Vantage makes vroom for improvement

Aston Martin has tweaked its V8 Vantage to up the already impressive 283 kW developed by the current powerplant. This is the first change made to the Vantage since the first deliveries were made in 2005.

The main update comprises an additional 0,4-litres of displacement, which pushes the longitudinal V8 into 4,7-litre territory. The maximum power output is now 313 kW and peak torque is up 60 N.m to 470 N.m. According to Aston martin, the modifications allow the V8 Vantage to crack the zero to 100 km/h run in just under five seconds, and reach a top speed of 290 km/h. Aston Martin also claims that the revised Sportshift transmission, amongst other efficiency measures, improves the fuel economy and CO2 emissions by 13 percent.

The cabin of the Vantage also sees a bit of an upgrade, with a revised centre console, while a new ECU replaces the previous model’s “V8 Vantage” key. This ECU is the same unit that made its debut in the 2007 DBS. Other new features include a hard disk-based navigation system with iPod and MP3 compatibility.

When CAR drove the current Vantage in December 2006, the testers said that it “manages to look right from every angle, “ and that “proportionally, the design is probably perfect”. So it’s good to see that the exterior of this vehicle remains somewhat untouched with new 19-inch wheels being the only noticeable change.

Easy Maintenance Tips to Improve Fuel Mileage

(NewsUSA) - When gas prices rise, Americans start feeling a pinch where it hurts -; in their pocketbooks.

But gas prices are no reason to stay home. AAA has some useful tips to help maximize your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

First, perform basic vehicle checks that will help maximize your miles per gallon:

- Check your air filter twice a year. A dirty filter reduces performance and increases fuel consumption.

- Check your tires monthly, and inflate to the recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires not only increase fuel use, they are a safety hazard.

Second, listen when your vehicle tells you something is wrong. Take your car in for service right away if you experience:

- Engine bucking, surging, stalling, misfire or poor performance. These symptoms indicate a problem that is wasting fuel.

- The "check engine" light comes on. This means exhaust emissions are too high and fuel economy is too low.

Third, consult your owner's manual for the recommended maintenance needed to keep your vehicle running efficiently. Have those services performed by a shop with certified technicians who can spot other problems that may affect fuel consumption.

Looking for a good shop? Visit the automotive page of AAA.com to find local AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities that meet and maintain high standards.

Finally, AAA reminds motorists that how you drive has the single greatest impact on how much fuel your vehicle burns. Fuel-saving habits to consider include:

- Maintaining a steady speed. Cars require extra fuel when they accelerate, so avoid quick starts and stops that waste gas and are harder on vehicle components.

- Lightening your load. Don't haul unneeded items in your vehicle; their added weight will increase fuel use.

- Traveling at moderate highway speeds. Higher speeds require more power and fuel to overcome air resistance.

- Using the air conditioner conservatively. Air conditioning requires lots of power. In cool weather around town, turn the air conditioner off, and open your windows. In hot weather or on the highway, set the air conditioning to a higher temperature. Where available, use "economy" or "recirculation" settings to reduce air conditioner operation and minimize the amount of hot outside air that must be cooled.

Improve Your Gas Mileage: Car Tricks

The condition of your vehicle affects your gas mileage rate, so taking the time to keep your car tuned up and tracking some key issues will help you increase your overall mileage.

Cool It

While not directly related to your car's maintenance, the air conditioner in your vehicle may work for or against you. Running the air constantly, at a high level, will likely affect your overall gas mileage performance. It takes energy to run the AC, which means that it takes more energy overall to move the vehicle from Point A to Point B. Consider not using the AC, or keeping it on a lower setting. However, also keep in mind that driving with the windows open can affect the aerodynamics of your vehicle, which also means more energy is needed to move the vehicle. Your car's make and model will have some bearing on the best choice between AC or driving with the windows open. Either way, keep moderation in mind.

Check the Tires

Tires with low air pressure mean that there is more contact between tire and road, which means more friction. Lower tires also create more "give," which means it takes more energy to start moving. Check your tires regularly to ensure they're filled to the manufacturer's recommended level. Also, if possible for your make of car, choose narrower tires, which mean less contact with road.

Lighten Up

The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more energy you need to move the vehicle. If it's not possible to trade in a larger vehicle for a smaller one, you can control how much weight you carry around. Avoid storing heavy items in your vehicle. If something is not needed on a regular basis, remove it from your car. If you drive a truck and live in a cold climate, remove sandbags (used to create extra weight and traction in winter months) during warmer months. If you move or purchase a heavy object, take it out of the car as soon as possible. Remove anything you don't use on a daily basis, except for emergency items.

