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German automaker Daimler launched the Mercedes Benz GLK- class sports utility vehicle (SUV) on April 20 in Beijing. The launching was at the auto China. The first customer to take delivery of said SUV received the key to her new Mercedes-Benz GLK. The lucky customer was Magdalena Dietz. She is 29 years old, an entrepreneur, and PR consultant. Said handover took place in the Customer Center of the Bremen plant. Basically, it is a GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC in metallic tenorite gray that came with numerous optional equipment features.

Mercedes Benz GLK is the 5th production series under the successful Mercedes-Benz SUV family. Included in the SUV family are G-class, GL-class M-class, and R-class. Mercedes claims that GLK is a tiny car designed to resemble the larger ML in terms of exterior design and interior space. Thus, GLK is cheaper than the expensive ML. Specifically, GLK is a four-wheel drive SUV with 4528mm length, 1840mm width, and 1689 mm height. Choices are of three option packages including sports package. This package is designed for better road-performance with 19-inch wheels, stiffer springs, and 20 mm lower ride height. Another option is the one with 17-inch wheels; 210 mm ground clearance with approach and departure angles of 23 and 25 degrees, plus added cladding and blackened roof rails. Another package is ‘off-road engineering’ with Downhill Package Regulation (DRS) and automatic function to alter the shift points in the gearbox. In the spring of 2009, it will begin to offer BlueEFFICIENCY that will pioneer passive safety systems, excellent interior comfort, PRE-SAFE, and the Intelligent Light System (ILS).

2009 Mercedes Benz GLK is the most important model of the year according to Peter Schabert (plant manager). It has the ‘1st trademark’ in the sense that it is the first compact SUV from Mercedes Benz and the first Mercedes Benz SUV ‘Made in Bremen’.

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Meet Kia Borrego. “Borrego” came from Southern California’s Anza Borrego Desert. 2009 Kia Borrego’s specifications: the engine type is dual overhead cam, 4 valves per cylinder, aluminum alloy V6 or V8; engine size for V6 is 3.8 liters / 231 cu. in and in V8 are 4.6 liters / 282 cu. in.; horsepower for V6 is 276 @ 6000 rpm and for V8 is 337 @ 6000 rpm; torque (lb-ft) for V6 is 267 @ 4400 rpm and for V8 is 323 @ 3500 rpm; transmission for V6 is 5-speed automatic and for V8 is 6-speed automatic; wheelbase / length is 114.0 in. / 192.3 in.; fuel capacity is 20.6 gal; fuel requirement is 87-octane unleaded regular gasoline; tires are P245/70R17 std, P265/60R18 opt; brakes, front / rear are vented disc/ solid disc, ABS, KBD standard; the suspension, front/ rear is independent double wishbone / independent multilink; ground clearance is 8.5 inches; and drive train, longitudinal front engine, rear or dual-range four wheel drive.

Knowing the specifications, it is also essential to know its performance. 2009 Kia Borrego can run from 0 to 60 mph within the estimated 7-9 seconds. It was called a “halo vehicle” by Kia representatives during the press briefing. It is the one that will attract new, upscale customers to Kia. The design of Borrego is based upon the target customers. The target customers are affluent suburbanite with active lifestyle. Plus, the ones who need a vehicle that can carry up to seven passengers and can tow 5,000 pounds (V6 trim) or 7,500 pounds (V8 trim). The basis of its boxed frame is the Sorrento, but Borrego is smaller and stretched. For its strength, rigidity, and light weight it is hydro-formed. To reduce road noise, engine, harshness, and road vibrations its rigid body is rubber-mounted.

You can’t prove those things aforementioned unless you won’t try to drive one. How? It’s up to you.

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Do you want to contribute for a cleaner environment and spare yourself from high price of gas? Have yourself a nice electric car. An electric car is a type of alternative fuel car that utilizes electric motors and motor controllers instead of an internal combustion engine (ICE). The electric power is usually derived from battery packs in the vehicle. These cars have been introduced in the market in order to have zero-emission vehicles against high oil prices and better environmental protection.

In response to that, General Motors has finally introduced 2011 Chevrolet Volt. It is expected to begin its production by 2010. This marks the new evolution of cars.

It can run at a top speed of 100mph. The electric drive unit delivers 150 hp and 273 lbs-ft of torque. It makes use of electricity to pick up speed and it uses such all the time and at different speeds. This is possible because the Volt gets its source of electricity from its lithium-ion battery that is capable of storing up to 16-kWh, enough for a 40 mile trip. When the battery’s energy loses its life, an E85 engine generator powers the Volt’s electric drive unit by providing electricity while sustaining the battery charge simultaneously. This operation increases the Volt’s range for about a hundred additional miles, up to the point when vehicle’s battery can be charged. This gives the driver confidence that he will not get his battery depleted after just a couple of miles.

