Car insurance cost too much these days but what if I told you there are a few steps to get the policy you wanted for less than your paying now. The following tips can be helpful in lowering your car insurance costs. If you are trying to lower your car insurance while staying with your current provider these tips might help.
• Call your current insurance provider and inform them that you have received a better quote from another insurance provider and ask them to reconsider your current price or you will go to the other car insurance company.
This tactic will sometimes result in your car insurance cost going down. A tip to make this work better is to actually get a quick auto insurance quote from a quote website. That will help you get a good price range as to what you need to pay.
• Another tactic to use, when you’re trying to lower your current insurance payments, is to add safety devices to your car. This will have an upfront cost but could payoff in the long run.
• One more idea is to call your car insurance provider and tell them you need a lower price, This sounds simple but works, especially in today's economy.
If you need a new policy all together the following tips might help you.
• Do you need to find a new policy and don't know where to start? Go online! Getting car insurance quotes could not be much easier, all you have to do is find a nice website and get a quote.
Best of all, most of these websites will help you get multiple insurance quotes within ten minutes and getting multiple quotes has is benefits. One quote will give you one option, 10 quotes will give you 10 options. The more quotes you get the better chance you have to find a gem.
• If you have a new car and are looking for the best car insurance provider then you need to choose the option above, but you also need to make sure you highlight ALL the safety features on your new car.
The Second Chance Auto Loan Financing. by Andre Hansen
Many high risk car loan lenders are willing to give you a second chance to finance a car. Applying for a car loan is the easiest way to get your dream car. Most of them are not available to the general public. Instead, they offer their services through local franchised car dealers. Not every dealer offers second chance car loans so it's important that you find a dealer that does before you complete an auto financing application. If you apply with a dealer that does not offer high risk auto loans, you run the risk of lowering your credit score with unnecessary credit.
To Improve Your Chances of Getting Approved. To improve your chances of getting approved for a bad credit auto loan, apply with a high risk credit car buying service such as Auto Credit Express.
But things may be just the opposite if you can't produce a good credit report in front of the lenders. But lenders generally insist on high interest rate against the loans from the customers with bad credit.
Second chance auto loans give you a chance to redeem yourself and improve your credit. Don't be fooled though, most second chance auto loans have very tough stipulations. Many have higher auto loan interest rates and lower auto loan terms.
First, before you search, you should do your homework well. Get started in your mission by pulling a copy of your credit report from any of the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
Second, try to find out the one that fit into your budget. Think carefully about what kind of car you need so you are less likely to make an impulsive purchase.
The next step is to go to the auto loans dealership. With acceptable payments in mind, you can ask for the best possible deal that they can offer you.
What's Special About the Latest Cadillac Escalade Hybrid? By Geof Ryan
The latest Cadillac Escalade Hybrid has got loads of surprises under its hood starting from the blind spot detection system of vehicle that facilitates in detection of any other vehicle side by side of this SUV, which can be detected by the lighting of the sight mirror of the vehicle. XM NavTraffic system warns the driver about all the happenings such as accident 5 miles ahead on the following route. The warning signal is received by the system to tackle the problem. It is quite easy enough to press the Avoid button and acquire a new route, which is programmed into the navigation system automatically.
Other notable features of the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid include cooled as well as heated front seats, leather luxurious and well cushioned seven seats, front seats with the 14 way adjustments, GMT 900 platform.
The SUV is equipped with the same interfaces meant for the stereo. However, it lacks the source for the audio. The XM satellite radio is another noticeable feature, which is connected with the LCD as well as the six disc changer.
The DVD and music are played through a Bose enhanced 5.1 channel audio system, which is quite appreciable due to its high quality sound and comparatively better than the six speaker audio systemsused in certain cars. Moreover, even in terms of the price, it is farily priced at about 5,726 pounds. The gas engine with the 6.2 liter V - 8 types is used by the 300 volt hybrid system. The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid has 332 hp power, and generates a massive torque at 5100 rpm.
The new 2010 Buick Enclave will come with no major changes when compared with the current generation models, though there will be several minor add-ons. The vehicle falls under the category of the family class SUVs. It comes with the seating capacity of up to 8 members. The vehicle shares its design features with the models like GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and the Chevrolet Traverse. The 2010 Enclave will come in two separate trim levels - the CXL and the CX trims. The model uses the 3.6 liter V6 engine that produces 288 Horse Power and is offered in 6-speed automatic transmission.
