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kasun1986

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Ford Builds on Eco-Friendly Products and Process as More Consumers Live Sustainable Lifestyles

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Although consumers are more cost-conscious during these stressed economic times, many remain committed to more sustainable lifestyles and products, evident by the growing demand for items such as organic foods, clothing, personal-care and cleaning products. In fact, goods and services focused on health, the environment, social justice and sustainable living represent a $209 billion marketplace in the U.S. Ford’s use of more bio-based, recycled and reclaimed materials for vehicle interiors gives the company further leverage with this expanding consumer segment that’s living green

Ford designers and researchers are taking a total green approach to vehicle development and design, stepping beyond just fuel efficiency and what’s under the hood and incorporating more sustainable materials and processes inside the vehicle, too.

Ford’s award-winning soy-based foam seat cushions and backs, for example, will be on more than 1 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles by the end of this year, leading to a total reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of more than 5 million pounds. Most recently, Ford announced that the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus SHO, Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ will feature sustainable interior materials such as seat fabrics made with varying degrees of post-industrial yarns, suede-like material created from plastic pop bottles, chromium-free leather and engineered ebony wood, all of which reduce waste, energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

To ensure these greener material measures resonate with customers, Ford designers are gaining a deeper understanding of the different levels of green consumerism. Statistics show that one in four adults in the U.S. are living more sustainable lifestyles; interested in companies that are more socially responsible and buying products that are healthier for people and the planet.

Designers also are examining what’s the most expressive way to use these materials in vehicle interiors and how do they best represent the vehicle brand. Customers, for example, expect suede to look and feel like suede even if it’s made from plastic bottles. Interior wood accents, a common luxury-car cue, must exhibit rich colors and textures, whether it’s derived from a natural veneer or a more eco-friendly reconstituted wood veneer.

Ford researchers are challenged with developing alternative interior materials that perform without compromise to functionality or durability, can be manufactured in a more eco-friendly manner, decrease our dependence on foreign oil and are cost effective. No interior application is off limits on the research front, with plastics, rubber, foam, film and fabric under the microscope. No material is discarded as a possible substitute, either, from recycled items such as old blue jeans and plastic pop bottles to bio-based sources such as hemp, wheat straw, corn and soybeans.

The goal is to provide the company with as many sustainable material choices as possible for interior components front to back, from seat cushions and fabrics to underbody and impact shields, headliners, trunk liners and more.
 

kasun1986

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Jaguar XJ Super V8 Review

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The car has been built on a strong and light aluminum structure with two engine options: 4.2 liters V8 engine that can give out 300 horse power and 4.2 liters supercharged V8 engine that can give out 400 horse power. No matter which engine you choose, you will receive a 6 speed automatic transmission. Because of the adjustable air suspension, the ride becomes too luxurious and the abilities of road handling become impressive.

Safety features that come with the car are anti-lock bags, side-curtain airbags, front dual airbags, traction control and electric stability control. It gives out a gas mileage of 15 mpg on city roads and 22 mpg on highways. As far as its affordability is concerned, it costs $94,075.
 

kasun1986

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Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD Car Review

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When we look at the car from outside, it seems to be more of a performance oriented car. It looks like a sports car because of its full fenders, aggressive headlamps and rake windscreen. In looks, it is sometimes mistaken to be CX-7, its smaller counterpart. The car has a 3.7 liters V-6 engine which is able to give out 273 horsepower through 6 speed automatic transmission.

Although it is large, it is not huge and its space utilization and space allow it to accommodate real 7 people, mostly adults. Some of the unique features of the car are chrome trim, HID headlamps, fog lamps and 20 inches wheels. It comes at an affordable price of $35,205 which you will prove to be a great deal.
 

kasun1986

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Hyundai Genesis Coupe

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Following the successful launch of its Genesis sedan, Korean automaker Hyundai rolled out a two-door version of the car, aptly named Genesis Coupe. The car first debuted in pre-production form at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, and later was unveiled in production guise at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

(Click here to use Leftlane's Price Quote Form to get Hyundai Genesis Coupe pricing information from a trusted local dealer. Zero obligation)

Hyundai stuck to its promise of aggressive pricing, making the V6 model of the car the least expensive 300 horsepower coupe in the world.