The Volt can be used in 2 ways. You can either make use of a 120v outlet by plugging it into a standard household. You can also charge it using 240v of power. It takes less than three hours to get it fully charged using a 240v outlet, and about eight hours if plugged into a 120v outlet. The charging times can also be reduced if the battery of the Volt has not been totally depleted. Do you know that you will save more money on recharging the Volt as compared to buying a cup of coffee? It saves you more compared to cars running on combustible engines.

Run your car at minimum costs and help save the environment.

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BMW is the only vehicle manufacturer who will be going to deploy 500 electric cars to be used in public highways of few major cities. The Mini E is the electic version  of the Mini Cooper.

Mini’s parent company, BMW claims the Mini E will have a range of 150 miles running on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. BMW has been working in a joint project with Mercedes-Benz on developing lithium-ion batteries, along with battery and tire manufacturer Continental. It has a 204 horsepower electric motor also puts out 162 pound-feet of torque with juice being supplied by advanced lithium ion battery tech. The lithium-ion battery pack is made up of 5,088 cells grouped in 48 modules. The modules are packaged into three battery elements. Maximum capacity is 35 kilowatt hours with transmission to the electric motor at a nominal 380 volts. Charge time is expected to be about 8 hours with a range of about 150 miles on a charge. To recharge the batteries, a wallbox will come with every unit to be installed in the owner’s garage. BMW will require wallboxes to be located in locked garages or secure facilities.

The Mini-E also has standard fare package of energy recapturing technologies, such as regenerative braking. Regenerative braking will be a major factor in expanding the Mini E’s range, up to twenty percent in urban driving. As soon as the driver’s foot is lifted from the accelerator, the motor begins functioning as a generator, thus producing braking force. In city driving, as much as 75 percent of barking can come from the generator. The resulted braking force, and the power from the kinetic energy is returned to the battery.

Save yourself from increasing prices of gas and protect the environment in your own ways. This is now the dawn of electric vehicles for a cleaner environment due to zero emission.

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Ford Escape compact SUV debuted almost a decade ago. Over the years of glory, competition for bigger and stronger SUV, it remained without a major redesign. However, a major reconfiguration happened to Ford Escape last year. But the chassis remained unchanged, apart from the poor decision to change the rear brakes from a disc setup to drum brakes, which greatly affects its maximum braking performance.

For 2009, the Ford gets its back with more powerful engines, a new six-speed automatic transmission and a more athletic suspension tuning. Another new feature added is the Ford’s Sync system–which allows voice activation of audio, navigation and phone functions. Those offered as optional on lower trims become standard across the line such as cruise control and antilock brakes.

Regards to safety, it set an acceptable rating in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset testing. In government frontal-impact crash tests, the Escape earned four stars (out of five) for the driver and five for the passenger. Side-impact testing resulted in five stars for both front and rear occupants.

Be impressed with its cabin. The seats are well bolstered and comfortable, and material quality which fits and has good finishing. There’s a plenty of room for storage, including a center console box and reconfigurable bins. It allows voice control for your mobile phone, the navigation system and the audio system for MP3 player users.

The new 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which produces 171 horsepower, 12 percent improvement over the 2.3-liter’s 153 hp. A good choice for anyone who wanted to drive in hilly country and/or with a full load. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is substantially more than most other vehicles in the class.

Those looking for a SUV must consider comfortable interior, peppy performance and standard safety features. All this and more you can find in a 2009 Ford Escape.

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It’s been years since Ford started to top honors for its vehicles. F-150 is the start of 12th generation of F-150 It has a total reconfiguration on its engine, interior and exterior. Ford’s line of trucks has created recognition of Texas Auto Writers Association and the only manufacturer given a title of “Truck of Texas” for the 2009 F-150. Texas Auto Writers Association is composed of toughest truck critics that specialized in knowing how a customer uses his truck for many purposes.

F150 is now available at the market. The truck has many new features that other truck companies are still catching up to add new features on their trucks. Some of these features include the integrated backup camera mounted inside the Ford symbol on the tailgate of the truck. The rear of the truck also offers a Cargo Organizer, a Stowable Bed Extender, a Box Sidestep, and a bed liner that surpasses military grade protective coating. The front of the truck features a redesigned grill that makes this truck look rugged which truck enthusiasts really love to see. The headlights have also been redesigned that add to the rugged look.

Fuel efficiency has been improved along with the EasyFuel Capless Fuel-Filler System, which takes away that annoyance of unscrewing that messy gas cap. With spring loaded tabs, refueling is not only easier to do, it is also helps reduce evaporative emissions, and therefore helps the environment.

