Miata: The 'Chick Car' Pulls More Testosterone By: Margaret Adams

'Chick car' - that was the coined name for Mazda MX-5 Miata. The term means a car intended for women. Another reason is that most Miata owners are women. However, the most doable reason is the car's grace, style and sophistication. These factors are the reasons why Miata made it big in the auto industry.

The third generation of Miata was produced last year. Though Miata appears closely similar to its predecessor, the third generation shares no components with the previous generation except for the side-panel turning-lights incorporated to cars made available for the European market. Additionally, OEM and aftermarket Mazda Miata parts are enhanced and upgraded to perform and look better.

The 4-wheel double wishbone setup of the suspension is altered to pave way for a more powerful front wishbone/rear multilink setup. To improve driveabiity, traction and stability controls were added.The automaker enhanced the exterior of the car by utilizing brawny yet clean profile. For the United States and Australia, the engine used by Miata was the new 16-valve, 2.0-litre MZR I4, generating 170 horsepower and 140 ft•lbf of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission for better car performance. For Europe Miatas, the automaker offered 2 engines - 2.0-litre MZR that produces 160 horsepower and 188 N•m of torque; and a new 1.8 MZR, generating 126 horsepower and 167 N•m, torque.

The latter is coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission.Last July, Mazda unleashed a coupe convertible version of the Miata. Further, included in the brand new Mazda Miata body parts is the 3-piece folding hardtop. Said new feature added 37 kilograms to the weight of the car nonetheless; it is deemed a 'wow factor' of Miata. It only takes 11 seconds to operate the retractable hardtop and it does not seize too much trunk space so loading capabilities of the car is not compromised. Mazda Miata is an icon in the affordable drop-top class. Since its introduction in 1989, Miata has established a long-running success. Up until now, the car is still a big hit in the auto industry. Aside from a new engine, Miata was also given bigger wheels, and other cutting-edge auto parts.

Miata is also called MX-5, which is macho-sounding. It is way far from the traditional 'chick car' stigma attached to Miata. In addition, its new package offers more thrill and escapades, great torque, and superb road feel. Indeed, it can pull more testosterone.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
Margaret Adams is the present manager of the largest auto manufacturing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 35 year old maiden is a certified car enthusiast.

The Gamut of Auto Performance is Attributable to Clutch By: Terry Brown

Auto aficionados concur that the key to yield power to the ground is the use of sophisticated manual transmission. No matter what car is used a sophisticated manual transmission can perform a tough job to alleviate the driving performance of a car. Nonetheless, a superb manual transmission is nothing without an ideal clutch to back it up.

To get the power from the engine to the wheels in the most efficient way reline on the clutch. The car or truck clutch engages and disengages from the flywheel in a matter of split-second. Next, it transfers all that torque through the transmission. This is the important role that clutch performs. Moreover, original equipment clutch kits must be fully equipped to answer the needs of the vehicle.

There are stock clutches that are especially designed to manage increased friction loads however, before long, a clutch replacement is inevitable. This circumstance necessitates upgrade to a better clutch brand.No two drivers are the same and clutch manufacturers must realize said fact to respond to every driver's needs. They must combine a line of clutch parts that runs the gamut. Two of the most renowned names in the field of field of friction materials are ACT clutch and Centerforce clutch. ACT clutch kits include pressure plate, release bearing/throw out bearing, disc, pilot bearing or pilot bushing, flywheels, and alignment tool. Because of the difficultly of setting up in case of breakdown, the manufacturer recommends that the entire clutch kit be replaced.

ACT clutch kit is a rotating assembly hence; it should come as no surprise that the parts need to be well balanced to retain a vibration free drivetrain.Centerforce automotive clutch kits, on the other hand, combine the power of 2 clutches into one unique system that can accommodate more pressure as the RPM increases. It also means that the Centerforce clutch offers more holding power without being difficult to release.

ACT clutches and Centerforce clutches deliver better friction materials, tougher springs, and more precise accurate engagement compared to stock clutches. The aftermath is a faster, durable and harder launches that boost engine performance.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes auto-related articles for several publications.

