Autopartswarehouse

Auto parts, accessories, & anything that can be found in an autopartswarehouse.
Wed Feb 6

Smart ForTwo Cars now in NY

Smart ForTwo

For a decade now, Mercedes-Benz’ Smart ForTwo cars went around places and have been accepted in Europe and just recently in Canada. This year, nothing can stop the Smart Cars from penetrating the U.S. automobile market as it finally reached its next destination – Buffalo, New York.

Manufactured by the Germany based-Daimler AG, the micro Smart car arrived in its designated exclusive dealer–the Smart Center Buffalo, which is just one of the 62 Smart ForTwo exclusive distributors in the U.S. The 3,000-sq-ft. establishment will house the Smart ForTwo cars, which can only fit two adult passengers at a time. This new center joined the Mercedes-Benz of Buffalo located in Main Street. Mr. Robert LaMastra oversees both the retail companies of the luxury German car brand in the Western side of New York that also includes Syracuse and Rochester.

Smart ForTwo

Running a decent fuel mileage of 40 miles per gallon, the 1,800-pound Smart ForTwo has three versions. For interested motorists, the tag price of the small cars range from $11, 590 to $16, 590.

Source: Buffalo Business First.

Sat Jan 12

Two Beauties To Topbill Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC feat. Mercedes-Benz Brand Ambassador Eva Padberg

As Mercedes-Benz design is a showcase of innovation, elegance and style, it makes perfect sense to use fashion as a “vehicle” for brand awareness. Just like with fashion, cars are now utilized as a medium of personal expression; and since the cutting edge and luxurious refinement of fashion complements what Mercedes-Benz has come to epitomize, the company has chosen to unveil to the world its newest sports coupé—the Mercedes-Benz CLC—in its self-sponsored fashion week in Berlin.

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will take place from January 27 to 31; but prior to this grand event, the company has chosen to preemptively tease its public by creating ads, posters, and other materials that only show parts of the CLC. What is keeping people from seeing it in its entirety? It is none other than the flowing evening gown worn by top model Eva Padberg.

Renowned German photographer Ellen von Unwerth captured the two beauties. “Like Berlin, she epitomizes a young, modern lifestyle,” stated Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President for Brand Communications. “Eva Padberg… lends a fascinating face to our long-standing commitment to fashion.”

The Mercedes-Benz CLC will finally be revealed in all its glamorous glory on January 27, 2008 – the first day of the Fashion Week. The “youngster” among the Mercedes coupé family, the CLC is an affordable model that still evokes a high lifestyle value. Featuring 18” light alloy rims, wide base tires, headlights with black painted inner frames, lowered bodywork and chrome trim, the coupe is elegance both in stillness and motion. More than a thousand components are either totally new or revamped from the previous model, resulting in even more beauty and functionality.

For example, the new direct steering allows for much nimbler handling of bends, while the latest automobile infotainment systems maximize riding pleasure for everyone on board. Moreover, its four-cylinder engine is more powerful at 135kW/ 184bhp, yet it is also 10.8 per cent better than its predecessor in terms of gas mileage. Indeed, the CLC is a bold and beautiful lifestyle statement that evokes luxury and globally responsibility – attitudes that must never go out of style.

Thu Jan 10

Another Mazda RX-8 Teaser

It has been Mazda’s tradition to send of it first shipment of vehicles for the year. This year was no different, as Mazda executives left there cozy offices to join the parade in the Japanese brand’s headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan.

 
Corporate bigwigs watched as new vehicles like the Mazda2 and CX-7 rolled out for the brand’s first shipping of the year. However, something intriguing (and noteworthy to say the least) was noticeable in the event photos released by Mazda – a RX-8 Convertible. The said vehicle, which was decorated with balloons and streamers, is a modification of the much anticipated and rumored Mazda RX-8. The convertible held two executive standing in the backseats and holding on the crossbar. Speculations suggest that the vehicle was specially made for the occasion, maybe to tease RX-8 watchers little bit more.

 
In another RX-8 related news, eager watchers of the supercar will get treated to two pictures of the JDM-only RX-8 RS from Mazda. The RX-8 RS has a new set of taillights installed. It also featured a chin spoiler that diverts the air into the intakes, which are larger in this model. The model is also installed with a set of flush-fitting fog lights.

