The Car Geek: September 2006

The Car Geek

Monday, September 25, 2006

Tax Credit for Toyota Hybrids Shrink

Toyota Prius - Toyota Parts The Internal Revenue Service has announced that tax credits for Toyota hybrid vehicles will be reduced because the company has hit the legal production limit - 60,000 vehicles - that Congress imposed on vehicles eligible for a tax credit, the Associated Press reported.

This means that federal tax credits for Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles will be cut in half beginning in October.

The $3,150 credit for the Toyota Prius, the largest hybrid tax credit so far, will be reduced to $1,575 starting Oct 1, and credits for other Toyota hybrids, including certain Camry, Highlander and Lexus vehicles, will fall to between $775 to $1,300.

Under the schedule set by the hybrid tax credit law, the tax break will be cut in half again to 25% of its original value six months later. Starting April 1, 2007, the tax credit for the Prius will be $787.50, and credits for other Toyota and Lexus vehicles will range from $387.50 to $650.

No credits can be claimed for the purchase of Toyota hybrid vehicles beginning Oct. 1, 2007.

Meanwhile you can find the best Toyota and Lexus auto parts at trusted online auto parts stores like Auto Parts Inner.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Lexus Launches the LS460 Luxury Sedan in Japan

LS460 Luxury Sedan Lexus, Toyota's luxury car division started launching the LS460 luxury sedan and already available in dealer showrooms in the Japanese auto markets. The Lexus LS460 luxury sedan is available with numerous luxury packages for customers to choose from. A bunch of innovative systems, defined as the "world's first" features are the main highlights of the vehicle.

One feature is the world's first electric motor-driven VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent by Electric motor) along with the world's first 8 Super ECT eight-speed automatic transmission that combines outstanding acceleration and driving performance with high fuel efficiency.

Other "world's first" features include:
  • vehicle-front pedestrian detection system and collision-avoidance steering support
  • vehicle-rear detection system
  • electrically-operated parking brake that automatically engages and releases in union with the position of the gear-shift
  • passenger compartment oxygen level conditioner to maintain oxygen levels in the cabin
  • remote locking of doors and power windows using a cell-phone

While waiting for this luxury sedan to be launched here in the US, why not look for quality auto parts like Lexus parts at Auto Parts Inner.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Audi A2: Paving the Way for the Next Generation Cars

Audi A2 Audi is a highly respected name when it comes to aluminum car body construction. And its Audi A2 embodies the smart, lightweight manufacturing techniques that Audi uses to come up with its high quality line of cars that are oozing with lovely aluminum details.

Aside from the beautiful aluminum body, Audi A2 also boasts of the following:
  • remarkable aluminum detail touches found around the cabin on the gear lever stem
  • aluminum details on the glove box catch and on the instrument dial surrounds
  • interior filled with elegant and velvety-soft materials
  • doors that closes with a quality thud
  • switchgears that looks like they have been carved from stones
  • comfortable seats
  • the hatch glass is coated with a hydrophobic coating which is especially designed to disperse water
  • its 12 ft 6" long body is a real space saver and does not create parking problems
And lastly, for all your Audi auto parts needs just visit Auto Parts Inner.

Monday, September 18, 2006

Ford's new "People Movers"

2006 Ford Freestyle According to The Detroit News, Ford is planning to build a new class of "people movers," based on the Fairlane concept first seen at the 2005 Detroit auto show. These new "people movers" are set to replace its poorly performing minivans.

Also in the works is a Lincoln version of the vehicle - based on the same platform as the Ford Five Hundred sedan and the Ford Freestyle crossover utility vehicle. Both versions, known internally as the D471 and D472, respectively, will be assembled in Oakville, Ontario. The D471 and D472 will offer three rows of seating, but will not have the sliding side door associated with minivans.

Ford has already stopped production of the Mercury Monterey and is expected to end production of its last remaining minivan, the Ford Freestar, next spring.

