The Mulsanne by Bentley

Posted on October 31, 2010 by guestposter

The past few years have seen the rise of many popular celebrities, powerful businessmen, and elite athletes, owning, and driving, a Bentley car, pushing Bentley sales into good territory. Whether in Hollywood hotspots, trendy clubs, or just driving up and down the city streets, these celebrities show off their Bentley Azure, or Continental T, as symbols of their wealth and power. But long before these two popular models, came the Bentley Mulsanne, which is virtually the predecessor of many of the top Bentley models today. Read on to discover the history of this Bentley classic.

With a name derived from the straight where cars reach top speeds in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Mulsanne, even upon first glance, means serious business. It epitomized the very essence of being Bentley, and when it was unveiled in 1980, the Mulsanne, with its luxurious interior and furnishings, advanced and groundbreaking engineering, and high-performance, commanded the attention of the automotive world.

Its powerful 6.75L Rolls-Royce engine, alluminum alloy cylinder heads, 3-speed automatic transmission, SU carburettors (and later after 1986, Bosch fuel injection system), made the car live up to its name.

With the popularity of the original Mulsanne came two incarnations, the Mulsanne Turbo, and the Mulsanne S. In 1982, the Mulsanne Turbo, which many consider as the predecessor of the Bentley Turbo R, was unveiled, featuring a Garrett AiResearch Turbocharger which gave the car an additional 50% engine power, along with an upgraded interior and modified aesthetic designs. The Mulsanne S arrived soonafter, which didn’t have the Turbo’s turbocharger, but also had upgraded engineering and design.

Bentley sales during the production run of the Mulsanne saw good numbers, a feat that the new 2010 Mulsanne is being hoped to accomplish as well. Whatever its fate, the 2010 Mulsanne is sure to be the ride of choice to many of society’s wealthy taste makers.

Buying Repo Cars And Boats At Online Auto Auctions

Posted on October 29, 2010 by guestposter

Are you exploring the market for consumer durables such as cars and boats right now? The marketplace is changing at a very rapid pace, and there are a lot of things you should be aware of. One of the most important things to buyers, for example, is trialability. What does this mean? Well, it basically refers to the degree to which you can use a product and test it out before you actually make any kind of commitment. In other words, try before you buy.

This is fantastically important, and even more so when you are talking about a large purchase of the sort that we are discussing here. After all, cars and boats don’t come cheap, and you don’t want to be facing problems with them simply because you were too eager and put your money down before it was smart to do so. As a result, more and more buyers are requesting the ability to use and get comfortable with the goods before they will commit to any kind of financial payment.
The good news is that sellers are realizing this, and are adjusting their behaviour and the terms of sale accordingly as a result.

This means that a lot of sellers will now be much more open and up front, and a lot more accommodating when it comes to allowing you to check out the goods. This can only be a positive thing for buyers, in our opinion, as it allows everyone in the equation to collect as much information as possible. This is doubly important because of the large number of repo cars and repo boats that are on the market. Buying repossessed vehicles takes a lot of faith, because you don’t know what the condition of the vehicle will be. The same case exists for online auto auctions, where you used to bid on vehicles without even seeing them in real life. No longer, however, as most auctioneers will let you check out the vehicle before making an offer.

Greener Cars May Start with the Interior

Posted on October 28, 2010 by auto news

Hybrid cars offer a greener choice by reducing the dependence on oil and hydrocarbon pollution. However, there is great public debate if going to a 100% electric car fleet actually creates a greener environment since the burden of supplying the energy is now shifted towards polluting power plants.

While it may take decades for clean energy producing power stations to come online to sustain such an automobile fleet, we need to face the fact that the internal combustion engine will be with us for at least another 50 years.

Regardless of the car’s power train, the manufacture process is highly dependent on the use of oil for interior plastic components. Automobile makers such as Toyota are actively perusing ‘ecological plastics’ that are carbon neutral since the source of the oil is from renewable plant materials.

Toyota’s has been engaged in biological based petroleum plastics, or Bio-PET, since 2000 and has produced an ecological plastic that is heat and shrink resistant with high durability compared to convention bio-plastics. Bio-Pet is made by replacing the monoethylene glycol with a biological raw material from cane sugar.

Starting with 2011 the Lexus CT 200h, Toyota will manufacture the luggage compartment liner using Bio-PET. Toyota plans to increase the number of vehicle series featuring this new material. One new model will derive 80% of the interior plastics from Bio-PET.

As Toyota and other automobile manufacturers move towards the use of bio-plastics, both the environment and company’s bottom line should be improved. Bio-plastics are not as dependent on wild oil price fluctuations making the manufacturing cost of the interior components more predictable. Yet the source of bio-engineered materials is plants and is subject to crops shortages and agricultural conditions.

But the future looks bright green as car makers produce more efficient hybrid and electric vehicles while using biological materials inside the car’s interior.

