My Perfect Automobile » All Latest News!

Get Car Tires Ready for Summer Heat

Larry Bell — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:52:31 +0000

Tires make the car (pictured: a hybrid race car)

Car care experts recommend testing the tread depth of car tires before hot summer weather hits. Fall and winter give even the best car tires a hearty workout, having to negotiate frigid temperatures, slick roads and quick stops. Safety gurus say many car owners are lulled into a false sense of security when nice weather approaches, which is why now is the best time to check tread depth. For those who don’t know how to do the simple test, see the video clip below. When tires show too much wear or any defect whatsoever, replace them immediately.

Car Tires: Video

The above clip focuses on essential things car owners need to know for keeping tires in tiptop shape. Worn or defective tires can turn an otherwise perfect drive into a dangerous journey. The simple steps in the video demonstrate not only how to care for tires year round, but also how to inspect a set of tires on a car before purchase. Used tires are a billion dollar business so it is good to learn the basics of tire health and long-term care. Some of the newer, low-rolling-resistance tires can help increase fuel efficiency by as much as 8 percent. As the narrator points out, owners should think of car tires as an investment in both safety and fuel economy.

Car Tires

Besides keeping an eye on the tread, be certain to maintain the correct amount of air pressure in each tire, and rotate all four at regular intervals. When in doubt, ask your mechanic about rotation schedules and air pressure levels.

For tires and all other automotive-related products, see the MyPerfectAutomobile online shopping mall. After that, visit the classifieds and scroll through hundreds of thousands of car listings. Using the selection tools, anyone can quickly find their “perfect automobile.” The direct link to the shopping mall is:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/online-shopping-mall.html

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Summer Driving Safety: Hot Topic

Larry Bell — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:05:15 +0000

Summer Safety: Tesla Roadster Sport

Safety experts are making their seasonal pitch for smart summer driving. Summer months carry as many risks as winter when it comes to auto travel, with decreased visibility and inattentive driving topping the list of risks. And because more pedestrians are out and about, safety gurus advise keeping an especially keen eye out for foot traffic. The number one safe driving tip for summer: Wear sunglasses to reduce glare. Statistics show that a significant number of summer collisions result from temporary “sun blindness,” which is easily remedied with a proper pair of sunglasses.

Summer Safety: Video

Safe driving is actually a smart way to save money on fuel costs, according to the short video clip above. The narrator explains how aggressive driving and speeding reduce fuel efficiency and end up costing a typical car owner between $100 and $900 per year, on average. Fast stops and starts not only use excessive fuel but also put undue stress on a vehicle’s brakes and other components. It all adds up, as the clip shows. One other, obvious advantage of safe driving is the reduced risk of accidents.

Driving Safety for Summer

In addition to eyewear, safety experts say it is imperative to keep windshields clean, washer-fluid bins full, and wipers in working order. When heat and sun become a part of the daily drive, the name of the game is visibility. Pedestrian traffic ticks up in summer, and not just because kids are out of school. Everyone wants to enjoy the warm weather, so be aware of joggers, bicyclists, and all pedestrians. Always give pedestrians the right of way at a crosswalk, whether it is marked or not. To be ready for quick stops, make sure your car’s brakes are in top shape before the warm weather arrives.

For a month-by-month listing of auto safety tips, see the website of USAA, a global leader in financial and auto insurance services:
https://www.usaa.com/inet/pages/advice_auto_month_by_month_maintenance_guide

Larry Bell

Elio, Super MPG Car, Unveiled

Larry Bell — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:01:39 +0000

The Elio

Elio Motors announced this week that the company would begin production and sales of its high-mpg, three-wheeled car in June of 2014. To be constructed in a former GM facility in Shreveport, La., Elio carries a base price of $6,800. The pricing strategy is designed to draw young, budget-conscious buyers, as well as those looking for an economical second car. Able to log 49 mpg in the city and a whopping 84 mpg on the highway, the tiny gas miser features a top speed of slightly over 100 mph and a 9.6 zero-to-sixty time.

