Leaf vs Volt: Must-Have Tech Features

When we look at the features and technology behind the 2011 Nissan Leaf of Greensburg Nissan Dealers and put it up against the technology of its rival, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, we have to wonder which electric vehicle will come out on top.  You have likely heard about both cars and all of the impressive publicity that has followed both cars throughout their creation.  If you thought you were impressed with the quality of work from Hyundai Auto Repair Vernon, you should prepare yourself to be thoroughly impressed by these two eco-friendly cars.  The end goal of the electric vehicle war is to have all brands, even Keyser Miller Ford, mass producing alternative fuel source vehicles to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.  But, are auto engineers able to create an eco car that still lives up to American consumer quality and comfort standards?

You may go broke buying the Chevy Volt ($41,000 but there is a $7,500 tax credit available), but you won’t have to worry about adding optional features because there aren’t many to choose from!  The Volt comes very nicely equipped, and you can expect your standard features like cruise control, auto climate control, navigation, Bluetooth, remote start, and keyless entry and ignition.  Then, drivers of the 2011 Chevy Volt will love the XM Satellite Radio, 60GB built in hard drive, 30GB worth of music storage, real-time traffic and weather updates, and DVD with Bose speakers.  There are six colors available as well as two optional upgrades for paint finishes. 

The 2011 Nissan Leaf may start out at only $32,780, but it is also eligible for the $7,500 tax credit and there are several programs through individual states for additional rebates; the Leaf is only being released in a handful of regions.  Drivers get nice standard equipment, like LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome for the door handles, and power mirrors.  If you upgrade to the SL trim, you get a backup camera, solar panel, and auto headlights.  The built in navigation system tells drivers how many more miles they car drive on their current charge level, and that will continuously update as you turn on or off the air conditioning, for example. 

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Safety Is The Answer!

There are many different things that you should look for in buying a new vehicle. My main two things that I like to check out are the safety features and the reliability of a vehicle. Most vehicles, like the ones sold at Volkswagen Phoenix Dealers and Chevrolet Dealer Dayton, have many safety features. Even some used cars, which could be found at Bradenton Cars For Sale, carry some/most of these safety features. Ones to look for are;

*Driver and Front Passenger Airbags-They provide effective protection for the head and upper torso area preventing contact with the steering wheel and dash.

*Driver and Passenger Side Airbags-These are designed to help protect your head and chest in a crash involving the side of the vehicle.

*Side Curtain Airbags-These are used to protect your head from hitting the window or frame pillar in a side impact collision.

*Anti-Lock Brakes-It is a safety system that prevents the wheels on a vehicle from locking up while braking.

*Electronic Stability Control-This a computerized technology that improves the safety of a vehicle by detecting and minimizing skids. It will also detect the loss of steering control which will in turn make the vehicle automatically apply the brakes to help steer the driver where they are intending to go. Some systems also reduce the engine power until the driver gets the vehicle back under control.

*Engine Brake Assist-In the event of sharp braking, it allows extra assistance which amplifies the braking pressure and reduces the stopping distance to a minimum.

*Electronic Brakeforce Distribution-This is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicles brakes based on the road conditions and speed. It can apply more or less braking pressure to each wheel in order to maximize stopping power while maintaining control.

As for reliability, most vehicles offer the same perks, unless your buying a really pricey vehicle. Many manufacturers offer three year/36,000 bumper-bumper warranty and a five year/60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Some will offer corrosion protection for five years or 60,000 miles. Now a more pricier vehicle, lets say a Cadillac, they will offer a more elaborate variety of warranties. I know on the 2011 Cadillac CTS, they offer four year/50,000 mile basic warranty , five year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty along with roadside assistance. They have a Premium Care Maintenance package that will cover scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, replacement of engine and cabin air filters along with a multi-point vehicle inspection after 4 years of 50,000 miles. Which all of that is wonderful if you can afford it.

It isn't easy to pick out a new car that will suit you in every way, but these are just a few things that you should check out before making that big purchase.

Microsoft and the Automotive Industry Reveals their Latest Innovations!

Many do not read Olive Branch Ford Video Reviews, but for the few that do--they might have heard about the new automotive technology advances that a select few automakers and Microsoft have come to produce for the latest and greatest automotive vehicles of our time. Of course, most of them will not be able to find great owners without the help of car finance Covington but after your financing opportunity is taken, most of you will probably grow to appreciate all of the great features that the new Windows Embedded Automotive 7 platform is providing for automotive consumers of this day and age.

While some automakers, like Ford, are only releasing this new platform in their MyFord Touch in Asia and Europe, Holmes European motors financing may help residents of the United Kingdom find these popular-demanded vehicles find their way to their car garages.

