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Tuesday, 06 January 2009 01:00 |
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The hybrid fad is anything but a fad. Ever since Honda and Toyota introduced their respective gas-electric models several years ago, competing automakers have been playing catch up. Indeed, General Motors – ravaged by financial woes and negative press coverage – has been doing its best to jump into the fray nearly a full year after archrival Ford Motor Company introduced its first hybrid the Ford Escape. This summer the 2007 Saturn VUE Green Line goes on sale, an SUV that is priced just right. Please keep reading to learn what sets this new model apart from the rest. Buying a hybrid vehicle can look like the right decision at first glance. Higher fuel mileage, lowered gas consumption, and a vehicle that is much more environmentally friendly are some of a hybrid’s chief attributes. However, most hybrids have carried a hefty price premium compared to their gasoline powered brethren. Even with soon-to-expire government tax credits figured in, most hybrids cost thousands of dollars more than the average gas-powered vehicle. For 2007, the Saturn VUE Green Line edition will change all of that. Yes, if you are in the market for a hybrid SUV, you do have some choices. The Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape each offer hybrid models. For 2007, Saturn’s SUV the VUE will have a hybrid model in the mix too. Here are some of the features that will set the VUE apart from the competition: An Attractive Price – With an MSRP of $22,995, the VUE Green Line will be priced at about $4000 less than the competition. Although still several thousand dollars higher than the basic gasoline VUE, the retail price of Saturn’s hybrid VUE is something to be reckoned with. Best Highway Mileage – Unlike some hybrids that get better fuel mileage around town, the VUE Green Line will show a dramatic improvement in highway fuel economy: projected figures are 27 mpg city; 32 mpg highway. GM says that fuel mileage improvements will come through electric powered acceleration assist, early fuel cut off during deceleration, and engine cut-off while idling. The VUE Green Line will be powered by a 2.4L engine producing 170 horsepower. This compares to the base 2.2L gasoline engine available with other VUEs that produce 143 horsepower. In addition, standard equipment upgrades for the VUE Green Line will include 16 inch alloy wheels, antilock brakes with traction control, bright side molding with rear spoiler, and more. Finally, OnStar will be included and the usual power convenience packages will also be options. The Saturn VUE Green Line will be joined by the Saturn AURA Green Line in 2007. This Opel-derived sedan will debut in the fall as a gasoline model, months before the hybrid version is ready. Expect sales of both models to be strong as long as high gasoline prices remain in place as expected by some. You can power your vehicle in the right direction by only installing high quality, replacement and performance parts. Give your vehicle’s suspension system the boost that it needs by checking out the best brands, Rancho, Bilstein, and Fabtech today! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan | |
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Monday, 05 January 2009 04:00 |
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Owners of cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, have differing needs when it comes to their vehicle’s suspension systems. For off road vehicles, navigating uneven and rocky terrain means that a four wheel drive suspension must be up to the task, while a performance vehicle must have a set of shocks that can be put through all of the rigors of road and track driving. In all cases a vehicle’s suspension system is not to be fooled around with; keeping it in great shape will ensure that you achieve the best driving experience for the applicable road conditions and prevent possible safety problems too. Performance car drivers know one thing: stock suspension systems often leave something to be desired. Unless you drive a Corvette or Porsche, your factory installed suspension system could leave you desiring something better, particularly the ability to navigate turns and absorb bumps without feeling as if you are about to lose control of your vehicle. With that in mind, Koni has developed helpful products with your driving habits in consideration including shocks, coilovers, and struts that can truly keep you in control at all times. Koni shocks, for example, allow for you to tune your suspension with just a twist of a knob. That means if you are planning to navigate the twisting and turning roads of the Rockies, you can adjust your suspension accordingly for maximum control. Once you have reached your destination you can set your suspension back to its previous tolerances. Truck and SUV owners have learned an important thing or two over the years: a quality suspension system is a must and a Trailmaster suspension kit is worth the investment. Each Trailmaster suspension kit is manufactured to the highest quality standards to ensure a perfect fit each time. Lathed and matched by qualified automotive technicians, a