Honda originally launched their Acura sport and luxury division during 1986, and the company has continually improved their product line ever since. The days of Acura’s driving and performing like their similar Honda counterparts are long gone. Numerous upgrades and enhancements have been made to the Acura vehicles to make them more luxurious and refined than ever before.

When the Acura product line first rolled off the assembly line they had a few top selling vehicles including the Integra, Legend, and Vigor that quickly became popular. Motor Trend even named the Legend coupe as the “Import Car of the Year” back in 1987. In addition they also named the Integra as one of the top 10 best cars to drive on the road. Considering this was a fairly new brand for Honda, the Acura series did exceptionally well in their first few years. This definitely raised the standards for Honda on all of its new models.sponsored by electric car conversion kit

Up to this day, Honda’s subsidiary brand still remains a leader in providing high quality, luxury sport coupes and vehicles. Many of the older models, however, have been retired and others replaced with newer models that are being marketed under a few new names such as:

- Acura RL: A midsize, luxury sedan that seats up to 5 passengers
- Acural TL: A midsize, 5 passenger sport luxury sedan
- Acura TSX: A midsize, 5 passenger lower priced alternative to the TL
- Acura RSX: A 4 passenger, sporty coupe priced at around $24,000
- Acura NSX: A fairly expensive 2 passenger exotice sports car
- Acura MSX: A larger 7 passenger luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV)

The new models have definitely changed drastically since the car manufacturer’s line was first introduced in ’86. Interior improvements, technological improvements, and additional standard and luxury features, have been added over the years and especially in the recently released models. Acura is definitely providing some stiff competition for two similar competing Japanese luxury brands (Infiniti and Lexus). sponsored by electric car conversion kit

Acura has also created a very stong following for car enthusiasts and aftermarket “tuners” looking to spice up or “trick out” their sport compact. The Acura Integra (now the RSX), is still an ever popular choice among these enthusiasts. Although, this car is probably not quite as popular as Honda’s Civic, it offers many of the same features at a slightly higher price point.

In summary, Honda has clearly brought out an excellent and constantly improving line up of vehicles for consumers both young and old. With everything from small sport compacts to large luxury SUVs, with high quality features and added extras, they are sure to appeal to just about everyone. Loyal Acura enthusiasts and car lovers alike will surely continue to follow the company’s strong brand and well known quality line of vehicles for years to come!
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Sometimes an automaker will introduce a vehicle based upon the platform of a “lesser” model. Typically, this plan is employed when costs need to be cut to realize real savings. The theory is that the shared platform can be tweaked enough to distinguish the upscale model from the ordinary one. Add in leather, a taut suspension, and upgraded powerplant options and you can probably pull it off. For Audi, the introduction of the all-new Audi A4 during the mid1990s allowed the German automaker to capitalize on the success of the Volkswagen Passat, a midsize car from its European cousin. The plan worked, but it was only a temporary move. Let’s take a look at the Audi A4 and its surge to the top of German automotive excellence.
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For years, the Audi 80 defined the smaller cars in Audi’s line up. By the early 1990s, the aging model was in need of updating and the name itself would need to be changed with the two digit alphanumeric model designation recently adopted by Audi. Cost pressures, however, made the development of an all-new from-the-ground-up model impossible. Instead, Audi tapped Volkswagen and based the original Audi A4 upon the successful VW Passat.

Platform sharing has been common amongst automakers for generations. General Motors regularly spreads it platforms across brand lines while Toyota and Honda have learned that their respective Lexus and Acura luxury makes could share much with their high quality and successful standard brands.

Still, the wheels of autodom are always turning and the original Audi A4 is now in its fourth generation and is built on its own platform. Indeed, the newest Audi A4 shares nothing with its VW cousin and is poised squarely to do battle with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class, the Volvo S60, and Cadillac’s Swedish built BLS.

So, what does today’s Audi A4 owners get for the money? Quite a lot! Read on:

A choice of three models including a sedan, a wagon, and a cabriolet

Two engine choices: a 2.0L I4 and a robust 3.2L V6

Front wheel drive or Quattro all wheel drive
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A plethora of transmission choices including manual, automatic, and manumatic shifters

Major safety initiatives including power assisted safety restraints, head and side air bags, antilock brakes

12 way power seat for the driver

Leather, aluminum, and clothe appointments

Premium 10 speaker sound system

16 inch, 5 spoke alloy wheels

Base prices start around $28,000 for the sedan and climb to just over $37,000 for the cabriolet; all prices are slightly lower than competing models from Mercedes and BMW.

