4 Engines That Will Leave You Speechless

by Anica Oaks on 2016/04/14 in Auto Parts with Comments Off on 4 Engines That Will Leave You Speechless

Automotive engineers continue to push the envelope when it comes to speed and power. Car and truck engines are consistently pumping out greater power with less fuel and redesigned engine blocks that rip the open road. So let’s take a look at four engines hitting the streets today that will leave you absolutely speechless.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE63

The 2016 S Coupe has something truly remarkable under the hood. The 5.5 Liter, AMG Biturbo V8 is a lot of engine for a sporty, little crossover SUV. It puts out 577 horsepower and 561 lb. ft. of torque. There aren’t many crossover SUVs on the market that can compete with that much get-up-and-go. The Biturbo V8 is well-managed by a 7-speed Speedshift AMG transmission that helps it get from zero to 60 in just 4.2 seconds. It’s a customizer’s dream.

2016 Dodge RAM 2500

From speed we go to raw power with the 2016 Dodge RAM 2500 and its 6.4 Liter HEMI V8. The HEMI V8 in the 2500 has best-in-class horsepower and all the torque you need to tow and haul with the big boys. Surprisingly, it’s not a gas-guzzler either. It’s got fuel saver technology that shuts down cylinders for downhill driving and long bursts at cruising speed. It’s really a throwback to old Mopar engines that used to do the same. It’s built to be durable, with stainless steel fasteners, exhaust gaskets and sodium-filled exhaust valves.

BMW M3 and M4

Next, let’s take a closer look at one of Car and Driver’s 10 greatest engines on the market today. It’s the 3.0 Liter inline-6 that’s currently featured on the BMW M3 and M4. It’s a specially-designed twin turbo that boasts 425 horsepower and 406 lb. ft. of torque. It has a forged-steel crankshaft and a closed-deck construction. The oil pan is made of magnesium and the cylinder bore surfaces are constructed from iron plasma. With the available laptimer app you can analyze your own driving speed like the racers do. With a Power Test Inc. dynamometer, you can figure out if you really are getting 143 horses per liter, as advertised.

2016 Ford Explorer Sport

Last but not least, the 2016 Ford Explorer Sport has a fast and fuel-efficient engine underneath it’s hood, as well. This new offering from Ford is a 3.5 Liter EcoBoost V6 with all-wheel drive and twin turbo. The direct injection, variable valve timing design gives you V8 power on less gas. Its no wonder that Edmunds.com gave it a 4 Star rating.

These aren’t supercars; they’re vehicles the average driver can afford. Yet, the engines that power them are well-designed and fuel-efficient. There are less naturally-aspirated engines on the market though as the reign of turbo continues to rise. Yet, there’s still something out there for everyone.

Cars that Defined a Generation

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/03/25 in Auto Design with Comments Off on Cars that Defined a Generation

Cars are a statement of who you are. There is no way around, just like your clothes, they send a distinct message—even if you’re not trying to. Take a look around the next time you’re on the road. You can see the snowboarder with a Thule rack, the recent graduate who has a tassel hanging proudly on the mirror or an opinionated driver with multiple messages stuck to their bumper.

Makes and models also tell people a lot about you. They can determine the rich (Teslas and Ferraris), the poor (a 1991 aqua metallic Geo Metro), families (minivans) or the uber eco-conscious (the Prius). But the pinnacle is the cars that defined entire groups or generations of people. They were notorious without longevity, and sought after by many for a time. They were one-hit wonders that people still look back on fondly. Unlike classics that stay around for multiple generations—think F150s, Accords and Corollas—they were only with us for a time. Of course, there are some that are still around because they have a cult following, but are well past their heyday. Read on to find out some of the vehicles that defined a generation.

Model T

The Model T was produced from 1908 until 1927. Also known as the Tin Lizzie, the Model T was considered the first affordable, mass-produced automobile. Although cars had been around for a while at this point in time, the Model T made it possible for more households to adopt the technology. The Model T had a whopping two speeds, plus reverse, and cost between $300 and $800.

Mustang

In 1964, Ford introduced a car that would forever hold a place in the avid car collector’s heart. The Ford Mustang is considered the first muscle car, and before it was three, had 500 fan clubs. Mustang was a symbol for the 60s, and quickly skyrocketed to pop-star status. The Mustang is still produced today, but doesn’t possess the allure it once did. Back in the day, Mustang had people like Steve McQueen and David Bowie acting and singing alongside it. It was the first automobile to win the Tiffany Gold Medal for excellence in American Design. It’s a nostalgic look at how a car influenced an entire generation.

