Chevrolet Chevy Camaro SS 2016 DESIGN Review interior and exterior

I propose a video that shows the exterior and interior design of the

chevrolet Chevy Camaro SS 2016 

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Keep Your Vehicle's Carpets Clean!

Your $30,000 car has come equipped with all of the latest bells and whistles: traction control; Sirius satellite radio; side curtain air bags; Onstar; and power everything. Well, there is one thing that is curiously left out of many new car purchases and that is floor mats. You would  think that matching floor mats would be standard equipment on all vehicles, instead it is an aftermarket purchase for most motorists. Selecting the right type of floor mat is essential to preserving your car’s interior. The wrong type of floor mats can look terrible and cost you plenty of money in the end. Please read on to find out why this is so.

Floor mats are the Rodney Dangerfield of automotive accessories. They just don’t get any respect. If they did, your car would come outfitted with a set of high quality, matching mats. Almost a universal oversight, owners routinely pick up their showroom new cars with just a solitary paper mat in place for the driver. Sure, you could run into the dealer’s parts department and pay $200 for a nice set, but you already paid through the nose for your car. Besides, you want a better selection than what your dealer sells, right? I think so!

When selecting automotive floor mats, naturally you will want a complete set: two in the front and two in the back. On some vehicles, including the Chrysler Pacifica, the Chevrolet Suburban, and the all new Mercedes R Class, your set should include six mats for three rows of seating.

The mats you choose should blend in with your vehicle’s interior. Match your mats to the carpeting or at least select neutral colors that won’t make the mats stand out. In addition, the material should consist of heavy duty rubber with deeply sculpted channels for increased durability to avoid cracking and to hold water, mud, salt, and stones in place. Finally, a nonskid bottom is essential to prevent dangerous and untimely movement of the mats.

Some premium floor mats come with carpeting, which can be an attractive option as well as a way for passengers to safely remove outside debris from their footwear.

I hinted earlier about a financial reason as to why quality floor mats are essential for your vehicle. If you lease your car, then you know that you are responsible for any wear and tear that occurs. Investing in a quality set of floor mats can save you unnecessary “wear and use” charges that will be assessed to you if the leasing company decides that your carpeting has worn to the point that it must be replaced. This chargeback can amount to hundreds of dollars, so play it safe and invest in a quality set of floor mats for your vehicle today.

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Green Air Filters For Your Car

Allright, all you soy sipping, yogurt eating, diet doing, hybrid driving, environmentally eccentric folks from Vancouver: listen up. You may be causing more damage to the environment than you already know. How so? Your Audi’s air filter, that’s how. Yes, it is true: if you keep your car long enough you will be performing under-the-hood maintenance which will include changing your air filter at least once a year. Keep that same car for ten years and that is ten years of stuff clogging North America’s landfills. And you call yourself earth friendly? Tsk, tsk! 

All kidding aside, there is an environmentally friendly way whereby if you follow just one small, but important step you can achieve oneness with nature, if not with your wallet: replace your car’s disposable air filter one final time with a reusable air filter.

Reusable air filters, or performance air filters as some like to call them, are a true “green” item. No, the air filter isn’t green itself, but the result is the same effect: you can replace your car’s air filter one final time with a reusable air filter that should outlast your car. Environmentally friendly air filters are on the market and they have several key benefits to them, including:

You replace your car’s disposable air filter once and for all with a reusable air filter.

Environmentally sensitive landfills are permanently rid of an extra ten or more disposable air filters that you would have used.

Your reusable air filter will cost approximately 2 or 3 times the price of a disposable filter, however you will get that money back and ultimately save in the long run.

Your car will actually perform better as reusable air filters help your engine breathe better. Better breathing for your engine means better performance.

You may realize a slight increase in fuel mileage as a better performing engine means a more efficient engine.

All in all, you can show yourself to be environmentally responsible and save yourself some many in the process of doing the right thing. Reusable air filters are truly a green friendly product and are worth being placed in your car the next time you change your air filter.

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German Vehicles Comparison: BMW Vs. Mercedes

German cars have long been recognized as some of the best engineered and most luxurious cars in the world. Two manufacturers, BMW and Mercedes, rule the roost with offerings from Audi, Porsche, and even Volkswagen getting some attention. Let’s take a look at some current offerings from these Bavarian giants and see how they are impacting the auto industry.

BMW – Give BMW credit for moving outside of the box by building a plant in South Carolina. Opened in 1994, the Spartanburg, SC plant has produced the Z3 – now Z4 – roadster as well as the X5 SAV. Seeking to become more of a world player, BMW has also purchased controlling interest in other automakers including Rolls-Royce and Rover during the 1990s. Later, BMW sold off the Rover and MG portions of Rover, but has kept the Mini brand. 

BMW vehicles are well represented in the US. Coupes, sedans, convertibles, roadsters, and SUVs make up the American fleet with new cars at various stages of development being prepared for release.

Mercedes Benz – As part of the Daimler Chrysler fold, Mercedes Benz has been producing high quality automobiles for over a century. In 1998, seeking to expand its reach, Daimler Chrysler [DCX] bought out the Chrysler Corporation. Names such as Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep, and Mopar became part of the DCX fold, although Plymouth was discontinued a few years later. 

The Mercedes Benz name is synonymous with luxury vehicles and in the US the company is well represented by a host of sedans, coupes, convertibles, tall wagons, SUVs, roadsters, and other fine vehicles.

Owners of BMWs and Mercedes Benz do have some things in common: vehicle maintenance. As high end vehicles, the automakers are noted for equipping their cars with only the finest OEM parts. Well represented manufacturers used by both companies include: Bosch, Hella, Mahle, Textar, Brembo, Bilstein, Febi, SKF, and others. Most are German born and bred and are recognized the world over for producing the highest quality parts for auto manufacturers.

