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THIS was a year when the auto industry’s split personality widened into a chasm. While many companies patted themselves on the back for their environmental efforts, the green they were seeing was the money to be made by cramming weapons-grade horsepower into performance-tuned cars. Skip to next paragraph
From top: the Mercedes GL450, the Cadillac STS-V and the Saturn Sky.
Now, I like blistering acceleration as much as anyone who went to high school in the muscle-car era. But as benchmarks keep rising — 400 horses, once almost unimaginable, seem quaint when Mercedes alone offered four models with 600-plus — one has to wonder how the horsepower race will play out.
In the interim, enthusiasts can surround themselves with the best toys ever, and environmentalists can take heart in a revival of small, sensible cars like the Nissan Versa and Honda Fit. Both made my list of favorite new vehicles.
Some worthy candidates did not, partly because they delivered exactly what they promised, and therefore lacked any element of surprise.
Solid, quiet and refined, the new Toyota Camry oozes quality, but after all these years that is hardly a man-bites-dog bulletin. The Mercedes-Benz S550 is a technological tour de force, and it may be the best luxury sedan on the market, but I expected no less for $105,045.
On the other hand, the Jaguar XK beloved by most auto writers struck me as a bit of a cold fish. (Maybe it’s the car’s catfish-mouth grille.) And laugh if you want over my inclusion of a Buick: maybe it’s a result of advancing age, but I found the Lucerne noteworthy just because it is a mainstream General Motors car capable of competing with no excuses against strong foreign competitors.
Here are my 2006 picks:1. PORSCHE CAYMAN S ($70,895 as tested) More than a hardtop version of the Boxster roadster, the Cayman may be the best-balanced sports car on the planet. Yes, it handles so nimbly and effortlessly that it makes any driver feel like Fernando Alonso. But the Cayman delights in other ways, too: a driving position that’s perfect; controls that feel Swiss-watch precise; ample cargo space (thanks to trunks front and rear); even respectable gas mileage. If you drive one, you’ll want one.
2. AUDI RS 4 ($68,820) Of course, it would be absurd to pay this kind of money for what is, at its core, a $30,000 A4 compact sedan. But once you’ve sampled the RS 4’s explosive acceleration, keen reflexes and Dentu-Grip adhesion, it’s easy to rationalize the steep tab.
3. TOYOTA FJ CRUISER ($28,565) What, your S.U.V. doesn’t have an inclinometer? This reinterpretation of the classic FJ Land Cruiser is more about fashion than thrashin’, but it’s a thoroughly comfortable, enjoyable way to go retro. Look out, Jeep.
4. MERCEDES-BENZ GL450 ($68,075) Just when it seemed there was nothing more to say about oversized, overpriced luxury S.U.V.’s, Mercedes stretched its M-Class and made a breakthrough. The GL rides and handles like a nice sedan, and its third-row seat doesn’t treat adults like inmates. For those who truly need this much truck, nothing else comes close.
5. DODGE CHARGER SRT8 ($43,505) The Chrysler 300 still reigns as the king of full-size sedans, but its newer, sportier Dodge cousin deserves the limelight, too. Like the 300 (and the reborn Mustang), the Hemi-powered Charger is as red, white and blue as Old Glory, recapturing many of the attributes — assertive styling, rumbling exhaust, stretch-out comfort — that made Detroit the world’s Motor City.
6. NISSAN VERSA ($17,205) Based on the Renault Mégane, this is the closest thing to a French car you’ll find at an American dealership, and it’s worth a toast of Veuve Clicquot. A half-size larger than rivals like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, the Versa is roomier than you’d expect. It also handles better than your basic econobox and has scored well in crash tests. For a lot of small families, it may be all the car they need.
7. ACURA MDX ($48,465) Since the first version arrived as a 2001 model, the MDX has been one of the best car-based crossover sport utilities. Thoroughly redesigned for 2007 with a big leap in power and performance, it is better in every way (including an ultra low emissions rating).
8. SATURN SKY ($26,150) Imperfect but endearing, the second of G.M.’s roadsters looks more grown-up and feels more refined than the Pontiac Solstice that preceded it. A sportier Red Line version adds to the appeal of the Sky, which is giving long-gone customers a reason to give G.M. another try — and giving the long-neglected Saturn division a ray of hope.
9. HONDA FIT ($15,200) Leave it to Honda to build a tiny car with large ambitions. With smaller dimensions but higher base prices than its main rivals, the Fit stakes a claim on the high end of the minicar market. To drive home the point, you even get paddle shifters with the Sport package.10. BUICK LUCERNE ($33,295) This large front-drive sedan may not set industry standards, but is understated, quiet and refined, and it does everything pretty well. Not only is the Lucerne the best Buick in years — the V-8 version rolls on a powertrain borrowed from the Cadillac DTS — you don’t have to be a septuagenarian to like it.
Coming Up Short
All was not rosy in the showroom in 2006. A few cars and trucks missed the mark, including, in my view, the following:
1. JEEP COMPASS ($22,855) The powertrain is unrefined, the styling is other-worldly and the very concept of this not-trail-rated Jeep runs counter to the rugged qualities that the Chrysler division has long claimed as its own. The Compass seems like a sellout — and not in terms of its sales numbers.
2. DODGE CALIBER ($23,935) Here’s a Compass wearing different, more agreeable clothes. The wagon body is practical and, compared with the Jeep’s weird styling, fairly appealing. The available features include lighted cupholders and party-friendly flip-down speakers in the hatch. But the engine and transmission in my test car felt just as crude as the Compass’ and the interior materials screamed “Cheap!” Dodge might benefit from spending some time looking over the Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson, which are both much more appealing.
3. FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC ($33,330) While I find the latest version of the Explorer S.U.V. fairly agreeable, the pickup version seems crude and plasticky in comparison. Before Ford tries to do another new-wave truck, somebody in Dearborn should spend some time with the Honda Ridgeline, an oddball pickup that really works.
4. CADILLAC STS-V ($77,090) If I had to pick just one Detroit-brand vehicle on which to spend my own money, chances are I’d choose the rip-roaring Cadillac CTS-V, a worthy competitor to some very good German sport sedans. In comparison, the jazzed-up version of the CTS’s big brother, the STS, seems unexceptional. Yes, the supercharged Northstar V-8 is blazingly fast. Yes, the car’s cosmetic makeover (big wheels, mesh grille) looks cool. And, yes, the interior has been upgraded. But the STS-V’s handling can’t begin to match the Germans, and the window sticker raises expectations that the car fails to meet.
5. BMW M6 ($106,690) Not many years ago, I’d have been hard pressed to name a BMW that didn’t thrill me. Now, too often, they just irritate me — with silly chimes, inscrutable controls, quirky turn signals, intrusive “active” steering. To that, the M6 adds a sequential manual gearbox that makes most any driver feel like a fool. I’ll concede that the M6 is a robot-perfect performance machine capable of feats that seem to defy the laws of physics. Yet it may also be the most soulless BMW yet.
