It’s an upgrade on all fronts. Whereas its predecessor noisily and reluctantly climbed up the revs, the new 3.7-liter V-6 does so with smoother delivery and a sonorous growl fitting for a pony car. It’s paired to a six-speed manual (the same as in the GT), which although has satisfyingly short throws, is ergonomically lacking due to the long clutch-pedal travel. To hit that 31 mph highway mpg (EPA city/hwy 19/31 mpg), you’ll need to shift quick and early to the tall sixth gear. Otherwise, with enthusiastic blips of the throttle, fuel economy dips to the high teens.

Our test car came with the optional V-6 performance package, which includes eye-catching machine-finished 19-inch wheels and beefier tires. The steering is precise and communicative, and the Mustang grips with pleasing tenacity. Yet, the limitations of a live-axle rear inevitably come into play, with a jittery ride on rougher road surfaces.

Still, there’s lots to love about the Mustang V-6 inside and out. The interior feels upscale where it counts with soft-touch dash plastics and real aluminum trim, and its classy exterior sheet metal is striking from any angle. Factor in the unbeatable $22,310 starting MSRP, and you have a bargain performance machine that befits the venerable Mustang name.

*A panoramic glass roof is available on both the GT and V-6 models.

Source Yahoo! Autos

We have no shortage of ideas here in the United States about how to power our cars. We’ve seen gasoline and electricity, and we’ve heard about fuel cells powered by water. The nuclear option is the only thing left to discuss.

According to Txchnologist.com, a General Electric-sponsored blog, inventor and entrepreneur Charles Stevens of Laser Power Systems (LPS) is working to build a turbine-electric generator powered by a thorium laser.

The laser isn’t the conventional kind that shoots a beam of light. It consists of an element that heats up and gives off energy. Thorium is a mildly radioactive material that is as abundant as lead, according to LPS. It is sometimes used as a stand-in for uranium in nuclear reactors because its fission is nonsustaining.

Stevens says the technology could effectively power a car forever, completely emissions-free–a lofty goal, to be sure.

The heat flashes from the thorium would create pressurized steam to turn an electric generator. A 335-hp engine would weigh about 500 pounds, according to LPS. As far as fuel, the company calculates that one gram of thorium equals the output of approximately 7,500 gallons of gasoline. Based on that math, eight grams of the stuff would power a car for about 300,000 miles.

There still are a few problems to solve, according to Stevens.

“We can build the laser, but the biggest problem has turned out to be integrating it efficiently with the turbine and generator,” he said.

The company is working on a bladeless turbine that uses the steam to rotate discs.

LPS makes big claims, and critics have noted several problems with the theory. But the concept is intriguing. One additional question is whether the government–and car buyers–will be OK with millions of radioactive lasers on the road.

Source Autoweek

Engineers from Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. will work together to develop a hybrid powertrain for use on rear-drive trucks and SUVs, the companies said on Monday. The automakers also will collaborate on basics for future in-car information technology, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The rear-drive hybrid powertrain is expected to be ready for use later this decade. The goal is to improve the fuel economy of trucks and SUVs without cutting back on their ability to tow or haul payload, said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s head of global product development.

While Ford and Toyota will work together to develop the hybrid powertrain, it’s up to each automaker to fit it to individual vehicle platforms.

The Ford-Toyota rear-drive hybrid powertrain would give the automakers technology that competes against the Two-Mode rear-drive hybrid system jointly developed by General Motors, the then-DaimlerChrysler and BMW. GM uses the system in its full-size pickups and SUVs.

Takeshi Uchiyamada, head of Toyota’s research and development group, noted that American consumers are unwilling to give up trucks and SUVs. So working with Ford will speed up creation of technology that makes those vehicles pollute less and remain affordable, he said.

Toyota and Ford, whose vehicle lineups include several rear-drive trucks and SUVs, also face government mandates that will boost fuel-economy regulations. Automakers must meet a fleet average of 35.5 mpg by 2016, and full-size trucks face the potential of annual increases in fuel-economy mandates of up to 5 percent a year in the 2020s. But automakers might get fuel-economy credits for using hybrid technologies in their trucks.

The collaboration effort started with talks between Ford CEO Alan Mulally and Toyota president Akio Toyoda in April. Teams headed by Kuzak and Uchiyamada then looked at potential projects, narrowing the focus to the rear-drive hybrid and in-car entertainment technologies.

Source Autoweek

To help with that, MoneyWatch looked at owner surveys to see which cars look like trouble, focusing on five separate categories. We focused on 2008 models — the year ranked in the latest dependability study from J.D. Power and Associates. Buying a 3-year-old used car also lets you shop after the biggest new-car depreciation already has taken place: Because used car prices have risen so sharply this year, 1- and 2-year-old used models can make worse financial sense than buying new.

To make our list of used-car rejects, a model had to get the minimum two out of five in the J.D. Power “circle ratings” for dependability. It also had to be ranked below average as a used car by Consumer Reports in its annual April car issue and online car rankings.

According to CBS MoneyWatch, here are the top five used cars to avoid.

