New Audi A5 In Detail

Probably the most celebrated latest Audi model nowadays is the Audi A5 luxury 2-door coupe, which was recently unveiled at the 77e Salon International de l'Auto Geneve (77th annual Geneva International Motor Show) early this March. Audi also announced the luxury coupe's availability after the show for interested customers who want to get the first hand of the vehicle.

Walter de’Silva, the head of Volkswagen Group Design boasted his new designed Audi model and said the Audi A5 is "the most beautiful car I have ever designed”. Based from the Audi Nuvolari quattro concept car unveiled at the 2003 Geneva International Motor Show, Audi's newest luxury coupe embodies the elegance, comfort, and sporty features of the next generation sports coupe.

According to Volkswagen Group, "The Audi A5 successfully unites the acclaimed Audi design language and thrilling dynamic driving performance, and combines generous refinement with the brand’s characteristic quality and sophistication. Its progressive design gives the new coupé an appearance that is both elegant and dynamic. With its muscular FSI and TDI engines, its entirely newly developed high-precision running gear, and a raft of innovative, luxury-class equipment features, the Audi A5 has been crafted to be a modern grand tourer, a touring coupé in the best tradition."

The Audi A5's sleek and sporty exterior appearance is highlighted by the luxury coupe's new styling. The front fascia shows off a new Audi single-frame grille with right-angled headlights and large air inlets. At the rear, you can see distinctive horizontal lines along with wide styled tail lights designed to have a protruding look. The luxury coupe also comes with an aggressive trapezoidal C pillar, LED daytime running lights, xenon plus headlights, dynamic cornering light system, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside this luxury coupe's cockpit features the instrument panel and centre console that is drawn together to provide an easy operation of the vehicle's controls. The Audi A5 also gets deluxe automatic air conditioning system with three temperature zones, extra-large panoramic tilting roof for open space driving feel, and the Audi parking system with an advanced rearview camera. A host of optional infotainment and electronic systems is also available. These include DAB digital radio reception and DVB TV reception; DVD navigation system; and 500-watt Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with 14 speakers and surround sound. The A5 also offers an elegant and spacious luggage compartment. Just like the VW CV boot, owners can load different kinds of stuff on the Audi A5 boot that measures maximum width of 1 meter.

Under the hood of this luxury coupe comes a wide range of V6 TDI diesel engines. Toppung the engine range is the powerful 3.0-litre engine capable of pumping out a maximum output of 240 hp (176 kW) and 368 lb.-ft. amount of peak torque. With this engine, the Audi A5 can sprint from zero to 62 mph in a mere 5.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 155 mph. The engine is combined with a manual gearbox powering all the four wheels. A 2.7-litre V6 engine delivering 190 hp (140 kW) with the multitronic gearbox is also offered.

For those who already placed their orders for the Audi A5, the company will deliver the luxury coupe starting in June 2007.

By: Benjsmin Hudson

For more about your VW parts like VW CV boot, visit your trusted online store. Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.

New Technology For Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid vehicles have become more and more popular in the U.S. since Toyota introduced the Prius. This fuel efficient vehicle is equipped with a small engine that is powered commonly by gasoline. Its fuel efficiency is due to the use of an electric motor which supplies the additional power to aid the engine.

While a small engine may not be suitable for some driving conditions, the electric motor powered by an on board battery pack makes the power produced by the small engine adequate enough. But designers and engineers in the auto industry are constantly looking for ways to improve the performance of a hybrid vehicle. Turbodyne Technologies Inc. is one of the companies looking for ways to improve the performance of hybrid cars. Recently, the company announced that they have developed a new technology which is aimed to help hybrid vehicles perform even better.

Turbodyne has improved the design of the Turbodyne TurboFlow™ electronic air injection system. The technology is aimed for use by hybrid vehicles. “It’s clear that hybrid vehicle production is experiencing significant growth,” says Al Case, the Chief Executive Officer of Turbodyne. “”The biggest challenge is maximizing engine output while maintaining fuel economy. That’s where the opportunity lies for the Turbodyne TurboFlow™ air injection system,” Case added.

The TurboFlow technology differs from turbochargers and superchargers by the absence of mechanical linkages. That is because the Turbodyne TurboFlow air injection system uses an electric motor to operate the air compressor which in turn supplies air to the engine.