Tune Up

No, this isn't about the music you listen to. Keep your car tuned up for maximum performance. Have your spark plugs checked regularly to ensure they're tight fitting and clean, and that the wires are in good condition. Make sure the fuel injector is clean and operating properly. Check the exhaust system regularly to make sure it's clean and working (if your vehicle is running loudly, it may be past time to replace the exhaust). Also, check that your vehicle's timing is correct, and that all filters are unclogged.

Fuel Up

Use the type of fuel recommended for your vehicle. While the sales pitch for higher-octane fuel is enticing, in many instances the price you pay for the fuel will not improve your car's performance or your gas mileage. Also, be wary of fuel additives that claim to increase your mileage. These products may not affect the performance as much as driving appropriately and keeping your car in good working condition. In other words, they're not a substitute for other methods that will have a positive effect on your mileage.

Ferrari California

Ferrari has just released official photographs of its California, set to be unveiled the Paris Motor Show in October. The new model, which joins the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the Grand Tourer segment, will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. As with other Ferraris, both the chassis and bodywork are aluminum, but the California will be powered by a new mid-front mounted V8 engine for the first in the marque's history.

Sporting classic Ferrari styling cues, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, the original 2+ concept is also said to guarantee exceptional versatility at the rear of the car. The cabin has been trimmed by Ferrari's own artisans using quality materials and features new accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system.

Power will be sourced through Ferrari's 4.3-liter V8 engine which generates 454hp, claimed to enable the California to sprint to 62mph from a standstill in less than four seconds. A seven speed dual clutch transmission, new multilink rear suspension system, Ferrari's exclusive 'F1-Trac' traction control system and carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes top out the list of standard features for the new GT.

http://www.cardesignnews.com/

Audi TT Clubsport

Here’s one Audi TT that’s really mean and roofless! Our spies have the first pictures of the stunning new Clubsport version of the stylish German roadster. The special, stripped-out model boasts aggressive new looks and a powerful 300bhp motor.

As you can see, the newcomer is showroom-ready and takes its design cues from the concept that wowed crowds at the Essen Motor Show, Germany last November.

As a result, the Clubsport will certainly turn heads. At the front there is a deeper front bumper than the standard car, while bulging wheelarches and deep side skirts feature down the sides.

But the big news is above the waistline. Like the classic Porsche Speedster of the Fifties, the drop-top Audi gets a chopped down windscreen and distinctive sloping slide glass. Behind the cockpit are rollover hoops for driver and passenger, while the cover for the fabric hood features eye-catching ‘speed’ bubbles.

Underneath the exciting bodywork is a turbocharged 2.0-litre motor from the S3 hatchback, tuned to deliver 300bhp. Connected to the firm’s grippy Quattro all-wheel drive transmission it promises to offer blistering performance.

No launch date has yet been revealed, but expect to see the first production examples appear later this year.

Getting More Miles Out of Your Car:

The following are some tips that will help you to get more miles out of your vehicle.

First, consider, does your vehicle actually have the ability to run many miles without incurring costly repairs? Find out by visiting a public library to consult the frequency-of-repair information in the April magazine issue of Consumer Reports. If your vehicle has a poor repair history, consider buying a vehicle that has better ratings and fuel efficiency.

If you want to extend the life of your vehicle, at the beginning of each month, have the engine oil level checked to make certain that it is at the full-level mark on the dipstick. Buying two quarts of oil that are on sale and keeping it in the trunk, will enable you to avoid getting stuck paying three times what the oil should cost. Be certain to only use the type of oil and other fluids as specified in the vehicle owner's manual.

Tire Pressure and Fluids:
Every three months (more often, however, if specified by your vehicle owner's manual) and prior to leaving for and upon returning from a trip, check (or have a service station attendant check) the tire pressure and the other fluids that include:

* Transmission fluid
* Brake fluid
* Power steering fluid
* Radiator coolant (check the clear plastic bottle)
* Windshield washer fluid

Why is it important to keep the fluids at their full-level marks? The fluids lubricate moving parts to reduce fiction, heat, and wear. Therefore, they are the single most important factor for extending the life of a vehicle.

Engine Oil and Oil Filter:
If you drive 6,000 miles or less per year, have the engine oil and oil filter changed at the beginning of spring and near the end of fall. If you drive 10,000 or more miles per year, have the engine oil and oil filter changed every 3,000 to 3,500 miles or about every four months. An easy way to remember oil changes is to mark a new calendar at the beginning of a year with "oil change" reminders (i.e., May and November or April, July, and October).

Service stations usually run specials on oil changes (i.e., $10.99 - $13.99). However, make certain that the station is reputable. Some stations have been known to skip changing the oil or to do part of the job by changing the oil but not the oil filter. To help make certain that the oil filter was in fact replaced, use a black marker to put an X on the new oil filter after an oil change. When the next oil change has been completed, the newly installed filter should not include an X.