The maximum towing capacity of the next generation Buick Enclave is expected to be around 4500 lbs. The model comes in all wheel drive as well as the front wheel drive. The standard features provided in the vehicle include the 7-passenger seating with the second row bucket seats and the third row foldable bucket seats. The second row third person bench comes as an optional feature. The seats are designed to allow the easy access to the third row.
The safety features in the vehicle include the front side air bags, ABS, curtain side air bags that cover all the rows, anti-skid and the traction control system. Bi-Xenon headlamps remain standard throughout all the trim levels. The vehicle also includes with the DVD entertainment system, the navigation system with the 110 volt inverter, wireless cell phone link and real time traffic updates. The vehicle without navigation system comes with the rear view camera with driver confidence package.
Chevrolet, being a division of the General Motors Corporation, had been hit hard by the economic recession during the 2009 fiscal year. Sales began to slump sharply during January however picked up slightly at the end of February through March of 2009. Compared to GM's more luxurious brands such as Cadillac and Buick; Chevrolet fared quite well. Truck sales for all manufacturers, both foreign and domestic were down all across the board. Because Chevrolet has shifted more of its focus towards fuel efficient vehicles over the past couple of years, an influx of new car buyers have flocked to dealerships to purchase Chevrolet products over their foreign counterparts. This has been largely due to the cash for program as well as dealer and manufacturer incentives. The top selling passenger vehicles sold by Chevrolet in the 2009 year were the Chevrolet Impala with 165,565 units sold. Closing the gap for the number two position was the Chevrolet Malibu with over 161,568 sold and coming in number three was the sub-compact Cobalt chiming in at 104,724 cars leaving dealership lots. Hybrid pickup truck offerings as well as regular normally aspirated engine equipped Chevrolet Silverado's domestic market share came in at around 30%, selling over 150,000 units in 2009. Together with its GM sibling the GMC Sierra, far surpassed the sales numbers of Ford and Toyota. Heavy duty truck sales however did not fare as well as its domestic rivals such as the Ford F-250/350 and the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 models. GM stock holders from 2008 to 2009 were hit extremely hard due to posted losses of the company and restructuring after bankruptcy protection. Although the Chevrolet brand was saved from the corporate axe, many other highly touted brands such as Pontiac and Saturn were slated to be either sold or phased out of production by the end of 2009.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid was awarded the North American Car of the Year prize at the 2010 Detroit auto show. Why is the Fusion Hybrid racking up awards? Because the vehicle sets a new benchmark in hybrid technology.
Correcting the Bad Rap Against Hybrids
USA Today emphatically stated, “The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is the best gasoline-electric hybrid yet.” Cars.com said, “Fusion Hybrid is a significant step forward for the technology, particularly for family sedans.” And Car and Driver said the Ford Fusion Hybrid “wipes the floor with the Toyota Camry Hybrid.” Comparisons with the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Nissan Altima Hybrid (only available in eight states) make sense.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid’s 41 city / 36 highway mileage ratings handily beat the Camry Hybrid’s 33/34 and the Altima Hybrid’s 35/33.
The Fusion Hybrid—and its sibling, the Mercury Milan Hybrid—are the first vehicles to use Ford’s second-generation hybrid system.
Hybrid-electric vehicle systems engineer Gil Portalatin told us that the control logic for the new hybrid system provides much tighter integration of engine operation and power delivery. As a result, the Fusion Hybrid’s 2.5-liter engine shuts itself off twice as much as the earlier Escape, with the electric system providing more power.
Enthusiasm from the auto press is also extended to the Fusion Hybrid’s road manners. Edmunds.com said, “Compared to the similarly sized Camry Hybrid, the Fusion Hybrid is a relatively zesty sedanThe Fusion's braking force feels reassuringly linear.” Nadaguides.com wrote that the Fusion Hybrid’s 2.5 liter 4-cyclinder engine provide plenty of power for freeway ramps, while hugging the road and offering a comfortable ride. The combined output for the Fusion Hybrid’s engine and motor is 191 horsepower.
Exterior & Interior Design
The entire line of Ford Fusions—including the base S, mid-level SE, well equipped SEL, and the Fusion Hybrid—has been spruced up for the 2010 model year. Reviewers said the Fusion Hybrid looks like an uplevel Fusion SE or SEL. Jalopnik said, “The Fusion is nicer inside too. The new Fusions offer Ford’s popular Sync voice-activated digital entertainment and integrated mobile phone system.
