2006 Acura CL: Traditional yet Modern

Acura, as a brand, has been holding up its share in its commitment of crafting, introducing, and bringing to the market vehicles that are engineered so as to provide excellent performance. And once again, Acura has added another vehicle to this list and at the same reinforcing the brand’s commitment. Welcome the all-new 2006 Acura CL.

The 2006 Acura CL has been redesigned and reengineered in almost every little detail possible. This new vehicle promises to deliver higher levels of performance, technological innovations, engineering achievements, passenger safety, and overall style. It has also been destined to compete with the existing BMW 328Ci, the Volvo C70, and the Mercedes Benz CLK320. This vehicle has been again designed so as to provide and exude the smooth and flowing lines of the classic coupes of the European Gran Turismo. However, this does not overbear the styling that is only from an Acura. Making the 2006 Acura CL a remarkable vehicle is that it has been able to combine the past, tradition, and heritage with modernity and technology. This vehicle surely possesses encompassing efficiency with its powerful engines, as well as revolutionary safety features and high technology vehicle management systems that are controls by computers.

There are two engine options for the 2006 Acura CL. It is either the Acura 3.2 liter VTEC V6 engine with 24 valves, or the 3.2 power plant that has the capacity to create 225 horsepower. As per interior volume, this all-new vehicle sports 96.5 cubic feet of this, which is a 4.6 cubic feet increase from the previous vehicle. It also sports some 192.0 inches of length and 70.6 inches in its width. Safety features have been packed in this vehicle. The list includes standard front airbags, advanced side airbags with front passenger height and position sensors, and the standard anti-lock brakes as well as the Traction Control System. Offered as an option for the 2006 Acura CL is the Acura Navigation System. This system provides a satellite-linked nationwide coverage done through the use of a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) database located on board. The vehicle also sports modifications like CompTech cold air intake, certified exhaust headers, CompTech high-flow exhaust system, Brembo brakes, sport suspension with Titanium front upper strut bar, 19-inch Maya DTM wheels, front and rear bumpers with side moldings, a deck lid tail spoiler, and custom aluminum exhaust tips.

For more information about the Acura CL as well as to purchase Acura CL accessories and parts, customers can visit Auto Accessories Giant. The list includes steering wheel covers, alignment kits, shock absorbers, emblems, brake rotors, and a whole lot more.

The 2006 Acura CL is one coupe that is really worth looking into. Although this vehicle has its share of downs like a confusing navigation system controls, and cramped head room as well as entry and exit for the rear seats, the 2006 Acura CL still shines amidst these with its quick acceleration, smooth steering as well as handling, and a perfect build quality.

1977 to 1979: The Years of the Lincoln Mark V

From the year 1977 and up until the year 1979, the Lincoln Mark V was sold by Lincoln, the luxury division of the Ford Motor Company. The Lincoln Mark V was sold and marketed as a large coupe. It was only during the mentioned model years did the Lincoln Mark V have the opportunity to roam the streets.

Looking at it, the Lincoln Mark V was just like the previous Lincoln Mark IV, only this time it held a coupe of refinements and received a couple of restyling. The previous vehicle sported a rounded design. The Lincoln Mark V now was built and constructed to be more square and was sharper when it came to its edges. This was perhaps due to the fact that during that time, the sharp edged look was the in thing in the automobile world. Also, instead of the 460 cubic inch Ford 385 engine, the Lincoln Mark V was equipped with the Ford 400 cubic inch small block engine. The vehicle was also crafted to be much more angular, longer, and pretty much lower than its predecessors. It was given more trunk space and was much lighter compared to the Lincoln Mark IV. In fact, it only weight 4,650 pounds which was some 500 pounds lighter. It was crafted on a wheelbase that measured some 120 inches. With that, the car was then completed to be much longer. It was stretched to 230 inches. In short, the Lincoln Mark V was a reskinned Lincoln Mark IV.

