All posts in Auto Manufacturers

Beauty in the Details: What Makes the Tesla Model S so Appealing

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/13 in Tesla with Comments Off

The Tesla Model S is a unique car that offers more than unusual technology. It is the only electric car that can really move. For those who want to drive a zero emissions vehicle but hate the usual compromise on horsepower, the Tesla Model S can go 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds. The engine has a capability of 134 miles per hours, indicating that this car is well above the competitions 90 or 100 mpg limit. This car has 302 horsepower, outshining the Prius Plug-in, Chevy Volt and many regular engine cars and SUVs. This power makes the Tesla Model S very appealing to those who really like to drive.

Tesla Model S Exterior

The streamlined body is considered a beautiful choice even among luxury models. The electric connector is hidden from sight. The tailpipes are missing since they are unneeded. The roof is an all glass panoramic that provides a convertible-like ride with the swipe of touchscreen. Fresh air lovers truly get the best of both worlds in the Tesla Model S.

Unusual Features

When the driver approaches the Tesla, something unusual happens. The key signals the door handles to slide into place. With a simple touch, the driver or passengers can open the door. Otherwise, the door handles are tucked into the door, adding to the car’s aerodynamics. This feature also adds a measure of security against theft. When the driver opens the door, the touchscreen turns on, returning to the last image that was in use. When the driver secures the seat belt, the car turns on. These are some of the unique touches that give the Tesla Model S that futuristic feel. The makers have thought through the process if driving and made it an experience rather then a task.

Best-of-the-best Technology

With its 17-inch touchscreen, Tesla outshines every other car on the market. For easy access, a line of commonly used controls appear at the bottom of the screen. From this one access point, drivers can control their stereo, high definition rear view camera, phone, and navigation. The car’s naturally quiet due to its electric power train and that is enhanced by Tesla’s meticulous noise abatement engineering.

Safe Family Car

As a family sedan, the Tesla S seats five and offers eight airbags. It has a five star safety rating from the government’s safety testers. The rear cargo hold offers 34 cubic feet of space, more generous than any competitor. That same space hosts two jump seats, allowing parents the flexibility of extra seat belt-equipped seating for their children’s friends, teammates or carpool.

Attention to Detail

The new model has been earning some much deserved attention. With the fine attention to detail in every aspect, the experts from Vaughan Metal Polishing Ltd say that even the metal on the trim have been primed to keep its shine and continually add to the design and feel of the car. They have covered all the seemingly little details to constantly showcase the look and design of the car.

Although it’s expensive, the zero-emissions Tesla Model S offers better features and power than any hybrid or electric car to date. So whether this car has caught your eye for its lack of environmental footprint or just the stunning detail and feel, the car is a real beauty and because of the design and science behind it, it is a real contender as well.

The Most Exciting New Cars Coming This Year

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/06 in Auto Manufacturers with Comments Off

Automobile enthusiasts will have much to talk about in 2014 as a raft of new vehicles are set to arrive in showrooms. The latest cars will push the envelope with outrageous styling, pulse-quickening performance and technology that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.

Chevy

General Motors plans to follow up their success with the Chevrolet Volt by introducing a luxury hybrid that will bear a Cadillac badge. The ELR shares most of its mechanical underpinnings with its bowtie sibling, but the bodywork is pure Cadillac. The swooping lines of the ELR will fit right in with a range that already includes the CTS coupe and ATS sedan. While working on the high-tech electric propulsion system may be better left to experts, the four-cylinder Ecotec engine will not present too many problems for mechanically savvy owners who prefer to perform their own maintenance.

If you’re a maintenance guru, you’ll want to make sure you pay close attention to the brakes, belts, and other parts of your car you can get to easily. Keeping your new car up and running is a must, so don’t overlook the simple repairs.

