Autopartswarehouse « autopartswarehouse

Wednesday | August 20, 2008

ktm xbow

KTM- Second largest motorcycle producer in Europe, created a concept car based on there motorcycle engines. The body is made of carbon fiber monocoque, on e of the lightest material and strongest ever made.With its Spectacular design, it can cut of air turbulence on high speed.The engine is a Four-cylinder TFSI from Audi with a displacement of 1984 producing Kw(HP) 177(240) at 6000rpm, torque Nm 310 at 2000-5500rpm with 6 speed transmition. It can reach from 0-160km/h at 8.51sec. with a top speed of Km/h/mp/h 220/136.

The X-Bow isn’t just a racing machine, even if it is going to accomplish spectacular performance feats on racing circuits. With its modern technologies and exceptional solutions, it’s much more oriented towards sporty drivers who seek a purist’s driving experience. By foregoing electronic assistants and today’s standard comfort features, the X-Bow offers an unfiltered adventure – aided by its standalone wheels in the style of monoposto racing cars, transparent technology and the car’s reduced concept, i.e. no roof, doors or windscreen.

On the production side the X-Bow will be ready for its first 100 units last 2007. The first 10 buyers was very whelm and shock ont he new beast, they say its like riding a sports bike with for wheels but with the respones like a real supercar.

Autopartswarehouse, one of the leading on line car parts shopping, reviewed and announced the the Xbow , is one of the greatest concept car every made by a motorcycle company.

source: The Ktm x-box

Posted by autopartswarehouse at 14:59:13 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Wednesday | April 02, 2008

Safe and Sound with Volvo

In the World Traffic Symposium held at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, Volvo announces its low-speed safety technology called the "City Safety" as a standard equipment for their vehicles. It will be available this year in the car Volvo XC60.

Studies conducted by Volvo showed that approximately 75% of all vehicle collisions are at speeds less than 18 mpgh. In 50% of these collisions, drivers do not brake before the collision because of insufficient concentration.

City Safety works when the vehicle in front suddenly stops and the City Safety assesses that a collision is imminent, the car brakes automaticallu.

Volvo is currently negotiating several European insurance companies to discount the insurance premium up to 30% for car equipped with City safety. Now, this would mean better cars for my Autopartswarehouse friends.

Source: Weekly Driver

Posted by autopartswarehouse at 13:56:42 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Thursday | March 27, 2008

Honda takes a stand against aftermarket parts!

Aftermarket auto parts industry have made the given its customers the convenience of purchasing affordable parts. Most aftermarket parts businesses do not enjoy the support or the recommendation of the car manufacturers that they are selling their parts. That fact, for me is quite saddening. These businesses, for me, reduces monopoly in selling parts and of course, improves the quality of parts sold in the market.

American Honda recently released their statement against the use of aftermarket or alternative parts for Honda and Acura vehicles. Their stand is to "ensure that the parts and components were designed and built to provide the same fit, function, safety, and structural integrity as when the vehicle was initially made."

This company position was also supported by Honda Canada.

Whether this is a customer value on the roll or just the same old marketing pitch, we are just the one to judge. As for me and for my Autopartswarehouse buds, its just another advertising campaign we have to ignore.

Source: Body Shop Professional

Posted by autopartswarehouse at 10:54:19 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Wednesday | March 19, 2008

GM plans to release another mini car in India

India is fast-becoming one of the hotspots for small cars. After Indian automaker Tata Motors released its compact car Nano, which is hailed as the least expensive vehicle in the world, other companies, like BMW and General Motors (GM), jumped in the same car market too. American automaker GM for one is set to release another small and affordable car in India by 2010.

GM believes that the Indian car market still has a lot room for more small framed vehicles as Tata’s Nano was widely accepted by motorists in India. Because of that, the U.S.-based company plans that this South Asian country will be the launch pad for its upcoming model. With a tag price lower than GM’s current small car Chevrolet Spark, the upcoming compact vehicle will also be part of the U.S.-based company’s plan of combining of all its $300 million-worth of auto parts exported outside America.

“I think there is enough space for entry of yet another car in the small car segment,” said David N. Reilly, who is the vice-president of GM in India. “We are planning to introduce a small car in the next two years, which will first be launched in India.”