 
Mazda, however, choose to tease us a little bit more and refrained from releasing other information, leaving the public wondering on the engine specifications. Consequently, watchers are wondering if the ride will mount the Renesis motor or an entirely new one. The said vehicle is scheduled to be unveiled this week at the Japanese version of the aftermarket SEMA, the Tokyo Auto Salon. Despite Mazda “generous” serving, fans are still hungry for more.

Wed Jan 9

Hyundai Vies for Luxury Sedan Market Share with ‘Genesis’

Hyundai Genesis

Having been debuted as a concept car in the 2007 New York International Auto Show, the Hyundai Genesis was launched yesterday in Seoul, South Korea – right on schedule as per its prior announcements. The luxury sports sedan is to be sold in the U.S. by June with a same-for-less marketing strategy, whereby it offers as much luxury as its competitors, but for a lower price.

So named to mark Hyundai’s venture into the premium car market, “Genesis” carries the company’s hope of raising its brand-value perception among buyers and sellers alike. Thusly, after five years of incubation, Hyundai has their first-born luxury sedan retain the Hyundai brand. This is unlike the strategy some Japanese automakers utilized when they branched out into the high-end market in America: Honda created the Acura brand, whereas Nissan built the Infiniti.

Stated Hyundai Chairman and COO Chung Mong-koo: “(Genesis) symbolizes our determination to enter the highly competitive arena of luxury cars now dominated by the Europeans… Genesis will consolidate our position as the leader of the Korean auto industry and will pave the way forward for our leap into the global market.”

Having many of the industry’s leading sedans as its benchmarks, Genesis was thereby engineered to become Hyundai’s very first rear-wheel drive vehicle. It currently is available in the fuel-thrifty 3.3-liter V-6 Lambda and the larger and faster 3.8-liter engines. Another version, this time featuring an all-new 4.6-liter V-8 Tao engine, will arrive later in the year. As per Hyundai’s initial findings, this engine is able to accelerate the Genesis from zero to 60mph in less than 6 seconds.

An Aisin 6-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission delivers the power to the rear wheels. This showcases an overdrive lock-up torque converter for even better fuel economy.

Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD) maximize the capabilities of the front and rear suspension. These dampers allow for optimal road surface contact as well as more body/wheel control. This results in increased driving comfort without having to forsake handling. During high speed driving, the state-of-the-art Sachs sports-tuned Electronic Air Suspension adjusts vehicle height to optimize aerodynamics and thereby increase road-holding even more.

Just like the sedans of Volvo, one of its many newly-adopted rivals, Genesis also features top-of-the-line active and passive safety features that helps prevent accidents as well as keeps the occupants in the best condition possible. As with many of its Hyundai predecessors, Genesis also has key life-saving technology—such as eight airbags, electronic active head restraints that help prevent whiplash, and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP)—standard among its features.

Other features include the switched-operated Electronic Parking Brake, a Lexicon premium surround-sound audio system, and the 30GB Driver Information System that is easily accessed and operated via a user-friendly multimedia jog/shuttle wheel controller. This allows for immediate control over navigation, the cellphone with Bluetooth connectivity, the audio entertainment system or the DMB television. Just like with most technological products, this System is software updatable for installing improvements and expanded features.

Now selling in Korea for between US$43,142 to US$56,240, the Genesis will be sold in the U.S. at a much lower price, where the priciest Genesis is estimated to cost just under US$40,000.

Sat Dec 29

New York Times Highlights Ten of ‘07’s Most Progressive Auto Parts

The hastening pace of technology is not the monopoly of computers. Automobile manufacturers are also in a rush to make the car of the future, especially with regards to pollution reduction as the world faces its greatest challenge yet: climate change.

In his article to the New York Times last December 30, 2007, contributor Don Sherman highlights ten of the most progressive technological advances made by the automotive industry in 2007:

1.      Lithium-Ion Batteries – These do away with fuel altogether by providing energy to an electric motor. Many big-name companies such as Toyota and General Motors are still developing their technology, but Tesla Motors will be able to deliver cars running purely on lithium-ion batteries by 2008.

2.      Two-Mode Hybrid – Earlier hybrid models only had one mode: the car shifts from gasoline to electric when it slows down or becomes idle; and it switches back to gasoline after a certain speed. This mode—called the input split mode—can also use both gasoline and electricity when more power is need – such as when towing.

Now, the collaboration between GM and DaimlerChrysler (now Daimler and Chrysler) bore fruit in the form of a second mode called a compound split. Available in the new Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon Two-Mode SUVs, the compound split mode allows for cruising at faster speeds while still saving on fuel.

