• Mazda 323: More Than One Name

    From the Mazda Motor Corporation which is based and has its headquarters in Japan is yet another vehicle that has made heads turn at the sight of it and has made its passengers and its driver wonder about the comfort and reliability that this vehicle could offer. This is vehicle is the Mazda 323. It is a subcompact car. It was produced starting from 1975 and the last year that units of this vehicle were crafted was in 1984. When the Mazda 323s lifeline was completed halted that in 1984, Mazda was already cooking up another vehicle to replace and take the spot in their vehicle line up which the Mazda 323 would be leaving blank. The Mazda 323s replacement was the Mazda Mazda3.

    The Mazda 323 has been made available in two body styles and these are the sedan and the hatchback. Mazda has also made sure that this vehicle would give interested parties the chance to choose as per what kind of engine would suit their needs, and preferences. The engine choices are the 1.4 liter UC engine, the 1.3 liter E3 engine, and the 1.5 liter E5 engine.

    If you take the time to travel to Japan, you would notice that the very same Mazda 323 vehicle is known as the Mazda Familia there. In the United States, on the other hand, it has been previously marketed by the company as the Mazda GLC. Later on, it became the Mazda 323 and then in 1990, the name was changed to become the Mazda Protg. However, if you do travel to the far reaches of South Africa, the people here would not introduce the vehicle to you as the Mazda 323, Protg, GLC, or Familia. Here, this vehicle is known as the Mazda Etude. When the Mazda 323s were still in production, assembly of the vehicle was done in various countries like Taiwan, Malaysia, South Africa, Colombia, and New Zealand.

    On the other hand, for the greatest deals on Mazda 323 parts and other Mazda model parts, Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts has the largest source of superior quality and affordable parts. Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts brings Mazda owners, aficionados, and interested parties the greatest selection of outstanding Mazda auto parts like Mazda accessories, air intake, brakes, climate control, clutch parts, cooling syste, drive belts, driveshaft and axle, electrical parts, electrical engine parts, exhaust system parts, mechanical engine parts, and transmission parts among many others.


  • Lincoln Mark IV: Not Just Another

    From the Ford Motor Companys luxury division, the Lincoln brand has introduced to the world the Lincoln Mark IV. In the United States and the rest of North America, this vehicle was actually sold and marketed from 1972 up until 1976. It replaced the Mark III although it was already successful that time. Later on, the Mark V replaced this vehicle. For most parts and most of the specifications, the Lincoln Mark IV and the Ford Thunderbird were very much alike. Even the platform was shared by the two vehicles.

    By taking a look at the style and design that the Lincoln Mark IV has, one could be able to see that most of the motifs and angles are just like the Lincoln Mark III. These include the tall Rolls Royce style grille, the fashionable long hood short deck style, the covered headlamps, the spare tire hump found in the trunk, and the taller and knife-edged fender line. As per the grille, the Lincoln Mark IVs version is much taller. And to allow this kind of adjustment, the close fitting bumpers were dipped. The spare tire hump was more rounded and from thereon, the lines led further down the vehicle. As per measurements, though, the Lincoln Mark IV came out to be longer and wider. The angles were slightly softened out and made more rounded. The wheel openings were made to be symmetrical front to rear like in the Oldsmobile Tornado inspired style that was popular that time. The Lincoln Mark IV also held a vinyl roof.

    The power of this machine and vehicle comes from a 460 cubic inch or 7.2 liter Ford 385 series V8 engine. On its introduction, it has been that this vehicle could prove to produce and create some 212 units of horsepower or 158 kW. To assist this engine, the Lincoln Mark IV also came with a C6 3 speed automatic transmission system.

    In 1976, Lincoln took a gamble and made the Designer Series. When it was introduced that year, the Lincoln Mark IVs under this series were actually holding colors, trims, and interior choices designed by fashion designers. Each of the designer signed at the opera window, plus a name engraved on the gold plated plaque on the instrument panels. There were four designers that time that took their time to show off their craft using Lincoln Mark IV. The series comprised of the Bill Blass Edition, the Cartier Edition, the Givenchy Edition, and the Pucci Edition.