We were a bit puzzled when we heard that the media drive of the Mitsubishi's Triton 4X4 double cab pick-up truck was at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
But as it turned out, putting a pick-up truck on a Formula One certified track, was Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s way to prove a point or two.
It was on the long straights at about 120kph, during several full laps around the SIC track, that this became apparent.
The Triton was surprisingly comfortable and quiet inside. Wind and engine noise hardly penetrated the cabin space.
The Mitsubishi Triton did well offroad. In contrast to the boxy shapes of many other 4X4 pick-ups as well, the Triton has steeper A-pillars that allow the vehicle to slice through air. Add to that generous legroom for all, a car-like interior and precise steering, the Triton dispels the thinking that a 4X4 pick-up cannot be made to ride like a family sedan.
We only had to remind ourselves that all 4X4s have higher centres of gravity and were never intended to take corners at high speeds like Formula One cars. And the typical 4X4 body roll is expected in hard cornering.
In the second part of the media drive, the Triton was put on an off-road course next to the SIC.
Mind you the path was wet and muddy after a heavy, mid-afternoon downpour and the Triton was using 16-inch tarmac tyres instead of the more grippy mud tyres.
The Triton not only surprises with its look but performance as well. Engaging the Triton to low gear transfer ratio for full 4X4 mode was easy by pushing a short lever beside the gearshifter lever.
Going up a steep slope on a slippery path was still easy with sufficient engine torque and power to all four wheels to haul the vehicle up.
Its newly developed 2.5-litre turbodiesel, intercooled, common rail engine gives out 135bhp at 3,500rpm and torque of 314Nm at 2,000rpm, figures, that according to Mitsubishi, make the Triton the most powerful 2.5-litre, diesel pick-up of its class in Malaysia.
The Triton’s 4X4 drive system also comes with a hybrid limited-slip differential which prevents wheel slips.
Descending a steep slope was also just as easy. Engage the first gear and let the engine braking do its job to bring down the almost two-tonne vehicle gently.
Even when we were chugging along on unpaved road full of rocks and holes, the Triton’s suspension did a good job of soaking up the vibrations and undulations.
The front suspension uses the independent double wishbone set-up with coil springs for a sports utility vehicle-like handling and comfort, while the rear suspension has leaf springs for optimum load carrying capability.
Then came our fun test. We had to give the Triton its “undercarriage wash” in a 50ft-long and knee-deep pool of teh tarik-like water.
Although the Triton has the usual high clearance of a 4X4, wading too fast may risk muddy water sloshing into the air intake vent.
Anyway, Triton’s safety features include dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and side impact bars.
At the end of the media test, it was not its off-road capabilities and tarmac ride comfort that impressed us the most, but the Triton’s looks.
When it comes to styling and bodylines, we had to admit that the Triton is one of the best looking 4X4, double cab pick-up trucks around.
Its sleek bodylines are based on the Mitsubishi’s Dakar Rally winning Pajero Evolution racer.
Plus the curvaceous structure of its cargo bed gives an appearance of wrapping around the passenger cabin.
With such great looks, we would be curious to know if owners would ever want to get their Tritons dirty.
The main function of the automotive engineer is to test, design and develop the components and the vehicles from the conception stage through the construction and once the automobile is available in the market, it includes improvement in reply to the feedback of the customer. Automotive engineer is dedicated in the following fields like chassis, manufacturing, alternative fuels, power train, aerodynamics, rapid prototyping, electronics, materials, ergonomics, motorsport, emissions and vehicle safety. He makes use of both state-of-the-art skill and conventional procedures to develop the automobiles to mounting high standards. He is not straightly engaged in pre-concept manufacture or development and work with the construction and stylists engineers to make sure that the complete method is competent and systematically designed.
Classic Work Activities
The main work of the automotive engineer is to develop the land-based automobiles. Their famous activities includes:-
· Research and development (identifying the solutions to the problems)
· Design (identifying the new products and amendment of accessible ones)
· Production (designing and planning new production methods)
Their work is a stability of commercial and engineering activities, as mechanical solutions must be economical and efficient and supply to the productivity for their owner. Tasks of the automotive engineer includes:-
· Predicting vehicle or module behavior in different situations using computer modeling software
· Supervising all the particulars of the projects involving the estimated costs
· Expanding new test methods utilizing both innovative and conventional procedures
· Making an individual specialism within a wider group and working separately
· Interpreting and analyzing mechanical data for presentations or reports and responding any questions about the outcomes
· Guaranteeing work directly contributes to the company’s objectives
· Identifying the advantages of engineering improvements to associated departments in order to secure interior funding and to market projects
· Functioning in internationally supported or cross-functional teams to devise research in order to check the competence and validity of new technology
· Supervising engineering matters or any associated systems connected with the final product and the components
· Bargaining costs of engineering and development work with profitable departments
· Monitoring engineers, technical staff and the designers
· To make sure that all the parts can be obtained when large scale automobile assembly starts
· Organizing and devising tests which will reply queries from the consumers, clients and other engineers engaged in the automobile development
· Contributing to normal group meetings to modernize colleagues on evolution, difficulties and new developments
The company of automotive parts is one of the most flexible regions where one can find in the market. For specialized automotive technicians, discovering good automotive part that will suit their requirements is as easy as moving to a store dedicated in the automotive parts and finding a large array of gadgets and gizmo’s. One can also easily purchase various automotive parts from the internet which can be available at various websites.
Automotive parts are the mechanisms of the automobiles and they involve:-
Automotive Self Starter It is an electric motor that begins piston movement in a car’s interior ignition engine before it can control itself. Earlier, a hand eccentric was utilized to begin the engine but it was problematic and was very tough work to increase the speed of the engine.
Bench Seat The conventional seat established in the American automotives was known as the bench seat. This seat characterizes a permanent padding operating the complete width of the compartment. All the automotives almost contains the bench seats such as cars, trucks, buses etc. Most of the current bench seats offer seat strips for all the people. Brakes A brake is a mechanism for stopping or slowing the movement of a vehicle or a machine. Brake is an essential part of every automotive. Brakes of some depiction are fixed to the vehicles having wheels involving automotives of all types such as trains, bicycles, trucks and motorcycles.
Bumper A bumper is a part of an automotive planned to enable one vehicle to contact with another and to resist that crash without stern harm to the frame of the vehicle. Bumpers are prepared from the heavy steel but now, they are made up of plastic, rubber or tinted light metal.
Buzzer A beeper or buzzer is a device for indication generally electronic and are utilized in all the automotives. It contains a number of sensors or switches linked to a control unit.
Clutch A clutch is a device for conducting revolution which can be disconnected and occupied. There are various types of clutch designs available in the market which depends on one or more abrasion discs pushed strongly or against a flywheel with the help of the springs.