The Fusion Hybrid uses a new nickel metal hydride battery with 20 percent more power, in a package that’s 30 percent smaller. That means the Fusion Hybrid sacrifices only a negligible amount of trunk space compared to the standard version—but not enough to retain rear folding seats, which are not available in the Fusion Hybrid. The Camry Hybrid managed to keep folding back seats.
Ford Hybrids Come with Fuel Economy Nag
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid, are also the first to use Ford’s new SmartGuage technology. If you like the Fusion Hybrid’s more dynamic handling and performance, and smoother hybrid system, compared to the Camry Hybrid or Altima Hybrid, then get ready to pay for it. The Fusion Hybrid, with a base MSRP of $27,300, is $2,000 more than the Camry Hybrid or Altima Hybrid. For reference, Ford’s other hybrid, the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV, is comparably priced to the Fusion at $29,300 and offers fuel economy at 36 in the city and 31 on the highway.
Reaffirming Ford’s commitment to hybrid-electric vehicles, Nancy Gioia, the executive responsible for Ford’s electrified vehicles, said all its new products globally will permit hybrid versions. Gioia, a 26-year Ford veteran, told HybridCars.com that design standards have been changed to ensure future Ford “vehicle architectures” can accommodate gasoline, diesel, and hybrid powertrains.
General Motors launched its two-mode hybrid system on its Chevrolet and GMC full-size SUVs in early 2007, and later that year it launched the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. In Escalade guise, the hybrid system bumps city fuel economy by 50 percent, resulting in an increase in city mileage from 12 mpg to 18.
The transmission is the same two-mode continuous electric ratio hybrid transmission used in the General's other full-size truck hybrids.
The Escalade also uses several other green technologies, such as a regenerative braking system to recharge the nickel-metal hydride batteries, an electrically driven 42-volt variable-assist power steering system and an engine start/stop system. The system is covered under Cadillac's 8-year, 100,000-mile emission control system warranty.
The new RAM from Dodge comes with all new design features and styles. The release of diesel powered Dodge RAM is expected to be delayed, but the hybrid version of RAM will hit the market by the end of 2010.
The hybrid powertrains to be equipped in the new RAM model will be produced as a joint venture by BMW, Mercedes and General Motors. It will be similar to the engine found in the models like GMC Sierra gas electric hybrid pickup and Chevrolet Silverado.
The next generation RAM comes powered by a 5.7 liter pushrod hemi V8 engine that can produce mileage of 25 miles per gallon. The new RAM model is expected to have the towing capacity of 6100 pounds.
The 2010 Dodge RAM will be offered in five trim levels namely Power Wagon, ST, TRX, SLT and Laramie. The bumpers, hood and grille are unique to the heavy duty models, but reflect the light duty RAM model released in the model year 2009. The hood in the new variant will be taller when compared with the previous versions and is provided so as to provide more cooling capacity.
The 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 has regular base, and short bed pickup cab comes powered with 3.7 liter V6 engine that can produce power up to 157 kilo watts at the rate of 5200 rotations per minute and torque of 235 lb ft at the rate of 4000 rotations per minute. The 3701 cc 3.7 liter V6 comes with the compression ratio of 9.7, two valves per cylinder, 93 mm bore length, and 90.8 mm stroke length.
2011 FORD MUSTANG V-6: NEW 305-HP ENGINE, SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSION EXPECTED TO DELIVER 30 MPG HIGHWAY
Source ford.com
For 2011, Mustang makes sports coupe news with a new high-performance, all-aluminum Duratec® 3.7-liter DOHC Ti-VCT V-6 that delivers 305 horsepower and an expected best-in-class 30 mpg highway with six-speed automatic transmission – no other vehicle in the industry can beat that combination
Six-speed transmissions – manual and automatic – combine with newly standard limited-slip differential and revised suspension for road-carving driving dynamics and handling
New technology and convenience features include: Standard integrated spotter mirrors; message center; MyKey™ programmable vehicle key; and Universal Garage Door Opener
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 30, 2009 – The 2011 Ford Mustang puts 305 high-performance horses in the hands of V-6 coupe buyers with a new all-aluminum dual-overhead cam (DOHC) engine that delivers a projected 30 mpg on the highway with a six-speed automatic transmission and fun for drivers on nearly every road.
For 2011, Mustang’s new 3.7-liter Duratec 24-valve V-6 uses advanced engineering to deliver its power and economy: Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valvetrain in microseconds. Aluminum construction means light weight. It’s an engine designed to crank out torque down low, rev to 7,000 rpm and deliver the mechanical music sports coupe lovers crave everywhere in between.