The four-cylinder model has a starting price of just $22,000. That will buy you the most basic configuration, equipped with a 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. If you're looking for some more power, you'll have to pony up $25,000 for the the 306-horsepower, 3.8-liter, V6 engine model.

The basic $22,000 version comes standard with a six-speed manual. For customers looking for added comfort or ease of operation, a five-speed Siftronic automatic with manual mode is $23,250. The 2.0T model comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, 12.6-inch disc brakes, a front strut brace, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel audio controls, power windows, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3, air conditioning, projector beam headlamps, trip computer, cruise control, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, active head restraints, front/side/curtain airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control.

A "Premium" variant of the 2.0T model is also available, coming in at $24,250 for the manual variant and $25,500 for the Siftronic automatic. The Premium edition gains a power driver's seat, 360-watt Infinity audio with 10 speakers, push-button start, auto-dimming mirrors, a tilt-and-slide power sunroof, and navigation system.

Available for $26,750, with a six-speed manual only, is the 2.0T "Track" model. It includes 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels, Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires, Brembo brakes with 13.4-inch discs and four-piston red calipers, a Torsen-type limited-slip differential, blacl leather bolster seats with high-friction cloth insert, aluminum pedals, a rear spoiler, Xenon HID headlights, fog lamps, a lightweight aluminum spare, and navigation system.

Unique to the Coupe lineup is the R-Spec model, which Hyundai considers a clean slate for tuners. Priced at $23,750, it is $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model, leaving tuners with extra cash for their own choice of aftermarket performance upgrades. It has all the same mechanical upgrades as the Track model, but lacks the premium leather seats, Xenon lights, and navigation.

The V6 model comes standard with a leather interior -- a unique selling point for a $25,000 vehicle. Other highlights of the base model include fog lights, chrome fascia accents, and premium door sill plates. A six-speed manual is standard, while upgrading to the Siftronic pushes the price to $26,500.

A "Grand Touring" V6 package is available for $27,500 with the manual transmission, or $29,000 with the Siftronic. This trim level adds a 360-watt Infinity premium audio system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer, Xenon HID lamps, auto-dimming mirrors, navigation system, reverse warning system, heated side mirrors, push-button start, a tilt-and-slide power sunroof, and heated seats.

Lastly, the "Track" V6 model comes with 19-inch gunmetal finish alloy wheels, Brembo brakes with 13.4-inch rotors and four-piston brakes, track-tuned suspension, and Torsen-type limited-slip differential. Unlike the 2.0T, the Track model is available with a Shiftronic automatic, in addition to a regular manual. Pricing is $29,500 for the manual, and $31,000 for the automatic.
 

kasun1986

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Kia Sportage EX V6 4WD Review

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The Kia Sportage EX V6 4WD is renowned for its well-made and attractive interior, strong safety features and excellent warranty. Some of the upgrades made in the latest model are revised headlights and grille, alloy wheels, color-keyed bumper, electronic upgrades, standard audio system, satellite radio, USB jacks and auxiliary.

It has a V6 engine, fog lamps, sun roof, trip computer and heated outside mirrors. As far as the gas mileage is concerned, it is 20 mpg on city roads and 25 mpg on highways.

The car puts good emphasis on safety and some of the safety features of the car include traction control, stability control, anti-lock disc brakes and airbags. The car also scored full marks for protection from side as well as frontal impact for both the driver and the passengers. The car will prove to be an excellent bargain for such an affordable price which is only $22,158.
 

kasun1986

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Mazda RX-8 (2010)

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Overall: 8.1
Performance:8.4
Exterior: 7.6
Interior: 7.8
Safety: 8.7
Reliability: 6.0


The 2010 Mazda RX-8 ranks 4 out of 5 Affordable Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 90 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda RX-8, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2010 Mazda RX-8 garners a lot of praise for its superb handling dynamics and roomy backseat, but loses points for having insufficient power and a fuel-thirsty, high-maintenance rotary engine.

Hot off a recent refresh, the RX-8 poses a more aggressive stance than ever before. Distinguishing itself among competitors, the RX-8 features a one-of-a-kind "suicide door" design, roomy backseat and impressive handling. Test drivers, however, report that faults with the RX-8's performance spoil the fun. According to Consumer Guide: "RX-8 delights for its exceptional handling ability and slick-shifting manual transmission. The rotary engine that makes this car unique is its biggest liability, however. It feels underpowered and delivers subpar fuel economy." What's more, the RX-8's rotary engine requires a tremendous amount of upkeep.

