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Saturday, November 12, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
MODIFICATION MOTORCYLE 4
This is great and advance luxury YAMAHA GEN RYU automotive design are presenting much reliable and remarkable future and whole design is such a great and advance technologically.
And this is amazing luxury YAMAHA GEN RYU automotive design I just love it is greatest for luxury YAMAHA GEN RYU automotive design they can comfortably seat on this YAMAHA GEN RYU automotive design of this both YAMAHA GEN RYU is so great it looks superb and unbelievable I have seen different automotive design but this one is different to extra it is built-in exceptional superiority of ACESSERIOUS that looks remarkable color of automotive design is most excellent.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Riding New Mexico's Super Twisties
Most anyone who is serious about riding motorcycles is aware of the Tail of the Dragon, a fabled piece of two-lane in North Carolina that boasts 318 curves in 11 miles. With those curves you might think it would be a sportsbike riders' paradise. However, having become a mecca for bikers it has also become a heavily patrolled road all who go there, whether on big cruisers like the Kawasaki Vaquero or on hot, nimble rides such as the Suzuki GSX-R600, are well advised to take it slow.
Such are the results of fame and popularity.
The Dragon, however, is not the only super-twisty road around, and the less famous ones are not as crowded. New Mexico State Highway 152 is a prime example. This sweet piece of black-top runs about 56 miles from where it takes off from U.S. 180 at Santa Clara to where it terminates at I-25 near Caballo. Along the way it faithfully follows the contours of the hills and canyons it traverses, and in this country Mother Nature is prone to very erratic topography, which translates into curves. The road finally rises up over 8,178-foot Emory Pass, where it descends steeply to the east.
Leaving Santa Clara, NM 152 is just an easy road through hilly country, nothing extreme in the beginning. In fact, it's not the road at this point that is so interesting as what it passes by. Coming over a rise you are suddenly peering down into the El Chino Mine, a massive open-pit copper mine big enough to swallow a couple mountains. And beyond it, the tailings piles have constructed a comparably sized mesa. It's definitely worth stopping at the view point to gape.
From the mine on to the little community of San Lorenzo the road follows the spine of a steep ridge but is still not exceptionally twisty. The really good stuff starts just past San Lorenzo.
Climbing out of the valley where San Lorenzo sits, NM 152 again follows the spine of a ridge. This is where they guy on that GSX-R600 is really going to have fun. On one side the land rises and on the other it's a long way down, so blasting around these curves it's best not to get over-exuberant. But this is what sportsbikers love.
The road rises and falls, and the curves tighten up. Nearly every turn is marked with signs recommending maximum speeds, and signs urging 10 mph and 15 mph are a lot more common than those suggesting you only slow down to 25 mph or 30 mph. This is where even the sportsbikes had better take it easy.
Cruisers like the guy on that Vaquero are in their element here. No rush, no hurry, just take it nice and easy. Enjoy the scenery. And keep that brake lever covered. Even loping gently along it's easy to enter a corner a bit hotter than you discover is wise.
You know when you're approaching Emory Pass as the road starts heading more steadily upward. At the crest there is a view area that provides spectacular views of where you've been and where you're headed. Then the switchbacks begin down the steep eastern slope. The curves continue as you make you way to the small community of Kingston and then it gets straighter heading on to Hillsboro. Some canyons along the way keep things interesting, however.
Slow it down as you enter Hillsboro, as the local cops like to sit right at the edge of town waiting for the folks who have decided they could finally speed it up a bit. You'll leave town on a few more twisties before the highway finally straightens out as it near the interstate.
Through this ride, at least from San Lorenzo to Kingston, about 27 miles, you've seen hundreds of curves, many of them tight, and you can probably count the number of other vehicles you've seen on two hands. And the only cop on the entire ride was the one in Hillsboro. So sure, if you're out east, go ride the Dragon. But if you're in the west, or headed west, don't pine over what you're missing. Sometimes fame isn't all it's cracked up to be. The road less traveled can be a mighty good alternative.
Such are the results of fame and popularity.