Therefore, automotive includes various other parts also such as headlight, radiator, seat belt, fuel pump, dashboard, grille and many more.
Hybrid cars: The vehicles of the future? With the price of gasoline hiking up to astronomic proportions, a lot of motorists are resorting to different ways to save on fuel. Some of them use alternative diesel. Others resort to using bikes, which can also contribute to the clean air program. Some who cannot do away with their rides, however, chose to buy hybrid vehicles. What exactly is a hybrid car? Primarily, a gasoline-electric hybrid car is a combination of an electric car and a gasoline-run vehicle. To make things clearer, it is first necessary to distinguish the characteristics of those two kinds. A gas-powered vehicle is equipped with fuel tanks, which gives gasoline to the engine. The engine operates the transmission, and the transmission operates the wheels. Meanwhile, an electric car is equipped with a set of batteries which gives electric power to a motor. The motor then operates the transmission and the wheels.
Now the hybrid car is a mix of the two. The reputation of hybrids is that they add to the car's mileage with fewer emissions usually coming from cars run by gasoline, while eliminating more or less the disadvantages that comes with electric cars. Motorists usually take three considerations in mind when judging the usability of a vehicle. These are:
-It should run at three-hundred miles at least between fuel stops. -Should be easily refueled, in the minimum amount of time. -It should catch up with the other vehicles zooming on the road. T he thing is, a gasoline-powered car has all these features, but it produces lots of emission plus the mileage is poor. On the other hand, an electric car gives off almost zero pollution, but the speed is relatively slow, and can only run 50-100 miles between battery charges.
What are the parts of hybrid cars?
1. Gasoline engine Compared to the engine of other cars, hybrids use smaller ones and is more technically advanced in order to maximize fuel and lessen emissions.
2. Fuel tank This serves as the device for hybrids to store energy for the gasoline engine.
3. Electric motor The motor present in hybrids is a study in sophistication. It can serve as both generator and motor.
4. Generator Much like an electric motor, but its only purpose is to provide electrical power.
5. Batteries Acts as the storage device of energy for electric motors. The advantage of hybrid car motors is that they can charge the batteries with energy as well as get energy supply from them.
6. Transmission Acts the same as conventional car transmissions.
There are two ways in combining the energy sources found in hybrid cars. The first one is the parallel hybrid, which is equipped with a fuel tank that provides gasoline to an engine, and a battery set that supplied energy to the electric motor. The second one is the series hybrid. In contrast, the generator is powered by the gasoline engine, and the generator is capable of either energizing the batteries or provide power to the electric motor that starts up the transmission.
Four years after its introduction, Porsche has updated its Cayenne SUV. The second generation of the type was recently announced, and the makeover consists of more than mere cosmetic changes.
For one, the new Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo now come equipped with more powerful direct gasoline injection engines, and the Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) blocks offer more push and, best of all, are less thirsty types at that.
The basic Cayenne now comes with a 3.6-litre block, and this nets a 40bhp increase over its 3.2-litre predecessor; maximum power output is 290bhp from the six-cylinder engine. Torque is also up, from 310Nm to 385Nm, as are acceleration and top speed figures. The new Cayenne manages the 0-100kmh dash in 8.1 secs and a top speed of 227kmh, as opposed to the 9.1 secs and 214kmh of the old.
The Cayenne S, meaner but leaner, in all the right places, that is. As for the Cayenne S, it comes shod with 4.8-litre V8 block, which features VarioCam Plus valve control. This one turns out 500Nm (previously 420Nm) of torque and 385bhp, in this case gaining an increase of 45bhp. These higher figures of course translate into a 0-100kmh time of 6.6 secs and a top speed of 252kmh, again improving on the 6.8 secs and 242kmh of the first generation model.
Lastly, there's the Cayenne Turbo, which has a new eight-cylinder engine offering 50bhp more than that of its predecessor, making it 500bhp on the dot. Torque is now 700Nm (previously 620 Nm), and the figures that matter are 5.1 secs for the 0-100kmh run and a max speed of 275kmh, an improvement of 0.5 secs and 9kmh over the old Turbo.
The Cayenne and Cayenne Turbo play a game of chicken. The question is, can you tell which one is which? The Cayenne Turbo comes with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with air suspension as standard; this can be augmented with the new Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) roll stabiliser system.
This constant roll control system, also available for the Cayenne and Cayenne S as an option, limits vehicle roll on corners and counterbalances it completely in almost all driving situations. The Cayenne thus offers significant improvements in terms of handling, directional stability and ride comfort. In off-road conditions, the system enables maximum axle articulation and improves traction.
Dynamic bend lighting is another new feature to be found, with the bi-xenon headlamps fitted as standard to the Cayenne Turbo. The system, which can also be ordered for the Cayenne and Cayenne S, is activated as soon as a speed of 3kmh has been reached.
The new Cayenne models will be launched in Malaysia on March 9, 2007, and are currently available for order. No prices as yet, though.
Yes, it looks more like a station wagon, but the actual designation is that of a van. Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. has announced the arrival of its all-new AD and AD Expert vans into the Japanese market, both of which will go on sale on January 19 next year.
Available in a number of variants, with a selection of engine types (CR12DE, HR15DE, MR18DE) in tow, Nissan says the AD and AD Expert have been developed with a wide variety of business needs in mind.
This here is the AD Expert 1.8LX. Neat looking van, innit? The cockpit area has numerous storage places and handy features, such as a folding table that allows the use of a laptop PC in the cabin. Loading and unloading of cargo is also made easy by the wide and high back door opening and low floor height. The class-leading cargo compartment allowing the AD and AD Expert the versatility of carrying cargo of a wide variety of sizes and shapes.
All very good, but not for us, because you won't be seeing vans that look anything like this here, not in the near future at least. Japanese consumers, however, will be snapping them up at a rate of 3,200 units a month - that's the monthly sales figure Nissan has targeted for both models. And they'll be paying from 1.218mil yen (RM36,370) for the cheapest AD variant to 1.757mil yen (RM52,450) for the highest spec'd AD Expert model.
Japanese manufacturers have problems winning over design-conscious Europeans. But Toyota's luxury marque has hit the mark, says David Wilkins
Specifications
Price: £26,488 Engine: 2.5 litre petrol Performance: 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds, 31.0mpg CO2: 214g/km Worth considering: Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class
Toyota's luxury car outfit, Lexus, has been present in Europe for 15 years. In that time it's won plenty of respect but its cars still seem to be outnumbered on the roads by those of the prestige German manufacturers.
I suspect that one reason for this is that 15 years isn't much more than the blink of an eye when it comes to establishing a luxury car brand. Audi, for example, has only really earned its place in the top bracket after 40 years of trying, and that was working with a revived badge, rather than a completely new one. In the US, where they are less sniffy about these questions of automotive pedigree, of course, Lexus has been wildly successful, as have the other Japanese luxury brands - Honda's Acura and Nissan's Infiniti - which aren't even sold here.