Alfa Romeo

Another eagerly anticipated car that is expected to make its North American debut this year is the Alfa Romeo 4C. The stunningly beautiful sports car gives those with more pedestrian budgets the opportunity to drive a vehicle inspired by the $250,000 8C Competizione. However, buyers interested in dropping an expected $86,000 on the new Alfa Romeo may want to act quickly. The Italian manufacturer only plans on sending 500 of the coupes stateside in 2014.

Subaru

Subaru was the first manufacturer to produce a rally car for the street with the 2001 WRX, and the Japanese company is set to introduce a completely new version of the four-wheel-drive screamer. The new WRX is based on the more mundane Impreza, but an array of fins, scoops and spoilers let other road users know that this Scooby packs a serious punch. The WRX uses state-of-the-art technology such as advanced stability control and a continuously variable transmission to get the most out of its turbocharged boxer engine.

Rolls Royce

Car buyers with $300,000 to spare who want to make a dramatic entrance may soon be considering a trip to their nearest Rolls-Royce dealer. The venerable British company has reinvented itself under the guidance of BMW, and the stylish two-door Wraith is their latest offering. Buyers with pockets this deep are unlikely to be performing any of their own maintenance, and with a 6.0 liter V12 under the hood, that may not be a bad thing.

Chevy SS

General Motors has been delighting enthusiasts with a string of V8 powered rear-drive coupes over the last few years, and the upcoming Chevrolet SS allows those who need the practicality of a four-door to get in on the action. The muscle car will boast the same 6.2 liter engine as the Camaro, and it will come with a host of standard features when it goes on sale in the fall. With a price tag of around $40,000, the new Chevy’s 415 horsepower will undoubtedly embarrass many drivers of far more expensive machines in a race between the lights.

Information from Auto Stoppe was used in this article. You can contact them for auto repair in Austin if you need advice on car repairs.

Super Cars: Which One is Best?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/20 in Auto Manufacturers with Comments Off

There is nothing more exhilarating than getting behind the wheel of a vehicle and feeling the power beneath the hood. With many makes and models of vehicles across the world, some are simply a notch above the rest. These are the "super cars," and are reserved for the rich and famous. There are plenty of super cars around the world, each having its own special features.

Bugatti Veyron Supersport

Considered the greatest sports car in the world, the Bugatti is sought after by those with money to burn and the desire to burn rubber. The Super Sport version of the Veyron is the fastest street-legal production car in the world. Introduced in 2005, it goes 0-60 in two seconds, and reaches a top speed of just over 267 mph.

Aston Martin One 77

Known as the "Bond car," it’s only fitting this supercar was used by the world’s most renowned superspy. Priced at only 1.5 million dollars, it’s known as a car where today’s technology meets up with style and elegance to create a car any man would want to be seen with and has won several internationally renowned design awards including the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes, the GOOD DESIGN award by The Chicago Athenauem: Museum of Architecture and Design in North America and the "Best Design" award by the UK motoring magazine Auto Express. However, since only 77 of these were made last year, a potential owner may have to search far and wide to find this super car.

Lamborghini Aventador

When it comes to super cars, nothing says rich and famous quite like owning a Lamborghini. With a new V12 engine replacing the decade-old V10, there’s no question it’s got lots of power underneath the hood as it is also considered “the best Lamborghini ever” by Car and Driver. The most powerful Lamborghini ever to come off the production line, it’s a car that is known for pushing the boundaries and taking advantage of the latest technology.

SSC Ultimate Aero XT

Looking like a car that came from the future for a visit, this vehicle is a must-have among those who want a well-built car that can hold its own against all challengers. One of the fastest cars in the world, it can reach top speeds of 273 miles per hour, enough to satisfy any owner who has the need for speed. Of interesting note it took the Guiness World Record for fastest stock land vehicle from the Bugatti Veyron SS for only 1 week before Guiness decided to change its mind back and re-award the record to the Veyron.

Buying one of these cars is not only a sign one has arrived, but also that its owner is here to stay. With their owners including rock stars, pro athletes and actors it’s a sure thing that these vehicles are meant to be driven by those who want to see and be seen. With price tags in the millions, those of us who aren’t quite as famous can dare to dream.

