AUTOMOTIVE

2007 Toyota Camry: A Hybrid For A Leader

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 03:21:28 +0000

Toyota has a couple of big things in store for the Camry when the 2007 model year version of the car rolls out this coming summer: a complete redesign and the availability of a hybrid engine. Already the best selling car in America, the Camry is destined to be overhauled and re-engineered. Let’s take a look at some of the changes scheduled for Toyota’s venerable model.

New Styling Cues – Nobody has ever said that the Camry is a knock out when it comes to style. Despite its pedestrian look, the Camry has managed to capitalize on Toyota quality, price, and engineering to present a car that is clearly a best seller. Still, critics have routinely yawned at the Camry’s looks, but that will soon all change and dramtically at that. Borrowing some styling cues from Toyota’s Lexus line up of luxury cars, the 2007 Camry is expected to delight motorists and critics alike. Witness the recently made over Toyota Avalon: what was once a bland, full sized car has now been transformed into a sleek, luxurious sedan.

Time For A Hybrid – Toyota is riding the hybrid crest and it will, therefore, introduce hybrid technology into the Camry line up. Like all other Camry models, the hybrid version will also be built in the US, making it the first Toyota hybrid to be built outside of Japan. However, the battery and inverter will be imported from Japan while the engine will be Kentucky built. The Camry will join the Prius and the Highlander as the third Toyota model to offer hybrid technology.

More Power – Expected to be in the same size range as the current model, the Camry will keep its current four and six cylinder engines, but both will be reworked enough to crank out additional horsepower without compromising on fuel economy.

The Camry’s chief competitor over the past decade has been the Honda Accord. With a hybrid offering available and an improved appearance in place, the Camry is likely to strengthen its hold on the “top seller” category when the new model is released.

No one knows for sure if the “hybrid phase” is simply a fad or something that will ultimately catch on. With government credits still available and high gas prices at the pump, Americans continue to look at hybrids as a viable alternative to thirsty internal combustion engines. Toyota, for its part, continues to capitalize on this trend and the Camry is the latest vehicle in Toyota’s expanding arsenal to successfully incorporate hybrid technology.

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Mini Moto Engines

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:47:10 +0000

Industrial engines. They are still used by several manufacturers (most notably Blata on their entry level bike) and typically produce between 2.5 and 3.5 horse power (hp). All are air-cooled. Tuning and performance parts are very limited.

The Chinese 47/49cc. These engines are used in the Chinese made mk2, and mk3 minimotos. They are air cooled and produce between 2.5 and 3.5 horse power (hp). This engine is different from the industrial engine that is used in the Blata, as it is specifically created for mini moto use.

Polini 4.2 engine. This is the basic Polini engine and, as its name suggests, it produces 4.2 hp in standard form. It is air-cooled and uses the ‘series I’ crankcase with the 3-port cylinder. There is plenty of scope and parts for tuning but few people bother because most racing classes for the 4.2 won’t allow any modifications.

Polini 6.2 engine. The top end of this engine is the same as the 4.2 (3-port) but is available with either water or air-cooling. The bottom end uses the ‘series II’ crankcase. This helps to make it more powerful. Race regulations don’t allow modification to the engine internals but do allow performance parts, the most significant being the exhaust. There are a wide range of alternative exhausts that year after year manage to extract more power from the engine. Consequently the 6.2 ‘tag’ no longer means anything, these little rockets (more often referred to as ‘production’ nowadays) claim power outputs of up to 9hp.

The Chinese made water cooled engine. This engine is very similar to the Polini 6.2 however it is a series 1 crankcase engine. The engine is water cooled and is used in the Origami B1 replica. The engine produces around 7.5/8.5 horse power (hp) Many of the parts on this engine are interchangeable with the Polini.

What’s the difference between the ‘series I’ and ‘series II’ crankcase?. Fuel is drawn from the carb into the crankcase via a one-way valve known as the ‘reed valve’. The intake port (where the reed valve and carb join the engine) on the series I engine will only accommodate a reed valve assembly with one reed ‘petal’ whereas the series II will take a reed valve ‘cage’ that accommodates two reed petals. A two-petal reed valve will allow more fuel mixture to flow into the engine and, therefore, produces more power.

Polini Super engine. The super also uses the series two crankcase but with a 5-port cylinder. It is only available in water cooled now but used to come as air cooled as well. To compete with Polini, Mallossi manufacture an alternative 5-port cylinder. There are no restrictions on tuning supers and with engine ‘porting’, bigger carbs and other performance parts they can be turned into awesome machines (for their size) easily producing 12hp.

What is meant by 3 and 5 port?. This refers to the amount of ‘transfer’ ports built into the cylinder. The transfer ports draw the fuel mixture up from the crankcase and ‘dump’ it above the piston prior to ignition. A five-port cylinder has potential to produce more power.

40cc or 50cc. The 3 port engines are only available in 40cc. The 5 port cylinder comes in both 40 and 50cc. ZPF offer a tuned 5-port polini cylinder with their own ‘special’ cylinder head. The extra cc gives 25% more displacement and, therefore, has the potential for more power. 50’s are more common in the USA but they’re catching on fast in the UK. The UK now allows them to race in championships.

The Polini engine components are interchangeable, which can make for some interesting combinations. However, people don’t tend to bother because of class restrictions and it is usually easier to upgrade the whole bike or change the complete engine.