Fortunately for Audi A4 lovers, the German automaker isn’t holding still and plans for a fifth generation Audi A4 are underway. The newest model may switch to rear wheel drive and a coupe is receiving serious scrutiny. Regardless of the final decisions, Audi A4 owners know that their favored model will keep up with the competition. This is great news for those wanting a car incorporating German engineering without the Mercedes or BMW price tag.
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Your Ford Mustang is a true pony car. A coupe with class and no other car on the road is like it. Heck, GM abandoned the Camaro and Firebird while Mustang sales continue to surge. Could it be that Mustang owners know a good thing when they drive it? You bet! Still, maybe you have considered ways to ratchet up the performance. Even with a V8 installed, perhaps you could squeeze out more power from an already potent engine? If that is the case for you a superchip may be right. However, are they worth it? Let’s take a look at these little technological wonders and see if a super chip is what you really want.sponsored by electric car conversion kit

So, exactly how does a superchip work? That’s easy! Every car comes with a computer chip – much like the one the central processing chip that powers your computer. Your stock chip helps to regulate a bunch of things including fuel flow to your engine, horsepower, torque, etc. Unfortunately, stock chips aren’t maximized for performance so the chip you get isn’t necessarily conducive to enhancing power.

Enter the Super Chip!

A Superchip or “Super Chip” puts the muscle into your chip. Either through completely replacing your current chip with a performance chip or sending out your chip to be modified, the end result is a tiny little device packed with more power. In actuality, the power isn’t in your Ford Super Chip, instead it is in the instructions that the chip contains.

The Super Chip is modified to help boost horsepower, increase torque, and raise fuel mileage. So how can fuel mileage improve…shouldn’t it actually drop with more power? Well, the short answer is no. Because a superchip works to fine tune your engine, a better tuned engine requires less fuel. Because a super chip manages to work so precisely it can deliver on all three areas – better horsepower, more torque, and improved fuel economy – without compromise. This means you get a more potent car that is also more fuel efficient.
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So, back to the original question: are they worth it? Well, that is for you to decide. However, if keeping your current car is your goal then for a few hundred bucks a super chip is a smart idea. No need to trade your car in for a new, pricey model. Simply take your existing car and supercharge it.

When shopping for a super chip you must be aware that the chips are developed with your specific make/model of car in mind…all the way down to the type of engine underneath the hood. Some manufacturers of Ford super chips or other famous maker chips require you to take out your current chip and overnight it to the chip manufacturer, get it modified, and have it overnighted back to you. In this case your car would be out of commission for 2 or 3 days.

On the other hand, some manufacturers simply swap out your stock chip with a new one. That all depends on which chip model you select and the price you are willing to pay for your superchip.sponsored by electric car conversion kit

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Jaguar Cars is actually a British based subsidiary of the American Ford Motor Company that is quite famous for its production and manufacturing of luxury saloon and sports cars. It has both performance and luxury and occupies the markets for both. Its competition is quite diverse and includes the BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Cadillac, Lexus, Infiniti, and the Lincoln which is another subsidiary of the Ford. sponsored by electric car conversion kit

The Jaguar has certainly come through a lot and has acquired quite a name for itself with many important and popular people using it themselves. The British Prime Minister Tony Blaire is driven around in a bottle-green Jaguar XJ8. In the British television series Minder, the character Arthur Daley is seen to be driving a Jaguar XJ6. Inspector Morse in the British television series of the same name used a Jaguar Mark 2 to drive about his travails. Harold, of Harold and Maude, had a Jaguar E-Type hearse. The film 52 Pick-Up had featured a silver Jaguar E-type, and Austin Powers also drove the same type of vehicle, and calling it a “Shaguar”. The 1968 movie Danger: Diabolik, Diabolik drove a black Jaguar E-type and his love interest, Eva, had used a white one. The Heist which is a made-for cable 1989 film had featured two dark green Jauar XJS couples. In the music scene, Sting drove a Jaguar for his music video for the song “Desert Rose”, and due to this, the song had been used in past Jaguar commercials.

At present, the Jaguar line up includes the X-type which is a mid-size saloon; the S-type which is a luxury saloon; the XJ6, XJ8, and the XJR, which are full-size saloons; and the XK8 and XKR, which are sports cars and convertibles.
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One of the newest Jaguars introduced to the market is the 2006 Jaguar S-type. It is a four-door luxury sports sedan that is capable of having five passengers. This car was styled by the late Geoff Lawson. In 2004, this had undergone a minor facelift that refined the car’s overall appearance, and also received an aluminum hood. Advantages of this vehicle, as compared to other vehicles in its class, includes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), air conditioning, alarm, automatic transmission, CD player, child safety locks, child seat tethers, an above average highway mileage, leather seats, power windows and locks, side airbags, side impact door beams, a sunroof, and traction control.