Replacement auto parts purchased through dealer parts departments are priced at a premium. When you take into consideration any tariffs, import fees, and third party mark ups, consumers can expect to pay a mint for each part. The growing internet wholesale market has been changing the paradigm lately as companies such as Car Parts Stuff are selling direct to consumers. The better online wholesalers have lowered costs significantly as overhead is low and they buy direct from leading manufacturers. This translates into real savings for you, the consumer.

When purchasing any parts for your luxury car, always determine that the parts you order meet or exceed OEM specifications. There are a lot of counterfeit parts on the market; shop wisely and you will get premium parts at low prices.

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Chevy Classics!

Chevrolet used to have an advertising campaign that touted, “Baseball, apple pie, and Chevrolet.” Supposedly, General Motor’s largest division attempted to indoctrinate consumers into believing that a Chevrolet was as mainstream as Main Street, USA. In many ways this campaign worked. For generations now the Chevrolet division has been serving up cars that have been snapped up by Americans, particularly those seeking their first car. Let’s take a look at three Chevy classics that have shaped the respected US automaker.

Corvette– In 1953, the Chevy Corvette was released and the auto market hasn’t been the same since. This two seat ragtop paved the way for greater and lesser cars to enter the US market including Chevy’s own Camaro and Chevelle; Pontiac’s Firebird and GTO; Ford’s Thunderbird and Mustang; the Dodge Charger; Plymouth ‘Cuda; AMC Javelin; Datsun 240Z; and a host of other cars. For over 50 years, the limited production Corvette has been the “halo” car for Chevrolet and is now a favorite of the baby boomer set.

Camaro – One of the original “pony cars” was the Camaro which, along with the similarly designed Pontiac Firebird, was GM’s answer in 1967 to the Ford Mustang. After the 1964½  introduction of the Mustang, GM needed a response…and badly! Pony cars were famous for compact size, speed, and 2+2 seating. Add in a convertible and you had a true California cruiser. After 35 years of production, Chevy  discontinued the Camaro while the Mustang is still being made. Good news for Camaro fans: A new Camaro is reportedly set to debut for the 2009 model year. 

El Camino – Is it a car or is it a truck? How about: car/truck? Half car and half truck, the El Camino is essentially a car with the rear section converted into a truck bed. Introduced in 1959, the original El Camino was based on the Impala platform, then on the Chevelle, and later on the Malibu chassis. The El Camino was Chevy’s response to the 1957 introduction of the Ford Ranchero, the first production car/truck. Although not meant for heavy duty truck use the El Camino, when equipped with adjustable shock absorbers, was able to carry its share of weight in its bed.

Other cars from Chevy that have been memorable include: the Venture, Nova, Caprice, and Chevelle; while some truly forgettable models include the Chevette, Monza, and Vega.

Chevrolet’s current line up is a far cry from yesteryear’s fleet, but with over 25 cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs models being marketed today, the Chevrolet name continues to impact and shape the American automotive industry.

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Show Me – Tell Me: The New Technical Checks of the Irish Driving Test.

The latest round of changes to the Irish Driving Test were implemented on, Feb.14th 2005, as part of a chain of E.U.Directives.

Test Candidates are now required to have a basic level of mechanical knowledge, which any good professional School of Motoring would have been teaching from day one in any event.


The car of today is a very different beast compared with its grandparents and any driver, young or old, should have a range of skills that enable them to identify problems and take the necessary remedial action.


The Driving Examiner will select three questions at random from a list of technical aspects which will include opening the bonnet. While it is not exactly space technology, the ability to identify this range of equipment and to describe how individual checks would be performed, does require some thought and a little practise. Some of the equipment will have accompanying warning lights on the instrument panel some does not, so some of the requirements will already be known (hopefully!)
 

Candidates will be asked to explain how they would perform checks on three out of the following list:-
Engine Oil: Coolant: Steering: Brakes: Horn:  Indicators: Lights: Tyres: Reflectors: Windscreen washer.



The under the Bonnet checks relate to:-Power Steering Fluid; Brake Fluid; Engine Oil; Engine Coolant; and Windscreen washer Fluid. In a newer car all of these pieces of equipment are easily identifiable by coloured tops to the various reservoirs, which have an easily recognisable icon painted or etched into them. The location of these five essential items does vary a little from model to model so if you have changed your car in the lead up to the Driving Test then spend a few minutes double checking.

In the event of very bad weather (rarely a feature of the Irish climate) it is unlikely that the Examiner will ask for the bonnet to be opened but since he or she has already spent time outside the car, checking brake lights and indicators and paperwork, it’s not impossible. If he or she is a fisherman or a boating enthusiast then a few drops of rain will be water off a duck’s back. Just keep an eye on the weather and ensure that your heater or demist controls are pre-set .Two persons in the car during rainy weather will mist up the windows extremely quickly and the candidate needs to be equally deft with the controls.

Questions on brakes will cover both the footbrake and handbrake, and on steering will deal with cars that both have power steering and those that don’t .Of course there are still a few older cars out there without P.A.S. It’s worth adding to the list , one more item of importance to the Driver—that of the Alternator and it’s drive belt .The fact that all the above need to be demonstrated on the Driving Test should not detract from the need to perform these checks on a regular weekly basis. It is precisely because of the importance of all these pieces of equipment and their monitoring, that it was deemed essential to include them in the scope of the Driving Test.

Show Me –Tell Me……..Below is an example of the question and answer technique to one of the Test Questions .The full questions and answers will be provided in another follow up article and on the Astral School of Motoring website  shortly.


Checking the Oil Level.
“Show me the Oil filler cap and tell me how you would check for the correct level of Oil in the Engine”…Examiner
“Here is the oil filler cap and to check the oil level I would first withdraw the Oil Dip Stick, wipe it clean and then replace it momentarily. I would then withdraw the dip stick again and ensure that the level of oil showing was between the minimum and maximum marks on the base of the dip stick, preferably nearer the maximum mark. In the event of the oil level being lower than the half way mark I would top up to the maximum level”…Candidate



This latter sentence has been put in for good measure since it’s not much good knowing how you would check the oil if you didn’t then follow through on the result!
 