So what would it take for Europeans to embrace Lexus more wholeheartedly? One area where the Japanese don't need to expend any additional effort is that of engines and transmissions; these are just about as good as anything else on the market. And given that Lexus is part of Toyota, you can also take it for granted that the cars are better built and more reliable than most.
Where Lexus has so far not quite hit the mark for a lot of Europeans is in terms of style; some of the switchgear, for example, has looked a bit like it's come from, say, a Corolla. You know it's going to stand up to a few hundred thousand miles of hard use without any problems but it looks unappealingly hard and shiny. And the exterior design of previous Lexus models lacked character; the cars were nicely proportioned but bland, as well as somewhat derivative. The original IS, replaced recently by this new version on which our readers pass their verdict this week, looked like a straight morphing together of the last-generation models of the Mercedes C-Class and the BMW 3-Series.
But this new IS is different - the traditional strengths such as the near-silent drivetrain are preserved but after years of trying, Lexus finally seems to be grasping the mysterious process by which the European luxury manufacturers inject desirability - as distinct from quality - into their cars. The instruments are better and the cabin colours and materials are too.
And with the styling of the IS, Lexus seems to be finding a design language of its own, too; handsome but not too obviously inspired by anything else. The only jarring note is the radiator grille, which incorporates unusual vertical fins that fan out, Ssangyong fashion - but that was just about the only significant nit I could find to pick.
Dave Patchett, 47, Architect, Wirral, usual car: Saab 900 Classic Aero Turbo
First impressions on seeing this new model left me a little disappointed - just like the rest now, I thought. The interior was an improvement on previous models, cool perforated charcoal leather upholstery with timber trims and a bit of brushed stainless steel to appeal to thirtysomething boy racers.I was having fun with the steering-column-mounted paddle gear change until I selected a downshift and found the engine management system was really in control. On the motorway I was surprised at how easily a crosswind pushed the car sideways and disappointed that the top-end acceleration did not match my 15-year-old Saab Turbo.
What struck me was just how quiet the engine was. Even at high speed there is very little cabin noise. The car grips to the road well and the ride is very smooth. Although the car has a sporty look and feel it didn't perform like a sports car - it's not slow but there are many cars which would out accelerate it. It was very comfortable to drive; a lot of care seems to have been taken to enable you to get the perfect driving position. All the controls are in easy reach of the driver and have a satisfying feel of quality to them. The back seats are comfortable but leg and head room are in short supply. Similarly, the boot was smaller than I expected. It's a nice car, not a great car.
Andrew Leahy, 27, Doctor, Manchester, usual car: VW Golf GT
In a class where looks are important, I think that the Lexus is an attractive car from the side, but I was unable to warm to the front end's appearance. Inside the car you got the feel of Lexus's renowned build quality and generous specification, although we struggled a little at times with the windows steaming up. To drive the IS did not feel overly big; it was beautifully quiet and handled the Pennine corners with ease despite the steering being light on feel. The performance on the motorway improved once we switched to the automatic's sport mode. Given it is an executive car, for me it just lacked that feeling that I was driving something special.
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Lawyers, doctors and engineers may get the car insurance discounts, but new data suggest homemakers, firefighters and farmers are by far the better risks. The worst: students.
Who's less likely to get in an accident -- a careful, methodical engineer or a harried soccer mom with a van full of screaming children?
Your insurance company probably would say the engineer.
That same company may even back it up with a discount on the premiums for people in that profession.
If research by a California data-crunching firm is correct, however, the lower-risk driver may actually be the homemaker.
A review of more than 1 million accident, speeding and moving-violation records across the country is challenging some insurers' long-held beliefs about which jobs are likely to indicate high-risk drivers.
San Francisco-based Quality Planning Corp., an insurance research firm, matched Department of Motor Vehicle records with its own database of 14 million auto insurance policies to match incidents, drivers and occupations.
Just take a look at this first list.
It is ranked 40 occupations by the number of accidents per 1,000 insured drivers in the 12-month period studied:
That students are by far the most accident-prone shouldn't come as a shock to anyone, said statistician Daniel Finnegan, Quality Planning's CEO. Their lack of driving experience and underestimation of their own mortality typically make them poorer-than-average drivers.
Or, to use language any actuary would love: "Youthful operators are highly predictive of losses," Finnegan said.
You also can understand real estate agents being on the list, given the 30,000 to 40,000 miles a year they drive on average. More miles mean more opportunities to crunch or be crunched.
Too confident -- or arrogant? But many insurance executives, Finnegan said, assume highly educated professionals such as doctors, lawyers and architects are less likely to be risky drivers -- exactly the opposite of what the review found. (Engineers, by the way, ranked 10th among the 40 professions analyzed, with a higher-than-average accident rate of 94 per 1,000 professionals.)
Finnegan can't say exactly why these professions rose to the top of the smash-up pile, but he has some theories.
"Anything we say is speculative," Finnegan said, "but these tend to be highly educated professionals . . . who are used to having the world pay attention to them."
In other words, the very traits that may help doctors, lawyers and architects in their professions -- call it confidence, or self-assurance, or downright arrogance -- make them riskier on the road.
There could be other explanations as well, such as huge workloads leading to fatigue or excessive cell phone use on the road.
Interestingly, doctors and lawyers fell to the middle of the pack when Finnegan looked at speeding tickets and moving violations. Architects, however, remained at the top of all three:
And politicians, who ranked near the bottom for accidents, moved up to the top for citations:
Homemakers, teachers, librarians and secretaries ranked near the bottom of all three lists. So, too, did law enforcement personnel. Cynics may argue that cops are giving each other "professional courtesies" -- not writing up violations, for example. But it just might be, given their training and the number of humans they see made into road pizza, that cops are more careful than the rest of us.
Are insurance companies out of touch? So are insurance companies getting it all wrong? Not many insurers give breaks to police officers and homemakers, but discounts for engineers or military personnel aren't uncommon.
Here are a couple of possible explanations:
Every insurer is different. Finnegan looked at a large pool of drivers, but insurers base their rates mostly on their own experience with a given group of people.
Based on Finnegan's figures, for example, giving discounts to military folks would seem like a bad move. Enlisted personnel ranked seventh in accidents, second in speeding tickets and fourth in moving violations. Officers did somewhat better, but still had higher-than-average rates: 14th in accidents, 15th in speeding violations and 17th in moving violations. Yet USAA successfully specializes in covering military families and consistently offers some of the lowest rates around.
Farmers Insurance, one of the nation's largest auto insurers, is another company that offers discounts -- to doctors and engineers as well as teachers, scientists, firefighters and cops. The company has found all those professionals to have lower losses than the average driver, said spokeswoman Mary Flynn.