Elio Motors: Video

What some call the “ultra-mpg” Elio is neither an electric nor a hybrid car, though many assume it is. That is mostly due to its size, three-wheel design, and futuristic look. The short clip above introduces the diminutive Elio to those who have never seen the high-mileage model, which is being manufactured in a former Hummer plant. The company will be rolling the first batch of Elios off the line in the early summer of 2014. Founder and CEO Paul Elio said there are already 13,000 pre-orders on the books, so look for the new automaker to hit the ground running.

Elio Three-Wheel Car

A five-speed automatic, the front-wheel-drive Elio is propelled by a three-cylinder, 1.0-liter gas engine and tips the scales at a hair under 800 pounds. The two-seater is surprisingly roomy inside. In most states, the Elio will meet motorcycle registration requirements but drivers will only need a standard license to drive the car. Paul Elio is quick to point out that the car meets all auto safety requirements, has anti-lock brakes, three airbags, and a steel frame. Cars do not receive official safety ratings until they are in production.

For more about one of the smallest and newest auto companies in the U.S., visit the website of Elio Motors:
http://www.eliomotors.com

Larry Bell

Diesel Car Sales Booming

Larry Bell — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:12:46 +0000

Diesel cars (Pictured: Volvo V60 Diesel hybrid plug-in)

Diesel vehicle ownership has climbed 24 percent in the U.S. since 2010, according to a study by R. L. Polk and Co. During the same period, car ownership in general rose just 2.75 percent, which points to the increasing popularity of diesel cars and trucks with American consumers. Given the recent state of the economy and the higher prices for diesel fuel, the data is even more surprising. Analysts believe that the choices for diesel enthusiasts will continue to grow. Indeed, Volkswagen, Mazda, Chevrolet and Audi are among automakers who already offer diesel variants to U.S. consumers.

Diesel Cars: Video

For a comprehensive review of a popular diesel car, see the above video clip. The Honda Civic Diesel is quite a hit in Australia, and the reviewer takes us on a quick drive through the city for the purposes of his evaluation. The Civic diesel hatch only comes as a manual drive, though offers a very sporty look, superior handling, and a reasonable price tag. Remember, this is the European and Australian diesel version, not available in the U.S. as yet (and maybe never). In any case, Honda knows its markets, and if recent trends bear out, U.S. drivers will likely be seeing many more diesel offerings from Honda and others in the years to come.

Diesel Advocacy Group

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit entity that works to raise general awareness about the uses and importance of diesel engines. The DTF informs the public about improvements in diesel technology, advocating for cleaner fuel and technology whenever possible. The organization is made up of industry leaders, equipment makers, engine and component manufacturers, and fuel producers. Founded in 2000, DTF is based in Washington, D.C. For more about the organization, see their official website:
http://www.dieselforum.org/

For more about Polk, see the company’s website:
https://www.polk.com/

Larry Bell

GreenTech Automotive Announces New EV

Larry Bell — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:47:43 +0000

GreenTech Automotive’s EV

GreenTech Automotive has announced that it will build a 5-passenger EV sedan at its Mississippi facility. The low-speed electric car will be a joint venture with JAC Motors of China. The vehicle features a 100-mile range and a 19 kWh battery. Horn Lake, Miss., is the location of GTA’s assembly plant. Because the car’s top speed will be only 25 mph, it does not have to meet the many safety standards to which most cars are subjected by federal law. Terry McAuliffe and Charles Wang founded GTA in 2006, but McAuliffe has since left the company.

GreenTech: Video

For a look behind the scenes at an unconventional auto company, see the above video clip about GreenTech. Famous at the outset for its association with former Democratic Party chairman Terry McAuliffe, GTA is chaired by Charles Wang, who is also the company’s co-founder and a world famous financier. The company specializes in low-speed electric vehicles, currently producing the NEV (neighborhood electric vehicle) called MyCar. The two-seater EV sells for $15,500 and is street legal in most states on roads that have speed limits of 35 mph or less.

GreenTech Automotive

GTA has already delivered models of its MyCar to European and U.S. customers. Production of the car began in 2012 and company officials have indicated that purchase agreements, primarily from municipalities and corporations, have reached the 30,000 mark.

The new EV sedan will be sold to commercial fleets, which often use low-speed vehicles on large corporate properties and in congested urban driving environments. Eventually GTA intends to transform the NEV into a street legal car that can be driven on highways. The company is looking to triple its workforce, from 100 to 300 employees, as a result of the new model’s production.