By eliminating the mechanical linkages, the air injection system is made better than turbochargers or superchargers. Superchargers need power from the engine to operate the air compressor and this means that the power generated by the engine will be reduced.

Turbochargers, on the other hand, use gas exhaust to force air to the combustion chamber. This means that when there is significantly less exhaust gas, like for instance when starting a car, the turbocharger cannot help the engine. Both the engine power reduction and lack of take-off power problems are solved by the Turbodyne TurboFlow™ air injection system.

Since hybrid vehicles are known to have a good storage of electrical energy, it makes sense that the new air injection system for hybrid vehicles is powered by electricity. Since the Turbodyne TurboFlow™ air injection system is not dependent on the engine, it can be used throughout a driving cycle. It is specifically designed to provide air into small displacement engines like those used on hybrid engines.

This new technology will further increase the performance of the fuel efficient vehicles. This could mean that hybrid vehicles will be continuing their domination of the auto industry in the future. From the way things look, hybrid vehicles have become the bully dog in the yard of automobile industry.

With more and more developments like these, we can surely expect more and more hybrid vehicles roaming our streets.

By: Jenny McLane

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. You can visit bully dog for more information.

How To Lose $20,000 Selling Your Car On-line

You have your car listed for sale on the Internet and it looks like you have an easy sale. The emails are rolling in from interested buyers. But wait, a lot of these interested buyer may have a plan that will take a lot of your hard earned money.
Because we get into the details, there are four rules that you must follow not matter what. If you violate either of these rules you will lose your money:
1) Never accept payment which is not for the exact amount of the sale.
2) Do not assume that any cashier check or money order is valid.
3) Do not assume any payment if valid just because your bank gives you cash for it.
4) Another persons problem is not your problem to solve.
Before I explain these simple rules we will look at two actual emails I received from people wanting to buy my used car. I listed a price above market value as an experiment and did not believe anyone would answer my ad.
Both of these emails had IP addresses from outside the USA. In the first one an address and phone in the USA were given. You cannot rely on IP address, phones or postal addresses for identification of where a purchase is actually from.
First email:
HELLO,
INQUIRY ON YOUR CAR, PLEASE GET BACK TO ME WITH YOUR ROCK BOTTOM ASKING PRICE AND THE PICTURES IF THE CAR IS STILL AVAILABLE.
HAVE A NICE DAY
JAMES THOMAS
[address]
[phone]
In response, I answered using an almost obscene name and told him the car was as described on the web and gave him a price that was higher than what I stated on the web.
If you notice he does not really ask any questions about the car. You can be pretty sure he emails the same email to thousands of people and cannot remember which email is about which car.
Mr. "Thomas" replies:
HELLO,
THANKS FOR YOUR URGENT RESPONCE, HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU. AFTER CONSIDERING THE PRICE, I HAVE ACCEPTED MAKING PAYMENT FOR THE CAR. BUT THE ISSUE IS THAT I HAVE A FRIEND WHO IS OWING ME HE WORKS WITH INTER TRUST FINANCIAL IN CANADA BUT HE IS PRESENTLY ON VACATION IN SAUDI ARABIA. I HAVE CONSIDERED USING THE MONEY ON THIS TRANSACTION, SO HE WILL BE MAKING THE PAYMENT DIRECTLY TO YOU WITH A CASHIERS CHECK, BUT THE MONEY IS IN EXCESS OF THE PRICE OF THE CAR, SINCE WE HAVE AGREED ON US$15, 100 FOR THE PRICE, SO YOU HAVE TO SEND THE EXCESS TO THE AGENT THAT WILL COME FOR THE PICK UP SO THAT HE CAN BE ABLE TO OFFSET SHIPPING CHARGES. THEREFORE, I URGE YOU TO PROVIDE YOUR MAILLING INFORMATION WHICH ARE YOUR LEGAL NAME, HOME ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER SO THAT HE CAN BE ABLE TO MAIL THE CASHIERS CHECK TO YOU VIA COURIER SERVICE. AND ALSO YOU ARE TO STATE THE PRESENT LOCATION OF THE CAR FOR EASY PICK-UP.THANKS AS I WAIT TO RECIEVE YOUR CONSENT ON THIS TRANSACTION SOON.
THANKS AND GOD BLESS
JAMES THOMAS
Here comes the problem. To sell my car to Mr. "Thomas" I will need to violate all four rules I listed above. The bottom line is that Mr. "Thomas" will send me a cashiers for more than the amount of the sale, the bank will give me cash the day after I deposit the cashiers check, I will refund the extra to him (I am not "solving" his "problems"). My surprise will be that in a month or so, my bank will tell me the cashiers check was forged and remove the full amount from my back account; but I have already refunded the extra to Mr. "Thomas" so my bank balance will likely end up well below zero!
