• Chrysler Gives Its Okay To The Imperial

    A venerable name in autodom is being resurrected and it will soon grace the body of a large, rear wheel drive luxury car. After a successful concept car debut at a pair of recent auto shows, the Chrysler Imperial will be built and should be in U.S. showrooms in 2010. Yes, it will be a long wait for the Imperials return but the car must first await additional changes within DaimlerChrysler before it can be built. Read on to learn more about the Imperials impending return.

    The Chrysler Imperial that has been currently making the rounds at various auto shows has been well received. Visitors have remarked favorably about the cars Bentley like look as well as its cavernous interior and luxury appointments. Currently, the brand has nothing larger or more luxurious to offer buyers who might want to upgrade from the 300C, thus Chrysler has been regularly losing buyers to more luxurious brands, something parent DaimlerChrysler [DCX] wants to stem.

    The Imperial name can be traced all the way back to 1926 when Walter P. Chrysler decided to take on Lincoln and Packard with a luxury model all of its own. From its inception, the Imperial has always represented the top of the line vehicle for Chrysler and it has, at various times, been marketed as its own make. Various versions of the Imperial have shown up over the years, with most of them being ultra luxurious versions of Chryslers New Yorker model.

    The 2011 Chrysler Imperial will be similar in design to the concept car, but without the suicide doors. Chrysler put the special doors on the concept car in order to make it easier for auto show visitors to see inside the vehicle. Still, reports from the company are indicating that the 22 inch wheels, Bentley grille, boxy body, and leather/wood trim would be included. Prices for the Imperial will not be announced for several more years, but it could retail for as high as $60,000 according to some reports. Currently, the top of the line 300C maxes out at around $42,000.

    So, why the hold up? Well, for one thing the Imperial program will be an added expense for DCX. Currently, the company is in the process of making its Mercedes line up more profitable and that involves the expense of updating several models. Based on the Mercedes R Class body, the coming Imperial is likely to be built on an updated version of the R Class platform. Both cars would arrive in dealer showrooms at the same time as 2011 models, hence the long lead time.

    The Imperial concept sits on a frame with a 123 inch wheelbase. The car measures 214 long, much longer than the 300C. Reports are indicating that the concept car dimensions are likely to be retained.

    For Chrysler fans, the Imperial represents further strengthening of the Chrysler-Mercedes relationship. By using a Mercedes platform, the Imperial can be built and will give Chrysler a much needed product. With a standard V8 mated to a five or six speed automatic the car will certainly not be on the fuel efficient side. However, my best guess is that the car will also come optionally equipped with a thrifty Mercedes built turbo diesel, a first for any Chrysler car.


  • Chrysler 300C: The Stretched Version

    As automakers go, developing well received models is a chore all by itself. When a model becomes a hit, as has the Chrysler 300C, the result is favorable press coverage, high customer satisfaction ratings, and a halo effect that can extend to the entire product line. Chryslers 300C is a hit, but the German-American automaker isnt stopping there. A stretched version of the car is being developed, one that may find a following amongst enthusiasts, but only if the price is right.

    So, why would DaimlerChrysler authorize a stretched version of the 300C? For several reasons including:

    The Limo Market Although the 300C is not on the same level as the Lincoln Town Car or Cadillac DTS, the car does compete with the Ford Crown Victoria. Hence, taxi and limousine operators will be drawn to the stretched 300C as the car gives its passengers the room that they need.

    The Pursuit Market The Ford Crown Victoria is the most popular police pursuit vehicle followed by the Chevy Impala. Chrysler long ago ceded this market when they quit building larger rear wheel drive automobiles. The stretched 300C could fit in nicely and give the automaker some additional sales to boost market share. Look for a similarly stretched Dodge Charger to also be built once 300C demand has been proven.

    The Luxury Market No, the 300C is not a luxury car, but a model coming down the pike 3-4 years from now will be. Yes, the Chrysler Imperial will be returning and it, too, will be a stretched version of the 300C, but even longer and larger than the stretched version of the 300C. Dont think for a moment that DaimlerChrysler will not be measuring demand for its new 300C to determine Imperial demand.