Fatigue at the Wheel: Root of Serious Traffic Accidents By: Stacey Wilson

Last year in Germany, the police authorities reported a total of 3034 accidents triggered by fatigue, including 1786 collisions resulting in personal injury. This equates to about 0.5 percent of all serious accidents. Nonetheless, safety experts believe that the figure is much higher. This is because at the present time it is difficult to verify signs of fatigue by the time accidents are reconstructed.Scientific studies revealed that between 10 and 20 percent of traffic accidents is caused by drowsiness.

According to investigations conducted by insurance companies in said territory, 1 out of 4 fatal motorway accidents are caused by fatigue. Further, the probability of being killed in a road accident due to fatigue is 2.5 times higher than for other causes.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the United States, over 100,000 accidents are caused by driver fatigue. Out of which, 1500 people are killed and 71,000 are injured.In Canada, a study about fatigue at the wheel established that 1 out of 5 has at some time nodded off while driving. Finding also showed that two thirds of fatigue-induced accidents occur during nighttime.

Majority of incidents occur in the early hours of the morning between 2 and 6. They can also occur in the middle of the afternoon.Moreover, safety experts employed by automakers are concentrating on improving safety features of their lineup. According to automotive reports one of the major causes of serious traffic accidents is – over-fatigue. Moreover, safety experts are trying to develop a system that recognizes fatigue to warn the driver. This system will be integrated to automobiles to be accessible to drivers.

Engineers from the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre also conducted several studies and testing regarding this potent auto system. Said engineers have tested more than 200 motorists on motorways and in the driving simulator. This system is expected to be released in a few years' time. In order to obtain objective indicators of fatigue, Mercedes safety experts employed electroencephalogram (EEG) and other physiological readings. Another method used is the analysis of dynamic driving data.

Mercedes assistance systems will be mated to Mercedes-Benz car parts to avoid real-life accident scenarios. Today, Mercedes safety systems like Electronic Stability Program and Brake Assist, have contributed significantly to the reduction of serious road accident.According to studies, many motorists are actually able to recognize when they are tired, but by then it is often too late. Moreover, safety experts recommend that drivers should take a break when they are tired to avoid road accidents.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
As a former news correspondent for an auto-related website, Stacey has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry. This 34 year old mother of two from Memphis is a genuine car lover.

Jeep Wrangler Bags Vehicle Design Award

Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the entity that brings together OEM and aftermarket manufacturers, chooses Jeep Wrangler as the most accessory friendly SUV. Said award was given at the 2006 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.Each recipient of the SEMA Vehicle Design Award was part of a selection process that involved a number of companies that make up SEMA. It was also participated by several automakers in the industry that share technology programs. SEMA's program includes data sharing, technology transfer initiatives, measurement sessions, and more.

This program is aimed at imparting updates, breakthroughs, and wisdom about automobiles and auto industry in general. The information gathered can be used by automakers in their future lineups. The SEMA Vehicle Design Awards was launched to recognize fresh innovations and new vehicles that best exemplify the alliance between the OEMs and SEMA-member companies. The award is given to the vehicle that was selected by the group of voting members.

In regard to Jeep Wrangler, it has received about 25 percent of the votes for this year."The big advantage that SEMA offers DaimlerChrysler is putting us together with providers and bringing quality parts to market. They enable us to work with the accessory companies early and ultimately the customer wins with a higher quality accessory.

The Jeep Wrangler is the perfect canvas for personal accessories and re-accessorization," said Scott Brown, DaimlerChrysler Group Communications, West Coast.Jeep Wrangler, a mini sport utility van, is successor to the famed World War II vehicle. It has debuted in 1987. Jeep Wrangler parts and were updated in 1997 and 1997. For the model year 2007, Jeep auto parts will still be subject to redesigns and upgrades.Jeep Wrangler is manufactured at the automaker's plant at Toledo South Assembly in Ohio.

