The 2007 Dodge Magnum SRT8 Everything That A Wagon Should Be

The 2007 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is one sinister looking wagon and it?s not just about the color. Wagons may not be the first choice by most when it comes to a cool conveyance but if utility is high on the priority list then there are always SUVs, vans and wagons.

Wagons provide as much cargo room without sacrificing a car?s typically better ride, handling, braking, and acceleration. The Dodge Magnum SRT8 is like a Charger with a really big trunk which makes this wagon a match to SUVs and vans when it comes to loading cargoes.

These LX cars have proven quite a success for Chrysler and it?s because of some very good reasons. It?s based on the E-Class Mercedes platform, offer rear-drive, full-size comfort in a more refined package than what most American car buyers are used to. The price is also remarkable since it?s very affordable.

The Hemi versions in particular offer a lot of features plus extras for the buck. But with the additional of the SRT badge, expect to get things a little more devilish.

The Drivetrain When it comes to vehicles it?s always about the engine. Instead of the 5.7 liter Hemi, the SRT will have a smokin? 6.1 liter version with an additional 80 hp. The Street and Racing technology engineers worked with their black magic and created the classic Hemi orange block and black valve cover paint to remind customers of the powerful heritage of the SRT.

The hemispherical combustion chambers were viewed as the source of dominant power in the past. And that is also one of the reasons why the Hemi ?Cuda convertibles can cost over $2 million at auction today. The ?Street hemi? of the 60s and 70s produced 425 horsepower from its 426 cubic inches of displacement. The present Hemi gets a similar output from less than 90 percent of that displacement.

The SRT team begins with a run-of-the-mill 5.7 then bores the cylinders by 3.5 mm, increases the compression ratio from 9.6:1 to 10.3:1, redesigns the cylinder heads, exhaust and intake systems for increased flow and hit the redline from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm. There was nothing more left with the standard 5.7 once the SRT team gets through with it?valves, cams, rods, manifolds, rods, crank, oil pan, pistons?you name it they?ve changed it all?.Every single part. The block is also given more reinforcement and the result is a seemingly endless grunt whenever you have a need for it.

The output is also rated at 425 bhp @ 6000 rpm and 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm. This power is routed through the A580 five-speed AutoStick that may prove to be a little reluctant to downshift on its own. Upshifts are smooth and may prove to be unremarkable but once under full throttle they seem a bit abrupt. The transmission may not be the smoothest in the world but it enough for most accomplished drivers.

A tap to the right or left once in drive mode will enable drivers to hold a gear which will be displayed on the dash. And the best thing about automatic is that it makes burnouts as simple as pressing both pedals for a second or two before letting the brakes out. Never forget to disengage the ESP traction control unless you want to change tires already.

The Suspension Since the Dodge Magnum SRT8 is a large vehicle weighing 4,260 lbs it is best to start with the brakes. The SRT despite its size is capable of decelerating from 70 to 0 mph in approximately 170 feet. It can also do the quarter-mile in the mid 13s and can also do 0 to 100 to 0 mph in the mid 16-second range. That?s one serious stopping power courtesy of the 14.2 inch front and 13.8 inch rear vented Brembos.

These Brembos are strong and easily modulated even when it means reducing a triple-digit velocity by half in one emergency maneuver. It just did what it is asked to do without any problem. The brakes that reside within the large, 20-inch polished 5 spokes, wrapped in 245/45 Goodyear F1 summer tires provide excellent gripping performance.

The SRT?s special shocks, modified spring rates, different bushings, plus the big anti-sway bars create a huge change to the handling. The vehicles height is also lowered by just one-half inch but it feels like it?s lowered by a lot more. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has also been reprogrammed to provide a slightly more antisocial behavior before cutting in. The riding comfort that one gets from the SRT8 will make you wonder why all suspensions are not tuned in a similar manner.