    For the record, there are a few things that we know about the bigger 300C: the car will be stretched only by six inches and all of those gains will show up in the rear passenger area. In addition, Chrysler will not be building the stretched 300C, instead an outside supplier will handle the task of taking existing models and reworking them.

    Prices for the bigger 300C havent been finalized yet, but they may carry a premium of as much as $5000 over the shorter model. This is a concern, however, as the price may be more than what some livery drivers could justify. Perhaps DaimlerChrysler will eat some of the costs and hold the price down to a $1000 premium. If they dont, the company could be in for a rude awakening and find demand for the stretched 300C to be tepid at best.


  • Chevy Astro: Not Flashy But Practical

    Offered in three trim levels which comprise of the base, the LS, and the LT, the Chevy Astro is a truck-based minivan however it is not as flashy as the rest of the brands in its own segment. Yes, it does not boast of flashy gadgets and high technology features. However, amidst everything, the Chevy Astro comes to basically serve its purpose, and that is to transport and delivery cargo and passengers. This function is done with the utmost care and safety and also provides total and great convenience. In a nutshell, this vehicle offers stability, safety and durability since its introduction back in the late 1980s.

    Taking a look at the Chevy Astros interior, this vehicle boasts a cabin that can take a maximum of eight passengers. It has two front buckets seats. The rear part of the vehicle has two rear benches that could seat three people. The second row buckets seats are optional, though. Just like most vehicles nowadays, the rear seats could be removed or folded down. By doing such, the cargo space is enhanced and enlarged to come up to 170 cubic feet.

    For the latest model of the Chevy Astro, the vehicle sports 16 inch wheels and tires. As for people looking from the outside, the Chevy Astro sports a sliding door in its passenger side. The power of this vehicle comes from its 4.3 liter V6 engine that can produce some 190 units of horsepower at 4400 rpm and 250 pound feet of torque. This engine uses a multi-port fuel injection and gets some help from a four speed automatic transmission system with overdrive. The Chevy Astro also comes available with either a rear wheel drive or all wheel drive. This vehicle also has been equipped with anti lock four wheel brakes that work greatly with a highly responsive Hydroboost hydraulic assist power brake booster as well as GMs Dynamic Rear Proportioning.

    This vehicle comes with features and options that include air conditioning, an all wheel drive, an AM/FM stereo, a cassette player, a CD player, rear audio controls, a digital clock, daytime running lamps with automatic exterior lamp control, driver and right front passenger frontal air bags, special cloth seating, a six way power driver seat, a HomeLink transmitter, an independent front suspension system, the LATCH system, a luggage rack, an overhead console with storage compartments, power door locks, power windows, power outside rearview mirrors, a rear Dutch door, a remote keyless entry system, a Vortec 4300 V6 engine, a cruise control system, and a tilt wheel steering column.


  • Chevrolet Astro Van: Made Especially For Cargo

    A passenger mini van, the 2005 Chevrolet Astro Cargo Van holds three doors. Yet, it only has a maximum passenger capacity of two people. The rest of the space is made essentially for cargo and packages. It has been constructed so as to be able to transport and delivery these to other locations. Aside from that, this vehicle also has been made available in two trim levels which comprise of the Rear Wheel Drive and the All Wheel Drive. 2005 is the last year of production and manufacturing for this vehicle.

    Upon introduction of this vehicle, the Rear Wheel Drive trim level has been made available equipped with a standard 4.3 liter V6 engine. It can actually produce some 190 units of horsepower engine. With that, it can achieve 16 mpg for city driving and some 21 mpg for highway travails. As per the All Wheel Drive trim level, this came equipped with a standard 4.3 liter V6 engine. It has the capacity and capability to produce some 190 units of horsepower that enables this vehicle to take up 15 mpg for city driving and 19 mpg on the highway. Made standard for both trim levels, the Chevrolet Astro Cargo Van has a four speed automatic transmission system with overdrive.

