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Toyota is proud to introduce the 10^th generation of its very successful Corolla line. The 2009 Toyota Corolla continues its ancestors’ legacy of being the world’s most popular passenger car. Corollas have been making waves the world over due to its relatively low price tag and outstanding fuel economy. This is the primary reason why more than 30 million have been sold already in over 140 countries. The new Corolla comes at a low price tag without feeling cheap. Indeed Toyota has not sacrificed quality with its latest offering. It has a feel not unlike those found at more expensive models. New and experienced drivers will not have second thoughts on getting this deliciously crafted automobile. Like before, the 2009 model comes with few distractions and straightforward controls.

 

For the ultimate low-budget wheels you turn to the Corolla base model, but it has manual, wind-up windows and manual door locks. Upgrading to the Corolla LE includes power windows and door locks. If you fancy a fancier interior, the wood-grain trim in the Corolla XLE goes in that direction, although you can't get leather. Finally, there are two sportier models, the Corolla S which looks the part and has some seat and chassis upgrades, and the Corolla XRS which brings a bigger engine, brakes, and tires to the party.

 

All models come with standard safety features like six airbags, ABS, Electronic stability control and traction control. Also, it features high-grade seatbelts that will hold even in extreme accidents, that is assuming of course that you are wearing them.

 

The 2009 model offer a much more spacious cabin than its predecessor. Once inside, you will be forgiven in thinking it’s a Camry. It’s that roomy. All in all it’s definitely a good investment for those looking to purchase a budget car with bangs and whistles that rival those of more expensive models. The future once again looks rosy for Toyota and its uber-succesful Corolla line. 

Written by autopartsware at 03:30 AM.

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2008 Mazda5 First Look: Slicker Looks, More Luxury for Sporty Crossover
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The quirky but lovable Mazda5 mini minivan has been refreshed for 2008 with updated styling, a more comprehensive list of standard features and an improved interior. It stands out among the sea of tall, six-passenger crossovers and bloated minivans, because it’s small and sporty enough to drive like a compact sedan, yet has the room to haul the fam and all the gear that comes with ‘em autopartswarehouse.

Externally, the Mazda5’s new front fascia, grille, headlights and taillights are slightly more aggressive, but the vehicle still resembles a swollen Honda Fit more than it does typical crossovers or minivans. The improvements inside are more dramatic, with an updated shift panel and center console that offer better ergonomics and new electroluminescent gauges. Second-row passengers now get air vents with fan-speed controls, while extra armrests and an auxiliary audio jack should make long trips more bearable for road tripping families. A one-touch lever folds seats forward, creating up to 44.4 cu. ft. of storage.

The base Sport model starts at $18,630, and includes 17-in. alloy wheels, power door locks, second row under-seat storage and remote keyless entry. Also standard across all models are steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Touring model, at $21,245, gets extras like sportier bodywork, a moonroof and an in-dash CD changer. The top-end Grand Touring model ($23,000) is equipped with Bluetooth, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights and heated leather seats that can be bought at autopartswarehouse.

Powered by a 2.3-liter, 153-hp four-cylinder, the Mazda5’s relatively light curb weight of 3417 lbs. will appease enthusiasts, since most of the competition keeps getting bulkier and more unwieldy. Though the five-speed automatic is the default choice (producing 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway), the 5-speed manual is the gearbox of choice for drivers hoping to resist the mundane duties of family transport. The manual gets slightly better EPA numbers (22/28 mpg), but it’s only available in entry-level Sport trim.

The 2008 Mazda5’s improvements should make it even more of a contender in a market where vehicles keep getting bigger, thirstier and more expensive. —Basem Wasef

Written by autopartsware at 08:51 AM.

