Strange Development is continuing to provide innovative suspension components for the 05-06 Ford Mustang and is introducing front control arm bushings. Strange Development Engineers developed bushings that would enable the Mustang to corner better and be more competitive at the track.

The 05-06 Mustang is factory equipped with a rubber bushing in the front and a larger hydraulic rubber bushing in the rear. The hydraulic bushings purpose is to dampen road shock and noise. Despite the efforts of Ford engineers, the trade off for the softer ride was a less accurate road feel to the driver.

Strange development’s engineers developed a nylon bushing that would eliminate the unwanted bushing deflection. MDS filled nylon 6/6 was the material of choice since it can take more load than Delrin and will provide a maintenance free operation. MDS (Molybdenum Disulfide) is similar to graphite and is self lubricating. Each MDS filled bushing rides on a 316 stainless steel inner liner. This bushing is truly innovative since it provides the rigidity superior to polyurethane and Delrin and doesn’t require the maintenance.

There are two major problems with the factory bushings, camber changes and deflection (bump) steer. When the rubber bushing deflects the tire is forced into positive camber reducing tire contact thus cornering ability. Most will compensate for the deflection by setting static negative camber so that when bushing deflection occurs the tire doesn’t move into positive camber territory. Deflection steer occurs when the bushings deflect moving the control arm location, which in turn moves the steering knuckle, causing a change in steering angle. Engineers at Strange Development designed these bushings to eliminate the problems associated with the factory rubber setup.

The Strange Development bushing set was designed for racing setups and the performance oriented driver. There will be an increase in NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) since these bushings are not compliant like the factory rubber bushings. [PRWEB]

If you have ever seen the trunk of the BMW 750 Li in action with its one-touch smooth closing flow, you’ll just wish you had the same function for your truck’s tailgate. Now with EZDown, you get that smooth opening non-slamming tailgate for your truck.

EZDown was invented to provide greater ease and convenience in lowering pickup truck tailgates with a simple and affordable solution.

According to industry sales statistics, 85% of the pickup truck market is comprised of large pickups, and 70% of all pickup truck owners range from age 40 on up (with backs, knees, hips and shoulders that are less capable than they once were.)

Truck beds continue to increase storage volume by raising wall height, so tailgates are used for loading now more than ever, and older owners are faced with the chore of handling them (35-40 lbs. bare, and 65-70 lbs. for those with liner applied.)

Stabilus’ EZDown kit equips pickup truck tailgates with soft-release, hands-free lowering, and using it couldn’t be easier! Simply pull your tailgate release and the EZDown damper does the rest, making your loading job quick and easy.

When closing the tailgate, EZDown helps ease the effort by counterbalancing the lifting load. Easy-to-follow instructions and basic tools add up to a quick 5-minute installation, and it’s even simpler to remove for tailgate storage or transfer to a new truck at trade-in time.

Whether for easier truck bed access or for family and job-site convenience, the EZDown is a must have upgrade for your major model pickup. The current product scope covers late model Ford F150, GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram trucks. During the course of the next year, Stabilus’ goal is to develop additional kits that will work with a majority of the 40 million trucks registered and on the road in the U.S. today.
[PRWEB]

Project Kahn have always prided themselves on producing extremely exclusive vehicles but recently they have turned their hands to prestige marques. One of the latest concepts from Project Kahn is the Bentley Continental GT. The stunning looks of this car cannot be disputed. However they can be improved.

Kahn have a reputation for producing the most stunning cars on the road with exclusive Kahn extras, and the Bentley Continental GT is no different.

The newest wheel in the Kahn range, the RS-X, has been specially developed for the Bentley range including the Continental GT. The fitment for the RS-X is 9×21” (Front) and 10.5×21” (Rear). As well as the new RS-X the RS-V is also available. The RS-V, for the Bentley GT is 9×20” all round. The wider setting on the rear, with the RS-X gives a truly stunning “wide track” look. Either alloy provides a unique look.

Another addition to the GT is the Kahn boot spoiler which not only adds to the looks of the car but also to the vehicle aerodynamics. Further to these additions, Kahn have also produced a lowering module especially for the Bentley range as well as privacy glass.

When you combine all of these superb additions you are given a car with looks that are beyond belief together with handling that you simply cannot achieve with a standard Continental GT. [PRWEB]

A new car security system that identifies car owners through the Bluetooth element of their mobile phones is set to revolutionise the fight against car thieves. Auto-txt immediately identifies a car as stolen if the car is started with the keys but the mobile phone is not present. This unique feature allows a Bluetooth enabled device, such as a phone or PDA, to authenticate the vehicle owner, providing an enhanced level of security.