Friday, September 15, 2006

V12 - Most Powerful Diesel Engine from Audi

I2007 Audi Q7 Talking about powerful SUVs out in the market today, the 2007 Audi Q7 is indeed one excellent choice. The new V12 TDI engine developed by Volkswagen is dubbed as the world's most powerful diesel engine and the 2007 Audi Q7 got the first taste of the it.

With the capacity of 6.0 liters, the V12 engine develops 500 horsepower and 738 lbs-ft amount of torque, too much power for an SUV. With the V12 engine option, the Q7 can compete on the racetrack with any sports car you can find out in the market today. The V12 engine enables the Q7 to reach 62 mph in just 5.5 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Fuel consumption is at 19.7 miles per gallon.

A six-speed Tiptronic transmission and the Quattro permanent 4WD system is incorporated to the V12 diesel engine for an overall blazing performance.

For Audi mount parts, try to look for them at Auto Parts Inner.

Friday, September 08, 2006

MSRP for 2007 Nissan Vehicles

2007 Nissan Pathfinder Nissan North America Inc. has announced the pricing for six vehicles for its 2007 model year. The vehicles include the Frontier, Titan and Pathfinder pickup range and Murano, Xterra and Armada sport-utility vehicles (SUVs). Here are the prices. Check them out!

2007 Nissan Armada
Nissan Armada SE 4x2/ SE 4x2 FFV: $34,950
Nissan Armada LE 4x2/ LE 4x2 FFV: $40,250
Nissan Armada SE 4x4 / SE 4x4 FFV: $37,750
Nissan Armada SE 4x4 / SE 4x4 FFV: $43,050

2007 Nissan Frontier
Nissan Frontier King Cab XE 4x2: $16,050
Nissan Frontier King Cab LE 4x4: $25,600
Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SE 4x2: $20,800
Nissan Frontier Crew Cab LE LWB 4x4: $27,500

2007 Nissan Murano
Nissan Murano S FWD: $27,750
Nissan Murano SL FWD: $29,300
Nissan Murano S AWD: $29,350
Nissan Murano SL AWD: $30,900
Nissan Murano SE AWD: $31,850

2007 Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Pathfinder 4x2 S: $25,600,
Nissan Pathfinder 4x2 SE: $26,850
Nissan Pathfinder 4x2 LE: $33,800
Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 S: $27,600
Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 SE: $28,850,
Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 SE Off-Road: $31,650
Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 LE: $36,000.

2007 Nissan Titan
Nissan Titan King Cab XE 4x2: $23,700
Nissan Titan King Cab LE 4x4: $33,700
Nissan Titan Crew Cab XE 4x2: $26,550
Nissan Titan Crew Cab LE 4x4: $36,200

2007 Nissan Xterra
Nissan Xterra 4x2 X: $20,050
Nissan Xterra 4x4 SE: $27,950

2007 Nissan Versa
Nissan Versa 1.8 S (MT): $12,550,
Nissan Versa 1.8 S (AT): $13,350,
Nissan Versa 1.8 SL (MT): $14,550
Nissan Versa 1.8 SL with Xtronic(TM) CVT: $15,550

Destination and handling charges has been increased by $10 or $45 depending on the vehicle model. Looking for quality auto parts for these vehicles? Auto Parts Inner has a lot to offer.

Monday, September 04, 2006

GM Trucks With HotShots!

HotShot Heated Washer Fluid System Featured on 2007 Full-Size TrucksGeneral Motors announced that HotShot, an innovative hot washer fluid and windshield system currently developed and manufactured by Microheat Inc., will be an available feature on General Motors' 2007 full-sized model trucks, which include the all-new 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and 2007 GMC Sierra.

The function of the HotShot system is to remove unwanted snow, ice, insects and other road grime from windshields. The device can remove these things under 90 seconds with just a push of a button.

HotShot was patented and introduced in 2002, and became the first device in 75 years to solve problems of frozen, icy, or grimy windshields. Some of GM branded SUVs are already equipped with this device including Cadillac Escalade ESV and Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and GMC Yukon Denali and GMC Yukon XL Denali.