However, this vehicle had its own drawbacks, thus the very reason why it existed for such a short period of time. In 1978, it was tested by Auto Motor Und Sport which was Germany’s leading car magazine. When the results came out, the magazine found out that the Lincoln Mark V had an average mile per gallon of not more than 7. Even up to this day, this vehicle still holds the Auto Motor Und Sport record for being the least fuel efficient vehicle. This actually brought the Ford Motor Company very close at violating the Corporate Average Fuel Economy laws during that period.

People who were interested in purchasing the said vehicle would have to have at least $11,396 so as to be able to own one. Aside from this, the Lincoln Mark V’s customers and patrons were given options like a couple of trim levels for choices. Also, this line of vehicles was given to a couple of designers. These designers – Givenchy, Bill Blass, Cartier, and Pucci – were given the chance to personally design these vehicles.

1917 Woods Dual Power

The first hybrid gas electric car did not come out in 1983, but in 1917. The Woods Dual Power was built by the Woods Motor Vehicle Company of Chicago. Because the gas engine was so rough, but supplied more power and electric cars were smoother, but had limited range, the Woods Motor Vehicle Company wanted to supply a car that gave you the best of both worlds.

The best part is, it was a full hybrid (listen up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was a parallel hybrid that included a 12-hp, 4-cylinder gasoline engine as an auxiliary drive system in addition to the electric drive train. The electric engine could propel the car up to 20 mph. Together with the gas engine, the dual wood power could get up to 35 mph.

The gas engine and electric engine were connected using a magnetic clutch. The gas engine became magnetized when activated (by a lever controlled by the driver). The copper disk was pulled against the flywheel connecting the electric motor to the gas engine.

Only the electric motor could be used while going in reverse. Why? Because the engine had no clutch and so the gas engine had no gears!

The car battery designed for this car was about half the size of the batteries in other electric cars of the time. Once the car got up to 20 mph, the gas engine could be engaged, allowing the electric motor and gas motor to work together. The battery could be recharged or discharged by another lever. Recharging was done by the gas motor (at speeds over 6 mph) or by braking on level ground or when coasting down hills. A conventional brake pedal was only used at speeds of less than 6 mph.

Available for only $2650 (remember this was 1917). Wire wheels were a luxury, costing an extra $25. Or you could 'pimp' your vehicle out for another $100 (paint and trim).

Ultimately, the first hybrid was a commercial failure. It was built only in 1917 and 1918. It was too expensive, too slow, and too difficult to service to be a commercial success.

50 Years of Power

A carryover from 2004, the 2005 Ford Thunderbird was the last of its kind to be manufactured. The last time it rolled off the Ford Motor Company’s manufacturing plants was also the time of the vehicle’s fiftieth anniversary.

This 2005 Ford Thunderbird is a luxury convertible that has been available in three trims that ranges from the Deluxe package to the 50th anniversary package. It has the capacity to take in a maximum of two passengers, and sports two doors. Upon its introduction, this 2005 Ford Thunderbird model came equipped with a standard engine of 3.9 liters, V8, and 280 horsepower that could take in 18 mpg in the city, and 24 mpg on highway cruising. Also standard for this luxury convertible is a five-speed automatic transmission that has overdrive.

This last Thunderbird convertible to be produced still contains the cool and evocative styling that its descendants have bore. It also still holds its heritage of being a roadster with perennial style, loads of power, and great interior roominess and space. However, convertibles who have lived for fifty years also received changes so much so that the 2005 Ford Thunderbird sports an open-air driving, new colors for its interior and exterior, and a new aluminum trim for its doors and center stack.

As per the 2005 Ford Thunderbird’s interior, this vehicle comes with air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate controls, a power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel that has radio controls mounted on it, a cruise control, leather upholstery on 6-way power bucket seats, power mirrors, window locks, door locks, a remote keyless entry system, AM/FM/CD with an in-dash 6-disc changer, a power convertible top, a universal garage door opener, and automatic headlights. On the outside, this luxury convertible could be owned with a power-folding soft top with a heated rear window or with a removable hardtop with trademark porthole windows.