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Photo image: http://hdwallpaper2013.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/New-Sports-Cars-Supercars-HD-Wallpaper.jpg

About the 2014 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/04 in Toyota with Comments Off

The small pickup truck market has steadily shrunk since the 1990s as shoppers choose larger trucks that offer more power, higher payloads, tremendous towing capabilities and fairly competitive fuel mileage. Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge have left the market with only Toyota and Nissan remaining.

The Toyota Tacoma controls two-thirds of the small pickup truck market, fielding regular and extended cab models including the Access Cab, a truck with two standard doors and dual, large rear hinge access doors. Its the middle model in the Tacoma line up, priced from $20,515 and sold in 4×2, 4×4 and PreRunner configurations.

Engines and Transmissions

The standard engine with the 2014 Toyota Tacoma is a 2.7-liter inline four cylinder, a 16-valve motor with direct fuel injection. This engine makes 159 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 180 foot-pounds of torque at 3,800 rpm. It measures 3.74 bore by 3.74 stroke and has a 9:6-to-1 compression ratio. A five-speed manual transmission is standard; a four-speed automatic transmission is available.

Buyers can also choose a 4.0-liter V-6 engine, a 24-valve motor that is also outfitted with direct fuel injection. This engine makes 236 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 266 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. It measures 3.70 bore by 3.74 stroke and has a 10.0-to-1 compression ratio. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a five speed automatic transmission is available.

Technical Information

The Access Cab is a 4×2 model or it can be equipped with part-time 4×4. It comes with a coil spring independent double wishbone suspension up front and a leaf spring rigid suspension in the rear. This model has rack-and-pinion power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, leading-drum brakes in the rear, and is outfitted with standard 15-inch steel wheels.

Optional wheels include 15- and 16-inch styled steel wheels, and 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels. All season tires are standard; mud & snow rated tires are also available. This truck is equipped with an anti-lock brake system, electronic braking distribution, brake assist, stability control, and traction control.

Vehicle Dimensions

The Toyota Tacoma Access Cab sits on a 127.4-inch wheelbase and measures 208.1 inches long, up to 70.3 inches tall and as much as 74.3 inches wide. It comes equipped with a 6-foot bed.

This model has a ground clearance of 7.9 to 9.1 inches. Its payload ranges from 1,255 to 1,500 pounds. Standard towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. Choose the optional V-6 tow prep package and that limit pushes up to 6,500 pounds. The Tacoma is outfitted with a 21.1-gallon fuel tank and is rated as high as 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, and as low as 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Regular grade gasoline is recommended.

Key Features

The Toyota Tacoma Access Cab comes equipped or has available the following exterior features: mud guards, an engine skid plate, variable speed wipers, fog lights, bed tie downs, and a full spare tire.

Inside, Toyota equips this model with air conditioning, fabric-trimmed front seats, fold up rear seats with under seat storage, power windows and power door locks, LED-illuminated gauges, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, rear seat heat vents, two 12-volt outlets, two bottle holders up front, and up to five cup holders.

An Entune audio system is standard across the model line. The multimedia package features an AM/FM/CD player. a 6.1-inch touchscreen, iPod connectivity, hands-free phone access, voice recognition, Bluetooth wireless technology, and an auxiliary jack. An upgraded package with SiriusXM satellite radio is available as are navigation and app suite package upgrades.

Tacoma Considerations

The Toyota Tacoma made its debut in 1995, but Toyota has been building trucks for decades. The previous model was simply known as "Pickup."

Several special equipment packages are available including SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport Package and a Limited package. Equipment upgrades include a front tow hook, a 115-volt outlet, chrome grille surround, upgraded seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an integrated backup camera a and special graphics. Chrome cladding, color-keyed bumpers and heated front seats are among the other available upgrades.

Photo courtesy of Toyota.