The Dragon, however, is not the only super-twisty road around, and the less famous ones are not as crowded. New Mexico State Highway 152 is a prime example. This sweet piece of black-top runs about 56 miles from where it takes off from U.S. 180 at Santa Clara to where it terminates at I-25 near Caballo. Along the way it faithfully follows the contours of the hills and canyons it traverses, and in this country Mother Nature is prone to very erratic topography, which translates into curves. The road finally rises up over 8,178-foot Emory Pass, where it descends steeply to the east.
Leaving Santa Clara, NM 152 is just an easy road through hilly country, nothing extreme in the beginning. In fact, it's not the road at this point that is so interesting as what it passes by. Coming over a rise you are suddenly peering down into the El Chino Mine, a massive open-pit copper mine big enough to swallow a couple mountains. And beyond it, the tailings piles have constructed a comparably sized mesa. It's definitely worth stopping at the view point to gape.
From the mine on to the little community of San Lorenzo the road follows the spine of a steep ridge but is still not exceptionally twisty. The really good stuff starts just past San Lorenzo.
Climbing out of the valley where San Lorenzo sits, NM 152 again follows the spine of a ridge. This is where they guy on that GSX-R600 is really going to have fun. On one side the land rises and on the other it's a long way down, so blasting around these curves it's best not to get over-exuberant. But this is what sportsbikers love.
The road rises and falls, and the curves tighten up. Nearly every turn is marked with signs recommending maximum speeds, and signs urging 10 mph and 15 mph are a lot more common than those suggesting you only slow down to 25 mph or 30 mph. This is where even the sportsbikes had better take it easy.
Cruisers like the guy on that Vaquero are in their element here. No rush, no hurry, just take it nice and easy. Enjoy the scenery. And keep that brake lever covered. Even loping gently along it's easy to enter a corner a bit hotter than you discover is wise.
You know when you're approaching Emory Pass as the road starts heading more steadily upward. At the crest there is a view area that provides spectacular views of where you've been and where you're headed. Then the switchbacks begin down the steep eastern slope. The curves continue as you make you way to the small community of Kingston and then it gets straighter heading on to Hillsboro. Some canyons along the way keep things interesting, however.
Slow it down as you enter Hillsboro, as the local cops like to sit right at the edge of town waiting for the folks who have decided they could finally speed it up a bit. You'll leave town on a few more twisties before the highway finally straightens out as it near the interstate.
Through this ride, at least from San Lorenzo to Kingston, about 27 miles, you've seen hundreds of curves, many of them tight, and you can probably count the number of other vehicles you've seen on two hands. And the only cop on the entire ride was the one in Hillsboro. So sure, if you're out east, go ride the Dragon. But if you're in the west, or headed west, don't pine over what you're missing. Sometimes fame isn't all it's cracked up to be. The road less traveled can be a mighty good alternative.
Automobile Options That Are Eco-Friendly
The detrimental environmental encroachment of our dependency on fossil fuel is there for us all to witness. It's crucial that things start changing immediately and one of the most effective ways to start is with cars. Cars add to the emissions released which can hurt the environment, so it's nothing to be amazed about that auto producers have started producing eco friendly cars.
The most environmentally friendly car, from the sizeable choice there is, may well be the car that runs fully on battery. Since the vehicle is battery powered means has no need for diesel or gasoline. Although this looks good from the point of view fuel savings and the effect on the environment, there are drawbacks. The car engines themselves are a little limited right now but the cars are now available to customers. After running approximately 100 miles, you have to be prepared to give the battery another charge.
The hybrid car is another kind of car for consumers. They run on both a battery and gasoline and are environmentally friendly. So if you want to know, this is how this type of car runs in practical terms. As the car starts moving, it consumes electricity from the battery. The need for the fuel comes when more power is needed at a a certain speed. The need to charge up the battery is rid of as this happens as the gasoline is used.
There is also another kind of automobiles, referred to as plug-in hybrid vehicles. The manner in which plug-in hybrids run like the other type of hybrid vehicles and they are eco friendly. The plug-in hybrid does, however, have to be manually recharged whereas this is an automatic function of the standard hybrid vehicle. In comparison to typical cars, you will see that hybrid vehicles are great for fuel efficiency.