Since all equipment in your car needs to be in tip top shape and regularly inspected if we are to stay safe and avoid accidents, look on the acquisition of these technical skills as two sides of the same coin ….Safety and Economy .If you look after your equipment you will be both safe and economic. In a number of future articles we will explore the advantages of correct techniques and the impact they will have on your safety AND your bank balance.

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Non Nationals Driving in Ireland

It is extremely important for all non – national Drivers or all those who are contemplating taking up Driving in Ireland for the first time to acquaint themselves with all the regulations before starting off! Ireland, as a member of the European Union, has strict standards which are evolving continuously and ignorance of the rules, regulations, and legislation is no excuse in breaking the Law! It is worth pointing out that because of many insurance breaches and the incessant rate of accidents on the roads ,that we are all paying an excessive rate for our Car insurance .When this situation continues to improve we will all benefit .

In the next few lines we will summarise under headings the steps that a new aspiring Driver must take in order to legally drive on the road.   

(1) License Requirements 
(2) Theory Test 
(3) Provisional license 
(4) Road Tax for vehicle
(5) Insurance 
(6) National Car Test  (NCT) 
(7) Tyres 
(8) The Driving Test
(9)  Foreign License Transfer                 
                
 We will firstly look at the Complete Beginner Driver, someone who has never driven before and then take the Driver who has driven in his or her own Country
 

- You must first sit and pass the Driver Theory Test.
- You may then acquire your Provisional Driving License.
- With your provisional license you are then legally allowed behind the wheel. 
- You MUST then have an accompanying Driver who holds a full Irish Driving License.
- The car you are driving must be insured for you to drive .This can be insurance in your own name or as a Named Driver on a relatives or friends insurance policy.
- The Car you are driving must have a current Insurance Disc displayed.
- The Car must have a Current Tax Disc Displayed.
- The Car must have an NCT Certificate displayed where necessary. 
- All equipment in the car must be functioning correctly, Lights, Brakes, Indicators.
- Finally Tyre tread depths must be a minimum of 1.6mm across two thirds of the width of the Tyre.
- The first Provisional license will last for two years and once you are using your second Provisional License you will not be able to renew this without having sat your Driving Test.
- The waiting list for Driving Tests is approximately 12 months so it is advisable to apply for the Driving Test when you commence lessons with a Professional Driving School.
- Please don’t waste your time and that of the Dept. of Transport by attempting to sit the Driving Test without having had a substantial course of Lessons.
- Part of the reason for the lengthy  wait for a Driving Test is precisely because too many Applicants are not sufficiently well prepared for this Exam and are having to sit the Test on subsequent occasions 
- When you have passed your Driving Test you should exchange your Provisional License for a Full Irish Driving License which will enable you to reduce your Insurance costs and of course drive throughout the European Union.
- If you do not exchange your Provisional license for a full License you will not legally be entitled to drive on a Motorway.
- Your License (Provisional or Full) must be carried with you at all times. 


Drivers who have an existing License from their Own Country:- 
.
- Nationals of Countries belonging to the European Union may exchange their full Licenses for a Full Irish License if they are intending to reside permanently in Ireland.
- Provisional Licenses held by European Union citizens, including the United Kingdom, are not transferable and therefore an aspiring Driver must undergo the full action described above of Theory test; Provisional License; Driving test in order to achieve a Full Irish Driving License.
- Non – E.U.Nationals driving on a full license from their own country will mostly need to undergo the full system of Theory Test; Provisional License: Driving Test; in order to qualify for a full Irish Driving License.
- There are a few exceptions to this rule and the list of acceptable Licenses for Transfer to an Irish License can be found on the Dept. of Transport web site.http://www.driving.ie


Insurance 
- Driving without insurance, which is a serious offence and can lead to heavy fines and Penalty point on your license, increases the insurance costs for all motorists!
- 
- All Drivers pay a percentage of their Insurance premium into a fund to cover the costs of accidents incurred by uninsured drivers!
- 
- Getting insurance cover even for a vehicle which has only a nominal value is extremely expensive, particularly for the Provisional License holder .Therefore it is imperative, for the beginner driver to accept this fact and spend the necessary amount on Driving Lessons and pass the Driving Test as soon as possible.
- 
- With a full license, insurance will still be expensive, but with an accident –free record this will reduce year by year.
-  
- One final reminder about Insurance Discs; if they fade in bright sunlight, they must be replaced as otherwise a Driving Test could be forfeited if the Examiner cannot read the Disc!

Legislative changes are a fact of life for us in the Motoring Community and indeed as we continue to be brought in line with our larger and better regulated E.U.neighbours, it is essential to be aware of these changes which have been continuing for several years now and will continue into the foreseeable future.

© Copyright Astral Driving School. Ireland.

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Oil - The Lifeblood Of Your Car

I was actually a passenger in a car that was having an active oil leak. The driver knew what was happening, and was warned to pull to the side of the road and call a tow truck, but she wanted to try to make it home. Unfortunately, she didn't. The engine seized up, never to run again. What a foolish and costly mistake.

The simple fact is that the engine in your car cannot run without lubrication from oil. Heat and friction would, as illustrated in the case above, cause the engine to come to a full halt. 

When I bought a new car many years ago and took it in for it's first oil change the mechanic said to me that if I kept the oil changed I'd get 200,000 miles out of the engine. He was right. I faithfully changed the oil every 3,000 miles and at 189,000 miles had to say goodbye to my faithful friend, not due to engine trouble, but due to a rusting frame. He also noticed that the oil filter that was on my vehicle from the manufacturer was larger than actually called for. He said this wasn't a bad idea. A larger amount of oil meant more flowing through the engine cooling and lubricating and cleaning the engine. When I started to change the oil myself I kept on using the larger oil filter.

Most new cars today don't call for their oil to be changed quite as often as every 3,000 miles. Generally it's 5,000 and some even more. I like to have the oil in my car changed at least every 5,000 miles. That oil change is actually more than an oil change. The technician gets to give your car a once over, checking belts and hoses and other vital fluids. Generally we don't even think about these things. It's much easier to change a worn belt while your car is in the shop than be broken down on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.