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Body Kits

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:34:30 +0000

Customizing your car with body kits is all about improving the looks of your automobile. This does not mean that these accessories cannot serve more practical purposes. Body kits include ground effects, such as skirting that divert and control the amount of air that passes through the underside of the car, improving down force.

If you want to get a “race car look” body kits come with instructions on how to adjust and customize your car to give it a “racy” appearance. Wings and spoilers are also popular body kits. They can either be placed in front or in the back of the car to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase traction during acceleration. There are also kits featuring customized hoods, fenders, side mirrors, mags and windows.

Generally, shops that offer alterations and customization offer two kinds of body kits- fiberglass and urethane. Most drivers prefer the fiberglass body kits because they fit better and can easily be repaired. Fiberglass also looks better than urethane when finished because of its compatibility with paint. The only advantage of urethane is that it is more durable and resistant to slight impacts. The downside is that it is more expensive and more difficult to repair a damaged piece.

A good mechanic will know what kind of body kit fits your car. A body kit has to fit first before appearance – otherwise looks won’t matter. Body kits have been so popular these days; they even have a television show that features the best of them.

Civic body kits Honda Civic launched in 1973 and has established a reputation...

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2010 Cadillac SRX

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:56:16 +0000

Originally named the Cadillac BRX, the new model will come as a 2010 Cadillac SRX. May seem, a model that will be known only because of the current concept car, introduced the world again in August and inaugurated in car design is very similar to the one completed.
2010 Cadillac SRX will again appear in the Detroit Auto Show later this month. With some SRX advanced technology is relatively smaller than the model being replaced. You will not find a few features such as carrying capacity, rear-wheel drive, third row of seats and legroom in the new model. Instead, it offers fuel efficiency even more fantastic and promises.
Based on the Theta platform Premium 2010 Cadillac SRX also include some elements of the middle car Epsilon. The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain of 2010 is also used on the Theta architecture. SRX doesn’t have a hybrid option or not. But we can expect to produce a hybrid version at a later date.
SRX is powered by two motors. Power is supplied either from WT E85 3.0L V6 engine or a 2.8l V6 turbo derived. During the first min cranks 260 hp at 6950 rpm and 221 foot pounds of torque provides min at 5600 rpm, the other machine, the electricity generated at 5,500 rpm and 300 houses and offers a 295 foot pounds of torque min at 1850 rpm . Both engines of the Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed manual transmission standard run speed automatic transmission.
GM makes the E85 3.0l engine produces 260 hp 5% more than its predecessor, which used to make. New models of fuel consumption was also increased 10-15%.
Buyers can choose between front wheel and four-wheel drive type. Although both models offer great traction control, AWD models moving one step further with the rear eLSD. If road conditions are slippery or wet systems have the ability to transmit up to 100% of torque to the wheel that offers more grip. This system helps the driver to gain a better control over the car when maneuvering at high speeds.
2010 Cadillac SRX growing number of luxury features. SRX is a pop-up navigation system, which is very similar to the CTS. He also has a hand-stitched leather cover () and dual-screen rear entertainment system, which is optional. Other features include the SRX is a 18/20 inch wheels, chrome bumper vents, vertical lighting, and so on.

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Antique Car Parts

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 03:27:44 +0000

Owning an antique car is a dream shared by many men and women. Cruising down the street in a classic car not only turns a few heads it makes you feel great knowing that you’ve invested in something of value.
For many people they decide to restore the antique car they’ve purchased. They know that even though it involves a lot of time and work, the end result is well worth the effort.
One of the first things to consider if you are planning on taking on the restoration of an antique car as a hobby is where you’ll go to find parts. Antique car parts can be difficult to find. You generally can’t walk into your automotive supply store and request the part. Instead you have to do a bit of research to find out where the antique car parts you need can be purchased.
The first place to go to research antique car parts is the internet. Pull up a search page and type in the phrase “antique car parts” followed by your city. With any luck several results will pop up that will give you a resource locally.
If the results of the search aren’t as favorable you can begin to research online stores that specialize in antique car parts.
There are several companies who work with their customers to find the antique car parts they need. They are much like a locator service. You request a part and they put the leg work in to find out where the part can be purchased from. You then pay them a finder’s fee and purchase the particular antique car part from the source they quoted.
There are also companies whose focus is strictly in antique car parts. They compile a vast collection of varied parts and offer them to their customers through their website or store front. There will be additional charges for shipping but if you’ve been having trouble locating a specific part this can be a welcomed resource.
Another source for finding antique car parts is your local newspapers. Sometimes collectors decide to sell off certain parts. You simply peruse the listings and contact the seller asking about the condition of the antique car part you are searching for and the price. Quite often they are excited to help you with your project and will offer you a reasonable price for the required part.
Sometimes you can find a treasure in an unexpected place. Auto wreckers often have antique cars in their lots. These are cars that were not restored and they reached such a debilitated condition that they are now being used strictly for parts.
Some auto wreckers keep a very close inventory on what is on their property. In this case you’ll simply need to call them and inquire about the part citing the type of antique car you have and what you need. They’ll search their computer database and be able to tell you whether or not they can supply you that antique car part.
Other auto wreckers prefer their customers to come to their location and look over the vehicles themselves. You’ll want to take a few tools with you just in case you do locate the part you are searching for. The majority of auto wrecking operations require the customer remove the desired part themselves.
Although it can be tricky to find the antique car parts you need, with a little research you should get what you need to completely restore the vehicle.

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