It can be recalled that the 2007 Wrangler Unlimited was launched at the New York Auto Show last April. Said model is designed to compete with larger off-road vehicles like Toyota FJ Cruiser. The latter uses sophisticated Toyota body parts to boost its off-road performance."Our participating manufacturing members had early access to the Jeep Wrangler and discovered that the inherited design and classic engineering of this vehicle provides several opportunities for customer personalization," said Carl Sheffer, SEMA vice president, OEM Relations. "Based on feedback from the automakers, we are having a positive impact on the design and marketing of future vehicles."

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Is this the season for recalls?

A couple of days back, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has announced the recall of hundreds of thousands of vehicles from two major auto manufacturers - Daimler Chrysler AG and the Ford Motor Company. However, it seems like another auto product is going to be recalled. If you are eyeing your newly purchased Mitsubishi OEM parts, then there is actually no need to worry. These products are not for recall.

It is really good that the Britax Child Safety, Inc. actually did a recall without the need for the NHTSA to be involved. They voluntary called back to their arms one of their child seat products - one model of their much purchased Boulevard child restraints with model number E9L57. According to the company, they are voluntarily recalling such a product because they have found out that such has been unable to comply with the safety regulations given out with regards to child seats.

If you have bought a Boulevard child restraint with the model number E9L57, you should do go first check if the product was produced from March 1st of this year up until the 1st of August. Products only produced during that period would be recalled. However, if you have other Britax products, then there is no need to worry for the company itself has said that there are no other products to be recalled.

What made Britax recall such products? Well, it is certainly a good thing that the company is doing random product evaluations. And on one of those, they were able to find out that the recalled model may be quite dangerous to the little child in it. They have found out that the top tether hook could actually open or even break during some situations. And if it does, of course, the passenger or the child in it could also fall down and get harmed.

Britax did several tests and they found out that the top tether hook actually opens or breaks during a certain situation. This was when the child restraint was actually installed facing the front. The tether was then attached to a dummy that was used in place of a child. So if the hook breaks during a crash, the restraint could move forward. Such increases the risk of injury and harm to the child.

About the Author
Jennifer Dylan is a 35-year-old gal who hails from San Francisco. She has a habit of updating herself on new car trends and models. She spends most of her time reading up on cars and hopes to test drive them. She works for one of the topnotch car parts dealer in the U.S.

Ford, Still King of the Hill by Jay Stevens

Ford Motor Co. is determined to keep its reign as the "King of the Hill." So far, this is the third decade that said automaker is holding the prestigious title in the pickup truck market.
Ford F-150 is the leading pickup truck for 30 years now. This year along, it has 133,000-truck lead over the nearest competitor. There are several attempts to dethrone the F-Series nonetheless; the attempts did not appear strong enough to topple the lingering success of the vehicles.

"Let's remember that F-Series is the benchmark when it comes to trucks," said Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president, North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "The competition has done some work to try to play catch up. We've been through competitive product reviews, of course, and we see that they have updated some things and have made strides. But we're not sitting back. And we're certainly not playing catch up. They are."

According to auto analysts, to put a dent to the sales and reputation of F-150's, the automaker's competitors must concentrate on an expanded truck-buying target market. Analysts say that the success of Ford's trucks can be attributed to many alliances with organizations like NASCAR, Cabela's, Professional Bull Riders, the Professional Bull Riders, Home Depot, Monster Jam and Harley Davidson.

"Our alliance partners allow us to observe truckers and better understand how they live and work with their trucks," said Ben Poore, Ford truck group marketing manager. "Many members of a group like the American Quarter Horse Association of the Professional Bull Riders drive our trucks. We know how our trucks work in a real environment because we are constantly out there getting feedback from our customers."

Car parts discount Ford F-150 pickup 99-03 boast quality and performance. Truck lovers want more torque hence; the automaker gives it to them. Ford F-150 truck parts, is now equipped with a V8 engine that can handle greater towing and payload capabilities. Further, F-150's maximum tow rating is now up 600 pounds to a class-leading 10,500 lbs.

Ford admitted that the company is concentrating on marketing needs to heighten leadership in the truck market. "We are playing offense with Ford Trucks," said John Felice, Ford general marketing manager, Marketing, Sales and Service. "We created more Ford Truck ads targeted at more diverse audiences than ever to continue increasing leadership by solidifying our base and going after new customers."

