The Fast Lane

Land Cruiser has been screaming its popularity for the past years of being in the car market and before Toyota revealed the fully redesigned 8th generation Land Cruiser, we already had a snippet of the new vehicle because of the automaker's Honduran division. And now, the Japanese car maker will officially reveal the new vehicle at the forthcoming Australian International Motor Show in October. 
             
What does the new land Cruiser offer? Well, Toyota decided to completely alter its design. The Land Cruiser comes out completely redesigned with looks closer to its younger brother, the Tundra. Land Cruiser wears a bolder front end with measurements reaching 60mm longer and 30mm wider compared to the current Land Cruiser. It was also given a larger dimension thus giving more rooms for eight passengers. There is also the addition of third row seats to comfortably accommodate more passengers.

The Australian International Motor Show will reveal a Land Cruiser that handles a turbodiesel V8 or maybe a gas V8 engine. The powertrain details of the new vehicle was not revealed yet although for the European version, the powertrain will be most likely 4.5 liter unit that is capable of producing 289 horsepower on 480 ft-lbs. of torque. The power source is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Australian version will be wearing either a turbodiesel V8 or gas V8 engine as well. Toyota also gave it a new 4.7L VVT-i V8 capable of running on 328 ft-lbs. of torque thus producing 288 horsepower - even more powerful than the European version. The new truck also comes out with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Land Cruiser will also go to the States after it will be revealed in Australia. Just like its sister SUV, the Lexus LX570 as well as the 5.7L V8 containing Tundra, this family will soon be available in the US car market.

When? We do not know yet but if Toyota updates the news, we will be glad to keep you posted.

 

Lewis Hamilton accused teammate Fernando Alonso of unfair driving during the Belgian GP. The 22-year-old Briton was upset the two-time world champion forced him off the track as they fought for third place at the beginning of the event.

"He has gone and swiped me and pushed me as wide as he could," said the Briton. "I was just really lucky there was a run-off area so I could take that." Asked if he thought the move was hard but fair, Hamilton has this to say: "I wouldn't say fair, but it was hard."

Hamilton effectively accused the Spaniard driver of double standards, saying the Spaniard is "always complaining about people doing unfair maneuvers.” He added: "We all had equal starts, perhaps a little bit better for me than for Fernando. I braked quite late and was on the outside quite close to the Ferraris. I started to accelerate and all of a sudden Fernando came sweeping across me, and he knew I was there."

Hamilton, who finished fourth at Spa, was able to continue his fight with his teammate on the run down to the 180mph Eau Rouge corner. "At Eau Rouge it's impossible to take two Formula One cars through there without taking each other out, so I just lifted," said Hamilton. "Eau Rouge is always going to be a tricky one. He had the momentum on me and was a bit quicker. It would probably have been stupid of me just to keep it flat, although I was very tempted. It worked in Formula Three in the wet but I don't think it would work in an F1 car."

The 26-year-old Spaniard said that he had been blocked by Felipe Massa's Ferrari. "I was blocked on the inside and I had no space," said Alonso. "The first corner is a bit more tricky as it is 180 degrees, so there are many possibilities for the racing line out of it. Lewis ran a little wide, so he took a little bit of an advantage, and we arrived wheel to wheel into turns three and four. I was lucky to be on the inside to keep the position there."

McLaren team boss Ron Dennis said that he was "pretty relaxed" about the incident. "They were just pushing hard on each other," he said. "I don't have a position on fairness. They were just pushing hard and they are fighting for the world championship. They didn't touch. They didn't fall off at the end of the day."

Hamilton also questioned Alonso's loyalty to the Woking team. As reported by BBC Sport, the Spaniard did not attend the 'spygate' hearing in Paris, where McLaren was fined a £50M fine and stripped of its constructor points for this season.

"It's been a tough week, for sure a lot tougher week for me than for Fernando because... I won't say any more," he said. "I feel more attached to the team, I guess, and I care a bit more."

 

Australia has its first-ever paid driver in a World Rally Championship after Chris Atkinson was signed with Subaru WRT for a 2-year-contract to end in 2009. The Japanese automaker has announced the good news last Friday.

"It's great news, and I'm very much looking forward to continuing my relationship with Subaru," Atkinson told The Sydney Morning Herald. "Even though the last couple of seasons haven't always been easy, I think our recent results show we've turned a corner now with the performance of the car, and I'm confident we'll see improved form as we go forward."

