The Porsche Legacy – Protect Your Investment With a Car Cover

Submitted By: Jack Labens

Porsche is a name which evokes sleek and stylish car design, a hefty price tag and a great deal of attention gathering when it hits the road. Porsche’s reputation is firmly established on both the race car circuit and in the opinions of owners – Porsche vehicles are known to remain with their owners for longer than any other luxury car marquee – a testimony to their attraction and embodiment of car excellence.
Porsche started off life as the independent design company established by Ferdinand Porsche in 1931. Note that this was not a car maker as such but a design company and commissions were received from around the world and also by the German government. Adolf Hitler commissioned Porsche to design the ever-popular VolksWagen Beetle – an instant hit with the German motorist looking for a car within their finances and well-suited to the new German road system called the Autobahn.
Porsche himself commenced his automobile career as a test driver and a draftsman at an ailing company owned by his father. To help keep the family and company finances afloat, Porsche regularly raced cars for prize money and this is why the Porsche company has always used the racing pedigree as a fundamental part of their development process.
It was not until 1948 that a car bearing the Porsche name was launched - the Porsche 356 Roadster. The 356 designation sprang from the chassis number of the prototype vehicle – 356.001. Powered by a VW engine with a “huge” 1.1 liter capacity delivering 35 BHP with 4,000 rpm, the 356 had a top speed of 84 miles an hour. The 356 was a success on and off the track and by 1956, the 10,000th Porsche 356 rolled off the production line. The 356 however, was simply laying the foundation for the flagship model to follow.
In 1963, Porsche launched the 911 with a 2 liter, 6 cylinder engine and delivered high performance and the ultimate in design chic. No other Porsche has attracted such acclaim and such a following amongst car buyers and car enthusiasts around the world. The 911 set the standard for Porsche and also for the rest of the car industry.
Porsche and Volkswagen moved ever closer in terms of both technological advances and production support. Porsche introduced a model aimed at the market below the 911in terms of price range. In 1969, the Porsche 914 emerged complete with a removable roof and a powerful four-cylinder engine. The car was an instant commercial success though many critics argued it was devaluing the Porsche brand.
The Porsche 924 followed as a consequence of the commercial success of the 914 and closer Porsche/VW cooperation. The 924 was initially developed for VW, but became a purely Porsche model and available in 1975. It was the first Porsche to feature the transaxle configuration, including a water cooled engine to the front with rear-axle transmission. Again, this was a commercial success and firmly established the company as a luxury sports car marquee with a price tag which ensured that while it was available on the mass market, it maintained an air of exclusivity. This ensured that the following models, the 944 and the 968, also enjoyed commercial success and together these three models accounted for over 30% of Porsche’s sales for the following twenty years.
The Porsche 928 Gran Turismo (Grand Tourer or GT) is the only sports car to win Car of the Year and along with the 911, it was also the most expensive on-the-road, production Porsche with sales of just over 61,000 worldwide. At the time, the 928 had an engine completely made from aluminium, which dramatically reduced the weight and increased the power-to-weight ratio – most cars at the time had a heavy iron engine block.
In September 1996, the Porsche Boxster was launched which incorporated new performance levels with enhanced safety design. The Boxster rapidly established itself as the premier sports car in its class and in the market, with features added to ensure driver comfort and convenience – for instance, the roof has an innovative opening/closing mechanism which allows for deployment and stowing in less than 12 seconds at the flick of a switch.
Porsche maintains a strong race pedigree today with engines and cars competing in both racing and rally events around the world. In addition the company entered the SUV market with the Cayenne, which has done remarkably well in the North American car market.