The RX-8's four-passenger capacity and unique four-door design are attractive, but car buyers should note that anyone but the mechanically inclined will find it a burden to maintain. For instance, because the RX-8 burns a lot of oil, Mazda recommends that drivers check its level every other time they visit the pump -- which will be frequent considering its poor fuel economy. Gear heads, however, will love the fact that the rotary engine doesn't weigh much and is able to generate a high rate of horsepower with little displacement.

If you're in the market for an affordable sports car that has a big backseat and is easier to maintain, check out the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. It has enough leg room in the backseat to satisfy average-sized adults. Its raked roofline, however, will surely leave taller passengers feeling cramped. Otherwise, consider shopping in the muscle car class, where vehicles like the Dodge Charger are renowned for space in the rear cabin.

The 2010 Mazda RX-8 is offered in four trims: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and R3.
 

kasun1986

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Cadillac Goes Hybrid with the XTS Platinum

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Cadillac has unveiled its replacement for the STS and DTS sedans and it’s not what you might expect from an automaker that, until recently, has stuck to its guns in only manufacturing traditional internal combustion engines. Introducing the 2012 Cadillac XTS Platinum plug-in hybrid concept…

Built on the same platform as the Buick LaCrosse, “The XTS Platinum Concept is powered by Cadillac's direct injected, 3.6 liter V6, which works in conjunction with a plug-in hybrid system to deliver an estimated 350 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels,” writes Popular Mechanics. “When plugged in to a standard electrical outlet, its lithium-ion battery is capable of fully recharging in about five hours.”

The Detroit News adds: “By using this technology, the XTS can travel for limited distances powered only by the electric battery. The range is expected to be close to the 40 miles of the soon-to-be-launched Chevy Volt.”

And, in typical Caddy fashion, it’s big and luxurious too. According to the New York Times it looks “solid and credible, if not eye-popping. Yet the interior – with burled birch wood, pop-up rear video screens and faux-suede seats and an instrument panel with laser-etched patterns on its surface – is plenty stylish to compete in this class.”

Earlier this week, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz announced that his company will also soon begin manufacturing an electric-powered Cadillac, the Converj -- signaling that the good ol’ days of big Caddies with fat engines is behind the automaker.

The XTS should hit dealer lots in 2012. Though its price has not been announced, the New York Times estimates that it will fall somewhere between $55,000 and $70,000.

If you're in the market for a new car, check out the U.S. News rankings of this year's best cars as well as this month's best car deals.
 

kasun1986

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2011 Mustang 5.0 Cruises from Motown to Nellyville

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Grammy Award-winning hip-hop star Nelly joined Ford marketing VP Jim Farley to debut the 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 at the Detroit Auto Show on Tuesday.

For the event, the new pony was tricked-out by DUB Magazine. “Nelly's blinged-out 2011 Mustang GT gets a glossy black exterior and flat-black racing stripes,” explains AutoWeek. “It rides on Pirellis that measure 22 inches front and 24 inches rear. … The car also gets a billet grille, hood scoop, custom head and taillights and Borla exhaust. Inside are leather and suede fittings and a custom audio system.”

Nelly’s custom Mustang GT will be featured on the front cover of his upcoming album.

“The St. Louis native is a car collector, with an impressive collection of luxury cars,” writes the New York Times. “He said he has been waiting for Ford to reproduce the iconic 5.0 engine. When he met with Mr. Farley last year in a visit to the Ford design center, Nelly gave him his feedback.”

He must have liked the idea because last month Ford confirmed that the 2011 Mustang GT will, in fact, feature its legendary 5.0-liter V8 engine -- which is set to produce an impressive 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.

A press release issued by Ford quoted Nelly: "I don't care where you grew up, everyone knows the Mustang. At some point, you've had a conversation about a Mustang – and it was probably one about you wanting to get behind the wheel of one. I've always loved the Mustang; the vehicle has power to the point where you can't help but want to hit the pedal. And the newest one? More power, hotter style."

According to the Detroit News, “Nelly's appearance was one of the most attended of the second media day of the auto show, with photographers, reporters and fans alike crowding around the Mustang display and clambering for soundbites and photos after the event.”

If you're in the market for a new car, check out the U.S. News rankings of this year's best cars as well as this month's best car deals.