The 27-year-old Aussie has been with the British-based team since 2005 and started 42 rallies with them. Seventh in the current standings with 25 points, his best result was third in Japan in 2005, reported Reuters. This year, he has finished fourth on 3 WRC rallies and has set 12 fastest stage times.

"Over the last 12 months he has shown excellent pace on many occasions and is now backing this up by producing strong results," said team managing director Richard Taylor in a statement. "Chris's driving has clearly moved up a level in recent events and we expect to see him on the podium before the end of this season. I look forward to Subaru giving him his first WRC victory in the not-too-distant future."

The announcement that Chris will be contracted to SWRT for a rumored $1.5 million per year, says a lot about the Queenslander and his backers who have had so much faith in him over the previous two seasons, wrote Rally Sport Magazine. It recognizes that Subaru have sufficient faith in him and his abilities as well to again find a spot for him in the team beside the team’s lead driver, Petter Solberg.

Atkinson, whose current teammate is Norway's former World Champion, said that he was delighted to be staying. "Even though the last couple of seasons haven't always been easy, I think our recent results show we've turned a corner now with the performance of the car, and I'm confident we'll see improved form as we go forward," he said.

Atkinson’s experience with rallying wasn’t that easy. In fact, it was pretty tough. In the past couple of years, his struggle has become more and more difficult especially when driving a difficult to maneuver car. Eventually, he has proven that an Aussie can drive as quickly as anybody else.

With a remarkable car equipped with state-of-the-art auto parts such as the Subaru ignition coil, engines, brakes, radiator, and the like plus the exceptional prowess of the one driving it, make the combination truly rewarding.

For a young Aussie who is into rallying for just a short period of time to see himself now racing alongside the best rally drivers around the globe is nothing less than an answered prayer. It’s good news for Atkinson and his followers. It is also a victory that is well deserved. Cheers!

 

Volkswagen will be dealing with a brand new challenge – this time around, the team will be conquering sand, not tarmac…

On Thursday, Christian Abt the DTM racer and the Volkswagen factory driver Giniel de Villiers swapped cars – an Audi A4 DTM for a Volkswagen Race Touareg. As such, he is bound to face a different challenge in a new territory.

After a few laps on off-road terrain Abt enthused: “The Race Touareg impressed me. A great foretaste,” said the enthused Abt who will conquer a sand territory this month. The Bavarian Audi factory driver will accompany the VW team for tests in Tunisia. Such is a gift from the company’s Motorsport Director Kris Nissen for his 40th birthday.

Also, Giniel de Villiers savors the drive in the Audi. “It’s fun to sit in a touring car again for a change – especially if it’s a fast one like the Audi A4 DTM,” commented the South African who is also driving Audi’s DTM racing taxi this upcoming race.

How close is VW to its goal? Paddock Talk has this to share:
 
Desert pros in the Eifel: Annie Seel and Mark Miller in the Polo Cup

"That’s a completely different world,” said the bewildered rally princess Annie Seel after her first laps in the Racing Polo. Normally, the petite Swede contests desert rallies on two wheels, and she has brought along a massive KTM-Enduro with her to the Eifel region.

VW factory driver Mark Miller was extremely impressed with the "talent school” as well. "The Polo Cup demands utmost precision at the wheel. A very good training ground for young talent – and a great diversion for rally drivers like myself,” said Miller.

Success story: historic Formula 3 racers in the paddock

Seven championship wins in Germany, 55 international titles: Volkswagen has a long and successful history in Formula 3. On the occasion of its comeback to the most important racing category for young drivers the manufacturer from Wolfsburg is showcasing two historic "monoposti” at the Nürburgring paddock: for one, an Ralt RT30-Volkswagen in which Kris Nissen – today Volkswagen Motorsport Director – won the German Formula 3 Championship in 1986. For the other, an Ralt RT30, in which Joachim Winkelhock, German Formula 3 Champion with Volkswagen in 1988, was fighting for points in his younger years.

Volkswagen with complete motorsport lineup at the Nürburgring

VW is showing its complete motorsport lineup in the Eifel. Aside from the races of the Formula 3 Euro Series – in which the Wolfsburg-based automaker is making its comeback – and the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup, the other racing projects are represented at the Nürburgring as well. According to the Paddock Talk, the Golf GTI, which clinched class victory and the spectacular eighth place overall in the 24h-race in June, and the Race Touareg, which will be fielded by Volkswagen in January in the 2008 Dakar Rally, are on display.