Published At: Isnare.com

Hybrid Engines 101

Submitted By: Lawrence J. Reaves

A hybrid automobile combines a regular internal combustion engine with an electric motor, also known as a powertrain. The electric powertrain is there to assist the gas engine or to take over the propulsion of the vehicle and in so doing improve the fuel consumption and efficiency of the vehicle.
The most common application of a hybrid engine is in the hybrid electric car, however the hybrid engine has increasingly found its way into pick-up trucks and tractors, and there are high performance and even supercars which have been designed using hybrid engines as their propulsion unit.
A development of the modern hybrid engine is the use of “regenerative braking” to retain the energy potential of the vehicle and divert the kinetic potential to electric power which will be stored in the battery cell. This saves energy which would otherwise be wasted as heat which will be dissipated to the atmosphere, as in a traditional car.
Another way in which hybrid engines seek to conserve the energy potential of the vehicle is by tapping the internal combustion engine (the regular gas-fuelled engine) to recharge the batteries or to supplement the operation of the electric motor directly. In this respect, you can see that the two power units are supplementing and complementing each other – hence the term, “hybrid”.
As electric power produces power emissions and pollutants (including noise pollution) when compared to a regular internal combustion engine, the overall impact on the environment is reduced. In some instances, the reduction in emissions and pollutants can be very substantial, which makes for a win-win situation with much higher fuel efficiency.
Hybrid engines are not a recent innovation, which may come as a surprise to many. In fact, Ferdinand Porsche developed the first gas-electric hybrid engine way back in 1900. Unfortunately, given the battery technology available at that time, the finished production car was a massive monster – the batteries alone weighed in at almost 2 tons. Clearly, the battery technology needed to significantly improve before the hybrid engine vehicle was to become a reality.
The hybrid engine-powered car did not become a commercial reality until the launch of the Toyota Prius in 1997. This was quickly followed by the Honda Insight which was launched in 1999, however at that time, gas prices were relatively low which reduced the perceived need for gas-efficient cars. It was not until the dramatic price increases in gas prices of the early-2000's, and the increasing penetration of the Prius into the North American market that car manufacturers woke up to the demand and need for a hybrid car.
Hybrid engine-powered vehicles are now an integral component of the worldwide car market, while many legislators have placed them firmly at the center of environmental impact reduction programs.
Today, Toyota has sold over 2 million hybrid vehicles alone, led by sales of their flagship hybrid, the Prius, and in the US market over 1.6 million vehicles were sold in 1999 with California being the largest US market. All of the major car manufacturers in the US and around the world have hybrid options on an increasing number of the vehicles within their ranges including marques such as Chrysler, Dodge, BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Ford, Porsche, Volkswagen, Volvo and many others.

Published At: Isnare.com

How You Can Sell a Car Online For a Good Price

Submitted By: Lewis Cole

If you ever need to get rid of your car – selling it online provides the easiest means to do it. We all need to buy a new car sometime in our lives which gives us the opportunity to sell the old one. There are thousands of buyers waiting to buy used and old cars, in any state or condition. But if you are either too busy to go through the process of looking for buyers or you just want to dispose of your car quickly, you need to sell a car online to one of the trusted car dealers. At car buyers, we purchase cars of all different models and makes – independent of their conditions. Just give us a call anytime you wish to sell a car online and we will be honored to buy it.
Before you decide to sell a car online you must have cleared it of any loan. You are not allowed to sell a car without clearing off the necessary debts. Buyers will require a clearance letter from the finance company that you bought the car from. Once you have this cleared, you need to get all your papers ready before you sell. The necessary documentation that confirms you as the rightful owner of the car; this clears the buyer of any legal hassle.
If the debts are cleared and the paper-work is ready – you need to know the perfect time to sell a car online. Holidays are not the best time to sell cars. People are away on vacations or shopping. Your chances of getting your car sold at the best price during such times are slim. Also, convertibles and sport cars are mostly sold during the summer. Car buyers go crazy for them. In one word, you need to do some research to know the best time to sell a car online. You will get a better offer for the car when sold at the right time.
Once the time is right, you need a local mechanic to fix the car with some minor repairs. You don’t want to give the buyer a bad impression about the car. Make it look attractive and neat. Wipe the engine compartment and drain it of any fluid or oil. Make some adjustments -things like wheel alignment and gauging of tires should be done. You don’t want to have your buyer change his mind so anything you have to do on the car to improve its worth must be done.
Don’t allow a buyer without a driving license to test drive the car – an inexperienced driver might cause havoc to it. Once the buyer is satisfied with the car’s condition the payment method needs to be thoroughly discussed between both parties. Either you accept cash instantly or agree on a wire transfer. Transfer the ownership of the car should be done only when payment has been made. Don’t give it out on instalments.
These are the guidelines you need to follow before you decide to sell car online. But if you don’t have the time or you want to get rid of it quickly– consider selling to us. Car buyers have bought thousands of cars all around the country. Just give us a call, provide us with the details of your car and we will make an offer you can’t refuse. We are contracted to one of the best towing companies in the country and your car will be cleared within 48 hours after your payment has been made. Don’t hesitate to contact us next time you want to sell a car online – we are one of the best in the business.