The Exterior The exterior appeal of the Magnum SRT8 is charming and compelling. No other wagon has been as successful as the Magnum SRT8 has been able to stir the soul so thoroughly. The Dodge Ram crosshair grille, tapering roofline, and raised beltline exudes power and muscle. The Dodge Magnum SRT8 is available in Brilliant Black, Bright Silver or Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat.

Chrysler?s Eagle The Dodge Magnum SRT8 is not the first powerful vehicle that Chrysler has developed. The Eagle Talon which was one of the three model names given to a passenger car manufactured and sold by the then Chrysler Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors of Japan in a joint venture known as the Diamond Star Motor, between 1990 and 1998.

The Talon was then sold under the Eagle brand developed by Chrysler to compete with Japanese imports in the late 1980s. The other siblings of the Talon were the Eclipse which was sold by Mitsubishi and the Laser which was sold by Plymouth another Chrysler brand. Both Plymouth and Eagle has been discontinued but despite this fact the production of Eagle parts like the Eagle exhaust continues. The Eagle exhaust is renowned for performance and power.

The Eagle Talon together with the Eclipse and the Laser were built on the same platform at the DSM manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois. The three vehicles were mechanically identical including engine, transmission, and drivetrain. In terms of exterior features the three cars only differ in wheels, tail lights, availability of colors, front and rear bumpers, and spoilers.

And speaking of colors the Eagle Talon has a two-tone body color, which is called the ?greenhouse?. Starting from its roof, pillars, door-mounted mirrors the color was always black regardless of the body color.

The other basic characteristics of the Eagle Talon include:
?Two doors
?Hatchback
?2+2 seating (2 front seats and 2 marginal, fold down rear seats)
?4 option levels (starting from lowest to highest): DL, ES, TSI, and TSi AWD
?Front-wheel drive (FWD) for all option levels except for the top option level which had all-wheel drive (AWD)
?5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions
?Two-tone color combination
?Hood bulge on the left-hand side of the car that provides it with adequate clearance for the camshaft sprockets/timing belt cover on the 4G63engine

One outstanding thing about the Talon is its success compared to the Eagle nameplate which was a huge flop for Chrysler. While the Eagle failed to gain any market share from Pontiac which was its main rival, the Talon on the other hand was a stellar success and the only Eagle model that was profitable. The Talon has received lots of awards and sold over 100,000 units in its lifetime and created a cult of followers.

For more about your Eagle exhaust, visit your trusted online source.

Jerick Brooks is a BS Computer Science graduate at Columbus State University. He has passion for anything car-related especially car racing. He loves writing and currently works as an IT consultant in a company based in Atlanta.

SEAT at Techno Classica Essen

SEAT, Volkswagen Group's Spanish automotive brand has showcased some of their most popular and classical vehicle models at the concurrent Techno Classica Essen in Germany.

Techno Classica Essen is one of the largest classic automotive shows in the world for veteran cars, vintage cars, and classic cars from different automakers. Moreover, also included in the Techno Classica are auto parts and accessories show, forum for manufacturers and clubs, and market for tools, clothing, model cars and others. Last year, more than 150,000 visitors from more than 30 countries participated in the show that took place at Essen, Germany. Over 1,000 exhibitors comprised of 15 domestic and international manufacturers have presented their products at the 110,000 square meters, 17 halls of exhibition space.

For the third time, SEAT has participated in the 19th edition of the Techno Classica Essen, presenting four of their most popular models including classic cars, concept, and production models. Leading the product lineup is the legendary SEAT 600, along with the SEAT 850 Sport Spider, which has dominated the European market in their time. In addition, SEAT has also showcased the Toledo Marathon and the SEAT Formula concept car at the show.

The SEAT 600, built from 1957 to 1973 is popular for initiating a massive production of vehicles in Spain that helped the country to recover economically after the Spanish Civil War. SEAT will display one of the last units of SEAT 600 produced in Barcelona in 1973. Another classic model, a 1969 SEAT 850 Sport Spider with a 903 cc engine that pumps out 52 horsepower is presented at the Techno Classica Essen. According to the Spanish automaker, the SEAT 850 Sport Spider made history as the first sporty convertible vehicle model sold in the Spanish market during the 60s 70s.

