Why Choose Hybrid Cars?

On my previous post, I gave you the Top 5 Dream Cars. If you’ll noticed most of them are hybrid cars, which are actually the latest trend on cars.

But why choose hybrid cars?

Aside from its sense of style, hybrid car is an economical choice with today’s rising gas prices. Even if getting a hybrid car is way expensive, this will end up being cost-effective when you start seeing all the gas saving you had every month. Less fuel consumption also means a great help to the environment so there is actually tax deductions on hybrid cars. You can even enjoy benefits like car pool lane entry and free parking so why not a hybrid car! These are obvious reasons why people are aiming to have this latest innovation on car.

This time I will give you the Top Five Hybrid Cars sourced from buyingacar.suite101.com. This will again serve as your guide if you plan to buy one.

Top 1: Toyota Prius Hybrid

The Prius engine — a 1.4 liter, four cylinder DOHC, 16-valve, gas-electric wonder — delivers speed, agility and handling with enough style for any taste. And while the interior has modern details (push button start, in-dash modular shift stick, space-age computer console), there’s enough classic design in there to satisfy even most traditionalists.

Top 2: Honda Civic Hybrid

With an estimated 49 mpg city and 51 mpg highway, Honda’s Civic Hybrid is a fuel-efficient powerhouse, which comes from its agile 4hp, 1.3 liter SOHC, 8-valve gas-electric engine. The engine has a distinct whine when accelerating fast and then whooshes into an airplane-like sound once the gas kicks in.

Top 3: Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota has combined the styling, luxury and reliability of the Camry with its “hybrid synergy drive” to capture an estimated 40 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. (In our road test, we were disappointed to get an average 24 mpg). Toyota’s Camry Hybrid runs on a super fast 147 hp, 2.4 liter, four-cylinder 2AZ-FXE Atkinson-cycle engine. But the engine seemed secondary to the inside of the bright red Toyota Camry Hybrid LXE we tested several weeks ago.

Top 4: Honda Accord Hybrid

Billed as America’s first V6 hybrid, the Honda Accord Hybrid certainly lives up to its speedy status. In our road test, we found the Honda Accord Hybrid to be a quick, responsive, agile and fuel efficient with an average 25 mpg. The interior styling, however, seemed to lack some refinement for the $30,000 MSRP price. Lots of black plastic and shiny metal tends to dull the senses, rather enliven the driving experience. Honda Accord models received a top safety pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for their good crash test records.

Top 5: Lexus GS 450h

Compared to its gas-powered, full-throated cousin, the Lexus GS, the 450h does seem to lag behind a touch in acceleration. Lexus, however, claims the GS 450h goes from zero to 60 mpg in approximately 5.2 seconds, which surpasses some competitive V8 vehicles.

 

Accentuate your Vehicle with the Latest Car Accessories

Most car owners would want to make their vehicle really awesome. They believe that vehicles do not only require spare parts but also the accessories that would increase the luxurious feel of the car. But really, car accessories are not only made to style your vehicle because they are specially designed to also boost its performance, and to even secure your driving. It is for this reason that car accessories are not anymore a luxury but a necessity. If you are one of those car owners who are willing to spend extra dollars for the add-on parts, here are the lists of the latest trend in car accessories sourced from cardecorindia.com

1. Car Entertainment – Techie as it is, Video along with the Audios are the latest in car entertainment nowadays. People do not just want a sound on their vehicle for they want this Audio Video that will let them feel like their on a full home theater. The companies like pioneer, Alpine, Sony, JVC, Kenwood and others, are now providing heavy amplifiers, with matching woofers, speakers, and tweeters so that sound will come with a real BLAST.

To complete your Audio Video System here are its components:

• Casette Players
• CD Changers
• CD Players
• Speakers
• Amplifiers
• Equalizers
• Video Screens

2. Lightnings - Stunning as it is, people want to install their vehicle with different lights that has special lightning effects. They use under body neon lights and graphic stickers that reflect different lights that are noticeable especially in the dark. There is actually huge range of other light fittings such as Wipers, Fog Lights, L.E.D’s, and Neons.

3. Exterior Accessories – Obviously, these are the easily seen and noticed car accessories that include the rear and front bumpers, side view mirrors, side steps, body kits, bars, and many others. Most exterior accessories are also considered as safety features since they protect the other parts of your vehicle from falling off during collisions. Because of their dual function as styling and safety feature, make sure that you only get high-quality parts.

4. Interior Accessories – These add a homey feel on your vehicle while changing its interior look. Some change their whole seat with the sporty one to have a cool ride. Most guys prefer to change their gear knobs, gear shaft covers, pedal covers since they want something new and striking on their car. Few might be interested in changing the steering wheel for it requires an expert to do the installation.

5. Alloy and Extra Fittings – A sportier look of your vehicle can be achieved by trying those Tires, Silencer Cover, or Rims. Alloy rims are offered in different designs and sizes that you can choose from. Remember to choose the one that matches the specifications of your vehicle to end up with tires or rims that complement with the body of your vehicle.

6. Electronics – Specially designed as a styling and safety feature, the Anti Theft security system prevents your vehicle from being stolen. It comes with various features such as immobilizer, ignition cut-off, alarm, stereo protection and many others that assure a total control on your car’s security. The leading manufacturers of this part are Black Cat, Nippin, Vision, etc.

The next time you want to modify your vehicle, you can include these car accessories on your list. These are widely available in the market nowadays. You can get them at your local auto parts store and online stores but just make sure to get the high quality ones to have the hottest car in town.

For now, these are the latest trend in car accessories but I’ll keep you updated on this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Top 5 Dream Cars

Nowadays, it is unimaginable to go in life without a car. It has become a necessity of modern life where most are finding it hard to commute. Mostly, cars are ideal for family use. It is a compulsion for them to own a car instantly since dropping children at school, visiting the markets for shopping, and taking family travels would be more convenient.