Designed with many key features that include speech commands, touch input, hands-free Bluetooth phone communications, and advanced dashboard systems that allow you the most convenient access to music, maps, third-party applications and navigation, as well as streamlined connectivity with other devices.

So which automakers are getting the Windows Embedded Automotive 7 to help enhance their drivers communication, entertainment, navigation and information? These automakers include: Ford, Nissan, Fiat, and Alpine.

Ford has been planning on launching the MyFord Touch in Asia and Europe in early of next year. The MyFord Touch is the second generation of Ford's well-known SYNC technology and will be built on the Windows Embedded Automotive technology. While it is hard to tell if this will be as widely accepted in North America, Ford has high hopes with SYNC, the original version, being installed in more than 2.5 million vehicles since their launch of it in 2007.

Nissan, however, plans on incorporating North America into their plans right away with the release of their 2011 Nissan Leaf right around the corner. Not only does this car have a touchscreen, it also has an information hub that is powered by the soon-to-be infamous Windows Embedded Automotive technology. The information hub in the 2011 Nissan Leaf has been designed to provide the passengers and drivers of it with a navigation system and electricity charging station locator. Even more than that, it also allows automotive consumers with the luxury of consumption monitoring information as well as enables in-car climate monitoring. What more could you want, right?

Nissan and Ford aren't the only ones who are releasing their cars with the all-new technology, the company Fiat also has introduced and installed the Fiat's Blue & Me technology. This technology is based off of the Windows Embedded Automotive 7 platform and it can be found in the Fiat 500 that hits showrooms this year. The greatest features the Fiat's Blue & Me technology offers is its ability to integrate mobile phones and digital music players into the audio system and controls of the vehicles which are all accessible with voice control.

Even Alpine, an audio system company plans to deliver advanced technology with the Windows Embedded Automotive 7 platform to their customers. Through receiving this up-to-date technology, Alpine can provide their customers with navigation systems which included satellite-guided, turn-by-turn directions. They controls don't stop there--they also provide voice-guided controls and information on more than 7 million points of interest!

Just like you, I will be looking out for the many great ways they will be using this technology and all the many ways that Microsoft and its many automotive customers will be using it!

Chrysler Offers Pentastar Engine with Variety of Displacements;

The new Chrysler Pentastar engine will be offered in a wide range of displacements. The new engine technology will be featured on several different Chrysler models. These models can be purchased with Bryan Bowman Chrysler Jeep Dodge Coupons for a discount. DaimlerChrysler AG is undergoing a $730 million development plan for its Pentastar engine technology that will result in more efficient and optimized V6 engines for its latest models. The engines will be reduced in weight and will also have high quality emissions standards. Chrysler models can be repaired at Collision Center Hays.

Also check Car Repair Horsham for fast and convenient car repairs. Chrysler will be developing new architecture for its 3 to 4 liter displacement engines. 3.6 liters is considered to be the best size for most modern vehicles by Chrysler's vice president of engine engineering. If future vehicles are reduced in size, then Chrysler's engine technology can be used to maintain fuel efficiencies and engine efficiencies.

Chrysler said that it will be using its plants in Trenton, Michigan and in Mexico to assemble its Pentastar engines. Chryslers anticipates that it will be able to assemble one million Pentastar engines per year. Chrysler will be using a 3.6 liter V6 engine in 13 of its models by the end of 2012. At the moment, these models have various displacements from anywhere between 2.7 to 4.0 liters. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be among the first to have the new Pentastar V6 engine.

The new engine has greater horsepower along with better fuel efficiency compared to some of the other V6 engines that are currently offered by Chrysler. The 3.7 Grand Cherokee V6 produced 210 hp whereas the new Pentastar engine produces 290 hp. Also, acceleration from 0 to 60 was improved.

CR-Z from Honda: Green Performance

Car manufacturers have been trying to find a way to encourage drivers to choose hybrid vehicles. The biggest complaints are that hybrids cost too much and they are gutless. Not everyone is willing to take out a Wayne Bad Credit Auto Loan every time engineers come out with cutting edge technology. That being said, Honda is releasing another hybrid model and there are always Brookhaven Honda Coupons available to help with the price. The CR-Z hybrid’s goal is combine hybrid fuel economy with sports car like performance, so that you aren’t scared to accelerate onto a crowded freeway during rush hour. You won't have to take this vehicle to car repair Wayne for a while!