To the German team, you have established a niche in the race and still have a long way to go!

 

The Platinum Research Organization or PRO, the world’s leader in original and high additives for coatings and lubricants, has just signed its first ever global distribution agreement for TechroBond™! PRO presents their innovative product, the ground-breaking additive that improves the performance of coatings and lubricants. This new product of theirs will be introduced to the world! R.T. Vanderbilt Company, Inc. of Norwalk, CT is called upon the agreement to promote TechroBond™ products worldwide as a gainful, performance-improving anti-wear and extreme pressure (EP) additives for lubricating greases for automobiles.

From the press release I’ve read from autochannel.com, John T. (Cork) Jaeger Jr., the president and CEO of PRO, stated, "The use of TechroBond in industrial greases addresses an acute need in the marketplace, since costs of traditional anti-wear and EP additives have risen in recent years. TechroBond products are much more cost-effective and exceed the anti-wear and EP protection of the traditional grease additives."

"This strategic relationship with R.T. Vanderbilt Company is very important to PRO, because it means we will be able to bring the benefits of TechroBond to the grease market much faster, and it allows us to begin generating revenues sooner. For other aspects of our business, such as manufacturing and regulatory registrations, we have acted independently, but the many advantages that will come of this relationship with Vanderbilt made this decision an easy one. Vanderbilt agreement is just one example of a number of commercial initiatives we have been developing for a significant amount of time. Vanderbilt's focused and significant worldwide sales and distribution channels to the grease market mean we will not have to invest the funds and time to develop our own channels. For these reasons, this agreement grants Vanderbilt exclusive worldwide distribution rights for TechroBond in the grease market," Jaeger added.

Steven Donnelly, the global business manager of Vanderbilt's Petroleum Department, also said, "R.T. Vanderbilt Company spent considerable time and effort evaluating TechroBond and we are sure that it will significantly strengthen the competitiveness of our additive packages for lubricating greases. TechroBond gives us a better anti-wear product, which will help us achieve our department's growth goals. As a result, we are very excited that we are able to add TechroBond to our lineup. Our two companies are already working together and we look forward to adding other new products as they are developed."

TechroBond additives can help catalytic converters to have a longer life by means of decreasing damaging emissions. The TechroBond amplifies the anti-wear performance of lubricating greases while dropping their rate. On the other hand, TechroBond coatings and paints are likely to substitute environmentally hazardous materials with alternative safe components.

Okay, the Toyota Motor Corporation may be selling all their spare car parts like a body kit, brake pad and brake rotor in more affordable prices but that does not make their car models cheaper. The quality embossed on their car models are with excellence but it doesn’t mean the parts they are making are questionable. For many years, the Toyota Motor Corporation has been regarded as the best producer of the Prius but despite the popularity and the vehicle’s real time fuel efficiency, Toyota did not increase its price. It remains to be the most famous hybrid car of all time.

Saturn is also regarded as the most affordable maker of hybrid car in the market. But just recently, the Toyota Prius cut off some dollars on its 2008 model price. The standard version of the new outgoing 2008 Toyota Prius is only $20,950. The Prius Touring model also starts with a price tag of $23,220 with a destination charge of $660.

The Saturn Aura is not as famous as the Toyota Prius but it was regarded as the cheapest hybrid car on the market with a price of $22,045 earlier this 2007. This month, the Toyota Prius will be seen in dealership showrooms. Only a few trimmings were added so the total looks were not changed. Toyota also promised to bring li-ion battery packs to the 2008 Prius but because of its safety and security trouble, the Japanese car makers did not place it on the new car. This is perhaps one of the reasons why they minimized the price of the new version of Prius.

Hey guys, move out! This is the fast lane and we better make way for this fast vehicle before we end up eating dust and mud! I won’t share something like the Subaru CV boot or whatever cool auto parts. I’m here to share something beyond a car addict’s craving! And one thing’s for sure, this vehicle that we are going to discuss is one of the biggest surprises ever to hit the automotive world. So sit back, relax and enjoy as I show you the best of the Pontiac Solstice!

The Pontiac Solstice starred in the movie Transformers which is the highest ranked blockbuster movie this season. The Solstice was the car-alternate of Jazz, an Autobot. He was Optimus' second-in-command - he is a small but he is an agile and acrobatic fighter. He is geared with magnetic hands as well! But the sad part is, he died in the movie!