Check the Anti-freeze:
Prior to winter, have a service station attendant check the antifreeze in the clear plastic coolant bottle with a hydrometer (a device that takes a sample of antifreeze and specifies how cold the temperature can become before the antifreeze freezes). The antifreeze should be able to withstand (i.e., not freeze) temperatures of at least 30 degrees "below the coldest" winter temperature. If the antifreeze is too weak, have additional antifreeze added to the coolant bottle.

Purchase the type of antifreeze as specified in the vehicle owner's manual (i.e., usually a type that is suitable for "aluminum and all types of metals" that are used today's engines). It important to avoid frozen antifreeze because it can crack an engine's block which could result in possibly thousands of dollars for the repair.

Air Filter:
If you drive about 6,000 miles or less per year, have the engine air filter changed once every two years. If you drive over 10,000 miles per year, have the engine air filter changed once a year in the spring. Many discount stores regularly have sales on air filters.

Washing and Cleaning:
In the spring and in the fall give the vehicle a thorough wash, tar removal, and wax. When washing the vehicle in-between the seasonal waxes, use a car wash product that is safe for clear coat and waxed finishes.

Vehicle Maintenance:
Basic vehicle maintenance is an ongoing process. The secret to making it "easy" and keeping a vehicle "looking great" involves two components. First, maintaining regular vehicle involvement and second, only doing a little at a time.

Each week throughout the year (in addition to the maintenance suggested above) take about 10-15 minutes to focus on a small aspect of the vehicle (i.e., wash the windows-week one, vacuum the carpet-week two, Armor All the dash and the door panels-week three, etc.). After about three months, one of the "small jobs" will need to be repeated. However, the vehicle will never be in rough shape. Doing a "small but thorough" job on one specific aspect of the vehicle each week, requires very little time or energy. Having a vehicle that continually "looks great" makes it worthwhile.

The tips provided above are the most basic maintenance requirements that will help your vehicle to run longer. Be certain to reference the vehicle owner's manual for any additional maintenance required on your vehicle.

Basic vehicle maintenance involves a minimal investment of time and money, but it will provide major benefits in vehicle performance and lower repair costs. Additionally, your vehicle will be in better condition when it becomes time to sell.

About the author: Kyle Busch is the author of Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money. He has over 300,000 miles on his 1986 Volkswagen Jetta - a used vehicle that he bought in 1991 for $2,600. For more information about the book, call: 1 800 839-8640 or visit: www.drivethebestbook.com. The web site accepts all transportation questions.

Copyright 2002 Kyle Busch - All rights reserved.
http://momslife.com/zine/cartips.shtml

2008 Pontiac G8 - Review

The official replacement for the Pontiac Grand Prix has been announced as the brand new, rear wheel drive 2008 Pontiac G8. This full-size, 4-door, performance oriented sedan comes as the base model G8 with a V6 engine and the supercharged G8 GT with a V8. This solid performer is reminiscent of the Pontiac's that used to excite and inspire-and at under $30,000, both models are priced well below similarly equipped sedans on the market today.

The G8 debuted at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show and has been scheduled to hit the streets sometime during the first quarter of 2008. The G8 has clean lines and a strong shouldered appearance, accented by a dual port chrome grille with black inserts, dual polished stainless steel exhaust tips, dual hood scoops, tinted glass and low profile rear spoiler. The base model G8 will be powered by a 261 horsepower V6 mated to a 5 speed manually interactive automatic transmission with overdrive. The highly anticipated G8 GT will have a 365 horsepower 6.0 liter V8 that is almost identical to the engine found in the base model Corvette. A six speed manual or six speed manually interactive automatic transmission will be available for the GT. The V8 mated to the automatic transmission will come with active fuel management, which shuts down 4 cylinders when the power is not necessary in order to save fuel and reduce emissions.

The handling and performance of both models is enhanced by an independent multi link rear suspension, rack and pinion steering, rear stabilizer bar, and 4 wheel disc brakes. Standard features found on the G8 and the G8 GT are plentiful, with highlights including a 7 speaker AM/FM/CD/Satellite Blaupunkt Sound System with speed sensitive volume and steering wheel mounted audio controls; tilt/telescopic steering wheel, remote start, power adjustable front bucket seats, air conditioning, Onstar Telematics System, cruise control and a tire pressure monitor.

The global rear wheel drive chassis architecture upon which the G8 is based is very similar to the previous generation of the BMW 5 Series and is Pontiac's first rear wheel drive sedan since the 1960's Bonneville. Although $30,000 is not an amount most would consider being minor, it is almost impossible to find another new 5 passenger V8 sedan on the market that gets about 24 mpg on the highway, has a trunk large enough for several suitcases, includes such a long and pleasing standard features list and promises such a composed yet exhilarating ride.