Toyota has developed a hybrid, referred to as the Prius, that does about 50 miles per gallon, which is really good. This hybrid car is among the hot-selling cars and is priced at around $22,000. Honda's Insight was the first hybrid car to be made available and before Toyota entered the market for hybrid cars. Honda's hybrid was not received in the same manner as the Prius by Toyota but it started off the consumer market for hybrid cars. There's also the Ford Fusion Hybrid which has gotten numerous awards and is sold for around $27,000. In the United States, the Ford Fusion has been awarded the award of being the leading hybrid car on the market. Mitsubishi has come up with the 'i-MiEV', which features absolutely no emissions. Mitsubishi became among the firs auto producers to develop an electric car in Japan.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Nissan Altima Engines : Maintenance of Engine Oil
Engine Oil Maintenance on Nissan Altima Engines As a general rule, drivers are advised to check the oil on Nissan Altima engines on a regular basis. This is a safety measure that ensures that the vehicle does not break down in the middle of a journey. It is recommended that the check is done after every three thousand miles or the equivalent within the local measuring system. The oil is a crucial element in keeping the vehicle functional. It also lubricates the different parts of the engine.
The failure to maintain oil levels on Nissan Altima engines Some information surveys indicate that a failure to check engine oil accounts for up to 40% of write offs outside an accident. The figure could even be higher for older vehicles. Oil is one of the cheapest aspects of car maintenance and yet people just do not take the time to check it. Every time that the vehicle is going on a long journey, the user should use the dipstick to look at the oil. It has to be at the right quantities. There is a low end and a high end for the oil. The level will indicate the position of the oil vessel. If it is below the minimum point then a top up is essential.
At the same time too much oil can lead to spillages. If a vehicle has regular oil spills then there is something very wrong with the vessel. It should be taken to the mechanic so that they can undertake a full diagnosis of the vehicle and make recommendations. Servicing has to go through the oil checks as a matter of course. Any self respecting mechanic will understand the importance of keeping a tight lid on the consumption of oil. They will also understand the elements that go into regular servicing.
The colour of the oil from Nissan Altima engines Although diesel engines are expected to be somewhat “dirty”, the colour of the oil on the dipstick might be indicative of a problem with the vehicle. The ideal colour is a golden, almost honey-like texture. Depending on the vehicle types, the oil might be a bit darker. The problems start to arise if the vehicle is dark and clumped. That means that the lubrication elements and function are not up to scratch. The vehicle should then be immediately taken to the garage for further assessment. It is really foolish to continue driving the car when the oil is clearly indicating that something is wrong with it.
The failure to maintain oil levels on Nissan Altima engines Some information surveys indicate that a failure to check engine oil accounts for up to 40% of write offs outside an accident. The figure could even be higher for older vehicles. Oil is one of the cheapest aspects of car maintenance and yet people just do not take the time to check it. Every time that the vehicle is going on a long journey, the user should use the dipstick to look at the oil. It has to be at the right quantities. There is a low end and a high end for the oil. The level will indicate the position of the oil vessel. If it is below the minimum point then a top up is essential.
At the same time too much oil can lead to spillages. If a vehicle has regular oil spills then there is something very wrong with the vessel. It should be taken to the mechanic so that they can undertake a full diagnosis of the vehicle and make recommendations. Servicing has to go through the oil checks as a matter of course. Any self respecting mechanic will understand the importance of keeping a tight lid on the consumption of oil. They will also understand the elements that go into regular servicing.
The colour of the oil from Nissan Altima engines Although diesel engines are expected to be somewhat “dirty”, the colour of the oil on the dipstick might be indicative of a problem with the vehicle. The ideal colour is a golden, almost honey-like texture. Depending on the vehicle types, the oil might be a bit darker. The problems start to arise if the vehicle is dark and clumped. That means that the lubrication elements and function are not up to scratch. The vehicle should then be immediately taken to the garage for further assessment. It is really foolish to continue driving the car when the oil is clearly indicating that something is wrong with it.
