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.

Canadian Union Reaches Agreements with GM, Chrysler

According to a spokesperson for the Canadian Auto Workers, a marathon round of night-time negotiations resulted in a new contract agreement between the CAW and General Motors and the union has also achieved an "in principle" agreement with Chrysler LLC.

Shannon Devine of the CAW, speaking to Reuters, announced the tentative GM agreement and said reporters would receive a more thorough briefing later in the day on Thursday, May 15. General Motors spokeswoman Patty Faith confirmed that a deal had been reached.

Of the situation with Chrysler LLC, CAW President Buzz Hargrove said, "We have an agreement in principle on all the outstanding issues. Our people are working on the language." Earlier Hargrove had indicated that the deals with both automakers would follow the pattern of the union's already ratified three-year agreement with Ford.

The negotiations had a direct bearing on the contracts of approximately 23,000 Canadian union members employed by both GM and Chrysler. The agreement will contain provisions for a buyout and early retirement for some 1,200 of those workers at a transmission plant in Windsor, Ontario that GM will close in 2010.

The current contracts between the CAW and the automakers expire on September 16. The agreement with Ford was ratified on May 4 and there has been a push within the union to achieve quick negotiations with GM and Chrysler.

http://www.carseek.com/news/may2008/CAW-GM-Chrysler-contracts/

308 SW: Welcoming and practical for improved driving enjoyment

Just a few months after the launch of the new 308 hatchback into the medium car segment, Peugeot now presents the SW version. The 308 SW was fi rst unveiled in the form of a concept car at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. It builds further on the appeal of the 307 SW and estate versions, whose attractive and innovative packaging has won over the hearts of nearly 900,000 customers in the six years since they fi rst appeared on the market. The 307 SW is a unique and original concept which combines a number of strengths such as driving enjoyment, onboard comfort and convenience, comprehensive equipment levels and good load carrying abilities. Since its launch it has been very well received by the car buying public. It has been especially successful with individuals who for practical reasons, found that a hatchback vehicle lacked a certain something and were uninspired by the design of M1 segment MPVs. A public who also required space and practicality for their leisure activities, interaction and user-friendliness, but above all wanted a vehicle with great visual appeal and driving enjoyment. Like the 308 hatchback, the SW capitalises on all the strong points of the “T7” programme : The semi-tall architecture ensuring greater interior space, interior brightness and visibility, a strong stylistic identity, perceptible quality and meticulous attention to detail, all combined with road holding and safety of the highest order. The 308 SW also benefi ts from many of the features of the original SW concept car which guaranteed the success of its predecessor but, develops them even further. For example, the panoramic glass roof is now 27 % larger (Total area of 1.68 m2), the modularity is easier to operate and improved and it now has a very practical large opening rear tailgate glass… All these new developments will help to meet even the most diverse requirements and lifestyle situations of its users.

Peugeot wins "Engine of the Year" award

Power your fleet with an award-winning engine… courtesy of Peugeot!

The 2008 International Engine of the Year Awards saw PSA Peugeot Citroën awarded best engine in the 1.4 to 1.8 litre category.

The 1.6-litre 4-cylinder direct injection, twin turbo petrol engine – jointly developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën and BMW Group – won the key title for the second year running.

Currently fitted in the Peugeot 207 and 308, it is the largest of a family of engines ranging between 120 and 175 hp.
The International Engine of the Year Awards are some of the automotive industry’s most sought-after accolades. The panel of 65 judges are all motoring journalists from around the world. They drive the latest cars and identify the powerplants that offer the best driveability, performance, economy and refinement.

And following its success at the 2007 awards, the 1.6-litre 4-cylinder 175 hp engine was again judged ‘Best in Class’ in 2008.

The engine was a clear winner with a total of 333 points – 60 points more than in 2007. It also finished in the top five of the overall International Engine of the Year Awards.

http://www.peugeot.co.uk/business-fleet/news/april-june/engine-of-the-year/

The 207 adopts the 2 Tronic gearbox

The 207 adopts the 2 Tronic gearbox

With sales of the 207 having recently topped the one million mark, the hatchback is now available in a new version featuring an electronically controlled "2 Tronic" manual gearbox. Nearly two years after its launch, the 207 has risen to the number one place in its segment on the European market thanks to its attractive feline style, its high level of road holding and its strong safety specification.

Buyers can opt for their "own" 207 since it is available in a number of different body shapes with equipment worthy of higher segment vehicles and, for the hatchback, a range now including 10 power trains. This new 2 Tronic 207 is aimed particularly at urban customers in search of an accessible and highly versatile car.

Second Life: The 2008 Peugeot Design Contest takes on a virtual dimension

A virtual dimension for the 2008 Peugeot Design Contest

To accompany the 2008 Peugeot Design Contest which was kicked off on 20 April last at the Beijing Motor Show, Peugeot is creating its designer community on Second Life and organising a virtual contest.