As per safety and security, this luxury convertible has made sure that these features are not overlooked. The vehicle has front airbags, side airbags, and a combination of head-and-chest side airbags, thus making the 2005 Ford Thunderbird the first convertible manufactured by Ford to come equipped with this. Aside from that, the vehicle also has an anti-theft system, the Ford’s Smart Locks system, the LATCH child seat system, a perimeter alarm that goes along with an LED indicator, and a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release handle.

All of Ford Thunderbird’s parts and Ford car parts needs could be easily located at Auto Parts Discount. Top of the line Ford Thunderbird parts and Ford auto parts could found here that are guaranteed to fit Ford vehicles. They also match the quality and performance of Ford vehicles.

In a nutshell, the 2005 Ford Thunderbird comes with new exterior colors that include bronze and medium steel blue that has replaced merlot, vintage mint green, and light ice blue metallic. Aside from that it also sports new partial interior color packages like medium steel blue and torch red. The convertible also has a new style using aluminum trim on its doors and center stack. And lastly, the 2005 Ford Thunderbird contains seatback map pockets for owner’s use.

30 Years And Still Strong

The Mazda 929, also sold as the Efini MS-9, is a full size luxury car. The model Mazda 929 was first introduced back in 1973.

The vehicle was crafted in Japan; it was as big as a coupe, sedan, or station wagon. This line had a 1.8 liter incline four Mazda 1800 engine; the engine was capable of a whopping eighty three horse power output. Since its introduction the Mazda 929 has had five different engines between the years 1973 to 1981.

The second generation Mazda emerged in 1981. It had been sold as a large front engine rear wheel drive sedan. It also used the new HB platform as a base which was also shared with the Mazda Cosmo. The new Mazda has seen three different engines in its life time. The third generation came about a few years later.

This new version had a pillared four door sedan along with a larger hard top that has four doors and no pillars. The engine was even upgraded to a double overhead Cam that had twenty four valves. That would in turn increase its fuel economy, performance and reliability.

The last generation of Mazda 929s still has the same luxury and is considered a premium sedan. It has been redesigned and has a more rounded flowing body. There are many add ons as well. For instance, they added five more horsepower to the engine. They have added dual air bags; a glass moon roof has replaced the metal unit. The premium package includes a wood console trim and rear armrest storage compartment. Leather upholstery has been added, even a remote keyless system and wood interior trim. This vehicle has been ranked the highest among its class.

The Mazda 929 has changed quite a bit in these thirty years, but Mazda still gives us the safety and luxury that all customers want.

18 Simple Ways To Save Money On Your Car

After you get recommendations for honest mechanics, call around to check out the prices for certain jobs. It’s always smart to get a second opinion.

How about some preventative medicine? Keep your gas tank filled. This will help you avoid the gas line freezing up in cold weather. Also, driving on “fumes” allows little pieces of dirt at the bottom of your gas tank to run through the fuel lines with the last drops of gas. This debris clogs up the fuel filter and can cause carburettor damage as well.

Sometimes a problem with your car’s electrical system results from a simple blown fuse. Check to see if you have any blown fuses before investing in a tow truck! Keep track of how much oil your car uses. A sudden change in oil consumption means you need to see a technician. Save your brakes by having your brake fluid changed every 30,000 miles. Check your tire pressure once a month. This simple maintenance check can add up savings at the gas pump!

Stop and go traffic causes excess wear and tear on your vehicle. Go ahead and give your car a nice twenty minute ride at 55 mph on the highway every couple weeks if you “major” in short trips.

There are other ways to save money on car expenses. Let’s look at the insurance payments.