For more about U.S.-based GreenTech Automotive, see the company’s official corporate website:
http://www.wmgta.com/en/

Larry Bell

Electric Motorcycle Co. Certified by Canadian Gov’t

Larry Bell — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:40:20 +0000

World’s fastest electric motorcycle, piloted by Larry “Spiderman” McBride

The Canadian government has certified the company that produces the Sora electric super bike, an EV motorcycle that offers a range of 185 miles-per-charge and reaches 60 mph in just four seconds. The government sanctioned Lito Green Motion as an official Canadian motorcycle manufacturer, which means the Sora (Japanese for “sky”) will soon be in showrooms. The quick-charge feature puts the $41,000 bike into fully-charged mode in a mere 90 minutes. A standard outlet needs eight hours to replenish the Sora’s 12 kWh lithium pack.

Electric Motorcycles: Video

There’s something about speed. It draws human attention like moths to a carbon-arc lamp. In the short video clip above, watch as Larry “Spiderman” McBride breaks the 200 mph barrier on an eerily silent electric motorcycle, the Lawless Electric Rocket bike. Clocking in at 201 mph and change, McBride has put electric bikes on the map and continues to build his own reputation as one of the sport’s premier drivers. A two-dimensional computer screen does not do justice to the feat, so be sure to maximize your window and crank up the sound, because this is truly one for the record books. Lawless Industries and Orange County Choppers constructed the bike.

Electric Motorcycles

The Sora tops out at 120 mph, but is designed to run quietly and with very little vibration. The bike’s design features a unique push-button seat adjustor, a 5.7-inch LCD as well as a proprietary Safe Range System app that keeps an eye on remaining distance. The Sora also has regenerative braking.

Many of the world’s big motorcycle dealers are now stocking EV versions of several bikes. The electric cycle was once an oddity, but with the advent of longer range, reasonable prices and science fiction designs, the niche is hotter than ever and will almost certainly grow rapidly for the near future.

Corporate websites for Lito Green Motion, Lawless Industries, and Orange County Choppers are below:
http://www.litogreenmotion.com/
http://www.paradefloats.com/orange.html
http://www.orangecountychoppers.com/

Larry Bell

Chevy Cruze Diesel: 46 MPG Highway

Larry Bell — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:33:43 +0000

Chevy Cruze diesel

Chevrolet has announced that its Cruze diesel has been rated at 46 mpg highway. This puts the new model ahead of all non-hybrid cars in terms of fuel efficiency. In fact, the overall mpg rating is 33 when combined with the car’s city mileage of 27 mpg. One of the Cruze diesel’s chief competitors is Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI, which comes in slightly better in overall mpg at a combined rating of 34. The Jetta, however, offers a fuel-efficiency profile that some consider more balanced, with a 42 highway and 30 city rating. In any case, Chevy holds the current record for non-hybrid highway mpg.

Chevy Cruze: Video

If you missed the Chicago Auto Show, here is some footage of the Chevy Cruze diesel in action from the event. Revealed at the 2013 show, the Cruze clean turbo offers solid mpg, 148 horsepower, and a host of safety features for a sticker price that starts at just $26,000. The clip above shows a sporty, red Cruze diesel refueling and then breezing through the rainy streets of Chicago. If you are a fan of diesels and Chevys, this car has a lot to offer.

Chevy Cruze Diesel

For now, the Jetta can still call itself the only diesel offered by a major car manufacturer in the U.S., but the Cruze diesel will be in showrooms in less than a month so VW will no longer be able to make the claim. Look for Mazda to add its diesel to the lineup in several months when the Mazda6 begins selling a diesel version. While diesel fuel tends to cost more than gasoline, diesel cars are able to travel further per gallon.