Auto-txt incorporates Bluetooth Intelligent Serial Modules from London based company, EZURiO, which pair with the driver’s mobile phone to provide a second “key” for the car. EZURiO has been working with Auto-txt in developing and refining the implementation of Bluetooth wireless technology.

Chris Cole, Engineering Director of Auto-txt, says: “The use of Bluetooth wireless technology underpins the Auto-txt system, enabling us to provide increased security for drivers and help in the fight against car crime.”

“Working with EZURiO has been great as the team there were able to provide both the technical support we needed and a Bluetooth module that works reliably across the range of available Bluetooth mobile phones and PDAs.”

Auto-txt is the first stolen vehicle protection and tracking system to have been awarded Thatcham’s Category 5 accreditation, the new insurance industry standard that is supported by the police. Thatcham is the motor insurance industry research centre which aims to develop research and standards which contain or reduce the cost of motor insurance claims.

Auto-txt has been selected by Jaguar Cars and Land Rover to supply car tracking and security systems for all their vehicles from 2006. The systems, called Jaguar Watch and Land Rover Watch, will be available in the UK and across Europe. It is the first time the prestige car manufacturers will be offering a stolen vehicle tracking system in their own name.

Auto-txt, which is available now for car owners, has been developed by the RDM Group, a Coventry based automotive supplier that has just raised funds of £4.75 million to further develop and roll out the system.

Auto-txt is the latest of a wide range of innovative solutions in the automotive industry that EZURiO has enabled with their Bluetooth modules. EZURiO’s modules offer exceptional ease of use and performance, along with the environmental requirements that are vital for the automotive sector. [PRWEB]

Strange Development is planning to release their strut tower brace for the Ford Mustang GT coupe and convertible by mid April 2006. They are currently developing other suspension components, including a strut tower brace utilizing the same technology but made specifically for the V6 model Mustang. The GT owners can’t have all the fun.

The handling benefits of strut tower braces are enormous, and until now the additional performance was worth the additional weight. Mustang enthusiasts no longer have to compromise. Strange Development’s engineers developed a strut tower brace made from an aircraft aluminum alloy that makes your chassis stiff without adding unneeded weight. Strange Development’s strut tower brace is three times lighter than a conventional brace weighing in at 1.6lbs (26.3oz). [PRWEB]

Taking the dog for a ride in the car? Better think twice about your four-legged passenger. According to a recent American Automobile Association study, pets and loose objects are rated as the third worst driver distraction, next to cell phone usage and unruly children.

The reality behind these statistics is not pretty for drivers or pets:

• A pet is propelled with force equal to 30 times its weight in a 30 mile-per-hour accident.
• A 30-pound dog can be sent flying with the equivalency of 900 pounds of force behind it – energy enough to kill it, and anything in its path. At faster speeds, the force is even greater.

In the event of a collision, pets are not only flying objects within the car, but can also be killed through their own impact with a windshield or any other hard surface within the vehicle. Pets are especially vulnerable in the front seat, where they can be injured by airbags, windows, windshields, or from distracting the driver by getting between him and the controls.

So buckle up the pet passengers in your vehicle with the Canine Auto Safety Harness created by Watson’s Senior Pet Products. Available in four different sizes, each harness conforms and adjusts to your pet’s specific proportions to ensure their comfort — and safety. The Canine Auto Safety Harness slips easily onto existing seat belts, and is guaranteed to fit any automobile.

For the sake of passengers, pets, pedestrians, and other drivers, it is important that pets be restrained at all times while riding in vehicles. Unrestrained pets can be a serious threat to both drivers and passengers, creating distractions or impairing the driver’s ability to drive. Without restraint, pets can be seriously injured during quick stops, sharp turns, and accidents. [PRWEB]

tagTRAX: american automobile association | pets | drivers | safety harness

Hummer of Kansas City announced a Hummer Certified Pre-Owned vehicle program. The new program will offer the same premium commitment to quality and service as a new vehicle but with a lower price tag. Under the Hummer Certified Pre-Owned program, vehicles will be available in dealer showrooms this month and will serve as an extension to the Hummer brand and current lineup.

For a previously owned Hummer to become a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle it is tested to meet Hummer’s stringent standards and undergoes a rigorous 100+ point inspection. In addition, vehicles must be less than 48 months old, driven fewer than 50,000 miles (2006 models) with no serious accidents or body repairs (costs exceeding one-quarter of the automobile’s market value at the time of repair).

