Hybrid Technology Develops as the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid
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by: Jenny McLane
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| The company that popularizes the hybrid technology is producing the better hybrid vehicles year after year. Although Toyota starts the technology to their Prius in 1997, Honda produces, develops, and uses the technology continuously to their cars. Honda’s first hybrid car, the Honda Insight was released in the United States in 1999. This was soon followed by the Honda Civic which marked the radical change in the hybrid technology and changed the way people’s to a car. Hybrid cars use the combination of technologies such as internal combustion engines (ICEs), electric motors, batteries, hydrogen, and fuel cells. This saves a lot of gas fuel that becomes the preference of car purchaseers.
A 3.0l V-6 engine of the Accord is the biggest among its class. It is the first hybrid that can match or even surpass other gas-engine vehicles. With 255 horses pushing it, the Accord is the most economical V-6 vehicle. The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid drives like the conventional gas-engine powered vehicle. And without the “hybrid” badges on the vehicle, you wouldn’t know the difference. This Accord uses the same automatic transmission like that of the gas-engine instead of the continuously variable transmission (CVT), Toyota and Ford uses to their hybrid. Its so the IMA or the integrated motor assist which always at the gas mode and kick to electric for additional power when needed, unlike Ford and Toyota which uses the electric as long as possible then switch to gas when needed.
The only backslash of the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid is its price tag of about $30,000 which is $3,400 more that its gas model. But for a vehicle that saves more fuel the regular vehicle, it is a better purchase in the long run. The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid can be seen on www.partstrain.com along with other Honda vehicles. For more information about the vehicle, and to purchase Honda part, visit http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA . About the author: Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
Showing posts with label Sedan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sedan. Show all posts
Friday, September 21, 2012
Hybrid Technology Develops as the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid
2005 VOLVO S40: Can now be Accentuated with Volvo Performance Parts from Parts Train
2005 VOLVO S40: Can now be Accentuated with Volvo Performance Parts from Parts Train
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by: Jenny McLane
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| The most noteworthy element with this next-generation S40 is the sculpted shoulder line that starts at the front of the car between the headlights and grille and is carried across the beltline all the way back to the taillights. The new Volvo will be available with two new gasoline engines, the 2.4-liter five-cylinder with 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, and as the T5 with the 2.5-liter low-pressure turbo with 218 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The S40 T5's engine is the familiar 2.5-liter twin-cam, low-pressure turbocharged, intercooled in-line five-cylinder found in most other Volvo lines. Its 218 horsepower (at 5000 rpm) and 236 lb-ft of torque (between 1500 and 4800 rpm) have almost 750 lbs less car to move than the similar engine in an S60 2.5T AWD. The S40 is offered in two different five-cylinder engines, the 168-hp 2.4L gas engine and the 218-hp 2.5L turbo gas engine, badged 2.4i and T5 respectively. The T5 is available in 2WD or AWD mated to a five -speed Geartronic automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Standard features include cruise control, alloy wheels, daytime running lights, and an AM/FM stereo with CD player. The T5 trim upgrades by adding a trip computer, front fog lights, automatic climate control, a power driver's seat, and interior wood trim. The optional Climate Package, available on both trims, equips the S40 with heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, and headlight washers.
The new Volvo S40 has the safety equipment that includes dual stage airbags, side airbags, WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), collapsible pedals, seatbelt pretensioners for the front and rear outer seats, and a force limiter for the front seatbelts. The S40 has anti-lock brakes and emergency brake assistance, while ESP and traction control are also available.
About the author: Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
Monday, September 17, 2012
Volkswagen Passat 2005: Body and Chassis for Volkswagen Parts at Parts Train
Volkswagen Passat 2005: Body and Chassis for Volkswagen Parts at Parts Train
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by: Jenny McLane
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| The Volkswagen Passat 2005 features a powerful design. The new VW face with its chrome radiator represents the greatest design progression since the creation of the series. The new Passat is 4.77 metres long (+ 62mm), 1.82 metres wide (+ 74mm) and 1.47 metres tall (+ 10 mm). The wheelbase measures 2.71 metres. One real indicator of outstanding quality is the static torsional stiffness. . Volkswagen is using the FSI engines with homogeneous direct injection for the first time in the Passat. They deliver 85kW / 115hp, 110kW / 150hp and 147kW / 200hp (Turbo FSI). The Passat TDI will also be available with a diesel particulate filter. The most powerful TDI features the innovative Piezo high-pressure unit-injector system. The petrol engines with outputs of 85kW / 115hp, 110kW / 150hp and 147kW / 200hp can be optionally combined with a driver-friendly six-speed automatic gearbox Using aluminum components (weight: -13.3 kilogrammes) guarantee a maximum level of agility, comfort and safety, it has new four-link rear axle, which has been decoupled from the body to reduce noise, along with the McPherson front.