Anyway, so much of that awesome movie, let’s try to get to know the real Jazz - I mean the real Pontiac Solstice. Let’s get to know this ride… deeply!

If you get to hold this awesome convertible inside, it’ll make you feel super relaxed and comfortable just like a celebrity! And to tell you, convenience needs no fame or stardom! In your own little way, with the help of the Solstice, you’ll be an instant star! Standard interior features include air bags in driver and right front passenger with passenger sensing system, air conditioning, single-zone, audio system, AM/FM stereo with CD player, includes seek-and-scan and digital clock and auxiliary input jack for MP3 players, AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback that includes auxiliary input jack, Monsoon premium 7-speaker system with 2 - 6" door speakers, 2 - 1" A-pillar tweeters, 2 - 3.5" rear speakers and 1 subwoofer, XM Radio with a wide variety of programming, XM has something to electrify any driver. A Cruise control electronic with set and resume speed and a whole lot more features can be found here! When I say a lot, it’s more plenty than you can imagine! Now, can you feel the Solstice effect already?

You can either choose between the two available engines: the 2.4L Ecotec® DOHC VVT with Electronic Throttle Control or the 2.0L Turbo Ecotec® DOHC VVT SIDI. But rest assured that both of these two power engines are radically extreme!

Now let’s get down to some of its safety features:

• OnStar AccidentAssist,: get step-by-step guidance about what to do in the event of an accident OnStar Advanced Automatic Crash Notification: an Advisor can call for help if the vehicle is involved in frontal-, rear-, or side-impact crashes in any case of air bag deployment
• OnStar Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment: if your air bags deploy, we can contact you to ask if you need assistance
• OnStar Emergency Services: if you ever need help, OnStar is your link to emergency services
• OnStar Remote Door Unlock: an Advisor can send a signal to unlock your doors in most cases.

I’ve been dreaming about driving a solar car or just simply have a glimpse at it because my whole life, I’ve never seen one! I wonder if it has the same muffler as my Bug’s . Anyway, whatever parts they install to a solar car, I’m still fascinated about these solar-powered vehicles!

Speaking of solar cars, have you witnessed a solar car race? Too bad, Texas high school students are the only one who can enjoy the annual Dell-Winston School Solar Car Challenge. It’ll be a very long race! You know why? Because contestants can only conclude the race if they can overcome the 2,020 miles of the toughest roads and terrains in eight states namely Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the finish line in Newburgh, New York. The race will last for nine long days. Nine tough days of pressure and excitement!

Definitely a history in the making! 9 teams joined the 12th Annual Dell School Solar Car Challenge. Contestants have prepared for this event since last year. The students made use of the best materials and best solar panels that would give power to their creations. 

"The Dell-Winston School Solar Car Challenge helps students become more aware of the environment and the world around them," said George Gray, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's assistant administrator for research and development. "EPA supports Dell's commitment to the environment and their efforts to help students innovate. Groundbreaking ideas generated by innovative minds pay enormous dividends which include growing our economy, reducing pollution, increasing energy efficiency and improving the lives of future generations."

The Dell-Winston School Solar Car Challenge is one of the thousand successful programs Dell has been supporting for over the years as part of its large commitment to environmental leadership which includes worldwide free recycling of used Dell gears; “Plant a Tree for Me” to help customers balance carbon emissions from their computers; and the recently launched long-term efforts to partner with clients to become the greenest technology company on Earth and to diminish the carbon amount of its global operations by 15 percent come the year 2012.

“This race gives young thinkers the opportunity to understand first hand the power of being part of the Re-Generation, this global community of people of all ages who want to improve and sustain the earth we share,” said Karen Bruett, Dell’s director of K-12 business development. “United by a commitment to their education and the planet and armed with 21st Century skills like teamwork, problem solving, math and science, these students hold the keys to the future.”

To get Dell news direct, visit www.dell.com/RSS!

The General Motors Corporation announced on Monday that they have agreed to buy the 50% stake of the Italian engine maker VM Motori S.p.A. from Penske Corporation. A spokesman from GM said that the deal will not have an effect on their operations in their Tonawanda engine plant.

The company announced that the engine plant will start producing 4.5L turbocharged diesel engines in 2009 for the out going light duty pickup trucks as well as for the Hummer H2. Other GM production plants will continue to operate making car parts like air filters and other parts.