Cheap Tires – Are They Safe?

Posted on October 27, 2010 by guestposter

Of course, some people might wonder if you should even think about saving money on your tires. Most people do, of course, but only by looking for sales or coupons or rebates. They don’t go too crazy about it. I know, because that is pretty much the way I used to think about it. It seems like a safety feature, something you don’t want to be cheap with. But since I’m a bit of a tightwad, especially as my age increases, I’ve begun to look into it. Actually, it might have been the last set of tires that caused it. Over six hundred dollars for four pieces of rubber on a measly little Kia Rio. Every time I look at the receipt I can’t figure out how I spent that much!

Now back when the wife and I rode motorcycles we often bought tires online. This saved us quite a bit of money, plus our club president worked for a garage and could mount them for us somewhere between cheap and free. Unfortunately this is a lot harder to do with car tires. By the time your favorite discount tire place does all their mounting and balancing and lifetime replacement warranties you’ve lost all your savings and then some, not to mention the shipping costs. Wheels, yes. Tires, no, not so much.

But now we are about to need cheap tires like we’ve never needed them before. We just bought a monster truck. OK, so it’s not *really* a monster truck, but it feels like it, especially compared to the Kia! Crewcab, longbed, 4X4, 1-ton pickup. That’s just insanely large for us. And it came with really big fat tires too. And what on earth possessed us to buy such a large truck? Well, because we needed something big enough to pull a 5th wheel RV trailer. Yeah, more tires. So we will eventually be rolling down the road with eight tires. Maybe now you can see why the whole idea of cheap tires is appealing to me!

And talk about not cheap, have you priced truck tires before? WOW those are expensive! So I’ve been doing some reading and researching and investigating. Hey, it’s what I do. So far I really like the tires at TreadWright.com. They sell retreads, just like all of the fleet and big-rig trucks use. I could replace my existing tires for $100 $87 each. Impressive! I like the reviews that Petersen’s Off road and 4-wheel Magazine did on them.

And speaking of reviews, these tires are safe. American Airlines changes 25,000 tires a year, and most of those are retreads. They recap the main gear tires 5-9 times and the nose-gear tires 3-15 times. Strangely enough, they suffer more wear from taxiing around the runway than from the actual landings! So think about that. Airplanes use retreads. Why wouldn’t you put them on your vehicle?

Totota and Honda Ranked the Most Reliable Cars

Posted on October 27, 2010 by auto news

Despite the rash of recalls, Toyota and Honda rank the most reliable cars in Consumer Reports 2010 Annual Auto Survey. Ford and GM are making great strides in improving quality over the previous years.

This year 83% of GM cars have average or better reliability rating while last year only 50% had average or better rating.

The most reliable manufacturer is Honda with %100 of their cars with average or better reliability. Toyota had most of their automobiles with average or better reliability. The 2010 Toyota Prius had issues with breaking and was only ranked average.

Repo Travel Trailer Auctions

Posted on October 26, 2010 by guestposter

Folks nowadays are more up to buying trailer in repo travel trailer auctions rather than buying it directly from vehicle companies. Since trailer almost covers up the road during summertime or even during vacation and weekend camping, more and more people want these trailers.

They prefer to use these “four wheeled tent” simply because anyway can call on their trip without being hassled with packing and unpacking things. Plus, they can save huge amount of money as long as their trailer will last for how many years.

Long ago, trailers are just part of luxury needs. But today, many have switched their residence and live their lives comfortably using trailers only. Thus, the needs of trailers are somehow important. But because not all people can afford them, the art of selling repossessed trailers in cheap auction event has been born and is now widely renowned.

Most of these vehicles are offered for almost 20% to 40% off from the original price. This way you can save huge bucks plus you can have a trailer as good as a brand new. Truth is, most of the previous owners of the repo trailers are more careful. They tend to take good care of the vehicle since they did not intend to buy the vehicle in order to be repossessed by the lenders. So, as much as possible, stay away from trailer dealers.

However, almost all of the great repo trailers are sold to dealers. But you can actually negotiate with them. You can ask a small favor to let you get one trailer for your personal use and assure them you won’t be a competition to other trailers. I’m sure they are not that greedy enough to disregard your favor.

If you are interested on attending an auction, you need to know their whereabouts. Calling auction companies in your area is a good start. Another alternative is to seek from newspaper ads or in trailer and RV magazines. Also, watch for any TV advertisements. They will also provide some information about any upcoming repo trailer auctions.

Honda Recalls Half-Million Vehicles

Posted on October 24, 2010 by auto news

Honda announced the recall of 435,000 Odyssey minivans sold in the U.S. for problems with a master brake cylinder seal. This only a few days after Toyota issued a recall for brake problems.

A common supplier to manufactured the seals for both Honda and Toyota. The same issue affects the seal if brake fluid that does not contain polymers is added or replaced.