Meanwhile, the SEAT Toledo Marathon embodies the SEAT's ingenuity in building models that stand out for their popularity and great success in motor sports. The SEAT Toledo Marathon was built in 1992 by SEAT Sport and competed in some of the European and international off-road rally racing events and gave the Spanish automotive brand some great victories including the Greece Raid in 1993.

Last but definitely not the least is the spectacular SEAT Formula concept car. Unveiled in 1999, the 2-seater convertible concept car features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder 20 valve turbo engine capable of pumping out 240 horsepower, coupled with a 6-speed transmission with sequential gearbox taken from SEAT Cordoba World Rally Car. Performance is at 5 seconds acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph, reaching a top speed of 146 mph. The SEAT Formula is most probably equipped with VW strut mount. Unfortunately, the SEAT Formula concept has not yet put into production until now

For more about your VW parts needs like VW strut mount, visit your trusted online source.

Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.

Don't Risk Your Baby's Life Get The Right Car Safety Seat

Start looking at baby car seats well before your baby is born. You don't want to get caught out if your baby is born preterm. You'll need a baby car seat before you leave hospital.

Every year thousands of young children loose their lives or sustain serious injuries which could have been prevented if through the correct use of car seats and safety belts.

When choosing a baby car seat don't make your decision based on price alone, all seats available to purchase in the USA meet very strict safety standards but added features in higher price baby car seats may make them easier to use (thus avoiding fitting errors) or even safer than the cheaper options.

Always use a car safety seat that is the right size for your baby, infant or child. You will need to change your car safety seat as they grow.

The safest place for your baby / child to ride is in the back and you must never place your baby in a rear facing baby seat in the front of a vehicle with a passenger air bag.

For all car safety seats make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. Ensuring your baby's safety while traveling is an essential part of baby care and it is not something over which you should become complacent.

For newborn babies and babies up to around 15 months use a rear-facing car safety seat. You can get rear-facing seats that are convertible which means you can use them as front facing seats once your infant is big enough to travel forward facing safely. Rear-facing seats which are safe up to 22 pounds are suitable for babies up to 6-9 months and rear-facing seats which are safe up to 29 pounds are suitable for babies up to 12-15 months.

Once your infant has reached 12 months of age and weighs at least 20 pounds he can safely travel in a forward facing seat. If you have a convertible seat you can just switch to using it as a forward facing seat. Otherwise you can look at a built in, combination or forward facing seats which are usually suitable for infants up to 40 pounds (4 years).

Many states now have booster seat laws with children between 4 - 6 or 4 - 8 years (depending on the state) having to use booster seats by law.

There are many booster seats available with some suitable for infants weighing just 20 pounds (9 months) but are generally geared towards children from 4 years old ( 33 pounds or more) up to 11 years.

Booster cushions are suitable for children weighing 48 pounds or more (6 - 11 years of age).
About the Author

Visits my website to learn more about pregnancy, babies and baby care.

2007 Eos Convertible To Hit Showrooms This Spring

American shoppers will have the greatest spring surprise this year as Volkswagen?s new for 2007 Eos convertible hit showrooms.

The four-seat Eos is the lowest priced convertible from the producer of VW car axle, Volkswagen. It is the first German brand convertible with a hardtop rather than a fabric roof. Also integrated in the Eos? hardtop is a fully functional sunroof that enables Eos driver to see and feel the sun through the sunroof glass on a not-so-warm spring day.

The Eos comes standard with lots of safety equipment that includes electronic stability control, and rollover bars which are very useful in crash accidents when the car overturn with its top down. There are also side air bags that activate to provide protection for both head and thorax during side crashes.

The starting manufacturer?s suggested retail price, inclusive of destination charge, is $28,750 for a base, 2007 Eos with manual transmission and 200-horsepower, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine.