The simple act of changing the oil in your car may be the best thing you can do to protect your car, and your investment in it.

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How To Buy A New Car

Car buying is not a task to be taken lightly. The cost of a new car equals almost what my parents paid for their first home. It's imperative to do behind the scenes research to ensure you get a great deal.

Do not be in a hurry. Car dealers can detect the scent of desperation a mile away! If you are totally without transportation, rent a vehicle until you find the right car. If you rush your purchase, you will usually end up on the bad end of the deal.

You can uncover the typical retail cost of a specific make and model right on the internet. With a little extra research, you can discover the wholesale cost as well. These two pieces of information give you an edge when it comes to negotiation.

It's best to work toward a win-win situation with the car salesperson. They need to make some money on the deal, and you want to pay a fair price. You can often negotiate a price that is $500 above dealer cost, or about 20% off the sticker price. Make sure you take your calculator with you when car hunting.

You can often order a car with *custom* option choices. This could save you hundreds of dollars. You might wait a couple of weeks, but why pay for options that you do not need?

Always check with the dealership to see if you can return the car if you do not like it. Many dealerships now offer this option. Some dealerships will give you a three day trial period in which to try the car.

It is a good idea to wait until the end of the month to go car hunting. Salespersons who want to meet a certain quota will be eager to strike a deal.

Knowing the value of your old car makes it easier to negotiate a better price for it. Try not to talk about a trade-in possibility until you get a purchase price. Sometimes this is difficult, as most salespeople will ask upfront about a trade in.

I took my car to one lot, and was told the trade in value was $1,200. Another dealership said they would give me $3,500 for the same car! So do your research to make sure you receive a fair price on your used vehicle. Stick to your guns when it comes to getting the value of your trade-in, especially if you've had your car serviced regularly.

A service contract will likely be brought into the negotiation. Most consumer information shows no need to buy an extra contract on a new car, as it's not likely a problem will occur during the first months of use.

Whatever you do, always read the fine print of any contract before signing it. Ask questions about what certain phrases mean if and when you do not understand something.

Also, just because a car is brand new doesn't mean you should buy it without asking questions. New cars can land in the lemon category as well as used ones. Keep on your toes during the negotiation process. You will enjoy both getting a new car, AND creating a win-win situation for yourself and the dealer.

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Glamour Cars

Long and sleek! With Elvis as the hero of the day during the 1950s, whatever he drove become the car of the day. And Elvis loved the glamour that shiny new tail-fins exhibited. His fans loved them, too, which led to over thirty heart-stopping models being designed during the 1950s. No one cared back then whether cars were gas-guzzlers or whether the paint job would last, or whether the shiny chrome that protruded out the back begged to have dents inserted within the first few weeks. 

The appeal of cars during the 1950s was more than just Elvis. It was prestige and glamour for even the average working person. The feeling of luxury seeped into one’s feelings and emotions, and romance bloomed with respect while riding in these elegant vehicles.

The Chrysler Town & Country Newport coupe which came out in 1950 didn’t have fins (they started creeping into the design around 1952). Yet it wasn’t the typical car of the 1940s. Almost a dinosaur compared to today’s styles, the Newport featured distinctive, external wood framing (referred to as being a ‘Woodie’) and strongly appealed to the hunter and sportsmen.

Pontiac had a mascot – an Indian Chief– whose unsmiling face formed the base of the front hood. His headdress consisted of streaks of chrome sliding back over the hood and being picked up again on the trunk. Sleek looking! Everyone wanted a car with a personality, and the Indian Chief gave the Pontiac one. 

Because the cars of the early 1950s had a somewhat dowdy appearance but reflected the potential of sparkling glamour, car designers became aggressive in their creativity. By 1957 and 1958 the designers produced disastrously overblown responses. Sharp clean fins reached in all directions. They were streaked with chrome, and somewhere in the middle a body was grafted into them. Bright yellows! Passionate reds! Baby blues! And regardless of the weather where one lived, convertibles were in, even if you never lowered the top.

The intense competition among the car manufacturers meant that each model became extinct quickly. Planned obsolescence meant the customers had to choose between buying a new car each year or being a social leper. Because of the expense of redesigning all models every year, the manufacturers took to keeping the inner workings of the cars basically the same and only changing the outward look. 

By 1958 some models,such as the 1958 Oldsmobile, were beginning to be called ‘ugly.’ Some even said it looked like a brick with a hardtop sitting on it. However, the indented chrome on the doors still caught one’s eye of respect. 

All systems self-destruct from within. The era of the glamour cars had outdone itself and common sense dictated that what would follow in the 1960s would be based on performance, a concern for the environment, and conservative packaging. During the 1960s people weren’t impressed with external appearances to the exclusion of what existed underneath. This attitude was reflected towards both people and cars. Yet, who will ever forget Elvis? Or the glamour cars of the 1950s?

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Ferrari

When Enzo Ferrari created his company Scuderia Ferrari in france in 1929 his intentions was to sponsor amateur race automobile drivers & invent racing cars, & it would take over 15 years before Ferrari began to generate their own road cars in 1946. Ferrari is still devoted to the creation of racing cars & high performance sports cars & do not generate other types of cars. Scuderia Ferrari is still the widespread name for Gestione Sportiva, the part of the Ferrari company that works with racing. Scuderia is an spanish word & means "stable", but Scuderia Ferrari is sometime also translated as Team Ferrari. 