“Certified Pre-Owned Hummer vehicles offer buyers the opportunity to get all the iconic styling and off-road prowess of a Hummer at a price that better fits their budget,” said Susan Docherty, Hummer general manager. “These vehicles provide consumers with the confidence of a new vehicle with the affordability of one previously owned.” [PRWEB]

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tagTRAX: hummer of kansas city | hummer vehicles | pre owned vehicle | pre owned program | price tag

Mercedes-Benz is the first to offer full integration of your iPod into the vehicle’s audio and information system. Your iPod and your Mercedes-Benz are simply connected via plug and play. The dashboard multifunction display adopts the iPod title navigation enabling you to hear your favorite iPod tunes in your Mercedes-Benz.

You can listen to your entire iPod music collection through the Mercedes-Benz audio system, as well as select your music using artist, album or playlist with the multifunction controls on the steering wheel and the integrated multifunction display on the instrument cluster.

The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz provides outstanding sound quality while charging the iPod, and conveniently connects and stores in the glove compartment. The solution also allows the driver to “See What You’re Hearing” with music title or playlist information shown on the integrated multifunction display on the instrument cluster. Drivers will be able to easily access their entire iPod music library, shuffle songs and skip between tracks and playlists.

When you integrate your iPod with your Mercedes-Benz, you get a factory-engineered solution that gives you everything you love about your iPod in the vehicle you love to drive..

The iPod Integration Kit is available for select Model Year 2004 and newer Mercedes-Benz vehicles. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer can install the iPod Integration Kit for your Mercedes-Benz. [PRWEB]

tagTRAX: mercedes benz vehicles | mercedes benz audio | mercedes benz dealer | ipod | mercedes

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Dick Triggerman Headers (DTH), a newly formed company based in Savannah, Georgia, is preparing for the 2006 introduction of its line of stainless-steel, high performance headers for late-model Honda Civics and normally aspirated Mitsubishi Eclipses.

DTH is the only African-American owned manufacturer of aftermarket automobile engine parts in the United States.

According to company founder and CEO, Dick Triggerman, the aftermarket auto parts business is a multi-billion dollar per year business domestically. “We could not afford to not be in this industry,” he says. “We really did not see ourselves as ethnic pioneers, we were just trying to build a business around our unbridled passion for fast cars, and our love of fine engineering.’

The company is now projected to gross several million in 2006 through domestic auto parts retail chains. Dick says obtaining the funding for this venture was kind of interesting. Dick says sarcastically, “Being the first African-American owned business in the industry has really been wonderful; we were turned down by another whole group of banks.”

He adds that “bankers’ eyes crossed when I made the rounds looking for funding. Bankers seemed to understand what we wanted to do, they just couldn’t see us doing it. I sold everything that I had (save for my trusty NSX, and XJ6) to get us started. Next we were able to form a partnership with an unnamed company based in Mainland China, and here we are.”

The engineering origins of Dick Triggerman Headers can be traced back to Dick’s early modifications of Alfa Romeo engines, in Southern California during the late 80s. Dick developed a 2.0L Alfa engine that would rev to 7500 rpm, and eat 5 liter Mustangs from a standing start.

The total cost to the consumer was under $500.00. “It dawned on me then, that if greed were set aside, the consumer could get superb aftermarket parts at more than reasonable prices,” he says. “A company that can do this will keep them (the customer) always coming back.” [PRWEB]

tagTRAX: aftermarket auto parts | performance headers | african american

FEV Engine Technology is developing a number of fuel-saving technologies that balance fuel economy improvement, increase performance and drivability, and produce excellent noise, vibration and harshness characteristics.

Emerging concepts that lead to improved fuel economy include gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engines, advanced valve deactivation and variable-valve timing, says Gary Rogers, president and chief executive officer of FEV.

Rogers commented on FEV’s opportunities at the 11th annual Ward’s 10 Best Engines awards luncheon, where the winning technologies were introduced. FEV is a gold sponsor of the event.

Variable-valve lift systems, camless electro-mechanical valve trains, and various hybrid configurations also offer options for automakers, he notes.

Other FEV initiatives include reducing friction and lubrication power losses in engines; optimizing cooling system controls; developing new vehicle-calibration equipment, and creating new transmissions.

“Although this award is called ‘Ward’s Top 10 Engines,’ it really reflects something quite different and perhaps, more important,” Rogers says. “While all of the engines receiving awards this year are technically superior engines, the evaluation process is one that is heavily weighted toward judging the quality of the powertrain integration and calibration.