It is hard not to look at the new hybrid CR-Z and be reminded of the fun car from the 1980s, the CR-X. While the CR-X was sporty and weighed around 1,800 pounds, the new CR-Z weighs a hefty 2,700 pounds. This extra weight is a result of safety features like airbags, thicker steel doors, and improved motor function components. Plus, we all know that hybrid batteries weigh more than anyone would like them to! Nonetheless, the CR-Z tries hard to incorporate sporty with hybrid nature. Giving drivers 37 mpg city and 39 mpg highway if they go with the CVT (continuously variable transmission), the fuel economy is adequate. Interestingly enough, your fuel efficiency drops to 31 mpg city and 35 mpg highway if you opt for the manual six speed transmission. All CR-Z models come with an inline four cylinder that produces 122 horsepower and 128 pound feet of torque when combined with the hybrid components.

Despite immediate competition from other Honda vehicles like the Insight and popular Fit, the CR-Z offers low prices that will lure in drivers. With a price range from $19,950 up to $23,960, there are three trim levels to choose from; base, EX, and EX with navigation. All the vehicles are going to come with keyless entry, auto climate control, cruise control, power accessories, a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes, LED lights in back, and jack for USB and auxiliary devices. Plus, drivers can switch between sport, normal, and eco mood with the flip of a switch! One nice unexpected upgrade is higher quality upholstery that we never see in Honda’s entry level cars.

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The Inside on the Infiniti QX56 Technology

The Infiniti QX56 is equipped with some of newest high-tech technology. It has an Infiniti controller for navigation, audio, climate control, fuel economy, maintenance, and comfort and convenience features. The blue tooth hands free phone system like the Honda Accord Sedan has at Birmingham Honda Dealerships, comes in handy now due to the new "no cell phones while driving" law. Another great thing about this Infiniti is its cruise control switches on the steering will is not only convenient but makes excelling and decelling much easier, other cars such as the Honda Civic Hybrid also have this feature. You can find this Honda at places like Auto Body Shop Seaside.
Not only is the around view monitor with front and rear view sonar system a great new technology, its also a safety feature. Now in 2010 there are a lot of cars that come with this feature an example would be the 2011 Ford Explorer at California Ford Dealers.
This Infiniti comes with three different XM programs including:

• XM Satellite Radio
• XM Nav Traffic with real-time traffic info
• XM Nav weather with real-time weather and 3 day forecast

If you like your car to "boom" to your favorite songs, the Infiniti has a Bose 13-speaker premium audio system, two sub-woofers and a single in-dash CD/DVD player with MP3 playback capability. Its got the capability for streaming audio via bluetooth for an ipod as well. With the illuminated steering wheel mounted audio controls you can switch the radio to your song easier and safer than dealing with dash board controls. In the center console there is and auxiliary audio video input jack for easy access when needed.

For extra safety the infiniti comes with the remote keyless entry system with selective unlocking, for wether you want just your driver door unlocked or if you want all doors unlocked. There is also an Infiniti vehicle immobilizer system embed and encoded transponder chip into ignition key. The engine controlled computer will not allow the engine to start with out the correct key and transponder. Vehicle security system sounds alarm if intrusion is detected.

EPA Wants Higher Ethanol Percentages

Currently, any new vehicle you buy from Haileah Honda can use any of the fuel levels you find at your local gas station. Many of those now include E85 which includes 10% ethanol from corn products. There are people in Washington D.C. who are hoping to increase the level of ethanol up to 15%, and they are hoping that auto engineers will respond and start making their vehicles at Liberty Mazda Financing compliant with the new fuel. The problem is that many gas retailers are unlikely to carry the new fuel because it poses a major liability that the gas stations don’t want to be responsible for.

The fact of the matter is that once you take out your Hartford Bad Credit Auto Loan, you want to make sure your vehicle is going to last for as long as possible. However, older vehicles already can’t use the low-grade fuel because they can’t tolerate the 10% ethanol. Auto engineers are certain that using a higher percentage of corn ethanol will rot fuel lines and eventually damage your vehicle’s engine. Plus, people use gasoline for a lot more than just in their cars; boats, chain saws, lawn mowers, motorcycles, and off-road vehicles. By changing the gasoline formula now to something even less stable and more corrosive is setting people up to damage their vehicles. Consumers can’t be responsible to know what fuel is and isn’t ok for their vehicles. We already label the diesel with green handles but think how many people annually make the mistake of using the wrong type of fuel?

The Environmental Protection Agency is pushing retailers to be on board with the new 15% gas mixture. They have scientists that assure them that 15% is no different than 10%. But, you can’t ignore the fact that auto engineers have designed the cars to be compatible with a 10% mixture, not a 15%. The EPA is looking for ways to increase the amount of renewable resources for our fuel needs, but this may not be the best bet.