If you are one of those who are pressured to get a car, let me give you the top five dream cars sourced from askmen.com. This will keep you updated with the latest trends on car that most people are dreaming and going crazy about.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead
This is the world’s largest convertible that gained the most votes, making it the king of the countdown. Its every panel has been reworked except for the hand-molded aluminum space frame case that is in accord with the base phantom. This has, a 10-inch shorter wheelbase and a slightly better tuned direct injection, 6.7 liter, V12, provoking 453 horsepower, mated to a six speed ZF gear.

Audi R8
Since then, the R8’s exceptional performance and visual prowess are recognized, making it the top 2 dream cars. This has already outdone the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, Aston Martin Vantage and the BMW M6 with a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds, a quarter mile run of 12.5 seconds a 113.2 mph, and a max speed of 187 mph.

Bentley Brooklands
The Brookland was initially inaugurated in 1992, and its second coming made it to the top 3 dream cars. It returned in the form of a two door, four seat coupe and with more powerful engine. This has a six-speed auto-stick as the powerplant is a dual turbocharged, 6.75 liter, 8 cylinder, which tallies 530 horsepower and 774 lb-ft of torque.

Aston Martin DBS
This is originated from the 2+2 setup DB9 and was presented in a two seat coupe to go up against with its origin. The DBS was welded with a bonded chassis made of aluminum, lightweight magnesium alloy and carbon fiber composite and was marked as the first commercially produced vehicle to incorporate such a considerable use of of carbon fiber body panels. Making it to the top 4, this has six speed manual transmission and $265,000 sticker.

Lexus IS-F
This is crafted on a highly modified skeleton of the IS 250 and 350 sedans. It utilizes an aluminum block, 32valve, DOHC, 5.0 liter V8, with an intelligent variable valve timing configuration and direct to cylinder injection with secondary port injectors, amassing 416 horsepower and more than 370 lb-ft of torque. Aside from this, its aesthetics that includes a bulging hood, sleek front fenders and vents, rear deck spoiler and quad tail afterburners are also the basis why this IS-F made it to the top 5.

Whatever is your dream car or the car that you currently own, you want to have them or you already have them because it necessitates on your way of living. Be it a family car or a sports car, it is more thrilling if you are diving the latest cars that most people dream for, such as those models listed above. They do not only have the most appealing look for they are designed to meet rigorous emission levels for pollution. And cars that are fuel efficient means optimum engine performance that you can never imagine.

 

2007 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Car: My Family’s Great Investment

For some people, owning a car is a luxury but for me it really depends on ones lifestyle and job nature. Two years ago, I’ve worked as a supervisor on a large auto store. I was indeed exposed to the world of automobiles but the odd thing is I did not own a car and I did not even know how to drive. My office was just few kilometers away from my place that is why I had not thought of getting one for myself. Back then, it was impractical for me to worry on the vehicle’s gas that is so expensive, its maintenance, and the parking fees since the public transport is more convenient.

When I got married, I quitted on my job since my husband was permanently assigned here in Los Angeles. I am now a full time mother of an adorable 2 year old boy and I can’t afford to miss the early stage of his growing up. Even though I am faced to a new career as a mom, I would say that my passion for cars has never ended. I am so crazy about the latest trend on cars that made me bought the outstanding 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and learned how to drive. This model features a fuel-efficient gas engine combined with electric motor that assists the engine for an outstanding performance. This is also a 4-door, 5-passenger sedan which makes it a family car.

Below are the engine specs:

Standard Engine: 2.4L I4

Standard Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic

Cylinders: 4

Horsepower @ RPM: 164@6400

Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy: 24 / 32

Combined Fuel Economy: 27

EPA Class

Mid-Size

Number of Valves: 16

Torque @ RPM: 159@5000 (foot-lbs)

Fuel Type/System: Hybrid Gas/Electric / Sequential Electronic Fuel Injected

Turbo (yes/no): No

Overdrive Transmission: Yes

Compression: 10.4

Displacement: 2401 / 147

Bore X Stroke: 3.46×3.85

Cruising Range: 432

Power To Weight Ratio: Not Listed

Final Drive Ratio: 3.05

Valves Configuration: Dual Overhead Cam/Twin Overhead Cam

For more information, here is the Hybrid Powertrain Details from autobloggreen.com

The ‘08 Malibu Hybrid is equipped with the GM Hybrid system, which consists of:

• A precision electric Motor/Generator Unit replaces the conventional alternator. The 36-volt system is capable of 110 lb-ft (150 Nm) of auto-start torque
• Innovative power electronics that precisely control the Motor/Generator System
• A nickel metal hydride (NiMH) hybrid battery pack that is capable of delivering and receiving more than 10,000 watts of peak power. The pack consists of three 12V NiMH cassettes in series totaling 36 volts. Each cassette includes two 12V NiMH modules in parallel. They are located in the front of the trunk, taking up a minimal amount of cargo space

This reduces the fuel consumption by:

• Shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, to minimize idling
• Restarting the engine promptly when the brake pedal is released
• Using the motor/generator to bolster the gasoline engine at wide-open throttle, such as during acceleration or a passing maneuver
• Enabling early fuel shut-off during vehicle deceleration
• Capturing vehicle kinetic energy during deceleration through regenerative braking to charge the advanced nickel metal hydride battery
• Performing intelligent battery charging when it is most efficient

For me, car is a family thing which made me choose this 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. It does not only suit our family lifestyle especially while taking travels or trips for this is also one way to help on saving the environment. This hybrid car is way expensive but you are assured that the quality of ride and its being safe to the environment were never compromised. Thus, if you are planning to get a family car, have this model as your great investment.

 

 

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