On Second Life, all those avatars who are fans of automotive design will very soon be able to meet on Peugeot Island (address of the island: 204,206,23) on which a design area accessible by teleportation is dedicated to them. This area is represented by 4 spheres and a ring. Each sphere is a specific area made available to the visitors with a media area recounting the previous contests, an exhibition area, a conference room with a giant screen and an area for discussion, on both the virtual and real-world contests, with armchairs in the shape of clouds. These spheres, all transparency and roundness, highlight the styling and innovative aspect of the place.

The virtual contest, which is the first event in this place dedicated to automotive design, invites all avatars, designers, decorators, artists and stylists to redecorate the 308 RC Z concept car. The aim is to create a new "dress" for it without deforming its body style. The winner of this contest will be judged on the originality of their creation and its imaginativeness and harmony, and will receive 70,000 Linden Dollars (Second Life virtual currency), while the two runners-up will receive 20,000 and 10,000 Linden Dollars respectively.

To take part in this contest, you must register between 30 April and 12 May 2008 on the www.peugeot-308RCZ-virtualchallenge.com blog, or directly on Peugeot Island. The contest starts on 5 May and will close on 4 June 2008; the results will be announced very soon afterwards in the conference room of the design area. The ring surrounding the spherical areas will exhibit, following the prizegiving ceremony, the finest dresses designed for the 308 RC Z. Avatars will then be able to wander through this exhibition.

For its fifth edition, the Peugeot Design Contest, for its part, invites young designers to imagine the Peugeot of the world's megalopolises of tomorrow. This concept car will be conceived to evolve within the heart of the great urban conurbations of the future, while retaining all the hallmark values of the 21st century. The projects, while remaining true to the styling codes which define Peugeot, must also incorporate the four 'dimensions' defined for this design contest: economic efficiency, social cohesion, interactive mobility and environmental conservation.

http://www.peugeot.com/en/news/2008/4/30/a-virtual-dimension-for-the-2008-peugeot-design-contest-.aspx?count=0&filterBy=1&page=1

Workers at GM factory in Ohio prepare to strike

DETROIT -- Workers at a General Motors Corp. metal stamping plant in Ohio have threatened to go on strike Thursday in a dispute over local contract issues, a GM spokesman said today.

UAW Local 549 in Ontario, Ohio, near Mansfield has given the company notice that it will strike at 10 a.m., spokesman Dan Flores said.

The company and local have been negotiating for months over local contract issues, which govern such items as overtime, work rules and job duties.

A message was left for local President Pam Drake.

Local plants negotiate their own operating agreements separate from the national contract, which was settled last year.

The Ontario plant employs about 1,650 hourly workers, according to GM's Web site.

If it occurs, the Ontario strike would be the third against GM over local contract issues.

Workers at a factory in Delta Township near Lansing that makes GM's strong-selling crossovers have been on strike since April 17. A UAW local at another plant in Kansas City, Kan., that makes the popular Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan has been on strike since May 5.

Industry analysts have speculated that the strikes are an effort by the UAW to get GM to put pressure on American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. to settle a bitter 11-week-old strike against the Detroit-based auto parts maker.

GM accounts for 80 percent of American Axle's parts business. About 3,600 UAW workers at five American Axle plants have been on strike since Feb. 26. Negotiations are continuing.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger has said the threats were about local contract issues and have nothing to do with American Axle.

GM announced Thursday it would kick in $200 million to help settle the American Axle dispute, which has cost GM $800 million and cut its production by about 230,000 vehicles. At times, GM has cut shifts or closed 30 factories due to parts shortages from the strike.

Just before GM announced its payment in a government filing, a UAW local that had threatened to strike at a transmission plant in Warren agreed to a deal. Later Thursday, a local at a stamping plant near Grand Rapids also tentatively agreed on a local contract.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08134/881409-185.stm

VW could build Porsches in U.S.

MUNICH -- Volkswagen could build Porsche's Cayenne SUV at its new U.S. plant.

The German business newspaper Handelsblatt today reported that VW could build Porsche's premium SUV in a new factory it plans to open in the U.S. in 2010. The newspaper cited internal VW sources.

VW spokesman Andreas Meurer today did not deny that VW could build Porsche vehicles in the U.S.

"When we discuss whether to build the [VW] Touareg and [Audi] Q7 in the USA, we also talk about the Cayenne," Meurer told Automotive News Europe.

The Touareg, Q7 and Cayenne share the same platform and are built in VW's factory in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Meurer confirmed that the 150,000-unit U.S. plant will initially build the VW Jetta sedan and an all-new sedan that will be about the same size as the VW Passat.

He also confirmed that three U.S. states – Alabama, Tennessee and Michigan - are under consideration for the plant. VW will decide on the location in mid July.

VW CEO Martin Winterkorn told Handelsblatt that models for VW's premium brand Audi could be built alongside VW models in the new plant.

Porsche owns 31 percent of VW and plans to increase its stake to more than 50 percent in the next six months.

from :

http://www.autonews.com/article/20080513/COPY01/383485811/1177