If I am lucky, I will be out the $5, 000 and find out before I actually sign the title of my car over to Mr. "Thomas"!
Here is another email which is basically the same. Again, they are not interested in any details of the car, though some scam emails do ask a few questions. They do not specifically mention a cashiers check, but instead refer to a "check payable in the US". The email also implies that the car will need to be shipped to a client. I will not comment on his horrible spelling.
Hello,
my clinet is intrested in your car..if is still avalebbile please contact me. which you will receive a payable check in U.S. Hope to read from you soon.
Regards.
mark
We should add an additional rule, if you are not a professional in the import, export business, do not think about shipping your car overseas. Not for one second. Not even if the "buyer" has arranged for shipping. Even if it were legitimate (and it is not) you would be in for more headaches that you want.
We need to review the 4 simple rules again:
1) Never accept payment which is not for the exact amount of the sale.
Any normal purchaser will make payment to you in the correct amount. If someone has a check for the "wrong" amount it is not your problem to resolve. You are just trying to sell a car, your are not in the banking business! Really you should be selling your car to someone you see in person with cash or a check from a local bank you can verify at their bank.
2) Do not assume that any cashier check or money order is valid.
The FDIC issues regular reports about stolen and forged money orders and cashiers checks. It is not a rare event. You cannot assume any payment is valid unless you personally verify it at the bank that issued the payment, ie: by walking into that bank and cashing it.
3) Do not assume any payment if valid just because your bank gives you cash for it.
Under U.S. Banking Laws, your bank is obligated to "clear" cashiers checks in one business day. That means if you deposit a cashiers check today, your bank must allow you to withdraw cash tomorrow. That does not mean the payment is good. A forged cashiers check can take weeks for your bank to discover. When they do the entire amount plus service charges will be removed from your account! You see the trick?
4) Another persons problem is not your problem to solve.
Many of these scamsters develop involved stories about all kinds of problems they have, in this case a cashiers check for too much money. They offer you a bonus or easy sale for helping them solve the problem. In reality the only problem is that you will lose lots of money trying to "help" them.
Your only problem is to sell your car to an actual buyer, that has actually looked at the car and makes a payment you can actually verify (cash) at their bank. This will never include someone that wants the car shipped somewhere. It will never include someone that has a check of any kind for too much money.
No one will ever pay you an extra $500 much less an extra $1,000 or $5,000 for your car for helping them.
BOTTOM LINE Do not ever involve the "problems" of someone else in your transaction. Do not accept any "cashiers check" as valid -- no matter what the teller at your bank says.
The real question is who would buy a car they do not look at? But if you must sell your car to someone who is not local, please make sure you use an escrow service.

By: Wilbur Corncob

By Wilbur Corncob. Buy used cars. Copyright (c) 2007 GLR Sales LLC. Permission is granted to reprint this article in whole or in part provided that a link to carsforsale.classifieds1000.com is included as a standard link.

Alfa Romeo Spares Can Be Found Online

Finding Alfa Romeo spares is as easy as clicking a button. In a recent Google search on the World Wide Web, dozens of dealers, forums and other places of interest were found. Even the well known auction site EBay has Alfa Romeo spares listed on its site.

If you do choose to purchase your Alfa Romeo spares online, beware of hidden costs. Automobile parts are heavy, and shipping them can run the price through the roof. When comparing what a part costs on line to one at your local parts store, keep in mind the addition of shipping.

It may be possible to shop on line, but to buy local. Many breaker yards and junk yards now carry much of their inventory online. This makes shopping much more convenient for their consumers, which means more profit for them.

