Next Generation Acura MDX Prototype Rolls Out

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/18 in Acura with Comments Off on Next Generation Acura MDX Prototype Rolls Out

The Acura MDX is a seven-passenger crossover SUV, one of the more successful and profitable models offered by Honda’s premium make. A prototype of the 2014 model was released at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, offering what Acura describes as a "strong direction" for what its third generation crossover will offer when it is released later this year.

Aero Sculpture

The next generation Acura MDX features an "aero sculpture" or an exterior design that is clean, uncluttered and unpretentiously luxurious. From the front, "jewel eye" LED headlights offer an unmistakably rich appearance, accenting the MDX’s handsome grille. Acura says that the new model is 16 percent slippier than the current edition, an aerodynamic improvement that will help boost fuel economy.

The new model also stands in slightly lower than the current edition, with 1.5 inches shaved from its roofline. The wheelbase has been increased by a few inches to provide improved second row seating room and easier access to the third row.

Body Rigidity

Acura says that the 2014 MDX is more rigid and lighter than the 2013 model, benefiting from a new suspension system that also provides improved handling. Under the hood, an all-new direct injection 3.5-liter V-6 engine with variable cylinder management powers this SUV, offering improvements in horsepower and torque.

Big for 2014 will be a number of safety improvements. The Acura MDX has long been a leader in all things passenger safety, but the new model will raise the bar further.

Besides its stronger body structure, the Acura MDX will offer both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems, and update what it calls its "visibility technologies" that provide blind spot intervention, lane keeping assist and active cruise control. The focal points of the changes is a multi-angle rearview camera that makes it possible for drivers to see an even wider area around the rear of the vehicle.

Upgraded Telematics

Inside, the MDX’s telematics system will receive an important upgrade as the next generation of AcuraLink rolls out. This cloud-based connection system makes it possible to bring in personalized news reports, SMS text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, Pandora radio connectivity while also providing ease of smartphone connectivity. An upgraded audio system will also be available and concierge services will include live person support.

Not much else about the 2014 Acura MDX has been released although true to Honda Motor America practice, the prototype should be a near perfect representation of the production version. Honda may like to surprise its customers, but when it comes to design you’re usually seeing what you will get.

Improved Performance

The new 3.5-liter V-6 engine comes in slightly smaller than the outgoing engine. This single overhead cam engine is expected to make about 310 horsepower and 265 foot-pounds of torque, or the same as the current model, but do so more efficiently. With a lighter weight underneath and the right transmission pairing in place, the 2014 Acura MDX just may move to the top of the segment. Front-wheel-drive is standard, all-wheel-drive is optional.

The latter features Acura’s acclaimed Super Handling system that provides for optimum handling and control under a variety of road conditions.
Bringing the Acura MDX to the market later this summer is important for Honda’s premium brand. Acura sales rose by 26.7 percent in 2012, for its best year since 2007. Acura has long lived in the shadow of its Japanese competitors, namely Lexus and Infiniti, but the good money is betting that the MDX and other planned products will vault the brand in the coming years.

Author Information
Jonathan Allbones is a personal finance writer and car fan. He contributes to a number of leading blogs across the web. If you are looking for a car supermarket visit The Car People.

Photo courtesy of Acura.

Electric Vehicles Promote Green Living

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/14 in Hybrid/Electric with Comments Off on Electric Vehicles Promote Green Living

Consumers seeking to reduce their impact on the environment can easily make changes by taking into account various electric vehicles now on the market. Most car manufacturers offer at least one model, vehicles that have no emissions and offer the equivalent of greater than 100 mpg driving. Going electric may be advantageous to you, so consider the following when exploring this new vehicle purchase option to achieve your green living goals.

Definition

To choose electric vehicle means to define an electric vehicle. The EV category is broad and includes all vehicles that have at least partial electric generating capabilities including hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Pure electric vehicles run only electricity only and are charged in to replenish the energy source. Such vehicles include the Tesla Roadster, the battery electric Ford Focus, CODA Sedan, Mitsubishi i-MieV, Toyota RAV4 EV and the Fiat 500E. Some models are available in limited markets, such as California, while others have a broader distribution range.

Environmental

It goes without saying that EVs are environmentally friendly vehicles with just a small impact on the environment. That impact includes the energy they derive from coal-generated power plants and the eventual disposal of worn out parts.

The Environmental Protection Agency notes that EVs convert approximately 59 to 62 percent of its energy used to power the wheels compared with 17 to 21 percent for conventional gasoline engines. Electricity is a domestic energy source and can be derived from coal, solar, nuclear, hydro and wind generating power sources.

Challenges

To paint an accurate picture of EVs, consumers must be aware of certain shortcomings that must be weighed when exploring EV purchase. Those shortcomings include vehicle range, recharge times, battery cost and the weight of electric vehicles.