The collaboration between GM and the VM Motori with connections to Isuzu Motors will be a great pact. GM’s expertise when it comes to engine making will be matched with a great partnership with VM Motori to make more performance engine parts.

Last week, GM had confirmed that the engine which will be made together with the new Italian engine maker will be installed on both Cadillac and Saturn cars. Other cars which will be made in 2010 will also receive these engines. The domestic car manufacturer will use the V6 2.9L engine made by the Italian VM Motori to its Saturn Aura and Cadillac CTS.

Worldwide, VM Motori has a positive reputation on building quality engine parts with noticeable high performance engine parts with a variety of uses which also includes being mounted in light commercial vehicles.

 

On television, they drive Benzes and Maseratis but their real rides are not that glamorous…

Celebrities and the roles they play may demand six-figure Maseratis and Mercedes-Benzes, but many of the actors on HBO’s hit series "Entourage" go for the unexciting Toyota Prius while others yearn for vintage cars.

Kevin Dillon, who plays endearing tough-guy Johnny Drama, digs '60s muscle cars, just like his character would. "Entourage" producer Mark Wahlberg has an alternative-fuel idea that the Cadillac might consider for its Escalade SUV.

MSNBC has caught up with the cast of HBO’s "Entourage" and other celebs at the series’ season four premiere and after-party in Manhattan. Here are their responses to questions about what they drive, what their first car was and what wheels they hope to get someday.

Kevin Dillon
Johnny Drama on "Entourage"
Q: What was the first car you ever owned?
A: The first car I ever owned was an Audi Fox, and then I had a '67 Firebird. I destroyed the Fox. The '67 Firebird, someone jumped out in front of me on Friday the 13th and smashed through the side of it. But that was a great car, convertible. So Friday the 13th still scares me to this day.

Q: That's your dream car?
A: No, my dream car was actually like a ‘Vetter, like a Stingray, like a '67 ‘Vette. Someday.

Mark Wahlberg
Executive producer of "Entourage"
Q: What was your first car?
A: A Volkswagen Bug was the first car I'd ever bought, but the first legal car I ever had was a '75 Cutlass Supreme. I sold it. I smashed it and sold it.

Q: What is your dream car?
A: An electric Cadillac Escalade. Hopefully, Cadillac will be working on that. If we had listened to Jimmy Carter, we'd have some great electric cars right now.

Jeremy Piven
Ari Gold on "Entourage" was fascinated with the Mustang parts.
Q: What was your first car?
A: The first car I ever owned was a '65 Mustang, and my friend unfortunately had it taken away from the city while I was in London studying in college because there were too many parking tickets. When I got home it was gone and they sold it. I've been trying to get that '65 back my whole life.

Q: What's your dream car?
A: I really like vintage cars, to be honest with you. I like a lot of the vintage Jaguars. They're kind of amazing.

Adrian Grenier
Vincent Chase on "Entourage"
Q: What was your first car?
A: My first car was a Prius.

Hayden Panettiere
Claire Bennet on the television show "Heroes"
Q: Do you have a car that you own right now?
A: Yes, I'm selling it. So if anyone wants to buy it, it's a Porsche Cayenne S. It's a Merlot color, black leather interior, navigation system; it's got the wooden steering wheel and panel. But I want a Prius.

[Via: MSNBC]

 (More)

The Nissan Motor Corporation will present eleven scholarships for its 2007 Nissan-NPO Learning Scholarship Program last July 11, 2007 as a part of the Nissan Awards 2007. Eleven more scholars will be given the chance to learn and experience various educational programs prepared by the Nissan-NPO Learning Scholarship Program. The ceremony took place at Nissans Ginza headquarters for the eleven new lucky beneficiaries and for last year’s awardees as well.

The ground-breaking program intends to nurture gifted young individual who have the passion and the desire to help the society in any way and also those who have the dedication to help out the welfare of the community. Through this program from Nissan, which is being presented annually, it offers scholarships to young individuals who seek the knowledge of working in a non-profitable organization (NPO) right after they complete their NPO internship. The 10-year successful program was first launched in 1998. It was Nissan’s joint venture with non-profit organizations which led to representation of Nissan's commitment to support education, as one of the three main concern areas under its corporate citizenship program.