The data don't reflect severity. A fender-bender costs an insurance company a lot less than a 15-car fatal pileup. It's entirely possible that professionals getting the discounts still have lower losses in dollar terms than occupations that don't get a break.
Many insurers don't take professions into account. The country's largest insurer, State Farm, doesn't offer breaks for any particular profession. The breaks that are offered at other insurers tend to be small. What you pay for insurance depends mostly on your driving record and experience, where you live, how many miles you drive and, increasingly, on your history of paying bills. (For more, see my column "How bad credit costs you with insurers.")
That's not to say insurers might not use these numbers, or figures like them, to start differentiating more by profession in the future. Allstate, for example, is considering offering discounts to certain unnamed professions, said spokeswoman Lisa Wannamaker, perhaps as early as next year.
Finnegan warned, though, that rating by occupation is tough for insurers to do successfully. Many people might be less than truthful about what they do to get a discount -- or avoid paying extra.
His research has shown him that many real estate agents fudge the number of miles they drive. To avoid detection, they lie about what they do, Finnegan said.
"A significant number don't tell their insurers their jobs," he said.
So, how do all these occupations stack up? This table shows the incidence and ranking of accidents, speeding tickets and other types of moving violations for all of the jobs studied:
X is Roman for ten. But we'd like to think it denotes and X rating--for the meanest, rawest Evo ever made. This future rally rocket was first previewed by the Concept X from last year's Tokyo auto show, and now a closer version is being shown here at Detroit. When the car goes on sale around this time next year, power will continue to come from a 2.0-liter turbo four, but output will push past the current Subaru WRX STI's 300-hp rating. Mitsubishi would be wise to mate its engine to a slick twin-clutch transmission, and it would be a shame not to use the new Outlander SUV's lovely magnesium-alloy paddle shifters. Naturally, the Evo will be driven by all four wheels, via a new S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) system that Mitsubishi promises will rival Honda's SH-AWD in sophistication. The new system will feature active steering, active yaw control, and myriad electronic sensors. We hope S-AWC doesn't compromise the great steering possessed by Evos VIII and IX.
2007 Ford Interceptor Concept: A four-door Mustang?
While Ford is strongly denying reports that a Mustang sedan or wagon has gotten the green light, PR reps have confirmed that the Detroit show will feature the Interceptor sedan concept based on Mustang architecture. We agree with critics that say Mustangs are meant to be coupes and convertibles, but why not build a sedan based on the Mustang but with normal Ford badging. We're sorry, guys. The Crown Victoria is not a real competitior for the Dodge Charger and other big rear-drive sedans born in this century.
Yes, with the year-end, car companies are offering deals aplenty during this holiday season, which is of course great news for you, the consumer. Auto Eurokars joins in the festivities with its Auto Fair that's being held this weekend (Dec 16-17) at the Eurokars Centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. The fair will be open from 9am to 5pm these two days.
Visitors to the fair can expect to get great deals on both new ex-stock Porsche and new ex-stock Saab cars. Selected Porsche and Saab models will be available for test drive, and you can also look forward to some refreshments as well as fun and for the whole family.
Oh, and if you've been hankering for some Porsche Selection and Saab Expression premium items, you'll be able to buy them at really special prices.
Desire to own one of these? No, not cheap, but you might find one that sounds like music to your wallet this weekend. Besides the current Porsche line-up, you'll also be able to view the specially flown-in cars that will be used for the Porsche World Road Show 07 (PWRS) next month.
Speaking of which, if you haven't signed up yet for the PWRS, this is also your last chance to do so - the PWRS deadline for registration is Dec 17; all you need to do is fork out RM2,200, a mere snip for what promises to be a thoroughly dazzling experience.
With a sale of 14 Phantoms to a Hong Kong hotel, the fabled British carmaker is riding a wave, and Infiniti, Acura, and Lexus are in the wake
The headlong dash by global automotive players to set up low-cost manufacturing capacity in China's hyper-growth auto market is a familiar story. So is the relentless price-cutting pressure and profit margin squeeze foreign car companies face when they are up and running. As any auto exec will tell you, the mainland is an extraordinary growth story—and simultaneously one of the most cutthroat markets on the planet.
Then there is the remarkable exception of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Here is a fabled brand from a British car company that makes by hand its Phantom ultra-luxury sedans at a new plant with high-cost labor in Goodwood, near the south coast of England. It exports them into China, and thereby triggers stiff luxury taxes and import duties that effectively more than double the sticker price of the Phantom to $800,000 vs. what U.S. consumers would pay for a basic model. (They start at about $350,000 in the U.S.)
And, guess what? Rolls-Royce's sales are up 50% this year, about double the pace of China's overall luxury segment. China is now Roll-Royce's third biggest market after the U.S. and Britain, and the company's fastest growing one. A big reason is the rapid wealth accumulation in rich coastal markets such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, where newly rich businessmen are buying Phantoms loaded with expensive extras to get around town in style. The Original Partnership
"We just did an order (for a $2.2 million Phantom) with a Beijing property developer," says Rolls-Royce Motor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ian Robertson. And China "is almost completely new territory for us," he points out.
The Rolls-Royce luxury brand, of course, is anything but new. The British car and aero-engine company, founded by Henry Royce and C.S. Rolls, came into being in 1906. During the depression, it acquired rival carmaker Bentley and the car unit was spun off from the aircraft engine division—now called Rolls-Royce Group (RYCEY)—in the early 1970s.
In 1998, BMW Group bought the rights to the Rolls-Royce name, logo and iconic Spirit of Ecstasy mascot—and that was about it. Volkswagen (VLKAY) ended up with the branding rights for the Bentley, and the old company's plants and workers. The Image of Luxury
So, three years ago, the Phantom was designed from scratch under BMW leadership. The result was a super-luxury sedan that still oozes classic elegance, but also boasts plenty of muscle with an all-aluminum (6749cc) V12 engine and highly advanced lightweight and adjustable aluminum spaceframe—the largest of its kind ever made in the automotive industry. "BMW hadn't done an aluminum spaceframe before," says Robertson, and "this technology is leading edge."
Robertson, 48, a former Rover Group leader who also ran BMW South Africa for about seven years until early 2005, was in Hong Kong on Dec. 14 to celebrate the sale of a fleet of 14 Phantoms to the upscale Peninsula Hong Kong hotel, a property of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited. It's the largest single order ever for Rolls-Royce, and the Phantom is probably a natural choice for a hotel where high-end suites run $5,000-plus a night. "The Rolls (Phantom) fits our image, and it's a superb car," says Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Chairman Sir Michael Kadoorie.