Standard for the first time is the electronic parking brakes at the push of a button. It has new Starting and Locking System, New Automatic Adaptive Cruise Control, Sound System from Dynaudi, Draught-free Climatronic, Bi-Xenon Headlights with Cornering Function. Hands-free telephone system with a Bluetooth interface is available as an option.
The number one provider of the best Volkswagen Parts online is just a click to http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/VOLKSWAGEN with superb customer service and secured online transaction anytime. Nothing beats its excellent services and low price quotes. About the author: Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/VOLKSWAGEN |
Toyota Lexus GS300: Venerable Luxury with Durable Toyota Parts
Toyota Lexus GS300: Venerable Luxury with Durable Toyota Parts
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by: Jenny McLane
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| High equipment levels and meticulous quality and refinement have been the formula for building and maintaining the Lexus. It embodies a fresh design approach, re-engineered from the ground up. Dominated by a long cabin with steeply angled front and rear glass, the windows allow plenty of light into the well-organized interior. The Rear passengers get plenty of legroom – the wheelbase has been lengthened by 50mm – and large quarter-windows.
Operating full time, the GS300's all-wheel-drive system features a planetary gearset and a wet, multidisc clutch to couple the primary drive wheels, at the rear, to the front. The standard torque split is 30/70 front to rear, but the system's electronic brain can vary that to 50/50, making its judgments based on various driver inputs such as throttle angle and steering angle, and vehicle data such as wheel speed and yaw rate
An outstanding feature of the car is the all-wheel-drive system. The more slippery the road, the more pronounced is its advantage over conventional two-wheel-drive systems. The car has an all-new 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve aluminum V-6, which replaces an iron-block straight six of identical displacement. With Toyota's VVT-i variable-valve-timing system operating on cams, plus direct injection, plus a formidable 11.5:1 compression ratio, the new six generates 245 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, compared with 220 of each for its predecessor. The new V-6 is bolted to an equally new six-speed automatic transmission, featuring manumatic shifting and an electronic brain that does a good job of avoiding excessive hunting, particularly in uphill runs.
Options include: a steering-sensitive Park Assist system; DVD navigation system and rear backup camera; one-touch open/close moon roof; ventilated front seats; power rear sunshade. It also has an eardrum-pounding, wallet-smashing Mark Levinson audio system, its 11 channels of sonic wash flowing through 14 speakers, Rain-Sensing Wiper package that includes adaptive front lighting and headlamp washers (standard on the GS 430); a rear spoiler; and all-season run-flat tires. Luxurious amenities, exquisite quality, and remarkable technology—these are all the things that make up a Lexus. Partstrain likewise strives to preserve these qualities in delivering only the best Toyota Replacement Parts, Performance Parts, OEM and Aftermarket Parts. As many customers are satisfied with Toyota cars, Parts Train has been the top choice of millions of Toyota owners for many years. Its diverse line of excellent Toyota replacement car parts, auto body parts, Toyota interior parts and Toyota exterior parts, Toyota motor parts and more can be found at its online store. Simply click on http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/TOYOTA and locate the Toyota parts you need in its informative parts catalog and check out any information on its secured site. About the author: Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
Friday, September 14, 2012
2005 Honda Insight: America's First Hybrid and Fuel Efficient Vehicle with Top quality Honda Parts from Parts Train
2005 Honda Insight: America's First Hybrid and Fuel Efficient Vehicle with Top quality Honda Parts from Parts Train
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by: Jenny McLane