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HUD; The Newest Technology For Safe Driving.

GM has came up with a new way to insure the safety of their drivers. It is called HUD, Heads Up Display. This technology uses an array of vehicle sensors and cameras to gather data and project images onto the windshields of vehicles. This system will also highlight the lines on the roads if it happens to be foggy outside or in case of severe weather and visibility is limited. The Heads Up system can also identify and highlight animals and people that are on the side of the road.

This type of technology has not been introduced to Peoria Volkswagen, but has been installed into the new Corvette's available at Detroit Chevrolet. Bradenton Auto Body is gearing up to be able to install this new technology into some vehicles.


The vehicles that currently carry this technology are GMC Acadia; Chevrolet Corvettes; Buick Lacrosse and the Cadillac STS. HUD usually displays right in front of the driver; above the steering wheel or towards the center of the console. This technology is comprised of a combiner, a project unit and a video generation computer. "Combine" is the surface to which the data is projected and located in front of the driver. It can take on either a concave or flat shape and has a special coating which reflects monochromatic light from the projector unit while allowing all the other wave lengths of light to go through. This creates a fluorescent image of high visibility that overlaps the drivers real view. The "Projector Unit" uses one of three types of light emitting sources to project the image, as stated on Autoevolution.com.

The projected images the driver will be able to see are the speedometer, tachometer and the navigation system. GM is currently working on an upgraded HUD system to where the entire windshield will be able to assist the driver.

In conclusion this technology is excellent to notice real time objects as well as animals and display them in a natural way so drivers are able to see more clearly and drive with ease.

Technological Haven: 2011 Honda Odyssey

We all need our technology, and our cars are no exception! Even though, CA Volkswagen certified pre-owned vehicles may suit some needs, surely it could not hit all of the great features and technological gadgets that the 2011 Honda Odyssey has. In fact, most would say that places like Denver used cars, don't stand a chance against the updated Odyssey interior and the stylish and distinctive edge it has.

So what makes it different then its predecessors, you and Arlington Ford Dealers ask? For one, the newer model offers much more space both in the seats and in the cabin. With the all new 2011 Honda Odyssey, you can now comfortably fit an average size adult in any of the eight available seats.

The interior was not made complete without the true cherry on the top, which would be all of the technological gadgets money could buy! These include, the 8-inch QVGA display that is capable of giving you a full range of graphics which allows you to have the best navigation, audio, trip computer and background images similar to your PC and/or smart-phone!

Of course, not all of the gadgets are available in all of the trim levels. Entry-level trims like LX and EX probably will not offer you as much to you and your passengers as the amazing EX-L RES (rear entertainment) and EX-L NAV (navigation), but it's up to you to decide which is best for you and your family. However, everyone knows that that best edition is the Touring and Touring Elite edition, of course! The one's that have all the bells and whistles--and more!

What about all those outlets you need for the open road though? The Odyssey has got you and your passengers covered! Coming with 12-volt power outlets galore and 15 cup-holders in all but the LX trim, which has only 13, no beverage will stand in the way of your technological device!

Don't think the Odyssey is right for you? Why don't you go ahead and take it for a test drive, or do some more research on it and cars just like it. Once you do, I'm sure you will find that what the Odyssey does will lay any and all doubts to rest. If not, let me know what you find that's a better technological buy and find! I'm all ears!

Volvo's Body Panel Battery Research

The future holds great things and it is even more exciting to watch as ideas come into fruition.  Currently, Volvo is working on a project to help turn the car body panels into energy storage devices so that there would not be a need for gasoline or heavy lithium ion battery packs.  This technology is still a few years away from mass production, so in the mean time you might want to check out bad credit auto loan Arlington to help get yourself into a new vehicle.  But if things go well over in the European Union where all the research is taking place, we will see the new cars arriving on St. Lucie Freightliner trucks sooner rather than later.

This new technology wouldn’t only be for Volvo cars and we would likely even see it on Orlando freightliner sprinter van as well as cell phones and lap tops.  The composite material is composed of carbon fibers and polymer resin.  When all is said and done, the material is far lighter than the steel used on body panels these days and it will be strong enough to protect the passengers inside.  It almost sounds too good to be true!

The new material is part of a three year study by the Imperial College in London, and there are nine different agencies working closely together.  Volvo is the only auto group involved, but this composite material will be used for several purposes.  The composite material has the ability to store energy and it will also charger faster than our traditional batteries currently in use.  As of right now, test trials have been done and they are able to replace the metal surrounding the spare tire with the composite material.  The vehicle is now able to turn on and off from the energy stored in the new battery material. 

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