Toyota to Recall 110,000 All-New Model Minivans Sienna
The Sienna is Toyota’s all-new model and it is now facing its first recall. This time, the brand-new 2011 Sienna model has a problem with the positioning of the stop lamp switch bracket and the parking brake pedal. The switch bracket is welded on to the left side of the brake pedal assembly. The brake lamp provides a signal to indicate that the brake pedal has been depressed and illuminates the brake lights. This new brake problem for Toyota could lead, in severe cases, to a loss of braking effectiveness.
On Monday the Toyota Motor Corp announced said that it would recall about 110,000 of the 2011 Sienna minivans. The recall covers about 94,000 vehicles in the United States, 12,000 sold in Canada and 5,000 in Mexico.
The recall is over a possible a risk of the driver damaging the brake system while using the parking brake. This is due to the proximity between the stop lamp switch bracket and the parking brake pedal The driver's foot could hit the switch bracket and deform it while applying the parking brake pedal This could lead to deformation of the stop lamp switch bracket This in turn, might cause the brakes to become partially engaged When engaged the brakes would become noisy and vibrate When engaged the brakes would cause the brake warning light to illuminate If the condition remains unrepaired, Sienna drivers could experience minimized braking power
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the recall affects 94,126 vehicles that were produced between December 22nd, 2009, and November 4th, 2010. It was in December 2009, that the company received its first report about a deformed bracket while the vehicle was still in pre-mass production stage. More reports, inspections and an investigation later, the company decided to issue the recall. The auto maker had already fixed the problem with a differently designed part on Sienna models made after November 5.
Fortunately there has not been any accident or injury related to the issue. Toyota says it has so far received no notice of a crash being caused by the newly discovered problem. The car-maker will send the affected cars to dealers on its own cost and that it would notify owners of the problem along with instructions for what to do if they experience the problems. But the fix will be delayed until replacement parts are available in February.
Even before the cars get fixed, Toyota will arrange to teach owners how to cope with the problem. Owners will be notified of the recall in mid-January 2011 and told how to minimize the chances of hitting the bracket. Replacement parts will be available in late February and dealers will replace the bracket assembly free of cost.
On Monday the Toyota Motor Corp announced said that it would recall about 110,000 of the 2011 Sienna minivans. The recall covers about 94,000 vehicles in the United States, 12,000 sold in Canada and 5,000 in Mexico.
The recall is over a possible a risk of the driver damaging the brake system while using the parking brake. This is due to the proximity between the stop lamp switch bracket and the parking brake pedal The driver's foot could hit the switch bracket and deform it while applying the parking brake pedal This could lead to deformation of the stop lamp switch bracket This in turn, might cause the brakes to become partially engaged When engaged the brakes would become noisy and vibrate When engaged the brakes would cause the brake warning light to illuminate If the condition remains unrepaired, Sienna drivers could experience minimized braking power
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the recall affects 94,126 vehicles that were produced between December 22nd, 2009, and November 4th, 2010. It was in December 2009, that the company received its first report about a deformed bracket while the vehicle was still in pre-mass production stage. More reports, inspections and an investigation later, the company decided to issue the recall. The auto maker had already fixed the problem with a differently designed part on Sienna models made after November 5.
Fortunately there has not been any accident or injury related to the issue. Toyota says it has so far received no notice of a crash being caused by the newly discovered problem. The car-maker will send the affected cars to dealers on its own cost and that it would notify owners of the problem along with instructions for what to do if they experience the problems. But the fix will be delayed until replacement parts are available in February.
Even before the cars get fixed, Toyota will arrange to teach owners how to cope with the problem. Owners will be notified of the recall in mid-January 2011 and told how to minimize the chances of hitting the bracket. Replacement parts will be available in late February and dealers will replace the bracket assembly free of cost.