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| Since it was introduced back in 2002, Honda Insight's 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine and Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) motor-generator have been modified, and the CVT model's final drive ratio is considerably lower, at 5.69:1 compared to 3.21 for the manual, to take advantage of the CVT's wider-spread "gear'' ratios. Powered by Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA™) system that pairs a 3-cylinder VTEC™-E engine with an electric motor, the Insight comes fully loaded with dual front airbags (SRS), power windows, mirrors and door locks, a remote entry system, AM/FM stereo cassette, alloy wheels and much more. Like a turbocharger, the IMA motor-generator is called to action when extra power is needed for acceleration and hill climbing, and feels like a low-pressure turbo. Unlike at turbo, the motor becomes a generator when braking or coasting, which recharges the nickel metal-hydride battery pack The Honda Insight gains efficiency not only by its drivetrain but by light weight and clean aerodynamics. Curb weight is less than 2,000 lbs even with the CVT and air conditioning (standard on the CVT model, optional with the standard transmission). Like other hybrids, the Insight's engine stops when the car is stopped at a light or in traffic, contributing greatly to fuel economy. The Insight achieves EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings of 60/66 (manual) and 57/56 (CVT) mpg, respectively. The 2005 2006 Honda Insight runs a 1.0-liter, I3, 67-horsepower, hybrid engine whose mileage specs are 61-mpg in the city and 68-mpg on the highway. Putting power to the wheels, Honda links a 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive as standard equipment. The Hatchback with A/C and CVT is equipped with a standard 1.0-liter, I3, 65-horsepower, hybrid engine whose fuel-efficient configuration achieves 57-mpg in the city and 56-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. Standard features include alloy Wheels, AM/FM Radio, Anti-Lock Brakes, Anti-Theft Vehicle, Cassette, Driver Air Bag, Keyless Entry/Unlock, Passenger Air Bag, Rear Defogger, Power Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Tachometer. The Honda Insight has safety-cage construction with front and rear crumple zones, side-impact protection, dual airbags and antilock brakes. You can now shop for discount car parts and accessories from Parts Train's online performance or OEM Replacement auto parts catalog at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA . In stock are thousands of Honda parts for all enthusiasts. Find OEM Honda auto parts, new aftermarket parts, Honda performance parts, and more. From engine and radiator parts to filters, wipers, auto body parts and trim and a whole lot more, you will find everything to repair and maintain your Honda. About the author: Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
Thursday, September 13, 2012
2013 Hyundai Sonata
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| 2013 Hyundai Sonata |
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It's been a couple of years since the mid-size Hyundai Sonata went through such an extreme transformation that it could have been marked by a name change. The smooth, rakish, daring design makeover that the Sonata received for 2011 (in sharp contrast to the staid wallflower it had been before) still turns heads—and if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then the 2013 Sonata has a lot going for it, as we see elements of its trend-setting 'fluidic design' emerging in rival models.
That design transformation was marked by some equally extreme engineering rehabilitation that simply kicked the Sonata up into another league. With a new lineup of only direct-injection four-cylinder engines—combined with a lighter body structure—the Sonata performs as well as the V-6 versions of some mid-size sedans, all while getting up to 35 mpg in base form or up to 33 mpg highway with the upscale Turbo model. Most Sonatas come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, making up to 200 horsepower, with a six-speed automatic transmission. The automatic is perfectly appropriate for the class, and is a responsive, seamless gearchanger. Step up to the 2.0T model and you get a somewhat smaller 2.0-liter engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger, providing 274 horsepower. Its 269 lb-ft arrives low in the power band, which thankfully helps this engine work very well with the automatic transmission (the only way to get it). And it mostly skips the turbo lag completely, and succeeds as the more economical parallel to upscale V-6 models.
The third powertrain option comes in the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. With it you get a 2.4-liter four with electric motors and a lithium-polymer battery pack, plus a high threshold that lets the Sonata Hybrid run on battery power alone at highway speeds. Hyundai says this version will hit 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, well within the acceptable range for a family sedan, while delivering gas mileage of 35/40 mpg.
Overall, ride and handling in the 2013 Sonata are unremarkable—and adequate for most family needs. Driving enthusiasts are bound to be a little let down by the steering response, which could use some more feedback and tends to wander and need frequent adjustments on some highway surfaces.