The other competitors of Eos including the 2007 Volvo C70 hardtop convertible is priced more expensively at $39,785 for a base model with 218 horsepower, turbocharged, five-cylinder engine and manual transmission. Its other competitor the 2007 Pontiac G6 hardtop convertible has a price of $29,330 with 224 horsepower V6 and automatic transmission.

The roof of the Eos has a steel structure that has five panels, including the glass sunroof, that separate and stack in a sophisticated manner by a simple push of a button on the center console. The whole process only takes 25 seconds and is operated by hydraulics. It is also quite amazing to watch as the trunk lid opens in clamshell fashion with the panels stack before it is lowered into the back of the car.

In terms of room the Eos offers 6.6 cubic feet of space in the trunk with the Eos roof down. When its top is up the Eos trunk can offer 0.5 cubic feet of space. However beware since Eos prices can get high really fast. Take for instance since there is no automatic transmission available for the base Eos buyers would need to move up to the Eos 2.0T with automatic that has a starting price of $31,825 and was used as the test car.

Plus if buyers would like for their Eos to have leather seats or satellite radio they have to choose an expensive option package that would entail for an additional cost amounting to $3,490. But in fairness to the test Eos 2.0T it has the styling and comfort that you will surely love. It is also sized just right---not too small or too big---just right for an easy parking and maneuvering.

The Eos tester?s turbocharged four-cylinder turns it into a peppy ride. It has a peak torque of 207 foot-pounds surges as low as 1,800 rpm and available through 5,000 rpm, according to Volkswagen.

For a smoother and effortless driving power buyers may consider purchasing the top engine for the Eos. It?s a 250-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 with 235 foot-pounds of torque starting at 2,500 rpm. The starting price for an Eos with V-6 is $37,610. Its fuel economy rating falls from the 23 miles per gallon for city driving and 31 mpg on the highway for the four-cylinder model to 22/29 mpg. These ratings are applicable for Eos models with automatic transmission.

For more about your VW parts needs like VW car axle, visit your trusted online source.

Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.

Audi A4: Bringing in More Power

It is the first convertible bearing four seats that Audi, the automobile manufacturer, has created long after the Audi Cabriolet. And this is the new 2006 Audi A4. This vehicle is a totally solid vehicle and a good companion. Audi has marketed this vehicle as the type of car that you would want to bring to different occasions and locations for it is elegant, smart, and will not embarrass you. The 2006 Audi A4 is only offered with a front wheel drive along with an automatic transmission. It is totally supreme for it has a restrained appearance unlike other vehicles on the road. This vehicle swamped the automobile market early last year, 2005.

The 2006 Audi A4 is good to use for it has the capacity to transport its driver and passengers through long distances yet still give them excellent comfort. The convertible's sports seats have a wide range of electrical position adjustments. Also, there is the option of utilizing leather upholstery, lumbar support and an adjustable thigh support. This vehicle is totally stylish and has a very sporty body. It holds a bumper that has large air inlets. Its xenon headlights have a titanium-colored surround behind the glass. And it also contains outside mirror housings that has been provided and sprayed over with an aluminum finish. Taking a view at the 2006 Audi A4's rear, one can find out the power exhaust tailpipes on both sides - this is quite typical for the Audi S models.

Far from being just a vehicle that has just been given a new skin, the 2006 Audi A4 convertible sports changes other than that. This vehicle now holds a substantially upgraded suspension. Under its hood lie two new direct-injection gasoline engines. Also, the engine has also gained some power. This vehicle now has the capacity to produce some 200 horsepower and around 207 pound feet of torque.

This 2006 Audi A4 also brags about a new steering wheel as well as a new navigation system although most critics have found that it is not that remarkable so it should not be something to brag about.

This convertible from Audi sports features like tinted glass, power outside mirrors that contain a defogger, an aluminum trim around its side windows, polycarbonate covers for its aerodynamic ellipsoid halogen projector headlights, heated windshield washer nozzles, fog lights for the front and the rear, an anti-lock brake system with vaccump ower assist, Sideguard? head protection airbags for front and rear occupants, dual-stage and dual-threshold airbag supplemental restraints with occupant sensors, front and rear passenger safety belts, active driver and front passenger head restraints, and a power locking system with a safety unlock feature in the case that the airbag deploys.