Trailmaster suspension kit is available for all of the popular models including Dodge, Jeep, GMC/Chevy, Ford, Toyota, and Nissan as well as for Isuzu, Land Rover, Suzuki, Mazda, and others. You get the suspension kit that you need to take your vehicle off road with confidence and authority. Owners of select Japanese brands know that Tokico shocks provide the best energy absorbing help for the money. Unlike pricey European brands, Tokico shocks are value priced and are available for many makes and models including popular European and American brands. Tokica Illumina shocks are popular with performance enthusiasts as they are easily adjusted with just one turn of a screwdriver. Compare Tokico to other leading brands and you will see that Tokico’s combination of quality, value, and price is simply unmatched. Yes, keep your car, truck, van, or SUV suspension system operating at top performance with quality, value priced parts. Shop online with the Race Pages to find your Koni, Tokico, or Trailmaster parts at prices set well below the prevailing retail rate. Order online today for the best prices and get free shipping on most orders. Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is The Auto Writer, covering topics from insurance and auto parts to car reviews. Matt invites you to visit the Race Pages for a great selection of auto parts and accessories. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan | |
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Sunday, 04 January 2009 16:00 |
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Driving down the interstate you take the first exit leading to your favorite camping spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From that point on it is a thirty minute drive on winding, hilly roads before a final quick egress to a quarter mile long dirt path. With ease your SUV takes each hill and holds every curve with little strain on your engine or transmission. Before long you approach your final turn, slow down, and shift your SUV into four wheel drive. You delicately slip the front tires off of the pavement followed by the truck’s rear end and begin the nastiest, but most exhilarating journey of all: the washboard jaunt from roadway to camping spot. Over potholes and thick brush you finish the final leg of the trip and within minutes you pull into your private site overlooking the serene, broad valley below. Driving an SUV gives you a chance to explore far flung areas that no other vehicle can possibly take you to, except for a four wheel drive truck. Your vehicle has been made for off road adventuring and only with the most difficult surface will it be able to prove its worth. Perhaps the only drawback with driving off road is the profuse amount of dirt, debris, and brush you must encounter. Yes, you’ll climb over and through all of the muck, branches, and logs that are in your way, but your SUV will certainly look as if it has been through a war zone. This isn’t a problem if you can wash everything off, but if you are going to be gone awhile, then all of that dirt can take its toll on your vehicle’s finish. Fortunately, there are some worthy solutions out there to help you minimize harm to your vehicle’s finish. Short of wearing a car cover for the entire trip – certainly not recommended – you can install some nifty aftermarket parts to help you limit dirt and avoid most scratches. For example, mud doesn’t have to have its way with your vehicle and it can be easily limited with a set of Power Flow mud flaps in place. Power Flow mud flaps are made of a sturdy composite material to resist harmful UV rays and the chalking that commonly occurs after long term use. Power Flow mud flaps are available in a universal size or custom sized for your particular model. Either way, mud flaps will protect your vehicle’s body and keep you from climbing in and out of a mud streaked cab. Add in a set of Kleen Wheels brake dust shields to keep your tires and wheels looking good around town too! Brush guards can come in handy as well, especially if you must travel through thick underbrush on the way to your off road destination. Why risk scratches or damage to lights? Install a brush guard on the front of your SUV or truck to protect the entire front end. If you are accustomed to putting your SUV or truck through rigorous paces, then only a set of high quality brakes makes sense. Powerstop brakes are an industry leader in cross-drilled rotors which help to improve brake ventilation. The end result is dramatically lowered rotor temperatures to help prevent warping. Use them in conjunction with your favorite brake pads to achieve maximum braking capacity. Your SUV or truck is too valuable to take off road without making important preparation first. Install mud flaps, brake dust shields, a brush guard, and update your brakes to give your vehicle the maximum protection that it needs and deserves. Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is The Auto Writer, covering topics from insurance and auto parts to car reviews. Matt invites you to visit the Race Pages for a great selection of auto parts and accessories. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan | |
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