Ford is also decreasing the suggested retail prices on the series up to $1,400 lower than this year's prices. The new F-150 FX2 Sport comes in with a dazzling aura. It is equipped with power wheels Ford-150 and dark billet grille. To boost its style, it uses monochromatic paint scheme. Enhanced Ford F-150 headlights with platinum bezels and the sporty front valance add to the enigmatic charm of the truck.

About the Author
Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has extensive knowledge on the auto parts industry.

The Right Approach To De-Icing Your Windshield by Terry Brown

I guess you may want to try keeping or throwing away those ice scrapers you have. After all, there is a new product in town and in the automotive world that would make your ice scrapers look Jurassic and quite in the Stone Age. The new product is called HotShot and it will be your best buddy when battling icy windshields.

The product is actually a creation of Microheat, Inc. and the company says that HotShot is "a patented cycling, hot fluid, de-icing system". Well, in short, this one does need you to do the manual work of going your way through your windshield and windows just to get that ice out. Those people who have tried out the product on their vehicles and cars have said that HotShot is one of the greatest things that has happened to their driving lives.

On the end of Microheat, Gary Pilibosian says, "Half a million motorists now enjoy the convenience, comfort and safety of HotShot in every season and under all driving conditions. The system automatically removes snow, ice, bugs and road grime from windshields in under 90 seconds with the push of a button." Pilibosian is the current president and chief executive officer of the company behind HotShot.

You want advertisement? Well, you can say that the HotShot has certainly got lots of it. And sure, this product has been used in a variety of really popular vehicles. From General Motors. Yes, General Motor vehicles and cars have been using HotShot and in the process, the vehicles have also been advertising just what the product can do and has to offer. What GM vehicles use HotShot? The list includes the Cadillac DTS, Cadillac Escalade, Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMS Yukon, Hummer H2, GMS Sierra, and Chevrolet Silverado. But this is only a small amount of vehicles testing the HotShot. You see, various auto products and vehicles in the entire market are also testing it.

So you think you really like the product? Well, you most certainly can also give HotShot as a gift along with other ones like Eibach springs, assorted Ford auto parts, and Ford Banks power pack.
About the Author
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes auto-related articles for several publications.

Lessons With Danica Patrick by Sarah Mcbride

Some find her pretty. Some find her to be very talented. Some find her brave. And the rest of the motoring just simply find her amazing.

Who is Danica Patrick, you may ask now. Well, let us simply say that she is a twenty four year old girl who is one of the few female auto race drivers in the United States. During the 2005 Indy Racing League (IRL) Championships, she was a favorite and she was given the title Rookie of the Year.

Now you can have the chance to actually meet her and get driving lessons from her. This would be through a national consumer sweepstakes which Peak Antifreeze auto products are sponsoring. This was what the announcement from the company said just yesterday. The whole sweepstakes deal would be made for this last quarter of the year.

If you join and are lucky enough to be picked, then you along with fourteen other lucky winners would be able to be part of the Skip Barber Racing School. This is where you would be able to get to know more about racing and all the tips and tricks of the racing car trade. Sure, this contest would not only be very interesting for the guys out there. In fact, I do believe that many ladies would also be joining for most people certainly do look up to a young, pretty, and very respected race car driver.

So what would the winners be learning at the Skip Barber Racing School? Well, tons of things really. And you would also be able to meet and learn more about racing from expert Danica Patrick. Not only is she the 2005 IRL Championship Rookie of the Year but she is also currently serving as the Peak spokesperson. Patrick would be there to teach the winners lessons in driving along with other instructors at the mentioned school. There would also be practical lessons made right on professional tracks.

Winners would also be able to get to use a Formula racecar which has been said to speed to up to 130 miles per hour top.

You could also personally ask Danica Patrick about your vehicle if you choose to. Maybe you are confused as per what kind of Mercedes Benz performance parts are you going to add to your vehicle. Maybe Danica would know and give you sound advice on that.