As Audi keeps producing cars with innovative changes, Auto Parts Deal maintains its lead on product excellence by its continuous supply of top grade Audi parts. Auto Parts Deal offers a vast array of performance parts, replacement parts, aftermarket parts and accessories. This online store offers new and used Audi auto parts that include fenders, hoods, and radiators among anything else. Audi owners and enthusiasts can shop freely for Audi parts with Auto Parts Deal's secured website.

About the Author

As a manager of one of the largest auto store in Springfield,Massachussets, Sarah has extensive expertise on auto parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a certified car enthusiast.

Head In The Clouds And Feet On The Ground: Top 10 Convertibles

There are many reasons to fall in love with the lure of an open air car. Whether it is the visceral connection to nature, the natural feel of wind in your hair, or the energizing wide open night sky ? there?s something enthralling about driving a car with the roof down. We have compiled a list of 10 hot convertibles. Nothing puts more sizzle in your step and a large smile on your face than driving in a sexy open car and breathing in the air.

Mercedes-Benz SL Class

It is very common for German engineers to put their passion into technology. As such, the 2007 SL is no exception. The great-great-great-grandchild of the iconic 300SL Gullwing, from 1954, contains many pioneering innovations, but most of all brings back the myocardial good looks lost during the bloated Elvis period of the mid-1990s.

Of the many attributes of the 2007 SL, the most overlooked feature is the acrobatic disappearance of its metallic roof. Like an illuminated water fountain outside a Vegas casino, this modern museum on wheels opens its roof in a dazzling display of wizardry in just 16 seconds.

MSRP for the 2007 SL ranges from $94,800 to $186,000 for the AMG. Other cars in this price range include the BMW 6 Series convertible, the new Jaguar XK convertible, Porsche 911 Turbo convertible, and the Aston Martin V8. Fuel economy averages around 16/24 mpg for the 2007 SL, but fluctuates on how hard you drive.

The graceful, proportioned lines of the 2007 SL come close to capturing the worthy heritage of the original 300 SL Gullwing.

Porsche Boxster

It?s perfectly natural for your wife or girlfriend to get jealous of the other girl ? the 2007 Porsche Boxster. A modern day reinvention of the 60?s Porsche 356B, the second generation Boxster takes a popular icon and makes it better. Both the 2.7-liter at 245 horsepower and the 3.4-liter Boxster S at 295 horsepower were completely reborn in 2005. Additionally, the new rivets make the car much, much tighter. It really feels like you can take 90 degree turns without worry.

But the real reason Porsche enthusiasts continue to buy the Boxster, and why BMW drivers readily convert is not the 0-60 times, not even the badge appeal, but the outer-worldly handling of the mid-engine car. The Boxster is quick, of course reaching the highway limit in 5.8 sec (in the 2.7); and 5.2 sec for the S. But the real joy is maneuvering the car on a congestion free, curvy road.

Initially criticized as an entry level Porsche, the Boxster has grown up. It now shares much in common with the higher priced 911. Seats, steering wheel, and instrument panels are the same. But unlike the 911, the Boxster is considerably lighter at 2,877 lbs. (for the 2.7-liter), and 2,987 lbs (for the S). With the engine right behind your ears, you also hear the melodic howl of the water-cooled engine better than in the 911.

MSRP for the 2007 Boxster ranges from $45,600 to $55,500 with a respectable 20/29 mpg. Porsche is currently developing a dual-sequential gearbox so future Automatic Tiptronic transmissions will have even more precise shifts. Additionally, a Hybrid version for the Cayenne is in the works. It is easy to see why people expect good things from Porsche.