    Although the Chevrolet Astro Cargo Van may lack standard child seat tethers, side air bags, and traction control, people are still opting to own this for great advantages like the anti lock braking system, air conditioning, an alarm, an automatic transmission system, child safety locks, power windows and locks, and side impact door beams. Along with that, in its own category, the Chevrolet Astro Van actually has a good highway mileage as well as a base list price below average making this vehicle a good buy.

    The Chevrolet Astro Van has a 4.3 liter engine with six cylinders. It can actually produce some 190 units of horsepower. It has a wheelbase that measures 111.2 inches, an overall length of 189.8 inches, a weight of 5600 pounds, and a payload capacity of 1647. Aside from that it can tow up to a maximum of 2404 pounds.

    Shopping for Chevrolet accessories has become easier. That is because Auto Accessories Giant has come up with an online store that is available 24 hours a day. By visiting the online store, one can find out and discover why this stores collection of Chevrolet accessories is top notch. The store has accessories for various Chevrolet vehicles like the Astro Van, Avalanche, Aveo, Beretta, Blazer, Camaro, Caprice, Cavalier, Celebrity, Chevelle, Citation, Colorado, Commodore, Corsica, Corvette, El Camino, Equinox, Express Full Size Van, Impala, Lumina, LUV, Malibu, Metro, Monte Carlo, Monza, Nova, Pickup Full Size, Prizm, S10, Savannah, Spectrum, Sprint, Tahoe, Town and Country, Tracker, Trailblazer, Traverse, Van Full Size, and Venture among many others. At present, Auto Accessories Giant countrys largest supplier of discount priced high performance and heavy duty Chevrolet parts.


  • BMW M: Not Just Another Sports Car

    What is a sports car? There have already been quite a few personal definitions to what a sports car sounds to them. However, for most people, a sports car is a BMW.

    BMW now adds up yet another product to their still growing family of vehicles. And right now, the new addition is the 2006 BMW M. It is a roadster. And it just goes to show that BMW meant business for this car. Its past shows a colorful BMW tradition as well as an in-depth research before it was actually constructed. Just go through its stretched engine compartment, its long wheelbase, its short tail, and its two low set of seats that all in all provides a high powered and very passionate driving experience, and one would be able to picture that, indeed, BMW is yet on the road, again, to success.

    What are the features of the BMW M roadster? Well, for power, it has a front engine and a rear wheel drive system. Its engine is a DOHC in line engine with 24 valves. It is an iron block with an aluminum head. It can displace 192 cubic inches or some 3152 cc. It also has the capacity to produce some 240 bhp at 6000 rpm. Aside form that, it also has a five speed manual transmission. The suspension is provided in two options. The first is the independent front suspension. It has damper struts, lower control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. As per the other one, it is an independent rear suspension with dampers, semi-trailing arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bars.

    How large is the BMW M? It measures some 96.8 inches for its wheelbase. Its rear is 55.0 inches. It has a curb weight of 3084 pounds, plus a fuel capacity of 13.5 gallons. If you want to put in some cargo, you can always do so for it has a meager cargo capacity of 5.1 cubic feet.

    The steering of this roadster is a rack and pinion one with variable ratio and is variable power assisted. It has a turning circle of 34.1 feet. The brakes are vented discs for both the front and the rear. There is also the anti lock braking system. As per the wheels and tires of this vehicle, the BMW M comes equipped with 17 x 7.5 inches front and 17 x 9.0 inches rear cast aluminum wheels. There also are 225/45ZR-17 tires for the front and 245/40ZR-17 tires for the rear. These are both Michelin Pilot SX MXX3 tires.

    As BMW ventures into high and advanced technology as well as great performance in their sports cars and other upcoming vehicles, Auto Accessories Giant never stops delivering top of the line BMW replacement parts as part of its commitment to its loyal customers worldwide. Rallying behind BMWs philosophy of producing only the best in the industry, Auto Accessories Giant with its wide array of impressive BMW accessories gives it customers genuine quality BMW products at guaranteed low prices.


  • Volvo 960: The Volvo 760s Replacement

    Going back to the autumn of the year 1990, people would be able to recognize that it was during this time and season that the world came to know the Volvo 960. During that introduction for the vehicle, the Volvo 960 was introduced as a 1991 year model. It was also launched alongside the Volvo 940. It was marketed as the replacement for the then defunct Volvo 760. It lived for quite sometime. This vehicle was known as the Volvo S90 and the Volvo V90 for the last two years of its existence. And in the year 1998, production for this vehicle was entirely halted.