If all things go well, GM will greatly benefit from the small automobile market of India, like what my Autopartwarehouse friends would reckon. In the next couple of years, GM hopes to move up several notches to 10-percent from its current three-percent status. Once the market share of the American automobile giant improves, all of its compact vehicles, along with the medium-sized models, will all be exported to this country.

“India has the full potential of becoming a lucrative export hub for small cars and we are planning to make India for our small cars,” said Reilly, who is also GM-Asia Pacific’s president.

Penetrating wholly the small car market of India, however, will definitely not going to be a walk in the park according to Reilly. He noted that GM’s upcoming compact and affordable vehicle will likely go bumper to bumper with Tata’s Nano, which was released last January at India’s Auto Expo. Moreover, the company is also planning of launching inexpensive pickup vans and more small cars in the future. Nonetheless, General Motors is keeping a positive outlook on the matter and is even looking forward to doubling or even tripling its sales, which is currently $300 million, in the next three to four years.

“Till now we have been producing cars, which are low cost and competitive, only to meet the Chinese demand. But now we are seriously looking for introducing these outside China, including India,” said Reilly.

Source: The Hindu Online Edition.

Posted by autopartswarehouse at 17:20:32 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Tuesday | March 18, 2008

NY Auto Show set to highlight performance cars

Recent auto shows, like the Geneva Motor Show and North American International Auto Show, gave the spotlight on the environment-friendly cars that are equipped with hybrid power source, fuel efficient engine, and relatively smaller frame, among others. Steering away from the recent auto show trends is the upcoming New York International Auto Show as it promises to showcase a pool of revamped and new models as well as high-powered V-8 powetrain laden vehicles on the public display this March 21.

Automobile critics and enthusiasts can expect a big dose of muscle cars for this year’s exhibition. Pontiac, which is a marque of General Motors (GM), is all set to introduce its two new models for its G8 range. Equipped with the powerful V-8 engines, the G8 GXP and G8 Sport Truck are expected to reinstate the GM-produced Pontiac’s excellence in manufacturing performance vehicles. Aside from introducing the high-powered new models, Pontiac is also going to sponsor a truck name guessing contest where the winner can bring home his or her very own G8 Sport Truck.

Dodge, on the other hand, is still going to stick with its famous muscle car Challenger. With the 2008 model slated to hit dealerships very soon, the Chrysler-produced marque will unveil its 2009 Dodge Challenger in the New York Auto Show. The least expensive Challenger that is armed with either a 3.6-liter V-6 engine or a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 power plant will be displayed.

Joining the debuting American brand models are the 2009 Nissan Maxima of Japanese car maker Nissan Motor Company and Hyundai Genesis of Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company. Specifications on the said models are yet to be unveiled this Wednesday, which is the scheduled press preview before its public show on the 21st of this month.

Aside from the upgraded and new vehicles, the New York-based motor show will have established tuner and former racer Steve Saleen. He is set to unveil his new brand, which is likely focused on U.S.-made muscle and performance cars, in the said event. According to Edmuns Inside Line, Saleen’s first model from his upcoming marque is the S5S Raptor. Although a sports car, the S5S Raptor, which can accelerate up to 200 mph, is targeted for streets or off-track only. It is expected to carry a hefty value of $150,000 or so.

The New York International Auto Show will run its public viewing from March 21 until 30 at the West Manhattan-based Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Source: U.S. News.

Posted by autopartswarehouse at 14:57:12 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Monday | March 17, 2008

Mussolini’s Pescara Spyder sold in an England auction

Benito Mussolini was an Italian dictator. Although he was condemned by many because of his cruel dictatorship years, the fact remains that he is among the established political figures (deceased and living) in Italy. His legacy lives today in his Alfa Romeo 1935 Pescara Spyder that was recently bought in an auction, which started last February, in Cheltenham, England. 1935 Pescara Spyder interior

The vintage sports car, which Mussolini used until 1939, was purchased by a private bidder for £550,000 in the H&H Classic Auctions. Built more than seven decades ago, the Pescara Spyder was used by Mussolini during a procession. The video record shows Mussolini greeting the people on the street while he was comfortably standing on the passenger seat of the Italian-made sports car, which was decorated with bouquets evenly spread out on the hood.