“Market-specific attributes such as drivability, vehicle acceleration, passing power, the ‘corporate sound’ and the perceived enjoyment of the driving experience, tend to be unique to the local market in which the vehicle is sold, as opposed to pure performance attributes such as power or torque.

“This year’s award winners are the manufacturers that ‘hit a home run’ with vehicle homologations that are targeted for the North American market – and that’s much more challenging than simply hitting power and torque targets,” according to Rogers.

Many of the engines that competed in the contest feature advanced fuel-saving devices. For example, GDI engines have become the state-of-the-art production technology that can both improve fuel economy and vehicle performance.

“Last year, we saw a GDI engine – the Audi 3.2-liter FSI – recognized in the Ward’s best engine list,” Rogers notes. “Since then, more manufacturers have introduced GDI engines with great success.”

Some markets have special requirements, he says. “Due to the historically higher fuel prices in Europe and Japan, some of these technologies have been developed for those markets. Consumer demand is now shifting the priorities in North America and those technologies are coming here in the next few years.”

Diesel engines shouldn’t be overlooked either as they have gained wide acceptance in Europe. Recent sales successes of diesel-powered passenger vehicles in the United States indicate that greater acceptance is anticipated.

“The diesel engine’s strong low-end torque makes it ideal for the vehicle sizes and driving conditions in North America,” Rogers says.

Environmental objections to diesel engines will be greatly reduced with the pending introduction of particulate filters, low-sulfur fuel, and nitrous oxide (NOx) aftertreatment systems, Rogers notes. The greatest challenge is that advanced diesel engines cost more than advanced gasoline engines. They are much less expensive, however, than hybrid electric systems.

tagTRAX: gary rogers | fev | rogers | fuel economy improvement | vehicle calibration

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The Ford Motor Company is yet again behind one of the superb vehicles – the Ford Crown Victoria. This vehicle is a full-size car that had its history of production dating back to the 1950s, and relived again in the 1970s. It had quite a mediocre sale in the general public’s market, however, it gained much popularity among the ranks of those in uniform.

This is a full-sized sedan, and is more often known as “Crown Vic”. It is more known to be a top-of-the-line sedan among the Ford’s creations. Its predecessor was the Ford LTD. And just like the Ford LTD, the Ford Crown Victoria is also usually used as a taxi cab, fleet vehicle, and police car.

The very first of the Crown Victorias had its humble makings starting in the year 1955. It made its way down the streets as a two-door six-seater hardtop coupe. It differed from the regular Victoria model through its having a stainless steel band that ‘crowned’ the roofline, passing right over the car, as an extension of the B-pillar line.

People talking about a traditional American are more often than not talking about vehicles like the Ford Crown Victoria, or its twin the Mercury Grand Marquis. The Ford Crown Victoria is a large car with a V8 engine under the long hood and a body separate from its steel frame. Furthermore, it has wide bench seats, soft suspension, a relatively large trunk, and poor fuel economy. The police have liked the Ford Crown Victoria because the engine makes it fairly quick, along with its rear-wheel drive that provides predictable handling, the interior can handle and take in the officer and all the police gear, plus the simple mechanicals are durable. Overall, the vehicle is not expensive.

This vehicle has been made available in three trim levels which comprises of the Standard, the LX, and the LX Sport. The Standard is plain, which is what most fleets like. The mid-line LX has alloy wheels, making it exude the look of more like a civilian machine. The LX Sport has slightly larger alloy wheels. Ordering it in dark red, gray, black, or silver birch means that it comes with a color-matched monochrome trim. The black LX Sport looks a lot like an unmarked police car.

As for the Ford Crown Victoria’s interior, it is currently one of the few remaining cars that are sold in the U.S. that still offer a bench front seat. The seats are soft, however for longer drives, it could get uncomfortable for passengers since it lacks support. The controls found inside this vehicle are fairly simple and straightforward.

Ford Crown Victoria owners can shop for discount car parts and accessories from carpartsmax.com auto parts catalog. In stock are thousands of Ford Crown Victoria parts for all enthusiasts. From engine and radiator parts to lights and hoods and wheels, customers can find everything to repair and maintain their Ford Crown Victoria.

Although the Ford Crown Victoria has squishy seats, a mushy handling, and modest V8 engines, these are overpowered by the vehicle’s huge trunk. Also, one plus for this is that because it is often mistaken for a cop car, the Ford Crown Victoria receives respect when on the road. And, this vehicle is certainly a full-size, rear-drive Americana. [PRWEB]

tagTRAX: ford crown victoria | ford motor company