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2008 BMW X6 Test Drive: High-Riding, High-End Horsepower Prowls for Cayenne Territory
BMW X6









SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Imagine a conventional BMW X5 morphed into a hatchback coupe with a 400-hp twin-turbo V8 and a bleeding edge all-wheel drive system thrown in for good measure. Well, that’s the new X6, which furthers the four-door coupe trend started by the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Jaguar XF. Soon the mini segment will also include the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera, but this BMW is the only crossover four-door coupe we’ve seen—ever. And while some might find the look a bit odd, we think it’s positively dripping with machismo.

There are two versions of the X6. The base XDrive 35i uses BMW’s sweatheart 306-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline six. The XDrive 50i packs an all-new 400-hp 4.4-liter V8 twin turbo. Both come with the computer-controlled XDrive all-wheel-drive system and a new, fast-shifting 6-speed automatic with shifter paddles on the steering wheel according to autopartswarehouse.

The V8 shows off a new design, unrelated to the one that served in so many big Bimmers (and Range Rovers) over the last 10 years. The direct injection packages the two small Garrett turbochargers and catalytic converters inside the V between the cylinder heads. There are even separate twin intercoolers. The result? A rather robust 400 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque at engine speeds as low as 1750 rpm.

The high-riding X6 is the first BMW vehicle to come with Dynamic Performance Control (DPC), a new version of XDrive that distributes engine torque between the front and rear axles and now side-to-side, too. In other words, there’s torque vectoring at all four wheels for autopartswarehouse

DPC uses an advanced computer control and an innovative rear differential that incorporates two planetary gearsets and two clutch packs. That lets the system multiply torque to an individual rear wheel so DPS can help steer the vehicle by directing torque to either of them. This unique BMW technology works while accelerating or decelerating and enhances steering precision, too. In fast corners with abrupt steering maneuvers or when the driver suddenly lifts off the gas pedal, DPC simply improves stability.

We drove the new X6 near BMW’s factory here, where the mountainous territory was filled with foggy, wet two-lane roads, Interstate highways, and wet and dry road courses at the nearby Michelin tire development test track. So we really got a taste of what the X6 could do, and we were impressed as per autopartswarehouse.

The X6’s body and chassis dynamics were surprisingly good. Well, maybe not that surprising, because this is a BMW, after all. But while many other crossovers have a tendency to plow into the corners, that’s not the case with the X6. Better still was the thrust of that techy new V8, with exemplary performance and nearly instantaneous torque delivery. And for those of us that crave a little magic from the exhaust tips, the X6 delivers a gutsy growl. At full throttle, it sounds downright hungry—as if it wants to chow down on some Stuttgart steel. Perhaps a plateful of Porsche Cayenne?

BMW says the twin-turbo I-6 version will do the 0-60 mph run in 6.6 seconds, and the twin-turbo V8 version sprint to that speed in 5.3 seconds. Pretty darn good for a truck that weighs around 5300 pounds.

We dug the X6’s style and were impressed by the interior room—well, at least the room that people will occupy. The back seat could easily swallow my tall frame, despite the sloping roof. But in terms of practical room for gear, the X6 is limited. If you need to carry more than 59.7 cu. ft. of gear with the rear seats folded, maybe the X5 (with an extra 15.3 cubes) is a better choice.

The XDrive 35i will start at $53,275, and the XDrive 50i will start at $63,775—both figures including $775 destination and delivery. The long option list runs to 22 items and seven packages. BMW says that next year, it will offer the X6 with a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter clean diesel engine as well as a Two-Mode hybrid drive system. Now those two are certainly worth waiting for, if you ask us. —Jim McCraw

Written by autopartsware at 08:44 AM.

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Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Ferrari is present at the 78th International Geneva Motor Show with its entire GT range, the F2007 single-seater that won last year’s Formula 1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships, the legendary 365 GTB4 “Daytona” which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and a special area dedicated to the One-to-One Programme.
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Taking pride of place at the Ferrari stand, however, is the 612 Scaglietti, the model being used to inaugurate the new One-to-One Personalisation Programme. Ferrari intends to allow every client to fully personalise this flagship model, courtesy of a wide array of new content as well as the options available through the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Programme. In fact, a special dedicated “atelier” area has been set up at the factory in which clients can put together their own bespoke 612 Scaglietti accessory by accessory, detail by detail. In exactly the same way as they would at a haute couture fashion house, owners can choose details and materials they want for their car in consultation with the Ferrari experts who will actually build it to their exact specifications and tastes.