About the Author
As a manager of one of the largest auto store in Springfield,Massachusetts, Sarah has extensive expertise on auto parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a certified car enthusiast.

Ford Experts Wipe the Clouds Blurring AWD Technology by Chuck Smith

Ford Motor Company is now offering affordable all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles like Fusion and Mercury Milan. These vehicles will be offered to an extended Ford market in the auto industry. The new automobiles from the automaker will also delve on clearing the blurry ideas about AWD technology.

"Many people think about the AWD system on the Ford Edge the same way they think of the four-wheel-drive (4WD) system on their F-150," said Ashok Rodrigues, 4WD technical specialist for Ford Motor Company. "There's been a lot of confusion in the industry as to how manufacturers use the terms 4WD and AWD." Rodrigues further noted that there are three basic types of AWD/4WD systems, regardless of whether they're based on front-drive or rear-drive vehicles. The three types are part-time, center differential and on-demand.

Rodrigues added that the part-time four-wheel drive. Some enthusiasts call it 4WD. Part-time systems are found on F-150 and Super Duty. Ford F-150 truck parts, for instance, incorporate a simple lock and unlock feature. The function is to lock the front wheels to the rear wheels. The system can be used by pressing a button or flipping a switch on the dash.

"With a part-time system, you will inherently bind up when you go around corners," said Rodrigues. "When cornering, the front wheels want to track a wider arc than the rear wheels. Because all four wheels are locked together physically, you simply can't do that with part time. It is an inherent part of the design and is fully intended."

Center differential system, on one hand, splits the torque that the car engine produces - 40 percent goes to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear wheels, unlike the previously mentioned system, the wheels of a car with part-time system turn independently at different speeds. Hence, it removes binding when cornering.

On-demand all-wheel drive system drives one axle and then another as road conditions demand. Fusion and Edge' primary drive axle is the front axle while in Explorer it is the rear axle. Ford Explorer auto parts integrate computer controller that monitors engine speed, position of the accelerator pedal, and steering angle to deliver accurate amount of torque as needed.

"What's really impressive about these systems is that they don't just react to slip," said Rodrigues. "They usually prevent that slip from occurring in the first place. By predicting slip and preventing it, the driver doesn't feel the vehicle slipping and responding. The operation is seamless."

2004 Ford Expedition parts also integrate the system to produce a smooth and confident drive feel regardless of the weather condition. Groundbreaking AWD systems do not help with acceleration it just improves traction and handling but will not give more braking power.

About the Author
Chuck, a 38 year old freelance writer from Charleston, South Carolina, has been specializing on automotive-related articles and news. He has a degree in Automotive Technology.

Could James Bond Ever Drive a Citroen? by Tony Fox

Aston Martin cars, just like their most famous driver James Bond are considered to be quintessentially English.

They are Like Basil Fawlty and overcast Sunday afternoons: you just can't separate them from the notion of Englishness.

When I found out that Aston Martin had been put up for sale earlier this year by it's owner, the Ford Premier Automitive Group, I couldn't help but wonder if the day may come when we see James Bond driving, say, a French car.

Bond in a Citroen? I ask you!

Yes I know, it's a shocking thought and I'm almost ashamed for having let it cross my mind, but anything is possible.

Of course it would be wrong to assume that 007 only ever drove English (or British) cars. In 1995 the release of GoldenEye saw Bond using a BMW Z3 as his primary means of transport - the first non-British production car to feature in such a role.

We live in an age when borders are vanishing, cultures merging and notions of identity are changing day by day.

Once upon a time it would have been unthinkable for a non-British man to become the manager of a Premiership football team. Now we have loads of them. The next taboo (having a foreign-born manager of the national football team) was broken many years ago.

Our sense of identity is what tells us who we are. Similarly it can give us a sense of pride. Britains love James Bond, not only because he is suave, cool and sophisticated, but because he is British.

Most people have a favourite 'Bond'. Similarly most hardcore Bond fans have a favourite 'Bond Car'. For most people that favourite Bond Car has to be the Aston Martin DB5 which was first featured in the 1964 film Goldfinger.