The outline of the 2007 scholarship program is as follows:

Outline of the 2007 Nissan-NPO Learning Scholarship Program

1. Supporting organizations Sponsor: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Partner: Japan NPO Center
2. Participants 11 students currently enrolled in a university or a graduate school
3. Host organizations 9 NPOs
Children's Fund of Kanagawa, The Foundation for Child Well-being (National Children's Castle), Shapla Neer Citizens' Committee in Japan for Overseas Support, Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA), Japan NPO Center, Ecosystem Conservation Society-Japan, The Association of National Trusts in Japan, Kanagawa Information Center for Citizens' Activities (Alice Center), World Vision Japan
4. Application period April 25-May 31, 2007
5. Program duration July 2007-February 2008 (Duration may differ according to the particular NPO)
6. Further information about the Nissan-NPO Learning Scholarship Program can be learned from its official website: http://www.nissan-global.com/JP/CITIZENSHIP/NPO/index.html

 

What else excites us most aside from the lead characters or the story in a film? What else - it’s definitely the cars! Our jaws drop every time there’s a car being featured in a movie with its perfect auto body styling and features.

Don’t switch on your BMW turn signal yet because I’m going to give you the top ten best movie cars of the year courtesy of Cars.com! The survey is being conducted every year and is distributed to various respondents. And here’s the result for this year's research! 

The Top 10 Movie Cars Chosen by Cars.com courtesy of the number one automotive source, www.autochannel.com: 

No. 10: 2003 Mini Cooper S, "The Italian Job"
2006 rank: 10
Drivetrain: 163-horsepower, supercharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive
Notable Features: 200 pounds lighter than stock Cooper S; painted red, white or blue

No. 9: 1959 Cadillac Ambulance, "Ghostbusters"
2006 rank: 7
Drivetrain: 325-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 with two-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
Notable Features: Tailfins, flashing lights, sirens, attached ladder

No. 8: 1974 Dodge Monaco, "The Blues Brothers"
2006 rank: 3
Drivetrain: 275-hp, 7.1-liter V-8 with three-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
Notable Features: Cop motor, cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks

No. 7: 1932 Ford coupe, "American Graffiti"
2006 rank: New for 2007
Drivetrain: 60-hp, 3.6-liter V-8 with three-speed manual transmission
Notable Features: Bright yellow paint job bound to be noticed by bored teens in Modesto, Calif.

No. 6: 1976 AMC Pacer, "Wayne's World"
2006 rank: New for 2007
Drivetrain: 100-hp inline-six with three-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
Notable Features: Flame decal, licorice dispenser, "Bohemian Rhapsody" on continuous playback

No. 5: 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390, "Bullitt"
2006 rank: 6
Drivetrain: 325-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 with four-speed manual transmission; rear-wheel drive
Notable Features: Fastback roof, higher engine note than the Charger

No. 4: 1964 Aston Martin DB5, "Goldfinger"
2006 rank: 4
Drivetrain: 282-hp, 4.0-liter six-cylinder with four-speed manual transmission; rear-wheel drive
Notable Features: Bulletproof glass, machine guns, incessantly beeping radar screen

No. 3: 1961 Ferrari 250 GT, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
2006 rank: 2
Drivetrain: 280-hp, 3.0-liter V-12 with four-speed manual transmission; rear-wheel drive
Notable Features: Cherry-red exterior, wire grille, Cameron-sized tonneau compartment

No. 2: 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, "Smokey and the Bandit"
2006 rank: New for 2007
Drivetrain: 200-hp, 6.6-liter V-8 with three-speed automatic
Notable Features: T-top, CB radio, runaway bride in the passenger seat

No. 1: 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, "Back to the Future"
2006 rank: 1

Drivetrain: 1.21-gigawatt nuclear/electric hybrid with five-speed manual transmission; rear-wheel drive
Notable Features: Gull-wing doors, 16-port twin exhaust boxes, flux capacitor

Listen up car fans because NADAguides.com, the top vehicle pricing and information website, has announced the sum of online visitors to the site’s New Car Section. The number of visitors has increased by 112% in the span of its first six months compared to the early part of last year using the same timeframe. Pick-ups, sedans, SUVs are the most visited and most favorite categories from the New Car page.