Customizing its cars to satisfy the whims of customers is what Rolls-Royce is all about, and the Peninsula fleet cars are equipped with rear-seat air conditioning controls, an in-car entertainment system with 12-in.-screen DVD players, a temperature-controlled cool box for drinks and towels, and interiors trimmed with 18 leather hides per car. Money's No Object
Robertson points out that the Phantom isn't just about fancy frills but also some first-rate engineering and engine performance. He says the Phantom, which is also racking up sales in the oil-rich Middle East, is on track to sell 800 units in 2006. If so, that would set a 16-year sales record for Rolls-Royce, though the original sales target set back in 2003 was 1,000.
The company is also placing big hopes on a Rolls-Royce convertible that it will unveil at the Detroit auto show in January and start selling in mid-2007. With a base price of about $400,000, the convertible will cost nearly $1 million in China but Robertson thinks sales will be brisk, nonetheless. "We are already seeing demand everywhere for the convertible," he says. Another smaller-scale and less expensive Rolls-Royce model is being developed for later this decade, he adds.
Rolls-Royce is hardly alone in trying to reach well-heeled consumers on the mainland. At the Beijing Auto Show in November, parent company BMW showcased its 5-Series sedans, including the top-of-the-line, 268-horsepower 530Li that starts at about $61,000 (see BusinessWeek.com, 11/15/06, "Chinese Luxury Cars Debut at Beijing Show"). King of the Hill
General Motors (GM), meanwhile, hopes to build on the Chinese success of its Cadillac brand, which debuted in 2004 with the CTS, XLR, and SRX. Coming next year will be the Escalade sport-utility vehicle and the Cadillac SLS, which will fetch about $63,580.
The Japanese are making a big play in China's luxury market as well. Next year, Nissan (NSANY) will bring its Infiniti brand to China, including the popular G35 sedan. In September, Honda introduced the Acura RL and TL sedans, which go for about $45,000 and $33,000, respectively. Toyota (TM) already sells its Lexus ES350 and IS300 luxury vehicles on the mainland (see BusinessWeek.com, 9/9/06, "Japan Carmakers Outrun Rivals in China").
Still, Rolls-Royce enjoys an enviable position. When consumers are willing to fork over $800,000 for your marquee product, well, that's a very good place to be.
It has been an inspiring journey for the internet market in Arab as it evolves from a nascent sector in the last decade to the booming industry of the country. The boom has not only created investment opportunities for those associated with the sector but has also opened up markets for growth in the business, computing and retail sectors to name a few.
The Arabic Search Engine (www.d1g.com) is an online attempt to mobilize the internet functioning in Arab and make it easy for all users to have access to their required field of information relating to arabian through the website. The portal besides being a one-stop Arabian website portal for information regarding news and community; provides information on local and tourist, directories and portals related to the Arabian business.
The Arabic Search Engine (www.d1g.com) offers the privilege to their user to get involved in the activity provided in the website. Beside the Arabic news, the portal also offers the opportunity for all those related and associated with the arabic to discuss and become active in activities and exchange business. These include free image gallery, online arcade, free email service, video hosting and free international SMS service and Related Services etc.
D1g.com has been conceptualized with the purpose of providing the arabian surfer on the Net easy access to the world of Arabic. At the same time, the portal envisages the business opportunities that would be created for the community by being a part of this website portal.
For more information, visits www.d1g.com its a new website and is the 1st website to offer a search engine specifically built for the Arabic language.
Tag: Arabian, arab, E-Mail, news, search engine, arabic languages, Comics, Gallery, Games, Clips, Forums, Blogs, a free image gallery, online arcade, free email service, video hosting, free international SMS service
Pre-Sale Launched! Leading online accommodation specialist, EasyToBook ( www.easytobook.com ) had launched the inaugural edition of the Barcelona Hotels. The accommodation guidebook is based on customers’ genuine opinions of hotels and resorts throughout the Barcelona region, and features 100 hotels from around countries.
The online Guidebook is available for free via http://www.easytobook.com/en/..., readers will receive an immediate benefit of a HotelClub Membership Card to use towards their desired hotel from the Guidebook or any other of the 21,000 hotels offered by EasyToBook.
From over 74,000 consumers votes for over 2,200 hotels, Barcelona’s Best Hotels & Resorts, showcases the 100 Best Hotels as voted by consumers countrywide. From islands resorts to city hotels and regional gems, the online Guidebook delivers a unique & independent read for those in search of a great hotel for business or pleasure. Each hotel’s listing comes with a price guide and is rated for ambience, cleanliness, facilities, family friendliness, location, restaurants, staff attitude and value for money. All hotels are grouped alphabetically by destination with easy reference indexes that help you locate the hotel that best meets consumers’ needs.
Omry Easy, Director of Internet Marketing, EasyToBook, said: “This is the first publication to cover accommodation choices throughout the Barcelona region and reflects true consumer choice! To find an outstanding hotel can be challenging sometimes. The best source of information comes from someone who has actually been there - tried the beds, sampled the food and been served by the staff. This inaugural guide is just that, and it features everything from famous and iconic properties such as Laietana Palace to some stylish boutique hotels like the Gaudí Barcelona to the island resorts such as Angli Barcelona.”
Tag: Barcelona hotels, hotels in Barcelona, cheap hotels in Barcelona, Barcelona hotel reservations, budget hotels in Barcelona, discount hotels Barcelona, Barcelona hotel
Create and Send Free Polyphonic, MP3 Cell Phone Ringtones and Wallpapers to Your Mobile Phone with MSNEmotions.org Ringtones
Free Ringtones is designed for mobile phone owners to easily create their own customized Free Ringtones, and send them to their mobile phones. Ringtones can be made from any of the mobile phone owners’ digital audio files, including MP3, WAV, WMA and OGG files.
Get the latest Polyphonic and Monophonic Ringtones, True Tones, MP3 Ringtones, Wallpapers, Logos and Java Games, for your Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Sagem, Siemens, Sharp, Samsung, Panasonic and LG Mobile Phone from MSNEmotions.org Ringtones
According to James McKenzie, the ceo of MSNEmotions.org Ringtones, “Ringtones not only help you stand out from the crowd and musically express yourself, they are essential for people like the visually-impaired. When you go into your address book you can select different tunes for different callers. So when you hear ’A Spoonful of Sugar’ you know it’s Mary ringing!”
MSNEmotions.org Ringtones has been supplying consumers with the choice of incoming ringtone for the past 7 years. Whilst other companies have failed, MSNEmotions.org Ringtones has survived huge competition as a small company who prides itself on providing high quality ringtones and top notch service.
MSNEmotions.org Ringtones is always responding to consumer demands. James McKenzie next plans to revolutionise the industry with a new low cost 50p per ringtone download service and the ability to ’earn’ free ringtones by recommending friends.
Latest research shows most people are willing to pay anything from 10p to 50p per ringtone, however, most ringtone companies charge £4.50 and upwards, often not making the cost of the download clear. This practice has led to the reputation of many MSNEmotions.org Ringtones rivals being tarnished.