For the most trusted and reliable source of superb quality engine parts, electrical engine parts and other Jaguar parts, like Jaguar Stype parts, there is no other car parts online supplier than Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts.

This model has been first introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model. It bore the name of the first S-Type that was introduced in 1964. In 2008, it is expected to be updated yet again.sponsored by electric car conversion kit

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Famous for its luxury saloon vehicles and sports cars as well, the Jaguar brand is yet another vehicle manufacturer that keeps its aficionados and followers looking forward to the next creation that it would release on the roads and streets. Jaguar Cars is a vehicle manufacturer from Britain and with its vehicles that it has manufactured, it has kept a wide range of competitors that include brands like the BMW, the Mercedes Benz, the Porsche, the Cadillac, the Lexus, the Infiniti, and also the Lincoln. sponsored by electric car conversion kit

One of the vehicles that is running under this brand is the Jaguar XJS. This is a luxury coupe and it has replaced the famous and world renowned Jaguar E Type. This was done on September of 1975. The Jaguar XJS was actually based on the Jaguar XJ saloon. It is not as sporty as most of the vehicles under the Jaguar brand. However, it still is a grand tourer and is also aerodynamic. During the development of this luxury, it was actually dubbed as the XK-F. The last of its kind was produced on April 4, 1996. In its place came the Jaguar XK8.

Upon its introduction the Jaguar XJS was equipped with a V12 engine. Along with that, the owner of the Jaguar XJS had a choice between a manual transmission or an automatic transmission although soon enough the manual option was deleted off the list of options. With this kind of machine, the Jaguar XJS is capable of reaching 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and can accelerate to 150 mph. It has been said that the Jaguar XJS has a revolutionary aluminum construction with space age technology. However, despite that fact, it still has been able to retain the elegant lines that has made Jaguar vehicles that popular.
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This vehicle went into a very quick ascent to popularity when there was a television series that came up needing a vehicle. The television series was the popular “Return of the Saint”. In this series, the hero, Simon Templar who was being played by Ian Ogilvy, drives an early Jaguar XJS with the number plate ‘ST 1’. And it was during this time that miniature versions of the Jaguar XJS were crafted. These sold like hotcakes.

Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts is the right place for new or quality used Jaguar XJS parts. Its inventory includes a large stock of accessories, air intake parts, brakes, climate control parts, clutch parts, cooling system parts, drive belts, driveshaft and axle parts, electrical parts, exhaust system parts, fuel injection parts, mechanical parts, suspension parts, and transmission parts to name a few. Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts’ customer support staff is expert in the field of Jaguar parts and can assist you by providing product installation tips and procedures, as well as suggesting additional parts that you may need for your Jaguar.sponsored by electric car conversion kit

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Lotus Elise is a good looking and high performance sports car developed by the Lotus Company. When the first Lotus Elise was released, it received a lot of attention for its remarkably low weight and striking design. The first Lotus Elise hit the marked in September 1995. Today, there are two main types Lotus Elise available for the car enthusiast: Lotus Elise Series 1 cars and Lotus Elise series 2 cars. sponsored by electric car conversion kit

The creator of the first Lotus Elise was named Max David and worked from London. The founder of the Lotus Company, Colin Chapman, had always dreamed about a car that combined extremely light weight with superb performance, and Max David took these dreams to heart. The remarkably low weight of the Lotus Elise is what makes fantastic performance possible even with a modest engine. The shape of the Lotus Elise has been created with dynamics and driving purity in focus.

The first Lotus Elise weighed no more than 1500 lb (680 kg). Driving this car is amazing, due to its remarkable ability to accelerate, brake and corner. The weight of the first Lotus Elise can be compared to the Porsche Boxter, which is considered a low-weight sports car and still weigh almost as much as two Lotus Elise cars – 2756 lb (1250 kg). This means that while the 1997 Porsche Boxter requires and engine output of 201 bhp (149 kW), the Lotus Elise works brilliant with only 120 bhp (89 kW).