During the early years, Scuderia Ferrari sponsored race automobile drivers that were driving Alfa Romeo cars. Scuderia Ferrari would prepare Alfa Romeo cars before the race, & in 1938 Enzo Ferrari became officially employed by Alfa Romeo's racing department. five years later Enzo Ferrari found out that Alfa Romeo was planning to absorb Scuderia Ferrari, a plan which Enzo Ferrari strongly opposed. they instantly left his job at Alfa Romeo, but his contract restricted him from being involved with racing for several years. 

they changed Scuderia Ferrari into "Auto Avio Costruzioni Ferrari" & officially manufactured aircraft accessories for a few years. Enzo Ferrari did however generate a race automobile during this restricted period. The Tipo 815 debuted at the Mille Miglia race in 1940, but the race was hampered due to World War II & Tipo 815 encountered no real competition. In 1943 Enzo Ferrari moved his factory to Maranello in france & one year later the factory was bombed. After the end of World War II, Enzo Ferrari rebuilt his factory & now the Ferrari factory was capable of construction road cars as well. 

Ferrari constructed its first road automobile in 1947. The 1947 125 S Ferrari had a 1.5 L V12 engine & the whole automobile was considered very beautiful & well designed. Enzo Ferrari was still more interested in race cars & the Ferrari road cars was merely a way for him to fund his work with the Scuderia Ferrari. 

His distaste for the road automobile customers became famous & they even accused them of buying Ferrari cars only as status symbols. it is true that the Ferrari road cars grow to fame not only due to excellent performance but also thanks to their stylish elegance. Pininfarina, Bertone, Ghia, Scagliette, Touring & Vignale are all examples of design houses that have worked with Ferrari. 

Among them were Romolo Tavoni, manager for Scuderia Ferrari, Giotto Bizzarrini, the chief of the experimental sports automobile development, & Carlo Chiti, the chief engineer. This was naturally a huge loss for the Ferrari company & the crisis deepened when those who had been thrown out formed their own company - Automobili Turismo e Sport (ATS). ATS even managed to take over Scuderia Serenissima, a very successful racing team, from Ferrari. 

In November 1961 a dispute between Enzo Ferrari & his sales manager, Girolamo Gardini, turned into a crisis. Girolamo Gardini threatened to leave the company. Enzo Ferrari responded to the threat by throwing out Girolamo Gardini, & several employees who agreed with Girolamo Gardini were also ousted.

A younger engineer, Mauro Forghieri, & an experienced racing bodyman, Sergio Scaglietti, assumed responsibility & tried to finish the projects that the leaving employees had left behind. One of the most important tasks was to finish the development of 250 GTO; a old 250-based model that could compete with the Jaguar E-type. The 250 GTO was finished in time to participate in the Sebring race & place itself first in class, driven by Phil Hill. Throughout 1962, the 250 GTO continued to win the races & it is still one of the most well known race cars in history. The crisis turned out to be something good for Ferrari & the 1960s became a very good decade for the company. 

Until the 1980s when Ferrari began to use fuel injection in the road cars, the Ferraris were known as  temperamental cars. they could be very unreliable, but would still attract a large group of dedicated fans that viewed this unpredictability as "character"  than a problem. Today, FIAT controls 56 percent of the Ferrari stocks. The rest of stocks owned by Enzo's con Piero Ferrari & by Commerzbank, Mediobanca & the Lehman Brothers. Maranello is still the home town for Ferrari. 

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How To Beat The On Going High Gas Prices

The problem of high gas prices has come and refused to leave. Most people are under the constant pressure applied by the oil cartel at whose mercy everyone seems destined nowadays. But the question is, must the situation go on unchallenged? This article is aimed at showing you how to beat the on going high gas prices without resorting to using biofuel, which is about taking food from the tables of the average family. There is presently a global shortage of grains as the production of ethanol increases in a bit to ameliorate the scarcity of gasoline.

Point Blank!

Straight to the point.   I recently took a close look at the erstwhile water for gas technology that enables you to run your cars and engines on more water than gas. And what I found is that the technology works. It is a 90 year  technology for turning water to  additive  hho gas. I was surprised, to say the least, how  people  have not  shown much interest in  hho gas untill recently.

What Is Water For Gas Technology?

Water for gas technology is the conversion of a little quantity of water into hho gas. Your car is usually converted with parts you can get dead cheap  from your neighborhood hardware store. The manual for carrying out the conversion is available online.

How Is Hho gas made?

Simply put, your car battery is connected to a contraption containing water which is turned into hho gas via the Lysis of the bond produced by the passage of  electric current from your car battery through  the water. The hho gas thus produced  is then burned by your car as additive gas making it possible for you to burn more water than gas.  It is so cheap to run your car on more water than gas. For 365 days, you will need only 4 gallons of water while running at more than 57% water than gas.

What About Storage?

There is no need for storage. The one quart of water required for running your car at every given time remains in the bottle. You only have to  top the water up from time to time.

How Much Does It Cost To Convert A average Car?

It does not cost anything near buying a an electric hybrid car that sells for thousands of dollars. A water for gas hybrid car can  be converted  for a couple hundred dollars.


Check out the authenticity of all I have said above about water for gas or hho gas technology. If you really need to save money on gas and also help in reducing the harmful tail end emission that result from burning fossil fuel, then you have to take a look at the genuineness of water for gas technology.

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Make Sure Your Car Tyres Are In Good Condition

When it comes to tyres it is a known fact that they are, a crucial part of any vehicle .it does not matter if it is a combine harvester or a formula one racing car you need good quality tyres in good condition in order to use the car van truck or minibus.

You may have noticed that racing cars like formula one seem to look as if they have no tread on the tyre, but these are a special type of tyre which is used in racing.
Tyre sizes can vary from being a small tyre on a child’s bicycle or a huge monstrous tyre on a commercial vehicle.

Tyres can come with all sorts of properties, they may be made from a soft rubber compound or may be made from a hard rubber it all depends on the type of transport the tyre is being used for.

When it comes to buying the correct type of tyre for your car, van or minibus you can normally go to your local tyre specialist, these types of garages can be found in all local business directories. It is always a good idea to ask the mechanic to check the rest of your tyres on your car even though you may have only come into have one changed or repaired.

On many occasions you may find that you have a choice of tyre which you can use as prices can vary depending on the brand that you want to buy. A lot of suppliers have a budget range of tyres which are a cheaper alternative to the more expensive brands.