  • Lincoln LS: Luxury and Safety

    Standing for Luxury Sport, the Lincoln LS has been freshened for the year 2006. It comes with four doors. It has the capacity to take in a maximum of five passengers in its spacious and very comfortable cabin. It is a luxury sports sedan. For this year, 2006, the Lincoln LS has been made available in only one trim level which is the V8 Sport.

    Upon its introduction, the Lincoln LS comes equipped with a standard 3.9 liter V8 engine that has the capacity and capability to produce some 280 units of horsepower. It can achieve 18 mph for city driving and some 25 mph on the highway. Also made standard so as to assist the engine in its performance is a five speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This midsize, rear wheel drive entry level luxury car from Lincoln shares its Ford DEW 98 platform with its relative, the Jaguar S Type and the Ford Thunderbird. Its primary competition includes the BMW 3 series, the Lexus ES, the Mercedes Benz C Class, the Acura TL, and the Cadillac CTS.

    Originally, the Lincoln LS was supposed to be named the LS6 and the LS8. This would be depending on the engine choice. However, these were then replaced with LS V6 for the LS6 and the LS V8 for the LS8. This was changed so so as to avoid any kind of confusion with the Lexus trademarks.

    For this year, it is said that the Lincoln LS has received a minor facelift. The V6 model was deleted from the line up as soon s the Lincoln Zephyr was introduced. Lincoln sure is proud of this vehicle for it has received very high marks during an occupant protection crash test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this vehicle a rank of Best Pick. Along with that was a perfect score for the frontal offset crash test. Along with that, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also gave the Lincoln LS almost perfect scores in the test for side impact and rollovers. To make Lincoln prouder was when CNBC proclaimed the Lincoln LS was one of the five safest cars of all time.

    If you are looking for Lincoln parts, Lincoln Parts and Car Parts offers an impressive array of Lincoln LS parts and many other Lincoln parts and accessories. By accessing its online store, one could find the latest in innovative and stylish parts that only Lincoln Parts and Car Parts can offer. It has a huge inventory that allows visitors to get to their choice of parts without going through any kind of confusing set ups. In its collection, you could find a/c condensers, rear bumpers, header panels, hoods, lights, mirrors, radiators, weatherstripping, and wheels among many others.


  • Lincoln Gets Into a Squabble Because Of the MKX

    The Ford Motor Companys Lincoln division of luxury vehicles recently got into a squabble with the Honda Motor Company. This was during the Detroit auto show back in January this year when the squabble started. Several employees from the Acura division of Honda were checking out a sport utility vehicle which was a fairly new vehicle from the Lincoln brand. However, they noticed that the name of this new vehicle, Lincoln MKX, was very much similar to the Acura SUV named Acura MDX.

    After the said show was over, the Acura division then sent off a letter to the Lincoln divisions mother company, the Ford Motor Company. The letter demanded that the luxury line drop the name, MKX. However, the Ford Motor Company refused to do such a thing. This led to Acura filing a lawsuit. The accusation was that Ford was guilty of trademark infringement. The lawsuit is currently still in the process of being decided over. However, the thing is that behind all this big issue is the simple squabble over a combination of letters.

    The Lincoln MKX is actually pronounced as Mark X. It is a crossover sport utility vehicle. Expectations for this vehicle include this vehicle as a replacement for the Lincoln Aviator comes the following year. This new sport utility vehicle would be built along with the Ford Edge in the companys assembly plant in Ontario, Canada. Sources have it that the 2007 Lincoln MKX would be bearing a price tag that ranges from $34,495 to $44,885.

    Main competitors for this crossover vehicle would include the Cadillac SRX, the Acura MDX, the Lexus RX, and the BMW X5. Also, this vehicle has been built on the CD3 platform which is also the one used by the Ford Edge and the Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ. It will hold the Ford 3.5 liter Duratec 35 V6 engine which has the capacity to produce 250 units of horsepower and 240 units of pound-feet.


  • Lincoln Continental: Overflowing With Luxury

    Lincoln has the choice of many people for this brand holds a line of luxury vehicles. Come 1924, the brand has become the top choice in cars of the extremely rich and the very famous that includes inventor and businessman Thomas Edison as well as administrator, humanitarian, engineer, and 31st President of the United States Herbert Hoover. At present, this vehicle brand continues to design, create and craft more vehicles that do not sacrifice its American luxury vehicle heritage as well as enigmatic characteristics of elegance, cleanliness, power, high technology and well thought of designs.