Japan Quake may Impact Automakers Beyond Japan
The economic repercussions of Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami are creating shock waves in the global auto industry. The dual disaster have shuttered many Japanese factories alright, they are also causing worries about the impact on the production shutdowns in North America. While Japan is grappling with the situation created as the after math of the earthquake, auto makers are scrambling to assess the full impact of the twin natural disasters and Japan’s ongoing nuclear crisis.
There are already signs that Japanese auto plant shuttering will interrupt supply chains beyond its borders. It is affecting the auto industry's global supply chain. The auto companies outside Japan keep their fingers crossed and hope that the disruption does not stay long enough to affect the deliveries of the car parts or shipments. Japan’s ravaged northeastern region is a major hub for auto parts suppliers and critical infrastructure. The auto parts suppliers have traditionally ensured the flow of goods to overseas markets earlier before persistent power outages came in. Even though only 7 to 8 per cent of a North-American built car comes from Japan, all it takes is one critical supplier to be out of business and you can’t make vehicles.
There are already signs that Japanese auto plant shuttering will interrupt supply chains beyond its borders. It is affecting the auto industry's global supply chain. The auto companies outside Japan keep their fingers crossed and hope that the disruption does not stay long enough to affect the deliveries of the car parts or shipments. Japan’s ravaged northeastern region is a major hub for auto parts suppliers and critical infrastructure. The auto parts suppliers have traditionally ensured the flow of goods to overseas markets earlier before persistent power outages came in. Even though only 7 to 8 per cent of a North-American built car comes from Japan, all it takes is one critical supplier to be out of business and you can’t make vehicles.
Photos Modification Honda Motor Moped AUTOMOTIVE
Modification of the motor is always interesting, whether young or old, whether new or modified motor vintage motor modifications. This time, I will show a collection of photos modifications Honda Moped
Photos Modification Honda Motor Moped AUTOMOTIVE
Modification of the motor is always interesting, whether young or old, whether new or modified motor vintage motor modifications. This time, I will show a collection of photos modifications Honda Moped
Photos Modification Honda Motor Moped AUTOMOTIVE
Modification of the motor is always interesting, whether young or old, whether new or modified motor vintage motor modifications. This time, I will show a collection of photos modifications Honda Moped
Photos Modification Honda Motor Moped AUTOMOTIVE
Modification of the motor is always interesting, whether young or old, whether new or modified motor vintage motor modifications. This time, I will show a collection of photos modifications Honda Moped
Thursday, April 21, 2011
rave Shame Because Glad motive
PURWOKERTO, KOMPAS.COM - When writing Yamaha, both in the fairing well in the swing arm (swingarm) does not exist, you'd think this Yamaha motorcycle. Because, from the color and the writing of "Fiat" reminds us of the Fiat Yamaha MotoGP team. Moreover, the typical number "26", characteristic of the start numbers Rossi, who wore "46".Genuine Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle was owned Ayung 250R Keun Song that often greeted Mr Song. Figures 26, he said the number of time conscription in Korea and he was pleased with the motive of the Fiat Yamaha team, in addition to simple, fast and elegant too impressed. And he wanted to feature a quarter-liter Kawasaki is still visible.
Tilled body alteration Pakdhe Cutting Sticker, Imam Susanto assisted Yogyakarta, Purwokerto Kawasaki Supervisor Serivce so gape about modifications. Claim they are so smooth because all the serious work.
Here, the modifier only mngubah on the tank and the stern. As the tank plays a condom ornaments for a little bloated. Who's the back and bottom are still the original default.
Being the stern fiber used as a seat cover. The model is making its own with accents highlight the taper and meetings. So that detail the body as a whole so it looks harmonious. And undertail dipermak participate, making the look even more sip
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Photos Modification Honda Motor Moped AUTOMOTIVE
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Motor One Wheeler, alias satu roda
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
2011 Corvettes at the Detroit Auto Show
Article and Photos Contributed by Steve Burns
Each year in early January the auto industry descends upon snowy Detroit to kick off the annual car show season. Automakers from around the world debut new models, special editions, and future technologies. This year’s show featured roughly 40 new vehicle introductions as the auto industry continues to recover from the events of the last couple of years. Over 700,000 people will visit Detroit’s Cobo Center over the course of the 9 public show days.