The 2007 Nissan Altima, 2007 Toyota Prius and the 2007 Toyota Camry are the most popularly visited and researched latest sedans among all the categories’. On the other hand, the most researched New Trucks are the 2007 Toyota Tacoma, the 2007 Ford F-150 and the 2007 Toyota Tundra. In the SUV category, the cars we expect to top the most popular and most researched SUV were undeniably outstanding. These SUVs are the 2007 Honda CR-V, the 2007 Toyota RAV4 and the 2007 Saturn VUE. These vehicles are mainly the center of attention for all online visitors than any vehicles around.

"For 74 years, N.A.D.A. has been widely known for its Used Car pricing information," said Don Christy, Jr., the president and CEO, NADAguides.com. "Our reports prove that car buyers embrace NADAguides.com as a New Car information source too. Not only is the New Car area of our website increasing in popularity, it has seen the largest percentage of growth during the first six months of this year."

"Even though Used Car traffic to NADAguides.com was very strong from January to June of this year, the total number of Used Car visitors did not experience the same growth as New Car visitors," said Christy. "It's obvious car buyers are increasingly turning to NADAguides.com for New Car pricing and specification information."

Most Commonly Compared Sedans:
The 2007 Toyota Camry was most commonly compared to the:

• 2007 Nissan Altima
• 2007 Toyota Avalon
• 2007 Hyundai Sonata

The 2007 Nissan Altima was most commonly compared to the:

• 2007 Toyota Camry
• 2007 Honda Accord
• 2007 Honda Civic

The 2007 Toyota Prius was commonly compared to the:

• Honda Civic Hybrid
• 2007 Lexus ES350
• Toyota Camry Hybrid

Most Commonly Compared Pick-up Trucks
The 2007 Toyota Tacoma was most commonly compared to the:

• Honda Ridgeline
• Toyota Tacoma (different trim levels)
• 2007 Ford F-150

The 2007 Ford F-150 was most commonly compared to the:

• 2007 Toyota Tacoma
• 2007 Honda Ridgeline
• 2007 Chevy Silverado

The 2007 Toyota Tundra was most commonly compared to the:

• 2007 Ford F-150
• Nissan Titan
• 2007 Toyota Tundra

Most Commonly Compared SUVs
The 2007 Honda CR-V was most commonly compared to the:

• Toyota RAV4
• 2007 Honda CR-V (different trim levels)
• Lexus RX350

The 2007 Toyota RAV4 was most commonly compared to the:

• 2007 Honda CR-V
• 2007 Lexus RX350
• 2007 Toyota RAV4 (different trim levels)

The 2007 Saturn VUE was most commonly compared to the:

• 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid
• 2007 Toyota Prius
• 2007 Toyota Camry

The word appealing is greatly defined by the 2008 Ford Edge! There’s no doubt about it because J.D Powers and Associates crowned the Edge as the most outstanding and top performing vehicle today when the vehicle topped the 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study (APEAL). The Edge got the highest scores thus outperforming the competition with 68 index points. The results came in after a thorough evaluation of brand new vehicles done by J.D Powers and Associates.

The Ford Mustang was also recognized by customers who joined the recent APEAL study. It was named as the highest ranked vehicle in the Midsize Sporty Car sector for its second straight year. The Mustang has received the APEAL awards for three consecutive years since it was awarded as the Sporty Car back in the year 2005!

“This is more good news and further affirmation that we’re delivering more products people really want – especially when you consider the newest vehicles in our lineup,” said Mark Fields, the president, The Americas, Ford Motor Company.

“Last year, Fusion topped its segment in the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study. This year, fresh on the heels of Ford receiving top honors in five vehicle segments in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), Ford receives more strong quality feedback from customers who made Edge the industry standout and a top performer in the fastest-growing and most competitive segment in the industry,” he added.

Three other Ford Motor Company vehicles ranked second or third in their segments: the Ford Explorer Sport Trac in 2nd; the Lincoln Navigator in 3rd; and the Mazda CX7 in 2nd also. Since last year’s APEAL study, most Ford Motor Company brands enhanced or preserved their splendid performance.

“It’s gratifying to have two strong Ford nameplates – Edge and Mustang – leading the pack on consumer appeal,” Fields said. “While we’ll celebrate this achievement with our employees, we know that the quality race never ends. We’re going to continue working harder to provide people even more reasons to consider driving Ford vehicles again.”

“The lineup is growing stronger, and the Ford team’s efforts are paying off,” Fields commented. “We’re working to deliver our plan, and creating quality cars, trucks and crossovers for our customers is a key part of it.”

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