Most EVs have a driving range of at least 70 miles to no more than 100 miles. One model, the pricey Tesla S, has a range of more than 250 miles. Recharge times can interrupt your trip and take four to eight hours to complete. Faster recharges with a quick charge recharger can replenish your battery to 80 percent charge capacity in just 20 to 30 minutes. The limited range of such vehicles produces what is called "range anxiety" for potential buyers, enough to chase many people away from considering EVs.

Because EVs are powered by technologically advanced and expensive electric propulsion systems that store energy in lithium-ion or similar batteries, these cars cost far more than equivalent gas-powered models. Those costs are passed along to the consumer, but can be partially defrayed by taking a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 per vehicle. Also, the bulkier battery systems mean that cabin or storage room, sometimes both, are restricted by the battery pack’s intrusion into the car.

Considerations

While an EV may be desirable for some consumers, car shoppers can eliminate range anxiety and achieve a more positive environmental impact by choosing one of various hybrid models available. Such models can tap a back up energy source, an internal combustion engine, when needed and effectively extend range by hundreds of miles. Consumers still get available electric-only power, producing a net reduction in emissions and fuel use compared to conventional cars. Models to consider include the Toyota Prius, Chevrolet Volt, Ford Fusion Energi, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford C-MAX, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Kia Optima Hybrid, Chevrolet Malibu ECO and Cadillac ELR.

The long range prospects for EVs improves as these cars gain wider adoption and costs begin to fall as such vehicles become mass produced. Volume production spreads costs across more models, enabling car manufacturers to hold prices steady or reduce them as demand increases and technology improves. As that happens green living will become more commonplace, enabling all of us to enjoy a cleaner environment.

Author Information
Neil Dunsmore is a consumer energy expert, helping ordinary Americans secure extraordinary deals on their energy bills. Visit Electric.com for more information.

What’s the Difference – Shocks, Struts and Springs?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/08 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on What’s the Difference – Shocks, Struts and Springs?

Your vehicle’s suspension is a vital system – it ensures that you have a comfortable ride on virtually any driving surface, but it also helps provide better handling and even ensures longevity for your vehicle by eliminating jarring bumps and vibrations that would otherwise compromise its integrity. Your suspension system is actually built from a variety of different components, and understanding what these are and how they work is important, whether you’re repairing a blown shock or lowering your ride. The three most important components to know are your shocks, struts and springs.

Shocks and Struts

Shocks and struts are very similar to each other, and it can be tempting to think that they’re the same. They do the same job – a hydraulic piston is mounted within a framework that’s bolted to the vehicle above one of the four wheels. When your vehicle encounters a bump or dip, the piston extends or retracts in order to keep the vehicle level and reduce jarring/bouncing. However, while they do a similar job, they’re different components.

The main difference between the two is in the design of the component. Both shocks and struts can be found on the front or rear of the vehicle. Of the two, struts are more versatile, as they are actually structural components of the suspension system. Shocks, on the other hand, are more of a “bolt-on” solution for bounce control. As such, struts are generally more expensive than shocks and they can be used for more than just controlling spring motion – they can also be used as pivot points in the suspension and can take the place of other suspension components.

Springs

Springs are important components and work with both shocks and struts to control spring motion. You’ll find that buying a set of aftermarket springs gives you a set of four – two shorter springs for the rear and two longer ones for the front. There’s a very good reason for this. The front of the vehicle requires considerably stronger support and bounce control due to the weight of the engine and the effect of spring motion on steering. The rear of the vehicle, on the other hand, is very light (in comparison, of course), and does not require as much control or the same level of stability.

You’ll also find aftermarket coil over springs. These differ from OEM replacement springs in that they are designed to work in tandem with aftermarket shocks and struts to lower your vehicle. Coil over springs can provide substantial control, but you’ll sacrifice comfort when lowering your vehicle. Essentially, it reduces not only the height of the vehicle to the road, but the amount of travel in the strut/shock assemblies. The result is a “hard” suspension.

Considerations When Replacing Shocks, Struts and Springs

There will come a time when you need to replace your suspension components. Shocks and struts are both prone to wear damage. Eventually, the fluid seals that keep the hydraulic fluid within the chamber will wear out. This can lead to either a slow leak or immediate failure. Strut/shock failure should be immediately noticeable and usually presents as a “knocking” sound/feel when traveling over bumps and rough road surfaces.

When replacing your suspension components, it’s important to purchase items that are made for your specific vehicle. You’ll find a range of “universal” fit components out there, but these are really subpar solutions to your needs. Vehicle-specific components are designed with your vehicle in mind, which means they’re engineered to provide the best performance possible, while supporting your vehicle’s weight, providing steering control and offering a more comfortable ride.

Don Elfrink is the Owner and Operator of AutoMatStore.com where he specializes in selling custom floor mats. Prior to owning AutoMatStore, Elfrink worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years.