3.      Smart Idle Stop System – Mazda has come up with an engine that doesn’t shudder when reawakened from fuel-saving slumber.

4.      Sync – This is a network that connects portable gear such as cellphones to the car’s audio system. Developed by Ford and Microsoft, Sync allows the driver to issue basic voice commands to play stored music or make phone calls.

5.      Around View Monitor from Infiniti – Four miniature cameras on the car’s sides, front and rear are merged to provide a single bird’s-eye view on the dashboard screen.

6.      Diesotto from Mercedes-Benz – This is the name of the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine of the Mercedes-Benz F700 S-Class sedan. Named after Rudolf Diesel and Nicolas Otto, this engine has diesel efficiency and gasoline cleanliness at the same time.

7.      Height-Adjustable Child Seat – Introduced first by Volvo, this seat supports small children at a high level, and larger ones at a lower level. This gives kids a better view while helping them be held properly and more securely by their seatbelts.

8.      Durable Carbon Fiber – Ordinary carbon fiber is prone to peeling after years of being exposed under the sun if not protected by paint, but GM has created a clear-coat formulation for carbon fiber so that this can withstand the damaging UV rays.

9.      Eight-Speed Transmission from Lexus – Quieter cruising, faster acceleration, and nominal improvement in gas mileage is what Lexus achieved with a wider spread of ratios between first and eighth gears.

10.  HD Radio – Radio stations have upgraded their FM and AM broadcasts to digital, thanks to iBiquity Digital. With this, listening to the radio sounds clean and clear like music from a CD.

Not all of these are necessarily new to 2007, but these developments “are likely to see wider use,” according to Sherman. In fact, exactly last Christmas, Green Car Congress reported that Fuji Heavy Industries will begin selling its Lithium-Ion-running Subaru R1e a year early – that is, in 2009.

Tue Dec 18

Small Cars with Big Sales, Ford

Ford’s sales record was highlighted with its increase of sales for small cars. Topping the list are the automaker’s best-selling models which include the Fiesta, Fusion and Ka.

The boost of sales was a success for Ford as the latest small car line-up topped the chart and start the year 2007 with Fiesta Silver. This three door luxury car includes £550 extras in its £9,295 price tag. The silver metallic finishes are very elegant from its handbrake cover to its badge that can be seen on the tailgate.

The Ford Fiesta is likewise offered in a selection of three engines as well as three chic colors. The car is even trendier with the seven spoke alloy wheels and other recent equipments. A total of 3,500 Fiesta were sold for 2007.

Another Ford’s small car, the Fiesta Zetec S 30 th Anniversary is a limited edition model with only 400 models being introduced to Britain. The price starts at £12,595 with added equipments worth £1,400. The launched of the model was a big hit, making the entire Zetec model sold to customers.

The positive reception of customers with the Fiesta Zetec S 30 th Anniversary was truly a good cause for producing further car models and editions.

Inspired by the Style Climate model, the Fiesta Zetec Blue was the newest edition of Ford that includes wide-ranging features. These let an added £800 included in its price tag.

Since the Ford Fiesta evidently hit the Britain market, the line-up is considered as the best-selling small car in the region. A total of 98,891 were sold for this year.

The latest special edition, Fiesta Zetec Blue is based on a Style Climate model. Zetec Blue costs £200 more although its comprehensive list of standard features would normally add another £800 to the price.

The Ford Fusion also made its contribution to the increase of sales. It gives a striking performance while targeting an remarkable fuel economy.

In addition, sales for the Ford Ka reached to 25,427 with its latest edition for 2007, the Ka Two-Tone.

For more information about the article, visit finchannel.

Tue Dec 4

Car owners with pets gear up with safety belts

Aside from the human being passengers, pets have already found their ways into the confines of automobiles. Along with the extra baggage, these (most often) furry animals are constant companions of their owners during short or long travels. For that, safety of the pets is also a must, thus, various auto parts are installed especially for them.

There are about a hundred thousand incidents of dogs falling off from the back of the pick-up trucks, among others. These are the only recorded incidents, but what about those that are not reported to authorities? With that, it is only best to invest in floor liners as well as safety belts for pets.

How do these auto parts keep pets safe when traveling? For starters, the floor liners are installed in the exposed areas on the vehicle’s floor. Although it primarily protects the carpet, it also keeps a dog, for example, from slipping. Made from durable rubber and plastic materials, the floor liner cushions the movement of the dog when the vehicle is in motion. Moreover, this auto component keeps the pet’s dirt from the fragile areas of the automobile.

