generation, the vehicle is not considered as the least fuel-efficient model in the current line-up. This is because Ford has estimated that the Explorer Sport will obtain the fuel-economy ratings of 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway. In order to validate the fuel economy estimates of the vehicle, the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA will also be conducting their own test on this vehicle. The agency has also assured the buying public that they will be publishing their own ratings as soon as their tests are finished.

Marty Bay is an Automotive Journalist providing helpful tips and advice which powers the Car Finder at the Car Finder Service website.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marty_Bay