    The Lincoln Continental used to be Lincolns flagship that sports four doors. However, its reign ended when the Lincoln Town Car came into being in the year 1981. The Lincoln brand, which is the Ford Motor Companys line of luxury cars and vehicles, has been creating the Lincoln Continental for years up until the last year of its production in 2002. Through the years, it has made its distinguishing mark as the premier American luxury car. This vehicle got its name from its body style and design which held an open chauffeurs compartment and the enclosed passenger compartment.

    A midsize model that primarily competes with the Cadillac Seville and the Cadillac Deville, the Lincoln Continental was first developed and designed to be Edsel Fords own personal vehicle. Perhaps due to its success, definite structure, and superb performance, the company has then decided to market it and sell it to the automobile world. It was in 1938 when Ford then commissioned chief stylist Bob Gregorie to produce and provide him a custom design. What came out was this elegant convertible with a long hood that covers up the Lincoln V12 engine. It also held long front fenders, and a short trunk, as well as the covered spare tire which was mounted on the outside. The latter soon became the Lincoln Continentals trademark. In 1961, the Lincoln Continental became the very first automobile to receive the title as Design of the Year. This award is given and awarded by the very prestigious Industrial Designers Institute.

    The Lincoln Continental has been totally planned for it took months of research, design, and development for it to be created. It holds unique proportions that totally enhance and optimize space and roominess. It also shows off elegance, sophistication, and supreme comfort in its interior and cabin. This luxury vehicle from Lincoln features center opening doors. It relies and focuses on simplicity and total refinement. The powered center-opening doors are actually triggered by a remote or also through a simply touch of the flush aluminum door handles. This type of technology requires less power than the conventional type. The case holders built into the cabins front seat backs have the capability to fold down so as to allow an attach to be opened without removing it from the sleeve.

    Lincoln Continental and Lincoln vehicle owners can take a peek at Lincoln Parts and Car Parts extensive stock of dependable and long-lasting Lincoln Continental parts. By doing such, they hold in their hands the capacity and ability to maintain their Lincoln vehicles total luxury and comfort. It also is the start of great savings while preserving at the same time the performance of the Lincoln that exudes luxury as well as performance.


  • Lexus LS-460: Loaded With High Technology Gadgets

    This year would be the time when the automobile world and the rest of the market would come to know the 2007 Lexus LS-460. This vehicle would soon be rolling out of its manufacturing and assembly plants and would be later on shipped to the auto market of North America for sale. Now this new one would hold more technology features compared to all the other vehicles that are offered at present. This is according to the Telematics Research Group (TRG).

    One of the major features that the 2007 Lexus LS-460 has to offer is the factory-installed 30GB hard drive disk that could be used not only for music but for navigation as well. Although the 2007 Lexus LS-460 is not the only one to offer a hard disk with a great amount of space, it is important to note that the Mercedes Benz S-Class (the other vehicle that offers such a feature) is only able to use such a feature for navigation purposes.

    Aside from the 30GB hard drive, the 2007 Lexus LS-460 also has cameras. These cameras are actually installed for the purposes of lane departure warning as well as park assist. This vehicle holds three cameras and these would lend out an eye during parking. These would also help out in warning the driver when the 2007 Lexus LS-460 veers out of the lane.

    Other features that this high-technology packed vehicle has include a touch-screen and voice activated navigation system, a Bluetooth phone control, monitored telematics, live traffic reports, as well as a 19-inch speaker audio system that is able to read compressed audio formats like MP3.

    According to Phil Magney, the president and principal analyst of TRG, claims, The 2007 Lexus LS-460 includes more technology that any other passenger vehicle offered for sale in the US. Based on our criteria of 30 technology features in the areas of telematics, infotainment, and driver assist technologies, the 2007 Lexus LS-460 scores the highest of all vehicles.


  • Lexus LS 2006: Spanning Horizons

    The Toyota Motor Corporation is responsible for the Lexus brand. After all, Lexus is a Japanese brand name that is used by this automobile manufacturer when exporting their products to some places like in North America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania. Also, this brand is the manufacturers line for its family of luxury automobiles and vehicles.