According to Toyota, the polymers act as lubricants and if the lubricants and the rubber seal in the master brake cylinder may leak causing a loss of break pressure.

Honda will notify owners of if their Odyssey requires repair over the next few months.

Some Pointers You Should Know Before Joining Travel Trailer Auctions

Posted on October 24, 2010 by guestposter

Basically, any sorts of vehicle are being auctioned in auctions and are in a very low price. So if you don’t have any huge budget for a certain brand new travel trailer, then why not consider those used vehicles on the cheap car auctions. No, they are not pieces of junk. You can actually get a great travel trailer if you know how to pick the right one.

But before rushing into the nearest travel trailer auctions being held currently, one must have the full knowledge, or at least the basic and common wisdom about it. The basics are somehow easy understood. A lot of handful information is available in the internet nowadays and all you ever need is to search for it.

Actually, your first step is to find these rv auctions – where is their location and when exactly they will open it. Auctions are mostly run by auction companies the vehicles they are selling came from different factors. Either repossessed autos from lenders, confiscated cars due to violence or criminal offense or perhaps from private owners who wants to sell their travel trailer or vans for good.

Knowing what kind of auction you are going to participate also is a must. This will not get you “out-of-place” that would somehow gives you a feeling of frustration in case you do not win a single travel trailer at the end of the day.

Once you get hold of the date, your next thing to do is to prepare your method of payment. Mostly they accept cash and check. If you prefer other method, then better to ask them earlier so that you can consider all your chances.

A day before they will hold the event, you must allocate your time to inspect the available vehicles. Bring a small notebook with you where you can write down the details, initial prices and the possible repairs. Take this as your assignment. If you are serious enough to get one, consult a mechanic. Let them see the notes you have written down and ask their opinions about the travel trailers you eyed. The vehicles may seem appealing to you but to the experts, they are rather worthless.

Breakdown Cover In The UK

Posted on October 23, 2010 by guestposter

Are you aware that many people and motorists in the UK don’t have breakdown cover? They do not realize the importance of having a breakdown cover. If you encounter a breakdown situation and you don’t have a breakdown cover, you’ll wish that you should have planned ahead and purchased cover insurance. Presently, breakdown cover is becoming more popular and in high demand in the UK. The Automobile Association is the largest breakdown company in the UK. In fact, it is among the top 20 largest UK companies with approximately 13 million members.

For example, you do not have breakdown cover. You plan to visit a friend 5 miles away. Suddenly, you get a flat tire thanks to a pothole on the road. You pull over and check the situation. You then realize that you do not have a spare tire or the proper tools to change the tire. What will you do next?

There are other common breakdown situations such as drained batteries, electrical problems, or other mechanical issues within your vehicle that you are completely unaware of. You should really consider breakdown cover from any of Britain’s breakdown companies. For only a small amount of annual fee, you get freed from worries and hassles during a breakdown situation.

Breakdown cover in the UK starts from £25. Can you imagine how much it would cost you to pay for a recovery company to help you in breakdown situations if you do not have breakdown cover? I will tell you right now. You will be charged around £75 for the first 20 miles. That’s the average breakdown call out service charge that roadside recovery companies would charge you. Plus, there are other various costs and service charges along with the hassle of walking towards a repair station.

Breakdown insurance is the cheapest form of UK insurance. It is a lifesaver especially during breakdown situations. The best breakdown companies provide priority for its members in these difficult situations. They will help you as soon as they can. They will rush into the site and provide immediate solutions to your roadside problems. Breakdown cover is worth every penny. You might be saying that you don’t need it right now. However, do not wait until you are in a breakdown situation before realizing the importance of breakdown cover.

Mercedes Benz Leasing Fuel Cell Cars

Posted on October 22, 2010 by guestposter

If you still think that fuel cell cars and electric cars are in the minority and not popular, then you’re going to have to start thinking a different way. These cars are quite popular and are so successful that they are not going away. Your big gas guzzling truck is going to just have to get used to the idea of sharing the road with them.

Daimler AG the parent of Sioux Falls Mercedes Benz has just started a program to lease their hydrogen fuel cell cars to five to fifteen users in the United States. This pilot program will determine how the car responds under real life condition and whether the people like the car or not.

These test users only pay six hundred to eight hundred a month to use the Mercedes Benz B class fuel cell cars in the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. The test program has been limited to these cities because of the number of hydrogen fuel cell charging stations already available which is six right now. Germany actually has plans to open one thousand hydrogen charging stations throughout the entire country over the next six years.

Each of these cars has a driving range of two hundred and forty miles. That’s quite a large range on one battery charge. With one charge you should be able to go from Germany to Austria. Over one thousand charging stations is quite a lot for the small country of Germany.

The director of advanced product planning has said that they are in the process of reinventing the car. Car buyers don’t quite know where all this will end up and are nervous but it’s Sioux Falls Mercedes Benz job to be with them and make this whole green thing easy for them to understand and implement.