BMW M3

If you want to be kissed, you?ve got to be kissable too. Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder, but it?s hard to look at the 2007 BMW M3 and not smile. This charming, 400 horsepower, convertible beauty, mixes beauty and brains with DSG (dual-sequential gearbox) providing the ultimate escape from the stress of living. For 2007, the M3 has been given an entire facelift. The lines are sharper, the nose grill wider, and the chin more muscular. This is not a soft, pretty car out for a milkshake at night. The 2007 M3 embodies the softening of Chris Bangle?s school of design, and unlike the controversial BMW 5 Series, looks as a BMW should.

The car is scheduled for sale in spring of 2007, and should be pre-sold for the first six months. Scorching performance, a fabulous body, and detailed cabin work are all part of the $56,400 ? $67,000 price point. The 2007 BMW M3 is the very embodiment of what the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG tag line stands for.

BMW 6 Series

If you sold your soul to Satan for unlimited riches, the BMW 6 Series convertible rocket ship would surely be one of the cars on your wish list before the deed was up. The base 6 Series features the 4.8-liter 32 valve Double VANOS equipped engine that churns out 360 horsepower. If that wasn?t enough, there is an earth burning 5.0-liter V-10 upgrade available with 500 horsepower. Released from the gates of hell in 2006, the car received mixed reviews because the Chris Bangle lines were not mutually admired by all. Loyalists preferred the more classic lines from the previous version, and the new money brand converts prefer the bashful look of the new version. Thrill seekers can choose from a six-speed manual, SMG or automatic shifters. Make sure to ink the deal which includes protection from traffic cops and speeding tickets. MSRP is estimated at $73,295 to $106,195 and fuel efficiency of around 17/25 mpg.

While the car offers a lot of torque, thrills and fun in the sun other cars in this price range include the Maserati Spyder, Mercedes-Benz CLK Class, and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet. Maybe the gates of heaven aren?t that green after all?

Mercedes-Benz SLK Class

Fabelhaft is the German word for fabulous; an exclamation point that goes well with the second generation 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class. Although the 2007 SLK is in its third year of production, it still looks as fresh as ever. Pictures, however, don?t do it justice. It really is one of those fabulous creations of extraordinary sheet metal design that requires closer inspection. The SLK is an understated car, with some brilliant cuts. The bulbous nose has an integrated hood ornament to appease the anti-branding design pundits who want to position the vehicle to a younger demographic. This is definitely a car for extroverts. The car is also styled to resemble the more expensive SLR McLaren.

The only flaw of the SLK is that it is not as lithe as a sports car should be. Weighing in at 3,210 lbs. means a quick list of options makes the car even heavier, and justifies the need for a heavier engine with more horses. In addition, the folding roof does compromise the storage capacity in the trunk. MSRP of the SLK ranges from $43,350 to $62,500 and averages 18/27 mpg for both the 280 and 350, and 16/22 mpg in the SLK 55.

Chevrolet Corvette

The raspy growl of the Corvette will make you believe there is a full moon rising every time you dial it up past 3,500 RPM. There is something visceral about the 2007 Corvette. Historically, the Corvette has always been known for its sound. For example, during the filming of the 1967 film ?The Graduate,? where Dustin Hoffman runs out of gas in an Alfa Romeo Spyder, the sound of the Alfa was dubbed with that of a throaty 1967 Vette. Driving today?s more refined interpretation of the modern corvette, you still hear the incredible sound of the engine whether it?s the standard 6.0-liter V8 400 horsepower engine, or the 505 horsepower in the range topping Z06 LZ2. GM engineers claim the Z06 is the fastest car they have ever produced, and tests prove this car does 0-60 in well under 4 seconds! That?s faster than it took you to read this sentence.

Introduced in 2006, the new Corvette silhouette echoes a more Roman look than vintage Vettes of the past. For 2007 the car is available in 7 trims and includes a hot new metallic orange paint as option. With a MSRP of $44,995 for the LT1 to $69,950 for the Z06, this is probably the least expensive 505 horsepower car on the planet! Estimated fuel economy averages 16/26 mpg.

Other cars in the 500 horsepower club include the distinguished BMW M5, Ferrari 599, and the Mercedes-Benz SLR.