The GM display this year was again located in its traditional location in the far corner of the facility. The atmosphere is more upbeat this year due to the debut of the Sonic, and launches of the all new Cruze and the much-talked-about Volt.
Tucked in amongst all the new bowties were a Velocity Yellow Grand Sport and Supersonic Blue ZR-1. The Grand Sport was decked out in the top of the line 4LT trim, Heritage Package, and Chrome wheels. There was a constant line of people waiting to take seat in Chevy’s halo vehicle throughout the show. The ZR1 was decked out in the 3ZR package and also featured the chrome wheels. Unfortunately, fans weren’t able to sit in the ZR1 as it remained locked throughout the show. Adjacent to the Vettes over in the Cadillac display was Johnny O’Connell’s new ride – the CTS-V Coupe SCCA racecar. Check out the Corvettes of NAIAS below.
If you’re ever in Detroit during the first couple weeks of January be sure to dress warm (as there’s always a cold snap or snow storm during the show) and make it a point to stop into the North American International Auto Show. |
What’s So Bad About Toyota’s Recall?
We will refrain from making any “Total Recall” jokes about the Toyota – as every other auto blog has covered them. Instead, we will talk about (and agree with many experts) about how a huge Toyota Recall can be good for Toyota PR. They say there’s no such thing as bad publicity, and Toyota proves it this week with the announcement that 3.8 million vehicle owners to take the floor mats out of their vehicles, because they may cause “Sudden Acceleration” – people suddenly accelerating out of control with some fatal consequences because the mat got caught up in the accelerator pedal. Dangerous, and quite a great way to get your name in the papers. Too bad about those fatalities though. Check out all the details in the Business Week article below.
Toyota “Recall” Will End Up Being a Positive For Brand
Toyota yesterday instructed 3.8 million vehicle owners to take the floor mats out of their cars, trucks and SUVs.
News reports to the contrary, Toyota is officially calling this a “safety advisory” and says it has not yet issued a recall. But it’s more like a directive in real life.
“Sudden Acceleration” is the reason for the action. It turns out there have been a few cases of people suddenly accelerating out of control with some fatal consequences because the mat got caught up in the accelerator pedal.
“Sudden Acceleration” is a scary terrible phrase in the auto industry. Worse than “gas taxes” to American drivers. Audi took a beating in the late 1980s and 1990s after CBS’s Sixty Minutes gave a spotlight to some trial lawyers whose clients had claimed “sudden acceleration” was to blame for some accidents. Audi issued denials. But the story dragged on. Investigations were done. There was never any finding that a design or engineering flaw in an Audi was to blame. Yet, enormous damage was done to Audi sales and the brand. It has only been in the last five years or so that people have let the false charges of sudden acceleration drift into the archives of their memories.
Today, Audi vehicles are world-class competitors to Mercedes, BMW and Lexus, and the brand is one of the fastest growing in the category worldwide.
Toyota has had some recalls for engine sludge, bad ball joints, etc. Its own management has admitted that it grew too fast, especially in the U.S., and took its eye off the ball in terms of quality amidst all that growth.
The last thing the company needed to do in this sales-challenged economy was deny any responsibility. And easy for them, all they have to do is tell the owners to take the factory-issued mats out of the vehicles. My belief is that while it is the single biggest “directive” of its kind, the act of dealing with it straight-up will be a plus for Toyota. Even better would be if they came up with a fix to the problem: anchored mats. Then, they could give everybody nice clean, new mats that don’t bunch up.
I have to straighten out the mats in my own cars from time to time because they ride up into the pedal area. It’s common sense. But assuming common sense is wide spread is a dangerous thing to do.
Now, the search goes on to see what company has the smartest mat design that prevents the problem. Then, let every automaker copy that good design, eh?
Toyota “Recall” Will End Up Being a Positive For Brand
Toyota yesterday instructed 3.8 million vehicle owners to take the floor mats out of their cars, trucks and SUVs.