Beetle

The VW Beetle is a distinctively-shaped rear engine vehicle that was most popular in America during the 60s. The Beetle has been in production for over 70 years, and the newest version looks very little like the model that has been seen all over the world. During its reign, VWs were iconic with flower children. It’s easy to imagine a Beetle covered in flowers and peace symbols heading to Woodstock. Beetles have never been known for their performance and safety, something that many fans lovingly overlook.

Trans Am

There was a time when every wannabe rock star wanted the holy grail of cars—the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. The special addition from 1978 displayed an incredible firebird graphic on the hood. The Trans Am was made even more popular by television. It had featured roles in shows like Smokey and the Bandit and Knight Rider, and was also a hot car on the racing circuit. Eventually the Trans Am fell from favor, but it will always be associated with hard rock and the glorious manes of the 80s.

Hummer

When the economy was stable and gas affordable, Americans were ready for a new vehicle. Extra-large SUVs became the cornerstone of the industry, and its golden goose was Hummer. Based on the military Humvee, the Hummer became a prevalent sight on roadways across the nation. Hummers boasted terrible fuel economy, oozed excess and were notorious for their unflattering yet popular looks. When the economic slump hit around 2008, there was no room for a vehicle that sucked up money, and Hummer went bankrupt. Once sold for $50,000-$100,000, you can easily find them for under $20,000 today. For a time, they were the ultimate symbol of overconsumption

The Station Wagon

Now more commonly called a 5-door or hatchback, there was a time when a station wagon was a thing. Families and friends piled into the Plymouth Volare or the Volvo 200 Series. They preceded the minivan revolution, offering people enough space to cart a carload of people and more. Station wagons do differ from today’s “wagons”. It all comes down to pillars and cargo volume.

MG, Alfa Romeo, Impala, Cutlass, Saturns, LeSabre, Datsun—cars have risen and fallen throughout the years, each playing a role in generations. Many people remember certain cars fondly, even if they don’t exist today. What’s your favorite?

Korey Adekoya works with Shabana Motors in Houston, TX. He runs the Shabana Motors Blog where he writes specifically about fixing bad credit and in-house financing options.

Safest Picks for 2016

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/03/21 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Safest Picks for 2016

Years ago, the most up-to-date, top of the line safety features were only available in high priced luxury vehicles. Fortunately, with more safety features becoming standardized in a wide assortment of vehicles, many of today’s cars are not only more affordable, but safer as well.

While there are many contributing factors responsible for car accidents across the U.S., one of the easiest ways to prevent a fatal accident or one that ends in injury is by driving a car equipped with safety features. Here are some of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) top 2016 picks based on safety features:

Small Cars

Small cars are popular and perfect for a couple, a small family, a college student, or someone who lives in a larger city. Small cars continue to be popular picks because more models are becoming fuel efficient or are offered as an alternative (such as a hybrid or electric version).

  • Honda Civic:
    Honda has had an impressive and loyal following for years. Often chosen for safety and sportiness, Honda owners stick behind the brand for a car with a long lifespan. The Honda Civic remains one of Honda’s most popular models and is chosen as a top pick for such safety features as side, front, rear head curtain airbags as well as front seat-mounted torso airbags. Additional features include electronic stability control, antilock brakes, and a rollover sensor. Perhaps one of the most sought after features on the Civic is the optional Front Crash Prevention Technology.

    Crash prevention technology or automatic forward collision-avoidance systems are so Important in vehicles these days that IIHS won’t consider giving a vehicle a safety rating if it’s not equipped with the lifesaving technology. It may increase the vehicle’s cost by a few thousand dollars, but it’s worth the extra cost.

  • Other Picks include Acura ILX, Subaru Impreza, and Volkswagen Golf.

Mid-Size Cars

Mid-size cars are typically a little roomier than small cars, but still have some of the “sporty” capabilities of a smaller vehicle.

  • Toyota Prius:
    A 2016 top pick for mid-size cars is the ever popular Prius. As one of the first hybrid models on the market, the Prius introduced eco-conscious drivers to a whole new way of driving. Not only does the new Prius have great fuel efficiency (54/50 mpg), but it also has some great new optional safety features such as crash prevention technology and lane departure alert.

    Like crash avoidance technology, lane departure technology keeps the vehicle in control when the driver is not. With all of today’s distractions and increase of fatigued motorists, drivers could use a little extra help and security while on the road.

  • Other picks include Chrysler 200, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback.

Small SUV

SUVs are a common sight on U.S. roadways, particularly for family cars. Not necessarily ever given praise for safety or fuel efficiency in the past, SUVs are becoming more safe and eco-friendly.