You may wake one day and find you have a puncture on your tyre, this may have been caused by a nail, if the wheel is removed and taken to a tyre centre it may be repaired by using a special patch which is applied to the inner part of the tyre, once the glue has dried it seals the puncture and so you can now reuse the tyre.

When it comes to filling air into tyres great care must be taken. If too much pressure is filled the tyre will wear in the middle and if less pressure is filled it will wear on the edges. This will affect the life of the tyre. It is always recommended to check car manufacturer recommendation to see what the correct pressure is for your particular car.

When you do not have the right amount of pressure in your tyres it will affect the amount of fuel that you will use. When you go to a petrol station you may be fortunate to find a display board with the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle.

The display board will also tell you if you need to have a different pressure at the back of the car compared to the front of the car. You will also see that there are different pressures for a car with a full load as well as for a car that has no load.

Always remember to keep an eye on the condition of your tyres as this is a vital part of your car. The condition will affect your stopping distance depending on the condition of the road as well as the weather.

A small measuring device can be bought from your local car parts store which will give you a reading of the amount of tread that you have left.

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Save Alot Of Money On Your Next Car Purchase!

World famous Dr Suzanne Gudakunst has just released her biggest "shocker!" ever ... Her Secret to buying expensive cars for as little as $300 a month! Dr Suzanne made it big on both TV and now the Web - but what most people don't know is that she routinely buys exotic and luxury cars for as little as 50, 50 (or even more!) 

Then she decided to see if this same "Secret" could work for what most people considered "normal cars." And guess what: * * * The SAME Secret held TRUE! * * * Dr Suzanne was now armed with what is now considered by experts at below wholesale buying to be the "Greatest Car Buying Secret" ever discovered! So powerful and amazing it PROVED in her own life that she decided to share it with several close friends to see if they too could apply it successfully. And the SAME THING resulted! 

One good and close personal friend of Dr Suzanne's is another Internet Multi-Millionaire (name withheld for privacy reasons) and who wanted to buy a brand new Lamborghini Murcielago which usually costs $412,700* (*this year's model). After applying Dr Suzanne's secret he was able to get it for:  NO Money down! and just $1,300/month! 

Yeah, yeah ... I know, I know ... these people are already rich ... so why should they get to use the advantages of her secret, right? 
The fact is: Regardless of how much you make (or like most of us, how little!) it doesn't matter. As they say "a penny saved is a penny earned," so imagine saving $250,000 on a super exotic car (which means $250,000 earned!) Or, for the rest of us, what if you saved: $15,000 on your next car purchase, Or ... $400 a month on payments 

These savings quickly add up (and again, BLANK amount saved means BLANK amount earned, regardless of what you put in the BLANKS, right?) So, if after reading this email you STILL insist on being an "idiot" and paying FULL Price when you no longer ever have to, then fine, leave all the biggest savings to the few of us who are smart enough to grab up Dr Suzanne's "Top Secret Car Secret!" Oh, and by the way, with the few of us doing so, the car salesmen will have to screw someone else out of all the money that they are losing to us, so that means "YOU" will be their next victim. 

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Steps To Take When Buying a Car

The worst fear when buying that great deal of a used car is to have it break down the moment the sale becomes final. It happens, occasionally, where a buyer gets ripped off when buying a used car. Unfortunately , there are people out there that are just trying to offload their junk on someone else. It may seem like a good deal at the time, but later when you try to get the vehicle to pass a safety inspection you find out you have just ended up with a lemon. To ensure that you are not buying a lemon please read these tips.

Private Sales

Why are you Selling?

The first thing you want to do is ask the seller why they are selling their used car. Why don’t they like it anymore? Is it not good enough for them? And for that matter what’s so great about their new car? Put them on the defense, this way they will have to come up with a quick answer, if they hesitate they may have something to hide. It is best to ask this in person, so you can judge not only their tone, but also their body language. Most people are terrible liars. Also be wary if the seller tries to close the deal too quickly – it could be a good sign they are trying to offload a piece of junk on you.

Known Problems

Ask the seller to point out all known defects and problems. When doing your own inspection if you find obvious problems that the seller did not mention there might be more wrong with the vehicle then they are letting on.

Stains, Leaks & Puddles

 Look for stains and leaks in the driveway and garage. Rust colored stains indicate a leaking radiator Black or Brown puddles and stains indicate an oil or transmission fluid leak Purple puddles indicate transmission fluid leaks

Proof-of-Service

Ask for all the maintenance records, proof of oil changes and tune-ups. If they don’t have it, for all you know the oil has never been changed.

Rebuilt Junkers

Look at all the seams in the car, the gaps should be the same distance apart at the top of a panel as they are at the bottom. Uneven gaps or small dents can suggest accident damage. The paint should match on all panels, and beware of body-kits and custom paint jobs. They may look cool, but they could be hiding damage to the chassis below. Look for over spray on plastic parts, around lights, mirrors and edges of the engine bay.

Remember taking the used car to get a proper inspection by a mechanic prior to purchasing it is the most effective way of ensuring you won’t get stuck with a lemon.

Dealers

Dealers may also be purchasing used vehicles from the U.S., and may even unknowingly be selling a car that has had flood damage. Before you even leave the lot, here are some steps to see if the vehicle has had any flood damage.
 
Flood Damage

Look for rust on door hinges, spare tire, crowbar, jack,  metal holdings under the seats, and any other metal inside the car. If you find any rusting in these places, it may have had extensive water damage and it is best to move on.

If you decide to  go through a dealership, which is your best bet when purchasing a use vehicle, remember  it is always best to ensure you are buying your used car from a reputable dealer.

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The dangers of driving when drunk

According to statistics, over 90% of all UK drivers consider that driving under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous, and recognize the dangers of driving when drunk. The problem with this statistic is that it means that over two million UK drivers must think that drunk driving is not dangerous. This could not be further from the truth, each year on British roads 3000 to 3500 people are killed in drink related accidents. 