But why is the DB5 so revered? Is it because of the passenger ejector seat or the telescoping tire slashers? Or could it have something to do with the bulletproof front and rear panels, the oil slick, or the rotating licence plates?

Maybe we do love the idea of having a car with a smoke screen and machine guns built in, but do we love the DB5 so much because of those things, because it simply is a great car, or perhaps because we know it is British?

We see Bond driving an Aston Martin DB5 and we think: That's quality. We built that. It gives us a sense of pride and a sense of positive identity.

For many Bond purists the decision to switch to BMW for GoldenEye was not well received - not because it didn't have all the usual refinements (it did, and it was a damn fine car) - but because we didn't make it.

The recent release of Casino Royale, the latest 007 movie, has given fresh impetus to supporters of Aston Martin to issue a rallying cry and try to ensure that this most famous of British sports cars continues to be made in Britain.

If production of Aston Martin cars such as the Vantage, the DB9 and the limited edition DBS does one day move abroad, we may well see some foreign influences in the design of future 007 vehicles. Or perhaps James Bond may have to switch cars - how about Bond in a Fiat Uno? No, I didn't think so!

Or maybe by the time the next 007 movie is released, Bond will have had to bow to the pressures of climate change and go green. Perhaps one day we will see our most beloved spy on a bicycle, although admittedly there wouldn't be quite so much room for the gadgets!

About the Author
Knight Templare Events offer authentic James Bond Themed Events, complete with an Aston Martin DB5 and 007 lookalikes such as Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan.

Biodiesel v Ethanol Which is the Best Alternative Fuel

Everywhere I read, I read that ethanol is the next fuel to save us from a fossil fuel dependant, over heated, polluted future.

This emphasis seems to be the case particularly in the USA. That's understandable when you consider that the USA is the one great industrial nation that until recently never really embraced diesel engines like Europe. So you can understand their infatuation with ethanol - but that does not make it the right or the only choice.

In September Renault demonstrated its new hydrogen fuel cell powered 207 cabriolet, 28 bhp electric motor, 81 mph and an operating range of 218 miles, producing nothing but water as its sole emission. This month it was BMW with their new hydrogen power 7 series. They already have 3 fuel stations up and running in Germany with more planed. In October another manufacturer announced their hybrid system which converts braking energy not into electricity, but into compressed gas which is then used to help acceleration.

So clearly there are other options - however all of this is rather misses the point. None of these technologies help the power generation industry, nor do they meet the needs of the merchant navy, road hauliers or railway companies, all of whom, at least outside the USA, run on diesel.
Ethanol is a fuel which is complicated to make and thus easy to regulate, it continues to be cost effective only because of the massive government subsidies that it receives, it singularly fails to encourage the use of more fuel efficient diesel engines which simply delays the inevitable.

Which brings us neatly to the next point. The majority of ethanol in the USA is produced from corn - a food crop, a crop which requires good soil if it is to be grown in quantity. Do we face a future where we choose between fuel and food?

As all owners of a betmax video machine can testify, it is not always the best product that wins through. In the 80's Sony's betmax technology finally lost out to VHS, not because VHS was better but because it was better supported. With luminaries such as Bill Gates investing upwards of $84 million in ethanol production and distribution it is almost bound to be a success, if not an exclusive one.

In the US led fossil fuel replacement debate ethanol is clearly gaining ground steadily. However the world at large needs a diesel replacement, and the USA will sooner or later have to grasp the concept of fuel economy.

The only contender in this space is biodiesel, a clean fuel that can been made from crops like Jatropha, grown on the most marginal ground not suitable for food crops, and easily manufactured in plants small enough to fit into most peoples back yards.

What is certain is that whichever way this debate goes there is sure to be a rise in demand for a good, dependable supply of hardy, high yield crops whether for food or fuel production. Undoubtedly good news for Monsanto with their GM seeds.

About the Author
Mike Copinger is an alternative energy enthusiast. Between speaking engagements he runs a number of initiatives including www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com and www.biodiesel-secrets-revealed.com