News reports to the contrary, Toyota is officially calling this a “safety advisory” and says it has not yet issued a recall. But it’s more like a directive in real life.
“Sudden Acceleration” is the reason for the action. It turns out there have been a few cases of people suddenly accelerating out of control with some fatal consequences because the mat got caught up in the accelerator pedal.
“Sudden Acceleration” is a scary terrible phrase in the auto industry. Worse than “gas taxes” to American drivers. Audi took a beating in the late 1980s and 1990s after CBS’s Sixty Minutes gave a spotlight to some trial lawyers whose clients had claimed “sudden acceleration” was to blame for some accidents. Audi issued denials. But the story dragged on. Investigations were done. There was never any finding that a design or engineering flaw in an Audi was to blame. Yet, enormous damage was done to Audi sales and the brand. It has only been in the last five years or so that people have let the false charges of sudden acceleration drift into the archives of their memories.
Today, Audi vehicles are world-class competitors to Mercedes, BMW and Lexus, and the brand is one of the fastest growing in the category worldwide.
Toyota has had some recalls for engine sludge, bad ball joints, etc. Its own management has admitted that it grew too fast, especially in the U.S., and took its eye off the ball in terms of quality amidst all that growth.
The last thing the company needed to do in this sales-challenged economy was deny any responsibility. And easy for them, all they have to do is tell the owners to take the factory-issued mats out of the vehicles. My belief is that while it is the single biggest “directive” of its kind, the act of dealing with it straight-up will be a plus for Toyota. Even better would be if they came up with a fix to the problem: anchored mats. Then, they could give everybody nice clean, new mats that don’t bunch up.
I have to straighten out the mats in my own cars from time to time because they ride up into the pedal area. It’s common sense. But assuming common sense is wide spread is a dangerous thing to do.
Now, the search goes on to see what company has the smartest mat design that prevents the problem. Then, let every automaker copy that good design, eh?
Marussia introduces bold new crossover with sliding doors, narrow greenhouse
Marussia F2 – Click above for high-res image gallery
Allow us to introduce you to the Marussia F2 – a vehicle that's one part mission control, three parts SUV and a dash of Nissan GT-R. The company that brought us the likes of the B2 supercar recently unveiled its new globe-roaming creation at telecommunications conference. Why would a carmaker decide to pull the sheets off of its latest product outside of the auto show circuit? Because in this case, the F2 is loaded with the company's new multimedia system.
If our Google Translator is to be believed, the fancy new tech will allow you to connect to your handheld via Bluetooth to use Skype, remotely manage your files or catch your favorite episode of Rocky and Bullwinkle.
With the F2's connectivity capabilities and sliding rear doors, Marussia is hoping that the SUV will find a home among Europe's law enforcement and safety offices. The company's announcement leaves us painfully in the dark as to what kind of engine we can expect to find under the hood. As much as we'd love to tell you that the Russian manufacturer found a way to wedge the sinister 420 horsepower Cosworth 3.5-liter V6 from the B1 in front of a similarly robust all-wheel drive system, right now we have no way of knowing.
Wild AND Mild – Custom Studebaker Pickup
With such a list of custom features, it wasn’t a surprise to see it in the “Customs: Then and Now” hall at the 2011 Grand National Roadster Show. As it ends up, John’s ’49 Studebaker was sitting right next to another custom Studebaker truck that looked awfully similar! As it ends up, the two have no relation. The purple Studebaker truck was customized sometime in the 1950s-60s. John couldn’t be happier with his Atomitron and will still be seen driving it around town.
If you think this truck is unique… just wait ’til I show you the pictures of the 1953 Studebaker coupe that this truck’s owner, John Saltsman, customized in his teens!!!
What do you think? Would you have built it the same or differently? MyRideisMe.com is interactive! Share what’s in your garage.