For more about the Chevy Cruze, see the specific site for the car, below:
http://www.chevrolet.com/Cruze
For more about all Chevrolet vehicles, see the official corporate site:
http://www.chevrolet.com

Larry Bell

BMW Reveals Data on ActiveE Pilot Program

Larry Bell — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:50:44 +0000

BMW ActiveE electric car

BMW has announced the availability of an online tool that lets uses see data from its ActiveE electric car pilot project. For the past 15 months, the company has been running field tests of its all-electric ActiveE sedans. Now, the German automaker wants to woo potential EV buyers by showing the actual range, savings and other green stats for the cars. An official BMW press release points out that online data will assist consumers who are, “…considering an electric vehicle purchase…”

BMW ActiveE: Video

Watch the short video clip above to get an up-close look at the newest green model from BMW, the ActiveE. Currently in its pilot testing phase, the car is racking up massive amounts of data for use by engineers, designers and company executives. Allowing the public to view much of the database is an industry first, by which BMW hopes to win converts to electric drive and green transportation in general. While watching the walk-around from the most recent New York Auto Show, notice the luxurious design touches on the interior of the vehicle, as well as the futuristic, aerodynamic body styling. Green or not, the ActiveE could turn heads in any auto showroom.

BMW ActiveE Data

The test fleet has already covered more than 6 million miles, avoided using 275,000 gallons of gasoline, and toted a combined fuel savings of nearly three-quarters of a million dollars. One of the primary beneficiaries of the data deluge will be BMW itself, who intends to use the information when the all-electric i3 becomes a production car later in 2013. That vehicle is an electric plug-in that features a carbon-fiber body. As for the ActiveE program, BMW does not plan to make, sell or lease the vehicle once the pilot project is complete.

For more information about the ActiveE, see the company’s official website for the car:
http://www.bmwusa.com/activee

Larry Bell

Used Hybrid Cars: Repair Costs Down, Study Shows

Larry Bell — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:49:45 +0000

Used hybrid cars for sale (pictured: 2010 Toyota Prius)

According to CarMD, one of the world’s largest providers of vehicle repair data, 2012 saw the first increase in car repair costs in the past six years. One notable exception to the trend was among hybrid vehicles, which enjoyed a continuing drop in annual repair costs and visits to shops. Among the most common repair, across all types of vehicles, is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can put a huge dent in fuel economy. The data was collected from a national network of ASE technicians and represents more than 161,000 auto repair incidents.

Used Hybrid Cars for Sale: Video

Spend two-and-a-half minutes with the video clip above to learn the essential differences between hybrid and non-hybrid car repair. The short-form, text tutorial clearly explains why and how hybrid drivetrains differ from traditional ones, dispelling a few myths along the way. When it comes to repair, hybrids have much different needs than standard vehicles. If properly maintained, hybrids tend to last as long or longer than non-hybrid models.

Used Hybrid Cars for Sale

Used hybrid cars for sale in the U.S. are among the best buys for consumers who need a reliable, fuel-efficient car for everyday tasks and routine commuting. Used and new hybrid cars continue to increase their share of the overall market on a year-to-year basis.

For more data about repair costs of automobiles, based on extensive survey data, visit the official site of CarMD, below. The company has built an enormous database of actual repair data by collecting statistics from thousands of vehicle techs all over North America. Broken down by diagnostic engine codes, the database is one of the most extensive listings of engine problems and their causes:
http://corp.carmd.com
To peruse over 2 million used listings that include every type of vehicle imaginable, visit MyPerfectAutomobile’s classifieds at the link below:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Car Sales Reach Six-Year High

Larry Bell — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:34:18 +0000

Car sales up in March (pictured; Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid)

Automakers are expected to release data this week that will show March car sales posting a six-year high. Already, Chrysler notched a 5 percent increase over the same month in 2012. The U.S. carmaker has now enjoyed three years of monthly sales increases. Most experts think the overall U.S. auto industry will show about an 8 percent month-over-month increase for March of 2013 compared to last year.

Car Sales: Know Your VIN Facts

Car buyers and sellers need to know the basics about vehicle identification numbers, also known as VINs. The above video clip is short and to the point, yet manages to deliver a wealth of pertinent info about one of the most vital auto-selling factoids. The VIN is essential, as the clip explains, to finding and interpreting a car history report. Before you purchase a car from a private seller, make certain to learn the number and then use it to look up the vehicle’s entire history. Such reports will show whether your prospective asset has ever been in an accident, been stolen, or been repossessed. Besides the car’s overall physical condition, data in a history report is perhaps the most important factor involved in private car transactions.