Small Car: Volkswagen Beetle
The Beetle’s cute looks and all-around appeal don’t save it from being on the least reliable list. Owners of the 2008 model told Consumer Reports that they had trouble with the climate control system and power equipment, both of which can lead to expensive repairs. The convertible model is selling for $19,350 on dealer’s lots according to the Kelley Blue Book web site.

Midsize Car: Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen strikes out again. Despite being praised by reviewers when new, the Passat gets the minimum J.D. Power two circles and a below-average rating from Consumer Reports. Readers there report problems with the fuel, electrical and climate systems and the power equipment. The 2008 Passat is selling at dealers for $18,515, according to kbb.com.

Midsize SUV: GMC Acadia
Though its quality has improved in recent models, the 2008 Acadia is a repeat loser in this category. With the minimum two circles in the J.D. Power survey, it gets a worse than average used car ranking from Consumer Reports. Readers there reported problems with the suspension and audio system. The Acadia SLE model is selling for about $25,000 at dealerships, according to kbb.com.

Large SUV: Ford Expedition
Even if you need large-capacity hauling and can ignore the lame mileage numbers (the Expedition is rated at 12 mpg in city driving, 18 highway), look elsewhere. The big boy of the Ford SUV line (whose model names all start with the letter ‘E’) gets the minimum two circles from J.D. Power and a worse-than-average Consumer Reports rating, where readers report problems with the transmission and the audio system.  The used 2008 Expedition sells for $23,530 in the XLT version, according to kbb.com.

Minivan: Chrysler Town & Country
Chrysler originated the minivan and in most years has sold more than other companies. But sometime around 2008, manufacturing quality began to lag. This Chrysler van got the minimum two circles from J.D. Power and a much-worse-than-average used-car rating from Consumer Reports. Readers there reported problems with the suspension, brakes, climate system and power equipment. The 2008 Town & Country LX version is selling at about $16,000 from dealerships.

Source CBS MoneyWatch

Harley-Davidson believes every motorcycle it sells can be a custom of one. Harley-Davidson H-D1™ is a comprehensive offering of customization tools for the Harley-Davidson® motorcycle owner. H-D1 tools include Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Accessories listings in print and on-line catalogs, Fit Shop and consultation services at Harley-Davidson dealerships, and factory customization and Bike Builder tools on harley-davidson.com. H-D1 offers almost unlimited opportunities to optimize fit, function, style and performance and turn a Harley into a motorcycle that is truly personalized to its owner.

Harley-Davidson heads into 2012 with 32 models, each born of experience that spans generations and a passion for riding that will never diminish.

Highlights of the 2012 Harley-Davidson line include:

• The Twin Cam 103™ engine powers all 2012 Dyna®, Softail® and Touring models with the exception of the Dyna Street Bob® and Dyna Super Glide® Custom. This engine produces up to 100 ft lbs. peak torque, an increase of approximately 6 percent over the Twin Cam 96™ engine it replaces as standard power for many of these models. The Twin Cam 103 is equipped with automatic compression release. It features identifying badges on the derby cover, timer cover and air cleaner trim ring.
• A Security Package that pairs Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Smart Security System with proximity-based, hands-free security fob is available for all 2012 V-Rod®, Dyna®, Softail®, Touring and CVO™ models. The Security Package is standard equipment on CVO™ models and on the Road Glide® Ultra, the Electra Glide® Ultra Limited, and the Road King® Classic. The Security Package is a factory-installed option for all other models.
• The Night Rod® Special is updated with new tapered tail section, lighter-weight wheels, an inverted front fork and improved ergonomics. Harley-Davidson celebrates a decade of power cruising with the V-Rod® 10th Anniversary Edition motorcycle, finished in Brilliant Silver Pearl bodywork that evokes the anodized aluminum bodywork of the original V-Rod model that introduced the liquid-cooled Revolution V-Twin engine in 2002. All V-Rod models will carry V-Rod 10th Anniversary badges.
• The new Dyna® Switchback combines hard saddlebags and a windshield with the eager handling and Twin Cam 103 performance of the Dyna chassis. It’s a custom-touring bike ready for a long weekend trip, until the detachable bags and windshield are removed. Then in seconds the Switchback becomes a custom street cruiser with a gleaming headlamp nacelle, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels and a mini-ape handlebar. This  convertible concept makes the versatile Switchback two motorcycles in one.
• All Harley-Davidson® Softail® models get the performance boost of the Twin Cam 103 engine for 2012. The Fat Boy® and Fat Boy® Lo have a new reduced-reach handlebar for more-comfortable ergonomics. A lower, narrower seat shape places the Fat Boy rider in a new “in the bike” position. The Softail® Deluxe and Heritage Softail® Classic will be available with a new optional “tubeless” Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced wheel option for ease of tire replacement and repair.
• The Twin Cam 103™ powertrain gives all Harley-Davidson® Touring models assertive power for passing. On Touring models, the Twin Cam 103 is equipped with an oil cooler. All Touring models except the Ultra Limited will offer a new “tubeless” Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced wheel option.
• The Harley-Davidson Sportster® line appeals to a broad range of riders with six 2012 models ranging from the race-inspired XR1200X™ to the accessible SuperLow® to Dark Custom roadsters like the Iron 883™, Nightster® and Forty-Eight®. The Sportster® 1200 Custom can be personalized for fit, function and style with H-D1™ factory customization, a process that allows customers to use the Bike Builder tool on harley-davidson.com to build the motorcycle from a selection of options that are installed as the bike is assembled by Harley-Davidson Motor Company or are installed by a dealer after the motorcycle is delivered. New 1200 Custom color options have been added to Bike Builder for 2012.
• The new CVO™ Road Glide® Custom is one of four limited-production 2012 models from Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO)™, each turned out with bold paint, gleaming chrome, and the most-powerful V-Twin engines offered in production Harley-Davidson motorcycles. CVO Road Glide Custom is a hot-rod bagger with a frame-mounted fairing topped with a smoked Wind Splitter windshield, a high-output, amplified Harman/Kardon® Advanced Audio system, and a color-matched, low-profile fuel tank console.