As mentioned above, the first Lotus Elise was released in September 1995. The year after the Lotus Company released an even lighter Lotus Elise that weighed an astonishingly low 1488 lb (675 kg). This car was followed by the Lotus Elise 111S three years later. The Lotus Elise 111S is faster than the preceding Lotus Elise cars and is fitted with a Variable Valve Control (VVC) engine. This engine has been developed from the Rover K series and equipped with Variable valve timing (VVT). You will also find more comfortable seats in the Lotus Elise 111S, since some customers found the first two Elise versions uncomfortable. The new seats are filled with more padding.
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The next step for the Lotus Elise developers was the roofless Lotus Elise 340R. This cabriolet version of the Elise car was released in a limited edition in 2000 and was equipped with a 177 bhp (131 kW) engine. The name 340R was derived from the first prototype; it had a 340 bhp/ton power to weight ratio. The prototype had a 170 bhp engine, and weighed no more than 500 kg. In accordance with this, the limited edition consisted of exactly 340 cars. Later in the year 2000, the Lotus Company released the Exige. The Exige was similar to the Lotus Elise 340R, but had a hardtop. The engine was exactly the same; 177 bhp (131 kW).

The next step for the Lotus Company was to embark on the construction of the Series 2 Lotus Elise car. The first of the Series 2 Lotus Elise cars was actually announced the same year as the Lotus Elise 340R and the Exige was released. The car from the Series 2 was designed directly on the computer, which was a totally new way of working for the Lotus Company.
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The radical R35 Nissan skyline is completely different to previous models you get the felling that it was Nissans intention to tackle the likes of BMW and Mercedes. Let start with the new shape a very modern design with smooth curves and lines which make it look very European /American.
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The front of the car features a huge grill (which is a bit big for my liking) and sexy vertical style headlights. Moving to the side view the car looks very bulky with huge doors and smooth enlarged guards which look a lot less deliberate than that of a GTR. From the rear to the car looks great with twin exhaust tips and LED brake lights, but much to my disappointment the stove top tail-lights are gone.

The interior of the car looks great and again has a European feel about it. This Skyline has much more leg room than previous models but due to the sloping room there is little heat room in the back for tall passengers. Airbags are standard of course, along with a 6 stack cd player, and climate control. All controls are at arms reach and are very easy to use.

This Nissan skyline shares the same layout and engine as the 350Z but has a more luxurious style about it. The wheel base is slightly longer and the ride is more comfortable because of this the 350z is probably a slightly better performer. A 3.5L V6 replaces the aging RB engine and let me tell you it’s a beauty, with 206kw @ 6000rpm and Nm at 4’800rpm. This engine performs and sounds fantastic the RB engine was good but you just can’t beat the throttle response of an NA.

The new platform ignores the notion that 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution is the key to balanced handling. Nissan has employed a distribution of 53:47 this takes into account the pre-load which occurs when steering into a corner and counterbalances as weight shifts to the rear under acceleration, the result is a more stable feeling car. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) replaces the old HICAS system, using a number of sensors it reduces both under and over-steer by applying brake pressure or cutting power from individual wheels. This technology makes the car very easy drive at the limit.sponsored by electric car conversion kit

Over all the R35 Skyline is a fantastic much improved car it has lost some of its hardcore sport-ness but this has been replaced with a more luxurious livable car. I put this car in a different class to that of previous models and place it up their with more luxury sports cars like BMW and Audi. I believe the R35 Nissan Skyline appeals to a larger audience which is good news for Nissan. For pictures, videos and more information about this skyline and more I recommend you visit sponsored by electric car conversion kit

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The Mercedes B-Class, a line of compact cars about the size of a Volkswagen Golf, is expected to be imported to the U.S. market within one or two years time. This model is unusual in that it will be the first vehicle marketed by Mercedes in the U.S. that is not a true luxury car. Instead, the German automaker is hoping to capitalize on its venerable name by serving a greater share of the American populace by marketing a more ordinary model. Soon after the B-Class’ debut, yet another small vehicle derived from Mercedes will also make its appearance in the U.S.: the Dodge Hornet. Both the B-Class and Hornet are being developed to revolutionize their respective brands, pitting DaimlerChrysler against some of the leading youth brands in the world.
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Not everyone thinks that it is a good idea for Mercedes to sell a budget model in the U.S., particularly one sporting the Mercedes marque. Yet, Mercedes has been building smaller models for years and in Europe the brand is known for producing luxury cars as well as vehicles for the masses. Indeed, Mercedes’ biggest adversary, BMW, also produces a line of small cars and is planning on bringing these vehicles to the U.S. shortly. Thus, like it or not, Mercedes must respond and the B-Class will be the answer.