Custom Studebaker Pickup from 2011
Who’s ever seen a Studebaker pickup like this one!? Believe it or not, this 1949 Studebaker Pickup has been in the works for about 25 years. When the current owner, John Saltsman, got the truck it had already been chopped about 6
1963 Chevrolet Corvette
Where's the best place to find a Corvette that's destined to capture a Top Flight award? It all depends-it could be in a neighbor's garage, it could be in the collection of someone whose ad you've read, or it could be...just about anywhere. Nick Minoia has always loved the second-generation Corvette, and he wanted a midyear to grace his collection. Fortunately for Nick, he had some help in looking-help that found a prospective purchase within a day's drive. "I found out about it from my brother back in late-2005, early-2006," he says from his Succasunna, New Jersey, home. "The car had had a frame-off restoration by this guy in upstate New York, but it had passed to another owner who was frustrated by the fact that it had knock-off wheels on it. He'd driven the car, and one of the wheels started to come off, and it scared the hell out of him. He ended up parking the car in the garage, and he never drove it again."
That split-window had been restored by Paul Bohensky in his Elmira, New York, garage several years earlier. The car had been parked at a used-car store/body shop in Elmira, and though it didn't move through space, its journey through time left it with more than a few problems. Through his brother's efforts, Nick looked up the Sting Ray's owner. "When I called the owner, he said, 'Funny you should call right now. 'I just bought a lake house, and I frankly could use the money, so I might be willing to sell it if you want to do something quick." Nick adds, "Timing is everything in life, and this was just one of those things that happens for a reason."
Nick drove up to Elmira that weekend and checked out the '63. "We drove it around the block, and it was running rough, the brakes weren't really working, and there were a lot of issues with the steering," he recalls. "It hadn't been driven in about five or six years. The tires were lumpy-they'd never even rolled, it was like driving on square tires."
But what Nick calls "the bones of the car" were there, and he could tell that it needed to be "brought back from the dead," as he puts it. The deal was done, and Nick brought the '63 home. Over the next two years, he brought the Sting Ray into more than just drivable shape-it was ready for NCRS judging. But not before a lot of "little" things needed doing. "I must have spent about $10,000-$15,000 in parts," Nick says. "Me and Long Island Corvette got to know each other real well!"
The previous restoration was of good quality, but not a Top Flight-level restoration, so Nick set out to make his C2 worthy of the NCRS' top honors. "There were so many things that needed to be brought up to speed, like period tires, wheels and hubcaps, bolt head markings, engine detailing, finding the correct numbers-matching parts like the alternator, starter and regulator," he recalls while estimating that he did about 95 percent of the work himself that was needed to bring the split-window up to Top Flight quality. "The only things that I had done were rebuilding of the master cylinder and the wheel cylinders as well as sending out pieces like the clock and wiper motor to be rebuilt. When I found the right date-coded alternator, I sent that out to have new diodes put in and have the finish redone on it."
One thing that didn't need re-doing was the split-window's Daytona Blue exterior color. Paul Bohensky had re-painted the car in acrylic lacquer during the previous frame-off-the same type of paint Chevrolet used at St. Louis Assembly. "It's a little over ten years old, and it still has a great look to it," he says. "That's the beauty of lacquer, where you can just hit it, rub it out, and bring it back to like-new condition
Bill Reichenberg's '51 Ford Sedan
adyno tuned 750 CFM Holley double pumper carburetor, the hemi power flows through a Tremec TKO 600 6 speed transmission, and out to the wheels through a for 9-inch 4.11-geared differential. Power train is supported by an Art Morrison frame and air ride suspension. Stopping power is provided by a set of Wilwood brakes, and the comfort is provided by a Vintage Air system. Uphostery was done by AutoWeave of Denver with fabric and thread chosen by Lee. Billy Reichenberg's 1951 Ford Tudor appears to be a stock car at first glance with the only observable clue being the meaty
This project started with a restored stock ride, before it was built into a hemi powered cruiser. A few pictures of the stock Ride follow:
This was done so that the body could be correctly positioned on the frame to locate the body mount points after centering the rear wheel in the wheel opening. The floor modification pictured below, shows the sheet metal work done from under the body for clearance.
Front sheet metal fitted inner fender wells and front filler panel fabricated.
The car was final assembled and the final product graces the pages of Street Rodder magazine this month.