Author Information
Harrison Plamer is a professional blogger that provides information on CDL truck driving and owner operator truck driving jobs. He writes for BestDriverJobs.com, the best place to find a truck driving job nationwide.

Specifications of a 2014 Nissan Titan Pickup Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/10/25 in Nissan with Comments Off

The Nissan Titan is a full-size pickup truck, a model introduced to the market in 2004. Major changes are coming to the Titan line with a new model slated for 2015, a truck that will include a diesel option. Shopping for a Titan now can save you thousands of dollars on some trim levels, providing a vehicle that can satisfy your passenger and equipment carrying needs.

Model Overview

Nissan sells the Titan in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations and offers two extended cab models: King Cab and Crew Cab. Three bed choices are available; you can choose from four trim levels: S, SV, PRO-4X and SL. Standard seating is for six people with S and SV editions equipped with a bench seat and provides seating for five elsewhere.

The Nissan Titan competes in the large pickup truck segment dominated by the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500 and the GMC Sierra. The Toyota Tundra also competes in this class. Nissan also offers a smaller truck model, the Frontier.

Engine and Transmission

For 2014, all Nissan Titans are powered by a 5.6-liter V-8 engine, making 317 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 385 foot-pounds of torque at 3,400 rpm. This 32-valve aluminum engine is naturally aspirated and longitudinally mounted, and has a 9.8 to 1 compression ratio. It measures 3.86 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke.

Titan’s engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The drive system is two-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive. The final drive ratio measures 2.937 or 3.357 with the PRO-4X.

The Nissan Titan takes regular grade gasoline or it can run on E85 fuel. Gas mileage is 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway for the 4×2 edition and 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway for the 4×4 edition.

Nissan Titan Dimensions

The 2014 Nissan Titan has a standard 139.8-inch wheelbase, expanded to 159.5 inches with the crew cab body style. This truck’s length measures 224.6 inches to as long as 244.2 inches with the crew cab. Overall height ranges from 74.6 to 76.9 inches; this truck measures 79.5 inches wide.

Ground clearance for the Nissan Titan measures 10.2 to 10.7 inches. Bed lengths are 67.3, 79.1 and 87 inches, depending on the model selected. Its curb weight ranges from 4,847 to 5,556 pounds. Total interior volume ranges from 112.8 for the king cab to 125.6 inches for the crew cab. Payload ranges from 1,644 to 2,153 pounds. Towing capacity ranges from 7,300 to 9,500 pounds.

Exterior Highlights

The 2014 Nissan Titan is outfitted with standard 18-inch steel wheels with black sidewall Continental tires in the S edition. Upgrades to alloy wheels, 20-inch wheels and Goodyear or BF Goodrich tires is available. Nissan tucks a full-size spare tire underneath the rear bed area.

Halogen headlights are standard across the model line and include an automatic on/off feature with the Pro-4X and SL editions. Fog lights are optional with the SV edition and are standard with the two top trim levels.

Interior Highlights

A base cloth package is standard with the Titan S with premium and two-tone cloth available with other trim levels. Choose the SL and your truck receives leather-appointed seating. Heated front seats are standard with the SL and are optional with the Pro-4X. A power driver’s seat with an 8-way function is standard with the SL. A 4-way power function is available for the front passenger.

The Nissan Titan is equipped with a six-speaker audio system in the king cab and an eight-speaker audio system in the crew cab. Also available is a Rockford Fosgate audio system. A navigation system is available as is a DVD entertainment system.

Convenience features available with the Nissan Titan include power windows, power door locks, cruise control, keyless entry, power folded side mirrors, reading lights, power adjustable foot pedals, 12-volt outlets and a 120-volt outlet. Safety features include an anti-lock braking system, stability control, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Author Information
Joseph Grey is a professional blogger that shares news and information on CDL trucking jobs and companies. He writes for TruckersClassifieds.com, where you can find trucking jobs nationwide online.

Image photo: http://www.nissanusa.com/trucks/titan