    One of the Lexus vehicles is the Lexus LS 2006. This vehicle has always held a striking presence. It bears a sculpted form as well as refined features that make heads turn. It also has an aggressively styled front end features. To emphasize its bold look, the streamlined headlamps and front grille gives the vehicle that such appeal. It is sporty and it has a wide stance.

    This vehicle has been crafted with a many choices made available both for the exterior and the interior. For the exterior, the choices include Blue Onyx Pearl, Black Cherry Pearl, Cypress Pearl, Briarwood Pearl, Mystic Gold Metallic, Moonlight Pearl, Crystal White, Mercury Metallic, Flint Mica, and Black Onyx. As per the interior colors, customers could actually choose from Cashmere Leather Trim with Golden Birds Eye Maple Accent, Ash Leather Trim with Walnut Accent, Black Leather Trim with Walnut Accent, Ecru Perforated Leather Trim with Golden Birds Eye Maple Accent, Saddle Perforated Leather Trim with Antique Walnut Accent, or Black Perforated Leather Trim with Antique Walnut Accent.

    The Lexus LS 2006 boasts of several features. The Smart Access is actually an option for the vehicle. However, this system actually enables owners to lock and unlock their doors, open the trunk, and also turn on the ignition switch without having to take out the keys to the vehicle out of their pockets or purses. This system actually works just by it sensing the Smart Access key. Also, the Lexus LS 2006s alloy wheels allot a huge effort of adding to the appeal and beauty of this vehicle. Backed up with the right kind of tires, this vehicle has been rolling its way to success.

    Other features of this vehicle include adaptive front lightining, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with a blue hue, an intuitive parking assist, a laser cruise control system, a power moonroof, auto dimming mirrors, rain sensing wipers, the Mark Levinson audio system, the voice activated navigation system, a backup camera, the Bluetooth technology, a dual climate control system, a rear seat climate control system, rear seat luxuries, a power rear sunshade, the satellite radio, and the HomeLink remote control system.

    The new Lexus LS 2006s total package of features, space, and style puts it at the head of its class. Its performance could also be maintained and taken cared of, that is if the owner uses superior Lexus parts from Auto Parts Discount. Its extensive array of maximum quality Lexus parts and accessories await customers at great wholesale deals. In case you have any difficulties in choosing the right kind of Lexus parts for your vehicle, Auto Parts Discount has friendly customer service staffs that are ready to serve you.


  • Kia To Open First U.S. Manufacturing Plant In 2009

    In an announcement made on March 2006, Kia Motors Corporation, the maker of Kia cars, announced official plans to build a $1.2 billion assembly and manufacturing plant in the United States. The location has been confirmed as West Point, Georgia and will serve as Kias first manufacturing plant in America. The first Kia cars to roll off of the assembly line are said to begin production in 2009.

    When operated at its maximum capacity, the new Kia cars facility is expected to create approximately 300,000 brand new automobiles every year. In addition, this new construction will provide an additional 2,500 jobs and will be situated on 2,200 acres.

    According to president and CEO of Kia Motors America J.H. Lee, “The decision by Kia Motors Corporation to build a manufacturing plant in the United States demonstrates their confidence in our ability to further grow sales in the North American market. He added, “The plant is an important development to support our sales goals over the next decade.”

    A dedicated Kia cars corporate campus is currently under construction in Irvine, California. With an anticipated opening date of December 2006, this new facility will feature a 65,000 square-foot design center. Over the past four years, Kia Motors has invested over $300 million in America. Among the results are a state-of-the-art research and development center located in Michigan, along with a custom-built vehicle facility in California.

    Since debuting in the American market, Kia cars has expanded to a complete product line of vehicles and have watched their company thrive during the 12 years of consecutive sales records, which continue to this day.

    Kia Motors Corporation, the maker of Kia cars, is headquartered in South Korea. However, through the development of Kia Motors America, Kia is able to offer a complete line of automobiles, including Kia cars, through well over 600 United States car dealerships. Said to be one of the fastest growing automakers in the world, Kia was founded in 1944 making it Koreas oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Through the companys latest release featuring hybrid technology, Kia hopes to become one of the worlds premier automotive brands. With assembly and manufacturing operations in seven countries, Kia produces over 1.1 million vehicles each year, which are then sold through a network of dealers and distributors throughout 160 countries. With more than 32,000 employees and annual revenues topping $15 billion, Kia has found sponsorship to be an important part of its success. As a major sponsor to both the Australian Tennis Open and FIFA, the Kia Motors Corporation is planning even more changes in the years to come.