This former car of Mussolini, which can accommodate two adult passengers, was among the limited 60 Pescara Spyders every made. Although it is considered as one the rare cars today, only a few people came to bid for the former Italian dictator’s ride. Autopartswarehouse buddies told this blog that the the highest bid did not reach the targeted £800,000. Nonetheless, this particular 1935 Pescara Spyder currently holds the highest bid for the limited range Alfa Romeo range.

“It's not really your average dictator's car,” said Damian Jones, who is a representative from H&H Auctions. “It didn't have armor plating or bullet-proof glass.”

Source: BBC News UK.

Posted by autopartswarehouse at 11:35:10 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Friday | March 14, 2008

Toyota president: Fuel cell-powered cars not any time soon

Automobile companies are in constant pursuit to manufacture greener cars. As a member of the Autopartswarehouse club, continuously believe so. One of the most promising technologies these automakers like, Toyota Motor Company, are working on is fuel cell. With this kind of system, cars will only rely on the chemical reaction between Hydrogen and Oxygen to go about its operation. Such technology is very promising but it seeing fuel cell-powered cars in dealerships will not happen any time soon, according to president of Toyota.

Katsuaki Watanabe, who is the head of the leading Japanese car maker, told French new agency Agence France-Presse yesterday that perfecting such technology will still take more time. For years, Toyota, along with other Japanese automobile companies, has been trying to craft a car that will possibly run on fuel cell alone. Toyota has encountered difficulties in trying to integrate the fuel cell system in a car but what is more difficult is that it will definitely cost too much for motorists to afford. With such technology, the vehicle is definitely emission free as its sole by-product is water.

“When we first started the research and development of fuel-cell cars, some people predicted that they may be commercialized by around 2010. But that's difficult," said Watanabe. “The technological advances are significant. The only problem is the cost.”

Aside from the probable top-of-the-ceiling cost of the fuel cell car, owners will need hydrogen filling stations to keep the green vehicles running. Toyota has yet to find ways on how to store Hydrogen efficiently as well as look where to get Hydrogen. "One great step for a cleaner environment.", my friends in Autopartswarehouse says.

“It will probably be a long way ahead until we can start mass production, considering problems linked to difficulties in how to stock hydrogen and where to draw hydrogen from," said Watanabe. “It'll take long time to solve these problems, but we will definitely commercialize it as I believe it is a promising power source.”

Last year, Toyota announced its successful test drive of its fuel cell model currently dubbed as Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV). With its full tank, the FCHV ran for 560 kilometers (or 350 miles) with a full tank. About 30 percent of hydrogen was still left after the drive test.

Despite the foreseen difficulties, Toyota is still determined to work on the fuel cell technology. With this promising system, automobiles will no longer pollute the air but instead clean it. The longer time a fuel cell-powered car is on the roar, air becomes cleaner.

Source: Agence France-Presse.

Posted by autopartswarehouse at 15:32:08 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Thursday | March 13, 2008

Tax incentives, allowance scheme for green car owners

Automobile companies are not the only ones keen in reducing air pollution as lawmakers as well do their own part to alleviate such environmental problem. Chancellor Alistair Darling, for example, is set to impose tax incentives for those motorists that drive around greener cars in Britain.

In a couple of years or two, Britain will have a special tax band that will benefit greatly car owners of environment-friendly vehicles. Moreover, these motorists are under the allowance scheme of the government for their fuel-efficient vehicles. Starting April of 2010, Britain will already make use of a different tax rate for newly-purchased vehicles. The amount the owner is going to pay will rely on how efficient is the engine system of his or her new car. The Carbon dioxide emissions will be tested first. Those vehicles that will have an output of 160g per kilometer will have to pay a higher fee. At present, an owner has to pay the amount of £950 before he or she can drive around a vehicle that has 255 g/km or so emission. Those cars that have 130g/km of CO2 or less will be free from the tax on its initial year.

“The road tax system should do more to support the use of more carbon-efficient, and therefore less costly cars. This will help reduce average carbon dioxide levels in new cars,” said Darling. “It is right that if people choose to buy a more polluting car that they should pay more in the first year to reflect the environmental cost. The changes will provide a real incentive to manufacturers and motorists.”