Nissan 350Z

If you are a proud parent of the 2006 Nissan 350Z, there?s a good probability you?re giving the car some exercise every weekend on a dry, safe, curvy tarmac near you. The 2006 Nissan 350Z captures the uncompromised feel of a tight suspension, and impressive performance from the 300 horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine found under its hood. The only drawback is the car?s weight. The base version 350Z weighs 3,340 lbs and the roadster is even heavier due to reinforced steel on the sides. MSRP of $27,900 ? $42,000 offers value in its class, but there is ample competition from the new Audi TT roadster, the Porsche Boxster, and the BMW Z4.

The 2007 350Z, scheduled for sale in January, will feature a new VQ35HR performance engine with better fuel efficiency than before. It presently averages 19/25mpg. The 2007 model also promises advanced safety features, a lighter convertible top retracting mechanism, a completely new cabin and a variety of new colors. Something that?ll make the loyalist 350Z enthusiasts proud!

Dodge Viper

Like hard core metal, the 2007 Dodge Viper revitalizes parts other cars cannot reach. A glorified rock star, with three hit singles, the Viper rolls down the boulevard with people screaming in awe: ?Oh my Gawwd, it is a VIPPPERR!? The first three gears are all you really need to drive the 2007 Viper in most situations. In our test drive, we encountered many people who wanted us to drive the car hard and shake things up. It certainly is easy to reach the upper threshold of the speed limit within seconds due to the 8.3-liter pushrod V-10 that now has 510 horsepower, but it may not always be necessary. Step on the accelerator, the massive amount of torque pushes you in the back of your seat every time.

For 2007, the car features a new suspension with new lightweight aluminum upper and lower control arms, the engine has been made lighter with magnesium parts, and the inside cabin is completely revitalized covered with leather/chrome accents. With a MSRP ranging from $82,785 to $83,995, the adrenaline junkies will certainly get their fix with the new Viper.

BMW Z4

Extreme machines make you feel disinclined to listen to the radio when driving the car. That?s because the car gives you so much feedback, from the steering wheel, the shifter to the muffler, that you fear turning the knob. In order to get most out of the 2007 BMW Z4, you really do need to keep your eyes on the road and foot on the accelerator.

Introduced as a late 2006 model, the 2007 BMW Z4 captures the spirit of the outgoing M3 by giving you the option of transplanting its 330 horsepower engine into this lightweight vehicle. Unlike many cars in its price range, the 2007 BMW Z4 is neither slow, nor extravagantly priced.

With a MSRP of $36,795 to $51,795, you have three engine choices: the 3.0-liter inline six with 215 horsepower, the 3.0-liter inline six with 255 horsepower, and the 3.2-liter inline six with 330 horsepower. On average, the 2007 BMW Z4 achieves 20/30 mpg. Looking at the spirited lines of the 2007 Z4, it is easy to see how BMW keeps alive the ideals of Karl Rapp, by continuously reinventing the wheel and achieving the impossible.

Pontiac Solstice

Do you believe in the power of hypnosis? The distinct curves of the 2007 Solstice recapture the time when open top cars were hand built. Those historic cars were not as good at handling or as fuel efficient as this new model. The 2007 Solstice achieves 20/28 mpg from the 177 horsepower engine (a turbo-charged 260 horsepower engine is also available in 2007.).

The curvy shape is reminiscent of the 1967 Ferrari Dino with supple curves and lithe lines. The body and chassis rails are made from hydro-formed steel, a process that allows for more robust shapes that are impossible to achieve using traditional stamping. The resulting shape appears to lack straight lines. The sensual, curvy look highlights Solstice?s curb appeal. The car we test drove was red in color, further accentuating the Italian, sporty feel. We?re proud GM had the guts to make this car, and to price it adequately.

Driving the new Solstice, you will experience rubber-necking you?d expect from a more expensive Italian roadster. Additionally, the car?s precise steering, strong brakes, supple ride, and a superb exhaust note make it all the more palatable in the $20,995-$25,996 price range than both the Mazda Miata, and the Honda S2000. Bob Lutz?s experiment, the 2007 Solstice, is not perfect; but as a pure, satisfying roadster, it certainly is seductive.