The safety belts are also great equipment for pets. For dogs or cats that fit in a carrier, the belt can be strapped around its case. Moreover, a dog is comfortable with a harness as long as it is not too tight or too loose. Partnering the harness with the floor liner is the best combination to keep pets safe and intact inside the cabin or on the cargo area of the vehicle.

Vehicle owners cannot just look after themselves or their four-wheel machine, but at the same time give enough attention to their pets they tagged along the auto.

Source: LA Times.

Panasonic Entertainment System for Cars Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction

One of the leading manufacturers of electronics including tvs, cameras and audio systems, Panasonic ranks the top three positions in the rear-seat entertainment systems for automobiles. The entertainment system provided to Honda Odyssey leads based on the overall satisfaction of customers to the rear-seat entertainment installed on cars. This was according to the report given by J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Rear-Seat Entertainment Usage and Satisfaction StudySM.

The study, which is currently in its fourth year, determines and evaluates the satisfaction of car owners who newly bought vehicle installed with the rear-seat entertainment system. The owner satisfaction is evaluated under four factors, the video screen, appearance, system operation and the audio.

Among the qualified models included in the assessment, the Honda Odyssey with the Panasonic entertainment system ranks at the top position. The system achieves a very good performance mainly in the video screen aspects as well as in its overall appearance. In addition, Panasonic system receives the second spot for the Acura MDX and achieves the third rank for the Honda Pilot.

According to Mike Marshall, J.D. Power and Associates director of automotive emerging technologies, “Providing products that meet customer expectations has proved particularly beneficial to the supplier, as 2007 marks the fourth consecutive year that a Panasonic system has ranked highest in the study.”

In connection with customer satisfaction, the study likewise noted that while enhancements for rear-seat system are in demand, they are still not made available in all systems. Some of these include integrated storage for handy digital music players and DVDs or CDs, fold-flat headphones, noise cancellation headphones as well as capability of playing different DVD configuration.

“With the influence of competing features on rear-seat entertainment systems continually evolving and device connectivity becoming more important among consumers, auto manufacturers must offer increased functionality to maintain the rear-seat entertainment system value proposition,” Marshall added.

More of the details via autospectator.

Fri Nov 23

Schumacher Tower in Dubai?

Yes, aside from conquering the world of F1, Schumacher will also conquer the skies of Dubai.

This concrete figure all the more illustrates just how famous the former Ferrari F1 world champion driver is around the globe. For future kids, they will get the chance to know who this German guy is, and how he took the world of motor sports by storm. According to a report by Autoblog, a German company is undertaking the construction of the skyscraper in the Gulf Emirate of Dubai. The tower shall be named as the Michael Schumacher Business Avenue, which will be “highlighted by a 29-floor dual-purpose commercial/residential tower”. It is Schumacher himself who will make sure that the construction will take place, as he is expected to fly off to the Gulf. Construction is scheduled to begin within the next three months.

Dubai seemed to be home to the F1 champion as it has been reported before that he has been given an island in Dubai’s man-made paradise called The World. It is not a first for Dubai to be the land to house an F1 champion though. Niki Lauda, another acclaimed F1 multiple-winning world champion, has had his very own building constructed there too. The Niki Lauda Twin Towers are residing near where the Schumacher skyscraper will be.

Source: Autoblog 

Tue Nov 20

Daimler Chrysler is keen to test electric cars in London

In the automobile industry, the battle is no longer just about speed and strength as cars with lower emissions are gradually establishing their imprints in the factors a motorist consider before purchasing a car. With such weight on green cars, Daimler Chrysler is very keen in testing its Smart ForTwo mini cars in London by December in order to get these vehicles ready for their 2010 production and eventual release in dealerships all over United Kingdom.

Smart ForTwo

This early, a hundred Smart ForTwo mini cars, which can be charged through allotted stations, are set to undergo drive tests in London along the second to third week of December. Moreover, the tentative owners of the electric cars, who will be a good mix of motorists from the public and private sectors, will be looking after the ForTwo for exactly four years. Such time frame was considered in order to thoroughly assess the electronic find of the company.

“We want to test it and get it into production,” said Anders Jensen, who is the Smart brand team’s head, told the London-based Financial Times.

If things turn out well after the four-year trial period, Daimler Chrysler’s Smart ForTwo mini cars will all be ready to be manufactured for the public.

Details from The Financial Times Limited.