“Mustang is completely transformed with this new engine,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Everything people love about the car is still there and now under the hood is a V-6 engine that uses premium technology to deliver the power, the feel, the fuel efficiency, even the sound of the best sports coupes in the world.”
New 3.7-liter V-6 engine With Ti-VCT operating its four valves per cylinder, the new Mustang V-6 powerplant sends significantly more horsepower and torque (305 hp and 280 ft.-lb.) to the rear wheels than its predecessor – despite its smaller displacement. The behind-the-wheel feel is unlike any Mustang ever produced.
“This new V-6 engine really speaks to what Mustang is all about,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of global powertrain engineering. “It produces power everywhere in the rev range and loves to be pushed hard. The Duratec 3.7-liter builds on our promise to use advanced technology to deliver both power and fuel economy.”
The high output is due largely to Ti-VCT which allows variable control of valve operation across the rev range. The variable cams operate on a Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket (DAMB) valvetrain using polished buckets and roller finger followers to reduce friction. The end result is as much as a 3 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 10 percent improvement in power output versus traditional engines without these advanced features.
Ti-VCT is complemented by special-tuned composite upper and lower intake manifolds for efficient air delivery and lighter weight. Ignition power is delivered by a high-energy coil-on-plug design, while piston-cooling jets and a lightweight die-cast aluminum cylinder block improve the durability and efficiency of the 3.7-liter V-6 design.
Performance was the mantra for every aspect of engine design. A cold air induction system and dual exhaust give the 3.7 its free-breathing style with a 7,000 rpm redline and near-instantaneous response to throttle inputs.
A die-cast aluminum deep-sump oil pan provides 10,000-mile oil change intervals, saving drivers money on maintenance and resulting in less waste in oil disposal.
Engineers also worked to ensure aggressive, high-performance sounds come from the new engine, from intake to exhaust. Not only does the retuned air intake system minimize losses, it also provides the driver with a satisfying intake rush on hard acceleration. The all-new dual exhaust system is mellow at idle but opens up with a howl at full-tilt, letting Mustang drivers know they’re behind the wheel of a world-class sports coupe.
“This car marks a new type of Mustang,” said David Pericak, Mustang chief nameplate engineer. “We’re using a high-performance quad-cam V-6 with all the bells and whistles in a car that’s become legendary for its handling and roadholding; it’s really going to get a lot of new sports coupe fans excited about Mustang, some for the first time ever.”
Powertrain improvements Drivers can get the most out of the new V-6 engine’s output using either an all-new six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission. Both come with the flexibility and fuel economy benefits of six forward ratios regardless of whether buyers want to shift for themselves or not.
Drivers who prefer a manual gearbox will enjoy the short throws and direct feel of the shifter along with the relaxed cruising permitted by the extra top gear ratio. Customers choosing the automatic will be pleasantly surprised to find the advanced six-speed 6R60 transmission does not sacrifice fuel economy – or performance – for convenience, delivering an expected 30 mpg highway with crisp, quick shifts that maximize torque and horsepower.
The automatic transmission also features a grade-assist or “hill mode” to improve drivability on hilly terrain. This technical innovation uses vehicle input – acceleration, pedal position, vehicle speed and brake status – to automatically determine the correct gear ratio while on an incline or decline. Hill mode eliminates sixth gear, extends lower gear operation on uphill climbs, and provides additional grade or engine braking for coast downs.
The standard 2.73 rear axle provides an ideal blend of cruising fuel economy and acceleration, aided by the wide ratio spread permitted through the use of six forward speeds in the gearboxes. Performance enthusiasts can select an available 3.31 rear axle ratio for better off-the-line launch characteristics.
Fuel economy improvements Extra horsepower and refined engine operation will be the most noticeable features to new 2011 Mustang 3.7-liter V-6 buyers while projected class-leading fuel economy, also a standard feature, offers an additional bonus. The numbers speak for themselves:
19 mpg city/30 highway with six-speed automatic transmission, up from 16 mpg city/24 highway on the 2010 model with automatic – a 25 percent improvement over 2010
18 mpg city/29 highway with six-speed manual transmission, up from 18 mpg city/26 highway on the 2010 model with manual
Refinements throughout Mustang’s body, powertrain and chassis design contribute to the improved fuel economy numbers. Examples include:
The new Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system which eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump
Six-speed transmissions that allow lower cruising revs without sacrificing off-the-line performance
Aerodynamic improvements such as a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal
Handling and driving dynamics With so much additional horsepower standard, the 2011 Mustang received enhancements to its chassis to maintain the outstanding balance and driving behavior Mustang owners expect. Damper tuning and spring rates were revised to provide a smooth highway ride while a new rear lower control arm and stiffened stabilizer bar bushings improve stiffness and handling for better cornering response.