  • Mitsubishi Outlander:
    Equipped with a 7 airbag safety system and other standards such as electronic stability control, antilock brakes, and a rollover sensor, front crash prevention is also an optional feature on this popular and moderately priced SUV. Other picks include: Fiat 500X and the Toyota RAV4.

For a complete listing of the most safe and up-to-date vehicles on the market for 2016, check out IIHS Top Safety picks.

Preventative Measures to Maintain Your Vehicle

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/03/16 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on Preventative Measures to Maintain Your Vehicle

It’s important that you give your car regular, preventative maintenance to ensure that it runs well. If you ignore the preventative maintenance needed for your car, you could end up with more money owed in repairs than it would have cost for the maintenance.

Oil Changes

While you can check your fluids and fill them yourself, you might need a professional to perform an oil change unless you’re handy. There’s a dipstick that you can use to check the level and color of the oil in your vehicle. If you notice that you need to add oil frequently, you could have a problem. Oil that was recently changed that looks muddy could be cause for concern. There’s a lot you can learn about your engine by checking the oil. Your car manual should tell you how often you should get the oil changed.

Engine Air Filters

At the same time that your oil is being changed, you can have the person check the air filters. The engine air filter is used to keep dust and dirt from entering the valves. A dirty or clogged filter won’t allow air to enter the parts that need it the most, which can cause the car to stop running correctly. If you drive in the city for extended periods, the filter might need to be changed often. Check the owner’s manual for the exact mileage.

Tune Ups

When it comes to spark plugs, wires, hoses and engine, you should visit a mechanic for preventative maintenance. If you wait for a problem, you could end up with mechanical issues that won’t be resolved by changing your plugs and wires. Professionals, like those at Free Service Tire Company, also recommends changing your fluids regularly.  That way, your engine will stay in good condition for a longer period of time. Mechanics can also perform the other tasks like oil changes and changing air filters too.

Tire Pressure and Wear

You don’t need someone to check your tire pressure, or to see that your tires are wearing down unevenly. You should keep your tires filled based on what the best pressure is for the brand of tires you have. When your tires are wearing unevenly, it could mean you need a front-end alignment or you need to have your tires rotated. It’ll help your tires last longer.
You should give your vehicle regular, preventative maintenance checkups to ensure that your car doesn’t need more expensive repairs later. It can be extremely dangerous to ignore your car’s maintenance needs or delay problems like leaks or unexpected sounds. It’ll cost you more time and money later to fix those problems that could have been prevented.

What to Do If You Have Been Pulled Over for Suspicion of DUI

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/03/14 in On the Road with Comments Off on What to Do If You Have Been Pulled Over for Suspicion of DUI

It is rarely a good thing to be pulled over by the police. If you have been drinking and driving at the time of a traffic stop, you could be charged with a serious crime. What you do when you are pulled over could determine what you are charged with and how many mandatory penalties you may face.

Consent to Breath Tests

Failing to consent to a breath test typically results in a one year license suspension no matter what happens next. Therefore, it is in your best interest to take the test even if you don’t think that you will like the result. Your attorney may be able to convince a judge or jury to disregard it during the legal process. However, it is within your rights to refuse taking a breath test.

Don’t Try to Flee or Become Combative with the Officer

One of the dumbest things you can do is flee from the police. They will chase you and they will catch you. Don’t give them an attitude either. Yes, you may be in some trouble, especially if you have been drinking and driving. Therefore, it will not help you in the slightest bit to give the police officer any kind of attitude.  The bottom line is, if you try to flee the scene or give the officer any kind of attitude this will likely result in additional charges that could be harder to get rid of in a plea bargain. Depending on your criminal past, those charges could trigger additional mandatory jail time or other penalties. So be cooperative and don’t do anything stupid like trying to run away.

Bring up Any Conditions You May Have

A medical condition could make it difficult to walk, could cause you to slur your words or could cause your eyes to twitch uncontrollably. This could also be mistaken as signs that you are drunk or impaired. If you have a medical condition that could mimic signs of alcohol or drug impairment, tell the officer right away. This will make your experience with that police officer go over much smoother than letting them assume that you are impaired. Even if you are taken into custody, your attorney can use this information to your advantage later on.

Call an Attorney Immediately

As soon as you get the chance to do so, you should call an attorney like someone from the Law Offices of J Lee Webb who can provide DUI help in Athens. You will want a DUI attorney because he or she will have specialized knowledge of the subject, which could come in handy during your case. In addition to contacting an attorney, you will want to contact a bail bondsmen if you are eligible for bail.

If you have been pulled over on suspicion of DUI, it doesn’t mean that you are guilty of driving while under the influence. Therefore, your best option is to cooperate and call an attorney as soon as possible. With the help of legal counsel, you may be able to have the charge reduced or dismissed.

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