Published At: Isnare.com

2010 BMW 5 Series in Los Angeles

Submitted By: Sam Park

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG short form is BMW is a self-governing organization from German. It is the producer of motorcycles, automobiles and top cars all over the world. Actually BMW is the mother company of the MINI and Rolls-Royce car brands
The present array of BMW model is divided into "Series". In 2004 it was proclaimed by BMW to produce odd-numbered series on models like estate or wagon models and saloon or sedan and even-numbered series were of two-door cabriolets and coupés. These applications were invigorated as the Z4 and in 2003 which was replaced by the aging Z3 roadster and the latest 6 Series supplementation continued with the existing BMW 5 Series.
2010 BMW 5 series
In what the company considers, to be in its mid-range of vehicles in cities like Los Angeles is the 2010 BMW 5 series. This is the ultimate in junior executive to transportation. For many BMW fans, the 5 is the superior model, as they believe that this series can offer the best value for money, while still retaining the ‘wow’ factor.
BMW's N54 and N52 belong to Series 5 and it boasts V8 alternatives, inline 6-cylinder motors and diesel. Another version of the 5 Series is M5 of the motor sport division that generates 507 hp and is motorized by a F1-inspired V10 engine and is mated with a 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox transmission.
2010 BMW 5 series - Features
First of all, for the first time in the 5-series models, High Precision Fuel Injection is offered standard in all of them. These are special injectors make of Piezo crystal that helps to provide a very unique and precise fuel mixture of the perfect amount, right when it is needed, and this helps to increase the economy and the performance of the car. Also used in this new car is the Brake Energy Regeneration technology, which helps to take the energy from braking and puts it back into the car for added economy.
Some of the great extras that come along with this car include a navigation system, Bluetooth, and a high tech radio as well. There is a special adapter in the car designed to accommodate MP3 players and iPods and a CD changer is also included. SIRUS satellite radio is offered and the navigation system on the car provides the driver with traffic information in real time.
BMW has left nothing out on the new 2010 BMW 5 Series. This is a car that provides drivers with peace of mind as well as an incredible value. If you do purchase this vehicle you'll get the special roadside assistance plan, the special maintenance program through BMW as well as a limited warranty. So, for those looking for a little more out of their executive cars in Los Angeles, the 2010 BMW 5 Series is an excellent choice to give further consideration.
On the official site of BMW, they say, "AT BMW, WE DON'T JUST MAKE CARS. WE MAKE JOY." I totally agree to this and Iam sure all the readers agree to this as well.

Published At: Isnare.com

5 On-The-Spot, Makeshift "Repairs" You Can Accomplish in Minutes

Submitted By: Lawrence JT. Reaves

"You can fix practically anything with a roll of duct tape." It's one of those timeworn adages that produces a chuckle. When it comes to repairing your vehicle, it's truer than you might realize. With a few tools, zip ties, and duct tape, you'll be surprised by the small repairs you can perform. These repairs are not meant to be permanent, of course. But if you're on the road and nowhere near a service station or repair garage, they might be sufficient for helping you reach one.
In this article, we'll provide a quick list of five makeshift repairs you can perform in minutes. Each can potentially put your vehicle back on the road.
#1 - Broken Exhaust Pipe
If your car's exhaust pipe unexpectedly breaks or suffers a puncture, you'll likely hear it (it's loud). Fortunately, if you have a couple of strong hose clamps, a pair of scissors, and an aluminum can, you can create an improvised patch. Use the scissors on the can. Cut both ends off and snip the can from top to bottom. Then, position it around the breach in your exhaust pipe and use the clamps to hold it in place.
#2 - Busted Window
Whether due to vandalism, an errant baseball, or nature, a broken window can be problematic if you're on the road, especially while it's raining. Grab your roll of duct tape and a plastic trash bag (the heavier the material, the better). Use your scissors to cut the bag and place it over the exposed hole. When you cut it, make it larger than the hole, so you can easily cover the entire area. Use the tape to hold it securely in place.
#3 - Dragging Muffler
Vehicles that roll off the factory floors today are equipped with mufflers designed to withstand corrosion. They're usually built with stainless steel. The problem is, mufflers and their attached exhaust pipes are often held in place by rubber fasteners. Over time, the rubber can deteriorate, causing the fasteners to snap. When this happens, your muffler will drop and drag on the ground.
You can use a normal coat hanger in the place of the plastic fastener to help hold the muffler off the ground. The wire hanger is strong and won't break. As long as you fasten it securely, it can hold your muffler and exhaust pipes in place for years.
#4 - Dead Battery
If you're driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission, a dead battery usually means you're stranded until someone gives you a jumpstart. This is the reason you should always carry a set of jumper cables in your car's trunk.
With a manual transmission, you might be able to push start it. If you're alone, you'll need to position your car on a decline. If you're traveling with friends, they can give you a push. Here's how it works:
With the key in the ignition, move the gear selector to second gear and put the clutch in. When your vehicle is moving along at a decent speed, let out the clutch. If you're moving fast enough, the engine will turn over and your vehicle will start. This will get you back on the road, so you can drive to an auto supply shop and buy a new battery.
#5 - Bent Antenna
If your car's antenna becomes bent or broken, you won't be able to receive clear reception for your radio. Fortunately, you may be able to temporarily fix the problem with a coat hanger and duct tape. Twist the coat hanger into the shape of a diamond and connect one end to the bent antenna. If your car's antenna has been completely broken off, stick the end of the coat hanger into the opening from which the antenna normally rises.
The makeshift "repairs" described above are temporary solutions. Even in the case of your muffler - where a coat hanger could hold it in place for years - you should have the problem fixed as soon as possible. These five quick fixes will get you back on the road so you can drive to the nearest service

Published At: Isnare.com