  • Kia Rio, Tops J.D. Power And Associates Subcompact Category

    As part of the J.D. Power Associates 2006 Initial Quality Study SM, or commonly known as the IQS, the 2006 Kia Rio which is also known as the Kia Rio 5 has topped the subcompact category for initial quality. The IQS is actually an annual study that the organization does. This study actually focuses on measuring vehicle attributes that amount to 217. This is done by comparing such attributes across eight vehicle categories. The lists of such categories even include driving experience, engine system, transmission system, as well as quality problem symptoms that are commonly reported by vehicle owners.

    The Kia Rio in the subcompact segment of the study took in 137 problems per 100 vehicles and this has brought the vehicle to the top of the list in its segment. Aside from the Kia Rio, the 2006 Kia Sedona which is a minivan also took one of the highest ranks in its segment. What makes this quite remarkable is that the Kia Sedona is just in its first year of production and of being in the market. Another Kia vehicle that took a good spot was the Kia Sportage in the compact SUV department.

    The Kia Rio owning up to such a prestigious spot in a very well planned vehicle study is a great reward for Kia Motors America, the company that produces and is responsible for everything related to what the Kia Rio is. Len Hunt, the companys executive vice president, even states, Rio is a class leading subcompact vehicle and an excellent example of Kias continued dedication to offering consumers an affordable vehicle without sacrificing quality. We are extremely pleased that the automotive industry and consumers alike recognize Rios high level of excellence.


  • Kia Amanti: Worth Every Cent

    A carryover from 2004, the most recent Kia Amanti is a family sedan made available in one trim level which is the Base. It can take up a maximum capacity of five passengers along with an easier entry and exit with its four doors. It can up 17 mpg during city driving and a 25 mpg while on the highway.

    Although the Kia Amanti bears quite a resemblance to a Mercedes, it is quite different overall. This vehicle invokes luxury from its overall appearance. The interior has seat adjustment buttons mounted on its doors so as to help facilitate a Mercedes illusion. This vehicle is the most expensive among Kias model line up, however this vehicle is worth every cent for it provides an enormous interior, excellent performance with its quiet yet strong V6 engine, and its comfortable and quiet ride due to the Kia Amantis good sound isolation techniques. Something that the Kia Amanti is proud of is its seemingly endless allocation for space.

    When Kia has designed the Kia Amanti, the automobile manufacturer has certainly made sure that the safety of the driver and the vehicles passengers would not looked over and missed out on. And for sure, even the previous generations of this vehicle holds safety intact. The Kia Amanti offers more standard airbags than any other car in its class. It also holds airbags that provides the utmost protection during inevitable accidents along with the vehicles front active headrests. Each and every Kia Amanti has front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams and also has reinforced pillars. Even if it has children for passengers, the little ones are carefully protected by the vehicles rear child safety door locks, the internal emergency trunk release, and the specially designed anchorage system that excels in providing an extra secure hold on the child safety seats.

    The Kia Amanti owns up to an excellent performance which is all due to its 3.5 liter DOHC V6 engine. This family sedan has a wheelbase of 110.2 inches, a length of 196 inches, a total width of 72.8 inches, and an overall height of 58.5 inches. The Kia Amanti has features and additional options like a multi-port fuel injection, electronic power steering, a double wishbone front suspension, gas shock absorbers, alloy wheels, clear-lens halogen headlights, side markup lamp, in-glass antenna, dual body color power heated mirrors, a windshield de-icer, a solar glass windshield, one-touch auto up/down power windows, power door locks, a remote keyless entry system along with an alarm with panic button, an AM/FM/cassette/CD audio system, four door mounted tweeter speakers and dual front airbags.

    Auto Parts Online provides Kia Amanti and Kia vehicles owners a complete line of the highest quality Kia car parts, performance parts, like Kia Amanti parts. These Kia auto parts are highly dependable and proven to satisfy manufacturers standards.