While Mustang’s aerodynamic improvements were designed mainly to improve fuel economy, engineers also adjusted the vehicle’s front/rear lift balance. The result is a car that tracks more securely and feels more “planted” to the road surface at higher speeds, helping to keep the tires in better contact with the pavement.
The addition of EPAS marks a new era in driving dynamics for Mustang owners. Steering effort at parking lot speeds is reduced, while high-speed and highway feel is improved for more precise steering and handling. Because the belt-driven power steering pump is eliminated, EPAS provides a quieter vehicle with fewer components drawing engine power.
EPAS also enables new technologies that adjust for minor driving annoyances. Pull-Drift Compensation adjusts the steering to correct for crosswinds and minor road crowning, while Active Nibble Control helps eliminate the “shimmy” felt at high speeds when a wheel is out of balance or a brake rotor is warped. Both conditions are alleviated by EPAS independent of driver input, helping ensure Mustang delivers a smooth, comfortable driving experience in all conditions.
Mustang buyers choosing the new V-6 will also get a standard limited-slip differential that provides better handling and more sure-footed grip in poor weather conditions by directing engine torque to the rear wheel with the most traction. When the time comes to slow things down, the 2011 Mustang is also equipped with larger four-wheel ABS disc brakes, with 11.5 inch front and 11.8 inch rear rotors.
Refinements complement advanced features To reinforce the sporty nature of the 2011 Mustang, all V-6 models will come standard with new instrument cluster graphics, including a speedometer that reads up to 160 mph and a tachometer that reads to 8,000 rpm, reflecting the free-revving style of the new engine.
Additional lightweight soundproofing measures help filter unpleasant, high-frequency noises while tuned intake and dual exhaust add the sounds Mustang buyers relish.
Occupants also benefit from new door seals and a rear wheel arch liner that reduce road noise for a quieter, more enjoyable drive, all with minimal weight gain compared to the 2010 model.
Enthusiasts who want a premium performance-oriented Mustang V-6 can opt for the new Performance Package, which will be available August 2010. Designed for driving enthusiasts, the Mustang V-6 Performance Package comprises:
A 3.31 rear axle ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration
Firmer Mustang GT suspension
19-inch wheels
Summer performance tires for improved grip
A strut tower brace for increased chassis rigidity
Unique electronic stability control calibration with sport mode for performance driving
For 2011, Mustang also ups the ante on technology and convenience features, including a standard driver’s message center in the instrument cluster and integrated blind-spot mirrors in the side-view mirror housings.
Ford’s MyKey™ system, designed to encourage safer teen driving and safety belt use, also is newly available on Mustang. MyKey allows owners to program the vehicle key using the driver’s message center to incorporate features such as limited top vehicle speed and audio volume, a traction control system that cannot be deactivated, a persistent Belt-Minder® safety belt reminder and various speed alert chimes.
Top safety marks expected Mustang’s technological advances are also incorporated in the structure of the vehicle to improve safety. The 2010 Mustang coupe earned the U.S. government’s top five-star crash-test rating, a designation the 2011 model is expected to achieve.
The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the coupe and convertible’s driving performance and has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the coupe’s body structure is approximately 31 percent stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible’s is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion in an impact.
Mustang also uses high-strength steel in its body structure and ultra-high-strength steel in the door intrusion beams for additional side-impact protection.
The front structure’s crush zones are computer-designed to absorb energy in a controlled manner and help dissipate it before it can reach the passenger compartment. Ford engineers have run thousands of design iterations of the Mustang’s front rails to arrive at an octagonal shape that helps spread crash forces evenly to aid in protecting occupants.
State-of-the-art technology adds to the convenience and safety of the 2011 Mustang, from the availability of the latest version of Ford SYNC®, with applications such as Traffic, Directions and Information, 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report, to standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Additional standard safety equipment includes the Personal Safety System™ which features dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners and Belt-Minder.
The 2011 Mustang will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The new 3.7-liter V-6 will be built at Ford’s recently retooled Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1.