How The i3 and i8 Will Change the Game in Electric Cars

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/02 in Hybrid/Electric with Comments Off on How The i3 and i8 Will Change the Game in Electric Cars

The Los Angeles Auto Show saw BMW unveil their latest i-series, the i3 Concept Coupe and the i8 Spyder Concept. Their i-series, like their 5, 6, 7 and X-drive series, is built around an overall concept of driving. Unlike any of their predecessors, the i-series is focused on electric motors. In a Forbes Magazine interview, Adrian Van Hooydonk, head of design at BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, was quoted as saying: “Our goal is to show that a premium brand can also be electric. We want to show that this new type of mobility can be fun.” BMW doesn’t just want to produce cars that are better for the environment; they want to enact a paradigm shift in electric cars.

The seeds of this change of attitudes toward electric cars have already been sown and can be seen in the used BMW market. As with many brands, used BMWs that are hybrids are resold for higher prices than traditional used cars. The used car market has put a premium on used BMW hybrids because it recognizes the value of hybrid cars as well as the importance of reducing one’s carbon footprint. The i-series is expected to have a similar higher used value in the future. So what makes them so special?

i3 Concept Coupe

A true electric car, the i3 offers drivers three different operation modes: Comfort, Eco Pro and Eco Pro +. These options determine the performance and range of the i3. In Comfort mode the range is expected to be around 100 miles with a 20 percent increase using Eco Pro, and a further increase with Eco Pro +. Among the many things that set the i3 apart are the materials that it uses. The cabin uses carbon fiber reinforced plastic that is lighter than steel yet stronger. This allows for an elimination of the B beam (the vertical truss in the middle) and a car much sturdier than most people expect from a plug-in electric. The drive train is made of aluminum while the inside is composed of leather, wool, wood and other renewable materials.

And it wouldn’t be a car of the future if it didn’t have cutting-edge technology. The i3 boasts two high-tech screens, one in front of the steering wheel and another in the middle of the dash. While the screens are nice, the real advancement is in the BMW I ConnectedDrive, which displays infotainment, navigation (showing you the range of the three drive modes as well), pull contacts, messages and schedules from a wirelessly connected smartphone that in turn makes suggestions as to where and when to recharge the i3.

i8 Spyder Concept

If you’re not ready for an all-electric car because you like the performance and power of a traditional car, the i8 is for you. With an estimated 78-mpg and a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds, i8 delivers speed, drivability and lower carbon emissions. It has an electric plug-in motor in the front and a 1.5 liter 3 cylinder engine in the back producing a total output of 349 HP. It uses similar materials as the i3, making it lighter and stronger than traditional cars. Also, keeping with Hooydonk’s vision, it has futuristic styling that’s as fun to look at as it is to drive.

Fixer Upper: 5 Must-Knows for Fixing Your Car on Your Own

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/02 in Auto Repair with Comments Off on Fixer Upper: 5 Must-Knows for Fixing Your Car on Your Own

Fixing your car on your own can come with its rewards. You will save money by fixing your own car, and you will more than likely get the job done in a fraction of the time it would take a mechanic to do it. Before you pop the hood, make sure you adhere to each of these five must-knows for fixing your own car. They could save you time, money, and your safety.

Go with Quality Parts

Don’t try to cut corners financially by simply going with the least expensive part available for the repair. Sure, you’ll save money in the moment, but who’s to say that part won’t bite the dust a month down the line? At that point, you will be out whatever you paid for the part, and your car will also be broken down again. Pay a little extra and go with either the genuine manufacturer part or an equivalent.

Don’t Smoke While Repairing Your Vehicle

It might look cool in the movies when the main character works on their car with a cigarette hanging out of their mouth, but in reality, this is extremely dangerous. Always extinguish your cigarette before going anywhere near your vehicle to perform repair work.

Keep Extra Screws and Bolts on Hand

When it comes to repairing a car, you can truly never have too many lag bolts or lag screws on hand for emergency cases. Instead of buying expensive hardware from home depot stores, buy the screws and bolts from specialty companies such as WholesaleBolts.com. It never hurts to keep this type of hardware on hand and in bulk, so be sure that you’re stocked up at all times.

Never Crawl Under a Poorly Elevated Vehicle

Simply enough, if your car is only being supported by one jack, do not attempt to crawl underneath it to repair parts under the body. Instead, make sure you use a jack paired with support stands to strengthen the hold.

Take Caution with Electrical Work

Lastly, be extra cautious when performing electrical work. Before starting, disconnect one of the cables from the battery terminal. This will prevent an electric current from shorting out an electrical component in your car, or worse, starting a fire.

Overall, work smart when you’re repairing your vehicle. If you aren’t familiar with a repair and don’t have the slightest clue as to what you’re doing, stop and let a certified mechanic take a look at it.

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