"That is one great action for car owners!", my friends in Autopartswarehouse reckons.

The Budget proposed by Chancellor Darling will also push fuel companies to utilize higher grade biofuels to improve the natural fuel industry as companies will likely pursue to improve their biofuels. Darling is also encouraging the European Commission to put up a higher standard for the CO2 emissions of vehicles. From its current goal of 100g/km in 12 years, Darling proposes to make it 130 g/km instead.

Darling, ("Cute surname, by the way.", says my autopartwarehouse friends.) along with the government of Britain, hopes to encourage motorists to patronize cleaner cars with the lower tax rates and allowance incentives of the future Budget. If things go as planned, pollution of automobiles would likely be minimized.

Source: Channel4.

Posted by autopartswarehouse at 15:26:36 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Wednesday | March 12, 2008

Pricey small car soon to hit India

It has only been less than a year since the cheapest car in India arrived. Indian automaker Tata Group came out with the Nano that is considered as the cheapest small car in the world at only $2,500. Soon to be juxtaposed with the least expensive car in India is the very pricey BMW Mini that is expected to carry a burning tag price of $49,000. Now that's a lot of compared to Nano, according to my colleagues in Autopartswarehouse.

The established German automobile company BMW, however, said that there is still no definite date as to when this very expensive compact car will be released in the Indian car market. As of posting, BMW is gearing up to study if launching the pricey BMW Mini is something possible.

"Mini is not just a car. It is the brand,” said Peter Kronschnabl, who is the president of BMW for India subsidiary of the company based in Chennai. “The team that carried out the feasibility study for the launch of Mini has submitted its report. It is being studied by our headquarters.”

India's Tata Nano, world's cheapest small car

The BMW President for India also added that upcoming BMW Mini will likely cost two million rupees or so, which is equivalent to $49,443.8. If the company pushes through with distributing the vehicle in the Indian automobile market, the new small from the Germany car maker will surely be the most expensive vehicle in its category for such hefty amount.

Autopartswarehouse also told this blog that aside from launching the luxury-priced BMW Mini, the company has also plans of making the BMW X6 available in India. According to Kronschnabl, the BMW model, however, will still take more than three years before it reaches the dealerships in India as homologation of a BMW vehicle takes half a year or so.

For the decent operations of the automaker in this country, BMW has pushed to increase its production of units every year. There is a target 3,000-unit production now compared from last year’s 1, 300-unit production. The company is set to launch its other models and this includes the following: the BMW M3 Coupe, BMW M6 Coupe, BMW M5 Sedan, BMW M6 Convertible, BMW X5 4.8i, BMW 6 series individual and BMW 7 series individual, among others. These upcoming vehicles from the German automaker will join the current products of the company in India such as the BMW 3, 6, and X series, to name a few.

Source: Economic Times/Indian Times.

Posted by autopartswarehouse at 09:03:59 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Saturday | March 08, 2008

Volvo plans to have a US plant

Volvo remains positive about having a plant for its cars in the United States as its parent company Ford Motors pulled back the regional corporate structure plan and instead went ahead on establishing a homogenous company for the American market.

Such changes paved way for the Swedish automaker to come out with more cars and sport utility vehicles for its U.S. users, according to Frederick Arp, who is the chief executive of Volvo.

“It’s looking more possible, more promising than in the past, given developments at Ford,” said Arp.

Today, Volvo remains to be the sole brand under the Premium Automobile Group of Ford, where the popular U.K. marquees Jaguar and Land Rover were used to be part of. With no other marquees under the group, Volvo has to work actively as a separate company from its parent Ford. The industrial and purchasing synergies between Volvo and Ford, however, stay the same. For most part, Autopartswarehouse dismisses that Volvo Parts sale continues to surge as more volvo cars are introduced in the market.

“It’s logical to look at a setting up a manufacturing base in the U.S.,” said Arp. “But the real leverage only comes when you have a full supply chain nearby, comprising engines, transmissions and other key components. That is easy when you share platforms or modules with other vehicles made by a U.S. counterpart, in this case Ford.”

Source: The Wall Street Journal Online, Autopartswarehouse.

Posted by autopartswarehouse at 13:08:19 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

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