We have recreated a compact version of the real atelier (due to be officially opened in Maranello in the near future) on the stand. Further such ateliers will then be opened over the next few months in other parts of the world.

Clients will be assisted in making their selections by dedicated Programme consultants who can help them at every stage of defining their car’s specification. Naturally, despite the many variations on offer, the Ferrari flagship’s benchmark quality and styling characteristics will remain unchanged and no modifications will be permitted that would impinge on the signature Prancing Horse safety and reliability.

All of these unique new 612 Scagliettis will be built in a dedicated assembly area at the Maranello factory.
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To underscore the sheer depth and flexibility of the personalisation options available for the 612 Scaglietti, we are exhibiting at Geneva a version which has been inspired, right down to its perforated leather Daytona seats, by the classic 365 GTB4 which will stand alongside it. The famous 365 GTB4 was, of course, affectionately dubbed the Daytona in honour of the historic one-two-three finish delivered by the Scuderia Ferrari in the eponymous 24 Hour Race in 1967. The arrival of the 365 GTB4 was a significant moment in the company’s history and Ferrari will be celebrating this car’s 40th anniversary in 2008 with a series of events across the globe.
2008 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Personalization Program Review

The 612 Scagliettis being used to launch the One-to-One Programme incorporate a series of technical evolutions that reflect the Ferrari philosophy of constantly introducing innovations in each model. Most notably, the V12 flagship now boasts an electrochromic panoramic roof which covers the entire top of the cabin. This has the dual advantage of giving occupants the feeling of driving along in a drop-top whilst enjoying the comfort and safety of a coupé. However, this is no ordinary panoramic roof. It is made from electrochromic glass which can be changed at the touch of a button to adjust the levels of sunlight allowed into the cabin. The electrochromic glass solution was developed in close collaboration with Saint Gobain, a partner with whom Ferrari has most recently developed a similar highly innovative solution for the Superamerica.

In addition to its electrochromic roof, the 612 Scaglietti also sports the aptly named SuperFast gearbox which delivers an exceptional gear-shifting time of 100 milliseconds and a reduced inertia clutch to enhance the engine’s responsiveness still further. The iconic Ferrari manettino, now featured on the entire range, has also been added to the steering wheel.

Another model being showcased at Geneva is the F430 Spider, a rear-engined 8-cylinder that combines blistering performance with open-top driving pleasure. The version on the stand is displayed in a historic colour Grigio Ferro, with a sophisticated Cioccolato interiors. The F430 Spider has proved an enormous success since its launch and in 2007 won prestige awards from international publications, such as Quattroruote, Autozeitung, Auto Illustrierte and Auto Motor und Sport.

The Company’s sporting history is also represented on the stand by the 599 GTB Fiorano, the highest performance production model ever built at Maranello and seen here in a classic Rosso Corsa livery, and the 430 Scuderia, an extreme model voted “Dream Car of the Year” by the authoritative British car magazine Top Gear.
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The more track-oriented side of Ferrari’s dual soul is represented most ably on the stand by the F2007, the single-seater that won the World Championship last year, bringing to 15 the overall number of Formula 1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles won by Maranello so far.

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Written by autopartsware at 12:03 AM.

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2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Hummer H3T


Although it’s scheduled to debut at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, we can bring you the goods on the 2009 Hummer H3T now. As expected, it’s essentially a standard H3 with a utility bed out back. A 22-inch-longer wheelbase helps to accommodate the bed without sacrificing interior passenger room. The cargo box itself will offer GM’s bed rail accessory system, so although it’s only 5 feet long it should prove more useful than your typical SUT add-on.

Written by autopartsware at 06:51 AM.

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