Those buyers out there that aren’t afraid of a little competition or a slight gamble might find the online auctions sites an exciting place that to search for the perfect Alfa Romeo spares that they need. It is important to investigate the history of the person you are buying from so you can be more comfortable with the idea of sending them your money. You might think of starting with a less expensive part. If you do get scammed, by chance, then you aren’t out a lot of money for the experience.

If you do decide to buy that big, expensive part through an online auction, make sure the price includes shipping, handling, and insurance. It is important to know the full price of your purchase ahead of time. It is also important to protect that purchase until is arrives safely at your home. The Alfa Romeo spares need to be insured for full coverage or you could lose your shirt if there is a problem with the shipping.

Buying your Alfa Romeo spares does not have to be expensive. Make an adventure of the purchase and take your search world wide.

By: Kathryn Lang

Kathryn Lang is a freelance writer covering the motoring industry. She has written various articles on Alfa Romeo parts and Alfa Romeo cars in general.

Mercedes-benz Confirms A Hybrid Model In 2009

DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes-Benz luxury car brand has finally come up with a decision that involves their entry into the hybrid powertrain class. The Stuttgart-based automaker will develop a hybrid model for their several vehicle classes ranging from the subcompact A-Class models up to the S-Class luxury sedans.

Last week, Thomas Weber, the head of development for Mercedes Car Group has told the automotive press at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show about the Mercedes-Benz hybrid. He said: "In 2009, we will have the first Mercedes-branded hybrid on the market."

Meanwhile, here is what Dieter Zetsche, Chief Executive Officer of DaimlerChrysler AG said in a recent interview with Auto Motor und Sport, one of Germany's premiere automotive publications: "We will not develop new vehicles without including a hybrid model option. We will offer out customers the right product."

Zetsche also said that the environment is very important for the company, and developing a Mercedes-Benz hybrid model will allow them to significantly contribute to the environment.

DaimlerChrysler's plan to focus on cars with diesel engines instead of focusing in hybrid powertrain technology was earlier dismissed due to some customer demands, according to the German automaker.

Zetsche also commented on the announcement made by Mercedes-Benz and BMW last week regarding the collaboration on the development of hybrid system. He said: "We will combine our knowledge and skills with BMW Group in order to accelerate the development of the hybrid project. With the mild hybrid, we can obtain 70 percent of the effect of a full hybrid with only 30 percent of the effort."

Zetsche further explains that the new models that will be offered some time in 2009 are equipped with mild hybrid powertrain systems, which include a diesel of petrol engine combined with an electric motor, unlike full hybrid models developed by other automakers that can run solely on electric power in a limited range. A mild hybrid powertrain system provides an increased acceleration and performance along with low fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions.

Unfortunately, Mr. Zetsche said he will not give more details about the Mercedes-Benz's hybrid plans in the future. In fact, he did not include the exact schedule for the launch of their first ever mild hybrid model.

Along with the mild hybrid power train system, Zetsch also said that they will introduce other innovative car technologies in the future including the start/stop system and new alternator that can be disconnected from the engine during acceleration. These new technologies are being developed at the company’s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.

After reading this article, car enthusiasts will watch out for the Mercedes-Benz model equipped with Mercedes hybrid powertrain parts, probably Mercedes C230 parts to roll out in dealer showrooms around the world.

By: Dwyane Thomas

Airbags Could Cause Foot, Ankle Trauma

The importance of airbag in vehicles is given greater emphasis when road fatalities soared and the figures became alarming that the said auto feature was deemed indispensable. The feature became increasingly popular because of its all-positive offers. However, in a recent study, it was found that airbags could be the cause of foot and ankle trauma.

Members of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) said that they have noticed a significant increase in traumatic foot and ankle injuries among patients who survived auto accidents. And the cause - airbags!

The federal government initiated the imposition of dual front airbags requirement in passenger cars in the year 1998. Since then, a number of studies have been conducted to know whether airbags are responsible for the increasing lower extremity injuries. According to a federal report, drivers in air bag equipped cars suffer more than 17,600 lower extremity injuries every year. One-third of those are to the foot and ankle. The trauma though is not life threatening. It may just result to limited mobility that the affected individual may necessitate months or years of rehabilitation and physical therapy. It may also lead to multiple surgeries.