Saurabh Sharma is an avid motoring enthusiast who is inspired by cars, and emerging automotive technology. His fascination with automobiles began during his infancy when his father brought him matchbox cars from a trip to Singapore.

InvoiceDealers.com

Bmw 645CI Coupe

 



Bmw 645CI CoupeSubmitted By: Sam Carson  

The BMW 645Ci Coupe is manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, and was first showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2003, while the car first went into production in 2004. The 645Ci coupe is one half of the sensational pair that consists of the BMW 6 Series, the other half of the duo is the convertible design. The 6 Series represents BMW?s second foray into the market of luxury sportscar coupe and convertible forum, their first attempt into that specific forum unveils the symbolic prestige of the original 6 Series that ran from 1977-1989. Then previous model beheld the special attention that was given to it, and the result was the onslaught of refined, logical, and powerful styling theories. The new 6 Series upholds these same values and element in their current design with the same carefully crafted curves, sweeping lines, harmonic surfaces, and a spacious interior, setting elevated foundations that even their own future BMW models might find it hard to uphold. The 2+2 seater was first created and designed at BMW Designworks studios in Los Angeles, California.

The 645Ci has an enhanced echelon of agility and driving consistency when it comes to the unfettered movement of the car, because the bodywork that has been done is considered to be lightweight technology. The 6 Series coupe agility and free movement are the effect of the smart combination of synthetic materials essentially located all over the car?s body, steel, and aluminum. The spots where lighter materials were placed are the front areas (not made of steel), front fenders (thermoplastic), the trunk lid (composite material), and the doors and the hood (aluminum). With the overall reduction of the weight, the car has achieved perfect weight distribution at 50:50, and helps intensively also on the fuel economy of the vehicle. Another plus from the lightweight construction is that of flawless maneuvering, even on hilly or mountainous environments and hair pin turns. The car does not buck or fly off unnecessarily, it responds as is expected from a BMW.

The coupe?s engine is the 4.4 litre DOHC V8, which was the engine of the very well known BMW 745i. The 4.4 litre max power is 325hp at 6,100rpm, with a torque of 330lb-ft at 3,600rpm, and with assistance from the variant, ?VALVETRONIC? valve controller. The 645Ci can surely achieve a top speed of 149mph in one simple movement, and an impeccable acceleration of 0-60mph in less than six seconds. The transmission system consists of 3 different six speed options: the six speed manual transmission that has always been reliable; the six speed ?Steptronic? automatic, allowing the driver to shift manually if they chose; and a six speed ?Sequential Manual Gearbox? (SMG), featuring both the shift paddles and a gearshift lever on the steering wheel.

The BMW 645Ci also comes standard with ?BMW Driving Dynamic Control? (DDC), which lets the engine react instinctively when driving by having and maintaining steering capabilities in relation to speed depending on the surroundings. Also DDC permits the SMG or automatic transmission to stay in gear for a greater distance, and also promoting faster SMG shifts. All of these conditions can be altered by just a push of the DDC button to enable it. Other additions to the new 6 Series coupe are the trademark ?twin-kidney? grille, ?Active Steering?, ?Active Roll Stabilization?, lightweight aluminum suspensions, ?Dynamic Stability Control?, adaptive headlights, panoramic glass roof, and the ?Head-Up Display technology?(displaying information to the driver, directly in his line of vision).

The 645Ci coupe dimensions are a length of 190.2in; a height of 54.1in; a width of 73in; and a wheelbase of 109.4in. Making the 6 Series very noticeable with the characteristics of being long, wide, having a very low roofline, low slung, very spacious inside, and being positioned more to the back on its chassis. These attributes further help enhance the car and gives it a reputation of its own in the sportscar arena that was similar yet different to the original 6 Series, as it had its following then, and so to will this 645Ci coupe.

Article Tags: coupe, series, speed