Tag: Polyphonic, Monophonic Ringtones, True Tones, MP3 Ringtones, Wallpapers, Logos and Java Games, for your Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Sagem, Siemens, Sharp, Samsung, Panasonic and LG Mobile Phone
Never miss another important news story with a free susbcription to Deepmarket.com Current News, Business News, and Stock Market newsletters.
Subscribers to these free analysis receive regular news updates every day of the week — twice a day every weekday and once a day on weekends. This is one of the newest of the family-friendly publisher’s popular news features.
Deep Phynder, CEO of Deepmarket.com, says, “We’re constantly working on ways to keep our readers informed on the issues they care about, STOCK MARKET. Stock Market Analysis world are always moving, and it’s important that readers be able to keep up. We’re making that easier for them.”
The Current News analysis covers important headlines from all over the world, including Stock market analysis using artificial intelligence, machine learning data mining techniques. The site — http://www.Deepmarket.com — updates throughout the day as more headlines arrive. Each edition of the ezine includes a link at the bottom leading to these headlines, so interested readers can find out more about the day’s news as it happens.
The Stock market analysis ( http://www.deepmarket.com/cat... ) focuses on business owners and investors who want to stay up-to-date on the stock market, finances, and acquisitions. The analysis also includes reports of recalls and safety hazards as they are released to the public.
Deepmarket.com receives its news through UPI, a trusted international news source for nearly a century. In addition to Current News and Business Headlines, Deepmarket.com offers sports updates, entertainment news, and more, available by e-mail or directly through their Web site at http://www.Deepmarket.com .
“Our readers have come to rely on us for prompt, accurate news in stock markets fields,” Phynder goes on. “We go to the best sources available, so that we can continue to meet our susbcribers’ expectations for quality, family-friendly content.”
Wallets tend to be thin through the holiday season. That is why it is important to save every last penny on those pesky bills. Many UKs spend more money on electric, water, gasoline and other bills than they need to.
As a benefit to lowering energy costs we are less dependent on foreign sources of energy and create cleaner skies. So buy a programmable thermostat, plug in a few fluorescent lights, carpool, or give yourself the gift of an energy efficient appliance and do your part.
For example, carpooling is one of the most obvious and efficient ways to save money. This saves on not only gas but on oil changes and other car expenses. Many people do not carpool which creates even more issues on with traffic jams; thus wasting hours out of each of our days. There are all sorts of excuses for people such as “they can’t leave work when they want to”, “they would have to leave the house earlier”, “they don’t know anyone at their work that lives close to them”, etc…
What these people don’t realize is that by carpooling, they would be saving hundreds of dollars a year not only on gas, but tires, oil, shocks, and other parts of the car that wear down.
Using fluorescent light bulbs and a programmable thermostat can save another couple hundred dollars a year. The programmable thermostat allows an empty house not to be heated. A fluorescent light bulb uses about 1/4 the energy of a normal bulb.
There are all sorts of things we can be doing to reduce our budgets. Doing those things will allow us to spend more on the things we care about this holiday season. For more money saving ideas check out http://www.thriftyscot.co.uk/...
Consumers are advised to shop around for competitive rate on personal loans. It has been suggested that consumer should shop around for competitive interest rate on personal loans. A fair number of Brits take out personal loans to carry out health surgery. As much as £6,500 is taken out through personal loans to bear the expenditure of health surgery. It has further been estimated that Brits will take out more than £5 million through personal loans for health surgery by the end of the year. Research shows that daily £1.8 million is spent spent by the consumers n improving their physical appearance through this method of financing. Peter Ball, loans manager at Sainsbury's Bank, remarked: "We estimate that around £5 million will have been taken out in personal loans this year to pay for health surgery, but as it becomes less taboo for many people, a growing number of men and women may be looking to improve their health and fund this with loans." He also added that Mintel predicts a 240 per cent growth between 2001 and 2006, with British adults spending their money on health surgery one million times a year by 2009. About www.loanwize.co.uk: www.loanwize.co.uk arranges various types of personal loans for UK consumers. It has expert lenders tied-up with it who boast of offering customised personal loans that suit consumer's need properly. For more information visit: http://www.loanwize.co.uk Tag: loans,secured loans,personal,debt consolidation,bad credit,uk,loan,personal loan,mortgage,apply online,homeowners,credit, debt,mortgages
Consumers are advised to shop around for competitive rate on personal loans.
It has been suggested that consumer should shop around for competitive interest rate on personal loans. A fair number of Brits take out personal loans to carry out health surgery. As much as £6,500 is taken out through personal loans to bear the expenditure of health surgery.
It has further been estimated that Brits will take out more than £5 million through personal loans for health surgery by the end of the year. Research shows that daily £1.8 million is spent spent by the consumers n improving their physical appearance through this method of financing.
Peter Ball, loans manager at Sainsbury's Bank, remarked: "We estimate that around £5 million will have been taken out in personal loans this year to pay for health surgery, but as it becomes less taboo for many people, a growing number of men and women may be looking to improve their health and fund this with loans."
He also added that Mintel predicts a 240 per cent growth between 2001 and 2006, with British adults spending their money on health surgery one million times a year by 2009.
About www.loanwize.co.uk: www.loanwize.co.uk arranges various types of personal loans for UK consumers. It has expert lenders tied-up with it who boast of offering customised personal loans that suit consumer's need properly.
For more information visit: http://www.loanwize.co.uk" title="http://www.loanwize.co.uk" target="_blank"http://www.loanwize.co.uk
Tag: loans,secured loans,personal,debt consolidation,bad credit,uk,loan,personal loan,mortgage,apply online,homeowners,credit, debt,mortgages
Over one year of dedicated production to launch the most extensive Japan stock photo library at Johninjapan.com
“Marketing professionals want to reflect the lives of modern Japans in their campaigns, and they want these campaigns to compete on an international level, the HDR image licensing is the key to these campaigns” explains John Forsh, Production Manager for Hdrjapan.com .
“Today, we are giving these professionals an important tool they need: through over one year of dedicated photo shoots, we have produced thousands of the most eye-popping, high-quality Japan-related images available to creative professionals today. These images are accompanied by proper model and property releases, something rarely available for japan stock photos,” explains Forsh. “Plus, we have thousands more stunning collections launching each month that will turn even more heads. Our collections will continually evolve to keep pace with new trends.”
Featured in this collection is a mix of talent including Okinawan, other GCC nationals, and international models. The site showcases both the diversity of modern Japan life and the growing prosperity of the GCC region with its high-quality business, leisure, and family lifestyle imagery.
About HDR Image Resource www.hdrjapan.com/ provides creative and marketing professionals with an expansive collection of Japan stock photography, tailor-made image libraries, and access to a world-class team of photography professionals. For additional information, please visit www.hdrjapan.com/.
We were a bit puzzled when we heard that the media drive of the Mitsubishi's Triton 4X4 double cab pick-up truck was at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
But as it turned out, putting a pick-up truck on a Formula One certified track, was Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s way to prove a point or two.