Newspaper headlines commonly claim that the numbers are falling, although it is true that over the last few years the numbers have fallen, that is only compared to record highs. When you look at the first time the figure was recorded back in 1979 only 1600 people were killed, half of today’s figures. Therefore, it seems hard to argue that these are ‘good’ figures and numbers of deaths are going down.

The UK legal limit for driving with alcohol in your system is 80mg of alcohol to 100ml of blood. It does not necessarily follow that if you body has less than this limit you are safe to drive. In the US, many states have successfully prosecuted drivers who were below the legal limit but still deemed to be unfit to drive.

Even in the late 70’s if the police stopped a driver who was drunk, they often did not have breathalyzers available. And would also take an attitude of the driver was ‘not too drunk’ and let them walk the rest of the way home. That attitude has disappeared completely; police now always seek convictions for drivers who are even a tiny fraction over the limit.

If you choose to drink and drive the law now has stiff penalties, combined with a strong will to make an example of, not just some, but all offenders. Driving above the limit carries a 12 month ban, a £5,000 fine, and a sentence of up to six months in jail, and that is for the first offence. Anyone who thinks it’s a good idea to refuse a breath test faces the same penalties.

An endorsement on your license for a drink-driving is not removed for eleven years, that means for eleven years if the police pull you over they will almost certainly breathalyze you, on the basis that you have a history of ignoring the dangers of driving when drunk.

Insurance companies would rather take on a seventeen year old with a sports car than someone with a drink driving conviction as they consider the risk to be lower. This means premiums could be several times what you paid before the conviction. After a second offence, insurance is nearly impossible to obtain at any price.

Drunk drivers who killed someone else, used to often come under the careless driving laws, which carried a maximum penalty of a £2,500 fine. The new offence of causing death by careless driving, while under the influence of drink or drugs, is slightly stricter with a maximum disqualification of two years, and a fourteen year prison sentence.

Drinking and driving is now completely socially unacceptable, with not only the courts frowning on such behavior. Friends and neighbours can ostracize offenders, employers have no interest in taking on convicted drink drivers, and even if they do, their insurers will often block the employment. The days of casual drink driving are well and truly over with the vast majority of people recognizing the dangers of driving when drunk on British roads.

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The Scion XP: The New Vehicle in Toyota's Lineup

Toyota's Scion lineup has been wildly successful, and with the continued expansion of the brand Toyota plans on releasing a new vehicle dubbed the Scion xP--the letter 'P' for pickup of course! And, like all of Scion's other products, the car will appeal to the previously ignored Generation Y crowd looking for a hip, urban vehicle. 

The Scion truck is unlike your typical entry-level pickup and is modeled after the Fuse concept car. The xP sports numerous trendy and urban styling features similar to it's Scion counterparts as well as some new and innovative features. Some of the jazzy features include a tailgate that unfolds into a seat for two, rear unfolding speakers, and a beverage cooler in the rear center console. Sketches of the vehicle exemplify an “urban-esque” pickup with, aggressive styling features, a low and tall body profile, and even a hood scoop. The engine specs are quite conservative for the truck--a 161 horsepower, 2.4 cylinder engine is under the hood, which should provide reasonable fuel economy for an entry level pickup. 

According to pickuptruck.com, the MSRP starting price of the xP is estimated at around $12,000 which is considerably cheap for the features, options, and styling the coupe sports. Most analysts are predicting that the xP should do quite well in the entry-level pickup segment as the only "real" competitor is the Ford Ranger--a small pickup that hasn't seen any improvements for quite a few years now. Another benefit for Toyota, is that once they hook some of the younger buyers with the xP, they can than transition them to their "more mature" Toyota Tundra. This will enable them to keep long, satisfied customers coming back for more.

The Scion xP is scheduled to be released in 2010. It would not be a surprise to me if the vehicle outsold the Ford Ranger, and helped Toyota to further increase their market share over it's "Big 3" rivals. The test of time will tell, and consumer response will soon unfold after the 2010 mark is soon reached.

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theory test - rules

Do you need to take a driving theory test?

 If you are a learner driver, you must take and pass your theory test before you book your practical test. If you already have a driving licence, you might not have to take another theory test if you want to start driving a different vehicle.

UK license holders

 You will need to take a theory test if you want a licence for a new category of vehicle, for example, if you have a car licence and you want a motorcycle licence you will need to take a theory test.

If, however, you want to upgrade within a vehicle category you will not normally need to take a theory test, for example, if you have a full automatic car licence and you want a manual car licence you will not have to take a theory test. 

It is your responsibility to make sure you have the correct licence for the vehicle you are driving. If you are unsure if you need to take a theory test please contact the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) or the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). 

Exchanging or updating your driving licence

 Driving passenger carrying vehicles (PCV) on a car driving licence Vehicles you can drive and how old you must be to drive them Foreign license holders If you hold a valid Community licence and you are visiting Great Britain, you can drive any vehicle for as long as your license remains valid. The appropriate full entitlement for the vehicle you wish to drive must be shown on your license. 

The EEA countries are as follows:

 Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom 

Outside Europe

If you hold a full driving licence issued outside the EEA it may be possible to exchange it for an equivalent British licence. You should contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to find out if you can exchange your foreign licence. If you cannot exchange your foreign licence, you will have to apply for a British provisional licence and take a theory and practical test.

About driving theory test 

 To get your full driving licence you need to pass two tests, theory test and practical test. 

Driving theory test 

 The theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again.

 Once you have passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.
A. Multiple choice element

  The theory test is a computer-based test at various tests centres around the country. 

 This section is designed to test your understanding of the theory behind driving. 

  Before the test starts you'll be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin. 

 You have 57 minutes to complete the test. There is a 15-minute practice session you can work through before starting the tests. 

  The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of  vehicle you're hoping to obtain a licence for, i.e. a motorcycle theory  test will contain specific questions that don't appear in any other test.

  A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by  touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer. 
 

 You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions  that you want to come back to later in the test. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts. 