For Mercedes, the B-Class likely to make it to the U.S. will be a four door sedan outfitted with a six cylinder gas engine. A hatchback, popular in Europe, will probably not be included in the deal knowing American consumers’ disdain for that particular body style. Diesel powered B-Class’ are a possibility and will become even more likely should BMW introduce the same.

For Dodge, the Hornet represents an answer to Scion and their line of youth oriented brands. While the Mercedes B-Class will likely appeal to VW and Nissan owners, the Hornet will target Scion owners as well as those inclined to purchase a Honda Element or other small, boxy vehicle. DaimlerChrysler, the owner of both Mercedes and Dodge, knows that the Hornet is necessary as the brand’s current entry level vehicle, the Caliber, is too expensive to compete against the lowest priced cars from Japan and Korea. Considering that Chinese cars selling for $8500 or less will also be arriving soon, DaimlerChrysler must respond and respond quickly with the Hornet.

While plans haven’t yet been finalized, the Hornet will likely strongly resemble the concept vehicle now on display at car shows around the country. This means that the Hornet will sport a 1.6L I4 mated to a 5 or 6 speed manual transmission, with a horsepower output of 170. With 19 inch tires, stow and go seating, and Saturn ION-like doors, the Hornet will not be confused with any other vehicle on the road which is exactly what Dodge hopes will happen.
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To keep production costs down, DaimlerChrysler is looking for a manufacturing plant, probably in Mexico, to build the vehicle. Aiming to keep prices to around $10,000, DaimlerChrysler may tap Volkswagen to produce the vehicle at one of its own plants. This would enable VW to fill excess capacity and give DCX a readily available source to produce the Hornet.

Yes, the B-Class is poised to change the way American consumers think about the Mercedes brand while giving the make a chance to capture a broader chunk of the market. With the Hornet deriving its platform and other key components from the B-Class, Dodge will also benefit and be able to holds its own against Asian imports. Yes, both products present risky moves for parent DaimlerChrysler, one that the automaker must take in an ever changing and highly competitive world.sponsored by electric car conversion kit

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Mercedes is about to release its all new E-Class to the European market this spring, with its North American debut scheduled for some time in the fall. Fresh on the heels of its successful launch of the all new S-Class, Mercedes is pinning much on these two lines to help turn their fortunes around. Indeed, Mercedes has found itself in the uncomfortable position of being in BMW’s rear view mirror, something that DaimlerChrysler is working hard on reversing by way of releasing new models. In any event, there is much to anticipate regarding the E-Class with a staggering 29 different model variations planned. Will you be amongst those waiting in fervent anticipation for the new Benz to arrive? Let’s take a sneak peek at just what Mercedes is planning to offer with its updated model.
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Mercedes recently found itself in an odd position: trailing German rival BMW in their ongoing battle for sales supremacy. The news was hard for Stuttgart to swallow, but it has also served as a wake up call as parent DaimlerChrysler is now pouring some extra attention into its German luxury brand. Over the past several years the company’s American brands, commonly known as The Chrysler Group, have been the recipients of DCX largesse with Mercedes getting limited assistance, at least in the eyes of some critics. Now, with the S-Class on the market, with the E-Class soon to appear, and with other models being updated, Mercedes is poised to quickly regain the top spot that was wrested away by BMW.

The new E-Class features quite a number of changes including the following:

Pre-Safe is standard. This is Mercedes’ safety system that automatically adjusts seatbelt and seat settings in anticipation of a crash. In addition, the sunroof and windows automatically close up if a crash is pending.

Introduction of an Intelligent Light System. The E-Class’ headlights will automatically adjust according to the driving conditions. Big changes include enhancements to the fog light system for better vision, a widening of the vision field, and better use of cornering technology to have the headlamps cover areas previously outside of its range.

Ten engine choices. From four cylinder turbo diesels up to a 5.5L V8, the E-Class’s engine range will be incomparably better than any of its competitors. Indeed, a 514 horsepower E63 AMG version will also be released, making this model the most powerful E-Class every built.
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Other improvements with the new model include a better air conditioning system, a retuned chassis, and more responsive steering. In addition, the entire front end has been redone with the emphasis on a more aggressive look for the new model.

Prices for the E-Class will start at just over $44,000 and go well over $100,000 for the AMG model. Will the E-Class help Mercedes recoup its lead? The smart money says yes, but not without a fight from BMW who is also rolling out several new models this year.

In all, the cars coming down the pike from Mercedes are worth a closer look and certain to spark more interest in the brand, something DaimlerChrysler sincerely hopes to achieve. With 29 variations offered, will the “wow factor” persuade you to purchase a Mercedes E-Class?sponsored by electric car conversion kit

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