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata is a roomy car, almost "large" by EPA standards; there's soaring headroom and leg room in front, and an unusually long front-seat track so driver and passenger can have as much space as they need. The back seat sits at a good angle of recline, and only the tallest passengers will touch heads against the fabric headliner and the hard-plastic front seatbacks. Security-minded family shoppers will likely find what they want in the Sonata, as in addition to all the usual safety equipment, a rearview camera system is offered in top trims, and the Sonata has been named a repeat Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS and achieved a five-star rating from the federal government.
For 2013, there are only a few feature changes, all adding to the Sonata's already strong value versus comparable rival models. Bluetooth, a USB port, power accessories, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and cruise control all remain included at the base level, for $21,670. Heated seats have been added this year as a standard feature to the sportier SE model, while SE and Limited editions add parking sensors and pushbutton start. The Sonata Limited also gets standard heated front and rear seats; a sunroof; a backup camera; automatic climate control; and an automatic dimming rearview mirror. And a BlueLink suite of operator-assisted concierge and data services, at different pricing tiers, remains available.
Source from thecarconnection
Official web of HyundaiUSA click here
About Bengt Halvorson
Bengt Halvorson is Deputy Editor of High Gear Media's portfolio of car sites, overseeing the production of reviews, evaluating vehicles firsthand, and reporting on consumer, safety, and environmental issues and in-car technology. Halvorson is a Michigan native and started to hone his car-connoisseur chops (if you don't count the teenage muscle-car ownership) at Car and Driver while still attending the University of Michigan—and driving a too-sensible Ford Festiva. He then lived briefly in London and wrote for the British enthusiast magazine Autocar before becoming an editor at Automobile Magazine. For most of this decade Halvorson has lived on the West Coast, and now calls evergreen Portland home. In addition to being a longtime contributor to The Car Connection, he's also consulted on powertrain technology; managed special issues and tracked collector-car prices at Sports Car Market; and written for Cargo, Time, Forbes.com, Forbes Autos, and several other major business, enthusiast, and in-flight magazines.
2013 Chevrolet Impala
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| 2013 Chevrolet Impala |
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The Chevrolet Impala has been caught in a time warp. New in 2004, but even then a revamp of an existing platform, it's been riding on fleet sales for more than a decade, while the competition--Azera, Avalon, Taurus, and 300--have been getting stronger, and growing their followings.
For 2013, the Impala keeps its pace unchanged, prepping instead for a new sedan due in the 2014 model year. As the final version of a model that's long since passed its prime, the Impala still provides good interior space and a low price, which is why it sells well to fleet buyers.
Last year's updated powertrain helps press its case, too. The new 303-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 is an expensively engineered piece of hardware that's also used in Cadillac's lineup, and it pairs well with a new six-speed transmission. While we haven't yet driven the Impala since this powertrain transplant, we expect performance and responsiveness to be much-improved.
Unfortunately, not enough has changed regarding the Impala's interior, or handling, or features to steer shoppers back to the fold. The large front-wheel-drive sedan looks bland from the outside, and inside, the plain, plasticky dash isn't any better--a reminder of how the company's interiors used to be, before the much more stylish Malibu and Cruze hit the market.
All Impala models include Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, plus satellite radio, steering-wheel controls, a trip computer, and keyless entry. That's basically a feature set designed to make fleets happy (they're still a big portion of Impala customers). You can get things like Bose sound, remote start, fancier wheels, leather seats, and dual-zone climate control in upper trims, but you won't find a USB port or iPod interface, let alone a navigation system or media hub.
From what we've already seen, these shortcomings have been addressed with the 2014 Chevy Impala that's due early next year. Until then, the '13 model's mostly hanging around for continuity's sake, and for the folks who buy cars by the dozen.
Source from thecarconnection
About Marty Padgett
Marty Padgett is High Gear Media's Editorial Director, overseeing the words that skim across High Gear Media's portfolio of automotive destinations. Born in 1969, Marty is a native of Washington, D.C., an honors graduate of Duke University, and a former editor at Car and Driver. Marty is a 20-year veteran journalist, with other writing credits at AutoTrader, Stuff, Outside and BusinessWeek. In addition to his work at High Gear Media, Marty is a juror for the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards and is the author of three books. While you're reading this, he’s on a computer or his iPhone to keep track of what's going on in the car world.
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