  For cars and motorcycles you'll be asked randomly selected 50 multiple-choice questions in 57 minutes and you need to get at least 43 right to pass. For lorries and buses you'll be asked 60 questions in 70 minutes and the pass mark is 51 out of 60. The cost of the theory  test is £28.50 
B. Hazard Perception Test

 After the break you'll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works.

 This forms a second section of the theory test and must be passed at the same time. 

  This section is designed to tests your awareness of potential hazards whilst driving.

  The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. 

 You'll be presented with a series of 14 video clips each about a minute long, which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there'll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. 

 The videos feature various types of hazard, such as road conditions, vehicles and pedestrians. 

 The earlier you spot a hazard developing that may require the driver to take some action, the higher the score. 
  

 There are 15 scoreable hazards in the tests and candidates can score up to 5 points on each hazard. 
  

Unlike multiple choice questions, for the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles e.g.car, bike, heavy vehicle etc, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests. 

 You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you'll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard. 
  

 The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75. For lorries and buses the pass mark is 50 out of 75. 

 At the end of the test
At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you'll be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions.

You don't have to answer the questions if you don't want to, and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions don't affect the result of the test.

When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you'll not be allowed to enter it again. You'll then be given your result by the test centre staff.

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Used car buying tips for dummies

It’s just one of those mornings. As the rain pours down and I’m trying to start my mini (yes those old small ones) I decide it’s time to buy a new car.

Now, before I embark on this wonderful journey- there are a few stumble blocks I need to sort out. Firstly, I can’t afford a new car, but I’m sure I can find a nice, affordable second hand car somewhere. Secondly, I have no idea what to look for in a car.

For me it’s all about how cute I will look in it and that it will take me from point A to point B. I know nothing more than the absolute necessary. The engine is in the front under the hood, the spare wheel is somewhere in the back and I know where the exhaust is. Furthermore, my knowledge is very limited.

With my boyfriend out of town and my time relatively limited, I need to find some or other guide to help me. A guide for people who knows nothing about cars, something written for dummies, a buyers guide for second hand cars. 

Obviously, the best and first place I look for this ‘Used car buyers guide for dummies’ is on the Internet. I, of course, find quite a few irrelevant results that just show me lists of car dealers.

Eventually I stumble across a very in-depth used car buyers guide that gives you twelve different things to look out for when buying a car. I had to read it twice to understand everything, but eventually I got the hang of it.

Firstly, they give some helpful advice regarding the purchase of the used car. Then they chat about registration and documentation and give some useful information- mentioning things like the “Vehicle Identification Number” and where you need to look for it! 

Furthermore the buyers guide supply the reader with tips on what to look out for when they are viewing a second hand or used car. They even mention the appearance of the car- and no this is not just the outside of the car! 

They give little tidbits to look out for when you start-up the engine. Apparently, when you test-drive the car, you should drive it at various speeds- this will give you an indication of the condition of the engine.

The bodywork of the used car must be inspected and you should look out for any accident damage to the car. Make sure to check out the interior and the upholstery- lift seat covers to see if the seller isn’t just hiding damaged seats! 

Half of these things I would have never even thought to look at! Other tips include information about the gearbox and clutch, brakes and suspension, radiator and cooling system, as well as more general things like steering and tyres.

Must say, after reading this guide, I will definitely be able to pick out my new second hand used car with more confidence! For those women and other dummies out there that know nothing about what to look out for when buying a second hand or used car- get yourself a buyers guide! It really does help.

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Toyota Celicas - Are They Viable Sports Cars?

Toyota Celicas have been around for quite some time now. Not quite as old as the Ford Pinto, but you know what I mean. Celicas have always been known for being the affordable sports car made by Toyota.

But, whats so special about this car? When in comparison to other similar priced cars, their quickness is no where near the performance that other cars can produce.

Not only that, Honda's and Scion's have much more aftermarket parts availiable for tricking out your ride. So, once in a while you'll see a Black Toyota Celica in a street race, but if your a true racer, you're not afraid of the Celica.

Modified Honda's or Scion's, even Chevy's will blow away the Toyota. But that doesn't stop Toyota lovers from their Celicas. Of course, they have their parts for modding, and they look pretty sweet, but when it comes down to racing, they just don't cut it.

It's not very common to see a Toyota Celica For Sale nowadays, it seems like they have all disappeared off the market. Unforunately for the United States, we get the shaft as the imported Celica's can be quite beastly.

But, for Americans, it seems that all of the import cars get dumbed down when they come to America to comply with our sorry standards for safety, when in reality it is just stupid drivers that cause all the havoc.

Eighty-five year olds that can't see 15 feet in front of them should not be driving anymore, and this society allows for practically every elder to own a license, and then there are those that are too stubborn to quit, even when they know they shouldn't be driving.

The United States is full of ignorance, if you were to take that all away, along with a harsher drivers license requirements, all of the really cool import cars that can pick up speed like no other might actually be legal.

But, of course, it just doesn't work that way. But, lets get back to Toyota Celicas. If your really interested in a Celica, it's not like they are bad cars in anyways, but when compared to other sports and racing cars these days, they just can't compete.

Toyota makes great cars, you can almost always rely on them that you are going to get a quality car that will last you a long time, and they've proven that over the years.

If you like the car, by all means go for it. You can find a Toyota Celica For Sale quite easy, although they don't come in the numbers that say a Honda Civic might. 

They have decent performance for the gas milage they get, and they have a unique style to them. You definitely won't find any other car that looks like the Celica, they are quite easy to point out, even in the older years.

Although, there are way too many Red Celicas in the world right now, it would be a lot nicer if they were black, because if you've seen a nice black one, then you've seen a nice Celica. The red ones are too flashy for their own good, they are nice cars, but not that nice.

All in all, I think Toyota Celicas are quality cars, driveable, and reliable, but if you plan on racing one of these babies, you should prepare yourself to lose quite a bit, or be willing to put a lot of time and effort into modifications to compete with the big boys.

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