    These vehicles were actually built in Kalmar in Sweden. The very first Volvo 960 was actually completed and came out to the streets on the 12th of August in 1991. It was then packaged as a 1992 year model. Starting from 1995 up until a year before its last production, the Volvo 960s were built in another location. This time, it was in Goteborg, Sweden. It was in June 27th of 1994 that the very first one from this location came out to do some rolling on the streets.

    In the United States, the Volvo 960 parts were equipped with an electronically controlled Asin Warner automatic gearbox. As per those that were marketed in Europe, these came with 2.5 liter engines combined with a manual gearbox that was called as the M90. These vehicles were actually a range of rear wheel drive cars. They were crafted and specifically built so as to cater to the tastes, preferences, and appeal of the buyers from the United States. By doing such, the Volvo 960 was one of the cars that paved the way for Volvo to enter and expand its market in North America. This vehicle has been made available in two versions which comprised of the sedan which held four doors and the estate car which boasted of five doors.

    As for the Volvo 960s marketed in the United States, these actually got their power from an all new in line 6 cylinder block with double overhead camshafts. The engine was a DOHC unit. Each of the cylinders had four valves. It was an advanced engine during that time.


  • 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster: Meeting The Roadster Ethics

    It has a long bonnet, a much lower waistline, a rear wheel drive system, and two seats set close to the floor. And this is the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster. And it has been said that this vehicle follows the unwritten rules of the roadster ethic because of its characteristics. It has a front axle aluminum spring strut configuration with a precise rank and pinion steering. Just made specifically for the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster is the rear axle and this axle is very much able to withstand the forces that are applied by different things and factors that include the driver, the road, and the whole 368 pounds per foot of torque.

    It is no surprise that the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster still has the power and ability to set car lovers and aficionados hearts racing. Yes, the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster is exceptionally great and filled with passion. This vehicle sports two seats that is a tradition with BMW vehicles. It also contains an interior that is finely sculpted just like its exterior. It has eye-catching new touches that include the center console and steering wheel. Some parts have also been done in with finishes that are in the same color as its seat trim. The controls are mounted so as to provide an aesthetic finish. And BMW has once again done it. It has created the ultimate driving machine that is the modern yet interpretation of roadsters and has combined this with a beautiful combination of appeal, power, and performance.

    New features and specifications had been added to the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster. The list includes new tail lights with integrated light conductors and horizontal lines, a new rear design that gives off a wider, lower and more muscular look, sophisticated and top quality materials, additional choice of colors, and a more refined interior. Also, this new vehicle comes with a new folding roof that is extremely compact. The front and rigid section of the new roof moves down on top of the fabric roof like a cover. This then locks in position with the body of the car. It is very much easy to open and close with just one hand. And the heated rear window is made from scratch-proof mineral glass to make it scratch-free. However, if you do not like this new roof, you have the option of having instead the fully automatic and electrically operated roof. This is opened and closed with the use of a remote control.

    To know more about the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster and other vehicles, you can simply visit Auto Parts Discount. The site holds tons of information regarding the vehicle makes and car brands. Visitors and interested parties may also purchase BMW parts and accessories at the Auto Parts Discount site. Auto Parts Discount is one of the leading suppliers of BMW parts and accessories like crash parts, bumpers and air deflectors to name a few. It holds a wide collection of parts that are made from quality and durable materials. These parts have also gone through the required standards so as to meet the manufacturers criterion.


  • Ultimate Aero TT Breaks World Record

    The 2008 Ultimate Aero TT is the latest version by Shelby Super Cars (SSC). When the Ultimate Aero TT first made its debut many industry insiders felt that this vehicle would break the world speed record for production cars of 253.2 mph, set by the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. It wasn’t long before they were proven right. The Ultimate Aero TT reached an unprecedented speed of 256.15 mph, making this lightweight, aerodynamic vehicle officially the “World’s Fastest Production Car.”