Source Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Not knowing a vehicle’s history

When you buy a used car, you don’t know how well it was maintained. CarFax and AutoCheck provide vehicle history reports which tell you if the car was in an accident, if it’s been rebuilt, who owned it and lists its service, inspection and registration history. 

After you get the vehicle’s records, have an independent mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection. For about $75 to $150, the mechanic will be able to tell you if the car has any major mechanical problems or will need expensive repairs. If a private seller won’t let you have the car inspected, this is usually a red flag that something is wrong.

David Hays, a 25-year automotive industry veteran and former owner of Wrenchmasters in Rockville, Md., says that even if you aren’t a mechanic, you can inspect the car yourself, and there are specific things you should look for.

“On the exterior, look for oil or other fluid leaks under the car, odd wear or worn-out tires and new or different paint,” Hays says. “A car that has been painted indicates crash damage and is a red flag. Crash damage can be extensive or minor but always affects the value negatively. Look for ‘orange peel’ paint on body panels, paint fading at different rates on different parts of the car, irregular gaps in between body panels and overspray on weather seals.”

Pop the hood and look for cracks on the back of drive belts, excessive black crud under the oil fill cap, which indicates a lack of oil changes, and stickers under the hood, Hays says. If there aren’t any stickers, the hood panel may have been replaced, a red flag that the vehicle was in an accident.

“During the test drive, listen to the exhaust,” Hays says. “Does it sound normal and not overly loud? Make sure the blower (fan) works, and the power windows and locks are functional. Check to see if engine lights or other dash lights are on. On a level road, does the car track straight if you were to remove your hands from the steering wheel? Does the car drive to one side or does the brake pedal pulsate when braking?”

Not negotiating the price

“A consumer’s best weapon in the dealership is their feet,” says Jack Nerad, executive market analyst at Kelley Blue Book. “They can walk out at any time and they’ll probably find as good as or better deal the next day or week.”

It’s easy to get excited about buying a car, but it’s best to take some time and think about the purchase.

“There are tons of used cars out there for sale,” Nerad says. “Finding a good used car is not like finding a diamond at the bottom of a mud puddle.”

Since used car values are up almost 20 percent since January, according to KBB.com, Nerad suggests comparing used and new vehicle prices. You may be able to get a new vehicle at a comparable price and eliminate the worries associated with vehicle condition.

“This is one of the few times where a new vehicle is almost as good a buy as a late-model used vehicle,” he explains. “Buy as new a car as you can comfortably afford because a newer car has better resale value.”

Not negotiating the price of your trade-in

Because used car prices are at their highest levels in years, you can easily command more money for your trade-in, especially if it is fuel-efficient. The National Automobile Dealers Association said in May that trade-in values of small cars would increase more than 30 percent in June. First, look up the value of your trade online. Then shop your used car around to local dealerships to see what they’ll offer you. Also look online to see what similar cars are selling for in your area for a better idea of your trade-in’s market value.

Not negotiating the financing

Nerad says that when many shoppers finance a used car, they don’t shop around. He suggests going to your credit union or bank to get a pre-approved rate before applying through the dealership.

Shoppers should realize they can make counter offers on the interest rate the dealer offers them, he explains.

As you cross-shop financing, don’t focus on monthly payments, which is a common mistake shoppers make, Nerad says. “Dealers can lower the monthly payment by a considerable margin by lengthening the loan term,” he explains. The longer the term, the more interest you’ll pay, so run the numbers and research all your financing options.

Not researching add-ons and extended warranties

Many dealers will offer you add-ons, like paint and upholstery protection, VIN etching and an extended warranty.

Nerad says that add-ons are negotiable and with a little online research, shoppers can get an approximate price range of what these features would cost if they purchased them aftermarket.

Deciding whether or not to purchase an extended warranty depends on your “tolerance for risk,” Nerad explains. The extended warranty is really more like an insurance policy that will protect you from “catastrophic problems, like the engine falling apart or the transmission breaking down,” he says. Small repairs are generally not covered.

“Ask to look at the warranty coverage,” Nerad says. As long as you understand what is covered, purchasing an extended warranty might make sense. “If you have tolerance for risk and you feel comfortable about the car you bought, then you probably don’t need the extended warranty,” he adds.

Source Yahoo Autos