If you’ve budgeted for possible out-of-pocket expenses in case of a car accident, you might want to consider increasing your insurance deductible to $500. This will lower the cost of your insurance.

Talk to your insurance agent. If your car is as old as the hills, you might want to drop collision coverage to save money.

Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. Ask your agent if the company offers reductions for driver training courses, anti-lock brakes, car alarms, air bags, mature drivers, good students or maintaining a good driving record.

Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the dealer's return policy, get it in writing and read it carefully. Dealers are not required by law to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel.

Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas.

In most cases, using cruise control on the highway will save gas.

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. This isn’t going to cost you an arm or leg either.

Do your homework when buying a car from an auction. Many vehicles that have been damaged by floods and hurricanes are going on the market. These won’t last long – leaving you with a flood of bills. Be a little concerned if the carpet looks too new, and check carefully for signs of rust.

If you use your car for business, keep track of miles travelled so that you can use this for a tax deduction. Get more info at irs.gov.

When you consider all the ways you can save money on your current vehicle, you might be persuaded to put away the extra each month for a new car down the road!

10 Tips For Getting Your Car Ready For Warm Weather Driving

The first warm weekend of the season traditionally triggers a symphony of cleaning products, vacuums and garden hoses. But while you might be in a hurry to put a shine on your vehicle, it's equally important to make sure it's ready for the warm weather on the inside as well as the outside.

"The most critical areas to check after the harsh winter months are engine fluids, radiator hoses, belts, tires and brakes," says Pat Goss, host of PBS' "MotorWeek" and Washington Post automotive columnist. "Adequately preparing these key areas of the car before the weather warms up will not only keep you safe while driving, they'll help prevent costly repairs."

After battling months of snow, sleet and icy roads, your vehicle is undoubtedly in need of some serious care. To make your spring trouble-free, follow this 10-point checklist for safety, dependability and fuel economy.

1. Remove your winter tires and rotate all-season radials-If you have winter tires, it's time to store them away. If you don't have winter tires, it's equally important to have all-season tires rotated or switched out for new ones.

2. Brake check-After a blistering winter, be sure to check your brakes. Warning signs include excessive grinding, squealing, screeching or chatter.

3. Wiper blades check-Wipers work hard over the winter months, wiping away dirt and debris on your windshield. Replace them in the spring before a shower makes it difficult to see.

4. Clean the underbody-In addition to washing the exterior, be sure to spray the underbody of your vehicle and underneath the rear and front bumpers to rinse away any salt build-up, which can lead to erosion and rusting. Use a high-pressure sprayer or garden hose for best results.

5. Apply a protectant-Any vinyl surface, such as the seats and the steering wheel, is susceptible to cracking, sun damage, and fading-so be sure to apply a protectant at the beginning of the season and touch-up regularly.

6. Change your oil-Give some thought to the kind of motor oil you have in your engine. Fully synthetic oils, such as Mobil 1, are specifically designed to protect your engine in hot weather, while optimizing your engine's efficiency and reducing oil consumption. (For more information about Mobil 1, go to www.mobiloil.com.)

7. Check all fluids-In the winter months, fluids are easily depleted as your engine works harder in the colder weather. Make sure to check, top off or replace all fluids, including brake, transmission, coolant, power steering and windshield washer fluid.

8. Pressure test-Assess the pressure of the cooling system, and examine belts and hoses for wear or deterioration.

9. Interior clean-up-Vacuum and be sure to throw away any unwanted garbage that has hibernated under your seats over the winter. Now is also the time to store your winter car mats in the garage.

10. Wash your car-All vehicles regardless of the finish (clear coat, acrylic, enamel, etc.) require regular washing throughout the year. To preserve your car's shine and protect the surface, wax your vehicle once it has dried completely.

"The warm weather is here-so be sure to follow these simple tips to ensure vehicle dependability in the warm months ahead," says Goss. "By taking care of your vehicle, it will more likely take care of you. And it will do it for a lot less money."