    Achieving tremendous power via its twin turbo V-8 engine, it produces 1,183 horsepower and 1,094 ft.-lbs. of torque. The speedometer on the car goes up to 260, and in sixth gear at 7,200 rpm; the TT’s performance stats state that it exceeds 286 mph.
    The Ultimate Aero TT does zero to 60 mph in 2.78 seconds and a quarter mile in less than 10 seconds. It has a 422-pound V-8 engine with an aluminum block and heads. The four-wheel rocket redlines at 7,200 rpm, and the vehicle’s horsepower is an incredible 1,183 at 6,950 rpm. It is a rear-wheel drive with a mid-engine position. The lightweight body is made of carbon fiber, composites, and a steel space frame. It sets on Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, 19 by 9.5 inches in the front and 20 by 13 inches in the rear. The ride is controlled by unequal length upper and lower A-arms coil-over springs in the front and rear.

    This politically incorrect beast vehicle- with a four-inch ground clearance- has a refined side too. The interior is both clean and chic. Even the roll bar enhances the lines of the cabin by matching the car’s seats. There also is a high-end sound system and a DVD navigational system. It comes in 11 heavenly colors, including yellow, purple and plum.
    The Shelby name has been associated with classic, super-fast automobiles for decades. However, Carroll Shelby, the man who made the world think of cars instead of reptiles when referring to cobras or vipers, is not related whatsoever to Jarod Shelby, the owner of SSC and the designer of the Ultimate Aero TT. Maybe there is just something about that name?


  • A Luxurious Drive

    The 2006 Lincoln LS is only available in one trim only, and that is the V8 Sport. It is crafted under the Lincoln brand as a luxury sports sedan with four doors, and can accommodate a passenger capacity of five people maximum. It is equipped with the standard 3.9 liter V8 engine with 280 horsepower and this can achieve 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg while driving on the highway. Also standard is a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This vehicle is a freshened version for this year.

    During its first production, this was introduced as a midsize, rear wheel drive luxury car at entry-level. It has the Ford DEW98 platform that is also used by the Jaguar S-Type and the Ford Thunderbird. Its main competitors in the market include the BMW 3 series, the Lexus ES, the Mercedes Benz C-Class, the Acura TL, and the Cadillac CTS. This vehicle was first introduced in the early part of 1999 and this was the first Lincoln vehicle that offered a manual transmission. It was a definite attractive alternative to European and Japanese sports sedans. However, come 2006, the Lincoln LS model for this year had been moved from the entry-level luxury segment to the bottom of the mid-level luxury segment, thus having a change in competitors. This time, it had the Mercedes Benz E-class, the Cadillac STS, the BMW 5-Series, and the Lexus GS as its main competitors.

    Even if the Lincoln LS shares the very same platform that the Jaguar S-Type and the Ford Thunderbird is using, this vehicle still differs in its styling and equipment. This vehicle comes with a 280-hp V8 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability, ABS, traction control, and 17-inch wheels. What is also made standard are the front side airbags. It also features and has options like head-protecting curtain side airbags, an antiskid system, power-adjustable pedals, a rear-obstacle detection system, a navigation system, a THX sound system, an AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, an upgraded sound system, a power sunroof, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a tri-coat paint, metallic paint, chrome alloy wheels, and xenon head lamps. Rumors have it, though, that this year could be the last time that the Lincoln LS would be rolling off the manufacturing plants.

    As per its fuel economy, the Lincoln LS has averaged 17.7 to 19.0 mpg. Lincoln, thus recommends regular-grade fuel in this vehicle model. Although it is less composed than its European rivals, the Lincoln LS has a ride quality that is comfortable enough. Its expansion joints are fairly well-masked and hidden. It is also capable and balanced in aggressive cornering. Its steering and handling provides a good grip and steering feel. The brakes also have a moderate body lean and are strong. It is not really hushed up, however it could be quite enough for the only noise one could hear would be the low wind and minor tire roar on coarse pavements.

    Lincoln Parts and Car Parts online store contains a stock of high quality and well-crafted Lincoln LS parts and accessories.