It was on the long straights at about 120kph, during several full laps around the SIC track, that this became apparent.
The Triton was surprisingly comfortable and quiet inside. Wind and engine noise hardly penetrated the cabin space.
The Mitsubishi Triton did well offroad. In contrast to the boxy shapes of many other 4X4 pick-ups as well, the Triton has steeper A-pillars that allow the vehicle to slice through air. Add to that generous legroom for all, a car-like interior and precise steering, the Triton dispels the thinking that a 4X4 pick-up cannot be made to ride like a family sedan.
We only had to remind ourselves that all 4X4s have higher centres of gravity and were never intended to take corners at high speeds like Formula One cars. And the typical 4X4 body roll is expected in hard cornering.
In the second part of the media drive, the Triton was put on an off-road course next to the SIC.
Mind you the path was wet and muddy after a heavy, mid-afternoon downpour and the Triton was using 16-inch tarmac tyres instead of the more grippy mud tyres.
The Triton not only surprises with its look but performance as well. Engaging the Triton to low gear transfer ratio for full 4X4 mode was easy by pushing a short lever beside the gearshifter lever.
Going up a steep slope on a slippery path was still easy with sufficient engine torque and power to all four wheels to haul the vehicle up.
Its newly developed 2.5-litre turbodiesel, intercooled, common rail engine gives out 135bhp at 3,500rpm and torque of 314Nm at 2,000rpm, figures, that according to Mitsubishi, make the Triton the most powerful 2.5-litre, diesel pick-up of its class in Malaysia.
The Triton’s 4X4 drive system also comes with a hybrid limited-slip differential which prevents wheel slips.
Descending a steep slope was also just as easy. Engage the first gear and let the engine braking do its job to bring down the almost two-tonne vehicle gently.
Even when we were chugging along on unpaved road full of rocks and holes, the Triton’s suspension did a good job of soaking up the vibrations and undulations.
The front suspension uses the independent double wishbone set-up with coil springs for a sports utility vehicle-like handling and comfort, while the rear suspension has leaf springs for optimum load carrying capability.
Then came our fun test. We had to give the Triton its “undercarriage wash” in a 50ft-long and knee-deep pool of teh tarik-like water.
Although the Triton has the usual high clearance of a 4X4, wading too fast may risk muddy water sloshing into the air intake vent.
Anyway, Triton’s safety features include dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and side impact bars.
At the end of the media test, it was not its off-road capabilities and tarmac ride comfort that impressed us the most, but the Triton’s looks.
When it comes to styling and bodylines, we had to admit that the Triton is one of the best looking 4X4, double cab pick-up trucks around.
Its sleek bodylines are based on the Mitsubishi’s Dakar Rally winning Pajero Evolution racer.
Plus the curvaceous structure of its cargo bed gives an appearance of wrapping around the passenger cabin.
With such great looks, we would be curious to know if owners would ever want to get their Tritons dirty.
The UK gets yet another limited-edition Subaru Impreza STI that we'll never see.
Subaru UK has recently unveiled its latest limited-edition WRX STI - the RB320, and this one is a little more special than most limited-edition road-ready rally cars.
The "RB" in "RB320" stands for "Richard Burns", the Subaru rally ace who tragically died last year of brain cancer at the young age of 34. Burns started rallying professionally in 1994, joined the Subaru team in 1999 and eventually won the FIA World Rally Championship Driver's title back in 2001. Burns' win of the Driver's title was notable not only for the fact that he beat out legendary drivers Colin McRae and Tommi Makinen, but also for the fact that Burns was the first-ever Englishman to win the title. To say that Burns is nothing less than a driving hero in the UK would be an understatement.
Burns then jumped over to Citroen in 2002. Burns had an "okay" season with Citroen during the 2002-2003 seasons, but plans were already underway to have him return to Subaru in '04. However, Burns blacked out en route to the Wales Rally GB in November '03, was hospitalized and eventually diagnosed with a brain tumor.
After many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Burns was thought to be on the road to recovery. However, Burns eventually fell into a coma in November 2005 and passed away on November 25th - exactly four years to the day of his historic WRC win.
Now a year after Burns' death, Subaru UK is offering the RB320 in remembrance of the Rally Hero. Boasting a full ProDrive Performance Pack, this WRX packs £6,000 of goodies onto a car that is only £3,500 more than a standard STI. This WRX gets the "320" part of its name thanks to the 320 PS (duh)... and 332 lb.-ft. of torque. This WRX is now good for 4.8-second 0-60 times. Not bad, eh? The suspension is also upgraded with a set of ProDrive lowering springs, special Bilstein dampers and a revised rear sway bar.
As the RB320 is a special WRX STI, the exterior gets a bit of flash as well. Obsidian Black is the only available color; all cars get the chrome front mesh grilles; the 18-inch rims were designed just for this car as was the front lip spoiler, the side sill plates, exterior and gearshift knob all get special RB320 badges as well.
We don't know how many of these cars are being produced, but we do know that the very first one will be given away at a special Autocar-sponsored raffle. In a good Samaritan move, the proceeds of this raffle will go to the Richard Burns Foundation, which helps those suffering from serious injuries and illness.
I was always amazed with wonderful Dress Up Games on The Doll Palace. These guys know how to entertain kids. My kids are spending hours looking at their cartoon dolls and new coloring pages.
Insurance industry has shown several developments in the last decade.
From simple auto
finance, home insurance and auto
insurance, it has developed to offer more complicated products and
new auto
insurance quotes as well. If we take a look at business
insurance and car
insurance uk market, it is expending day by day which is basically
to reduce risk in the daily operations. Apart from this government has
made the processes of tax
filing and getting credit finance much
easier to ensure easy business handling
Do you know there's so many types of furniture?
This is a great years for me. After all this years of hardworking now I am able to own my own house. I’ve been working hard all this time just to get my dream house. Me and my wife has never been happier since our baby girl came to our life. At first I thought getting the house is the hardest part, yet now I have to faced a new problems already. Its how should I get the perfect furniture for my house?
We all knew that in this matter, woman always want to be in charge for it. They will be the judged in what to buy and where to put it. It’s funny when my wife and my daughter always argue about where to place the furniture. As for me, sigh! to them I am merely the source of money to buy those things. My wife specifically told me she want a pine furniture for the dining room. I have no idea that it's hard to buy furniture for the house, they seem to know all details about it. Even she told me she want an oak furniture for our bedroom. And here I was thinking that there’s only one types of furniture and that is.....…furniture.
Things are different with my daughter. She want her bedroom furniture to be pink in color. I might as well get her rooms decorate in a powerpuff girls theme. That might be fun right?
This week will be a very tiring and busy for me. With all the shopping, let us put aside all the precious time that will be wasted on window shopping. I miss my bed already.
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Consumers are advised to shop around for competitive rate on 