"We see trauma we never saw before," said ACFAS President James L. Thomas, DPM, FACFAS who is also a foot and ankle trauma surgeon at the University of Alabama, Birmingham Hospital. "A decade ago, these patients would have died from head trauma or other upper body injuries. Now, thanks to seat belts and air bags, they survive."

Thomas added, "Many patients who suffer foot and ankle trauma in an auto crash -- with or without air bags -- face a long road to recovery. But the good news is, many patients do recover and lead a normal active lifestyle."

At the ACFAS Annual Scientific Conference, surgeons discussed less-invasive techniques for treating traumatic injuries received in motor vehicle crashes and other incidents. The common technique used by surgeons is the use of internal or external fixation devices. These devices immobilize the foot and ankle, just like a cast. Internal fixation devices uses a series of rods, screws and plates attached to bones, stabilize them to allow proper healing.

Jerry Cremeans, a Lincoln County High School automotive teacher, is educating his students about the power of airbags. He said all drivers, especially younger drivers, need to be aware of the powerful force they sit behind every day.

Cremeans added that airbags explode at 175 mph to 200 mph. He noted that if car occupants are not positioned properly, an airbag can be extremely dangerous, even deadly. But he said airbags have saved more lives than they have hurt. He added that as long as drivers are educated, an airbag is a life-saving tool.

Cremeans said drivers need to position themselves at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel, in order for the airbag to work properly. "I'm trying to make this to where everybody gets a little bit of knowledge of what's in front of you when you sit down at that wheel or passenger side," Cremeans concluded.

Basically, the auto knowledge should not only revolve around engines, radiators and Weapon R cold air intake but should include safety and protection.

By: Lauren Woods

Safety-kleen Receives “best Overall Value Award”

The auto industry, just like any other, produces wastes that pose potential risks to the environment. These wastes need to be taken care of properly by putting them on landfills that are certified to be safe. Other wastes can be re-used using technologies developed for the recycling of automotive wastes.

Safety-Kleen is one company which specializes on oil recycling and re-refining parts cleaner and industrial waste management. The company takes care of the potentially harmful wastes from the auto industry. Its dedication to provide good service to its consumers and at the same time protect the environment has earned the company the “Best Overall Value Award” form AutoNation. The award cones from America’s largest automotive retailer.

Laura Payne, the Director of Strategic Sourcing for AutoNation, has this to say before giving the award: “Safety-Kleen handles our hazardous waste removal, parts washers and solvents, and hauls our waste oil. We're particularly pleased with Elizabeth Semrau, manager of the AutoNation account, who has done a phenomenal job of working across all levels of our company to provide competitive pricing, highly responsive service and lower overall management costs.”

The Safety-Kleen has shown their commitment to AutoNation as shown by Payne’s statement. "Because of their service levels and commitment to our partnership, Safety-Kleen has earned this year's award for Best Overall Value," Payne even emphasized.

On the part of Safety-Kleen, Mike Fraser, the Senior Vice President of Sales, attributed the award to the good working relationship between them and AutoNation. He said that they have been working with the largest auto retailer in the U.S. since 2002 and through the years, Safety-Kleen has come up with ways to improve their service and cut down the cost both for them and for Auto Nation.

Frederick J. Florjancic Jr., the Safety-Kleen President and Chief Executive Officer, has this to say about the award: “We're very proud to have won this award. I am especially proud of the Safety-Kleen team for their ongoing commitment to AutoNation, as well as our other customers, as we continue to drive world-class performance throughout the organization.”

In 2003, Safety-Kleen also received the “Most Improved Supplier” award from AutoNation. And from that time, Payne said that “Safety-Kleen has truly become a strategic ally, always looking for ways to improve their services and our business” and it sure is reflected though the accolades and awards that they are receiving. “It’s a pleasure to acknowledge their efforts with this award,” added Payne on the most recent one that they took home.

The award shows that there are companies that are actively doing their share to protect the environment by taking care of the waste of the auto industry. With more and more environmentally related problems surfacing, the services of companies such as Safety-Kleen is needed to act as an EBC Greenstuff brake pads in stopping the further destruction of the environment.

By: Anthony Fontanelle