Car Sales

If you plan to list your car for sale, or if you are looking to purchase a vehicle, MyPerfectAutomobile offers a centralized, one-stop Internet location for buyers and sellers. Wherever you are, and whatever type of vehicle you are searching for or hoping to sell, the MPA classifieds will point you in the right direction. In addition, don’t forget that you can even use the listings as a basic research tool to determine a realistic price range when selling or buying. Drill down to the year, make, model and mileage of the car in question. Then, plug in several different zip codes to get a feel for the “national average” price that such cars are fetching. The direct link to the listings is:

http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Luxury Cars for Sale: How to Sell Your High-End Ride

Larry Bell — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:03:10 +0000

Cadillac ELR hybrid-electric luxury car

When selling a luxury car online, experts recommend using several photos along with detailed descriptions. As with any higher-priced item, potential buyers want to know exactly what they are getting for their money. That’s why it is an absolute necessity to post high quality pictures in the listing. When you place an ad under the “Luxury Cars for Sale” section, take a bit more time with the description than you would with a lower-priced model. In this case, details are very important.

How to Prep Luxury Cars for Sale: Video

For one of the better instructional videos about how to prep a car for private sale, see the clip above. Though most of the advice could apply to any car, the film tends toward luxury vehicles specifically. In fact, you might recognize the sample car if you are a luxury vehicle enthusiast.
Note: Because the video was made for a UK audience, ignore the end section about legal paperwork. There is much less red tape involved when selling a used car in the U.S.

Top 10 Luxury Cars for Sale in U.S.

The car you are trying to buy or sell need not be in the top-10 listing of 2012 luxury cars for sale, but it is good to know what shoppers are looking for. Six through ten on the list, in order, are the Infiniti G, Acura MDX, Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, and the Hyundai Genesis. Number five is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, while BMW vehicles hold third and fourth places. Fourth is the BMW 5-Series. Third place is BMW’s 3-Series. The number two best-selling luxury car is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Taking the top spot on the list is the elegant Lexus RS. For those keeping track, that makes four Asian brands, four German brands, and two U.S. cars (both Cadillacs!) in the top ten.

If you are preparing to sell or buy a luxury vehicle, use the following information site to acquaint yourself with the history of the segment, learn about the different types of luxury cars (compact, entry-level, mid-level, and high-end, for example), and become conversant with common jargon that goes with the territory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxury_vehicle

To shop for or sell a car of any kind, begin at one of the highest-volume vehicle transaction sites on the Internet (link below). In less than five minutes you can have your vehicle listed, or locate the ideal car to suit your needs.
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Infiniti QX60 Hybrid’s NY Debut

Larry Bell — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 23:28:19 +0000

Infiniti QX60 hybrid crossover

Infiniti’s QX60 crossover hybrid was unveiled at the New York Auto Show this week. The seven-passenger vehicle features a 15 kW electric motor, a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and a lithium battery pack. The hybrid crossover is designed in such a way that it offers the same amount of interior and storage space as its non-hybrid cousin. Torque and horsepower differences between the hybrid and combustion models are negligible, with the gasoline vehicle coming out on top by just five pound-feet and 15 horses overall. The hybrid’s specs stand at 250 horsepower and 243 lb-ft or torque.

Infiniti QX60 Hybrid: Video

For a thorough vetting of the QX60 hybrid, see the video clip above. A continuously variable transmission plus a choice of all-wheel or front-wheel drive will be offered on the QX60. Infiniti has not announced specific pricing data but did say that the new hybrid would likely carry a sticker of approximately $45,000, which is $3,000 more than the combustion model. Infiniti is a subsidiary of Nissan, and has produced high-end automobiles since 1989.

Infiniti

Infiniti’s Emerg-e hybrid concept car is another product of the Japanese automaker, having wowed crowds at auto shows and special events since its creation. The hybrid plug-in has a 30-mile electric range before the combustion engine begins to recharge the battery pack. With the ability to reach 60 mph in just four seconds, the sporty hybrid was first shown to the world at the Geneva Motor Show last year. Breaking from the traditional mold of hybrid design, the Emerg-e features a pair of electric motors, one for each rear wheel. Infiniti officials say the car might never land in showrooms but as a prototype is bound to influence various other models that roll off the Japanese carmaker’s line.

For more about Infiniti vehicles, see the company’s official U.S. website:
http://www.infinitiusa.com/

Larry Bell