V6 is now obsolete. The new F-150 has a V8 engine. V8 has two different versions, one having 2-valve cylinders, and the other having 3-valve cylinders. Also available is the 5.4 liter V8, fit with 3 valves per cylinder. F-150 is perfect for commercial users and heavy haulers. It has towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds.

It may even claim its title for the “Truck of 2009”. Prestige and elegance with a rugged look.

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Volkswagen or golf—what will you choose? But, why choose if you can have both? What is meant in this article is the Volkswagen Golf. Latest model are now ready for ordering. Prices range from £12,255 to £20,980. Is it costly? What if every penny is worth it? Think about it!

When we talk of Volkswagen Golf, comfort is a particular strong point. It is best when traveling at high speed, and superb on cruising smooth surfaces. Very minimal wind noise can be heard in the cabin. Add to it the suspension system that lessens bumps for more comfort. In terms of design, what can surpass its rigorous checks and controls? It has pretty damped cubby lids, leather on steering wheels, blue-backlit dials, and near-silent electric mirror motors. Its wide door pockets can hold 1-liter water bottles. Plus, get that comfy feeling in light, bright environment with high roof and classy trim features.

New Golf is available in three trim levels. These levels are S, SE, and GT. All of them have high level standard specifications. Among the three, S has the most number of features. It has ABS, Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), body-colored bumpers, climatic air conditioning, CD/ radio, door handles, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, remote central locking, and seven airbags including driver’s knee air bag.

Under the bonnet, you can have four petrol and two diesel engine choices: 1.4-litre 80 PS, 1.6-litre 102 PS for Petrol units, 122 or 160 PS for 1.4 litre TSI powerplants, and 110 or 140 PS power outputs for 2.0-litre common rail diesels. Add the Volkswagen’s Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) that allows driver to choose from normal, comfort, or sports mode. With that, desired suspension, steering, and accelerator response are defined for any particular journey. The ParkAssist technology is also an available option that takes over steering inputs necessary for parking maneuvers.

Global sales of over 26 million only prove that Volkswagen Golf meets or exceeds customers’ demands. Latest Golf continues to extend quality, affordability, and safety.

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Environmental and health hazards are always the issue when it comes to auto usage. The reason is that exhaust from the auto’s exhaust system contains harmful gases like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, which are harmful once inhaled. Aside from that, there are also greenhouse gasses from auto that contribute in the ozone depletion. To address those issues, auto manufacturers equip their products with several components to reduce emission. Thus, Renault Clio Sport Tourer is an exception. Exception, why? Isn’t it an auto?

Renault Clio Sport Tourer is also classified as an auto. However, due to its eco2-credentials, it makes an exception. In fact, it achieved success in view of its fuel economy during the 411 miles event. It specifically showed 27 % improvement during the Clio Sport Tourer, Fleet World magazine’s MPG Marathon. During the marathon, 39 autos tried to prove their ‘green’ capabilities. It is actually a round trip from Bristol to Macclesfield. Of course, Renault entered said marathon with its Clio Sport Tourer dCi 86 driven by Richard Bremner (Editor, www.cleangreencars.co.uk), and David Ward (Motoring Editor, Essex Chronicle).

Renault Clio Sport Tourer has focus on leisure pursuits. It has angled rear screen, and with a length of 4,200mm. It is offered with three petrol and two diesel engines. Four among the five choices available are Renault eco2 autos. Eco2 because they met strict guidelines with less than 140g/kg emission, 95 % recyclable, and manufactured at certified to ISO 14001 plants. When it comes to engine range line-up, it includes 1.2 TCe 100 petrol engine. It can provide torque for 1.6 VVT 111 engine. It has the power of 1.4 16V and emissions of 1.2 16V 75. Lastly, its dCi engine has CO2 emissions of only 117 g/km with combined mpg of 64.2.

Aside form given specifications, Clio’s Dynamique trim ensures match in its interior and exterior sporty looks. Thus, with Clio Sport Tourer tour in an eco-friendly way!

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Are you a sport enthusiast? If yes, then you might probably collect sporty stuffs or even watch your favorite sport in TV or live in stadium, field, etc. To really satisfy your sporty side, why not get a sporty car? Lots of sports cars are available in the market. Several makes and models are also available. You can even choose from different colors. Thus, the real sporty car is Fabia Sport.

Fabia Sport is Skoda’s raised stakes against competitors. To give Fabia a sportier look, some of its specifications were upgraded. The significant change is the lowering of it by 15 mm for its sportier poise. It is equipped with 16 ‘Bear’ alloy wheels, front fog lights, halogen headlights with DE module. Exploring its inside, it has curtain airbags, air conditioning, electric front windows, sunset glass, a trip computer and a full body kit. It continues with three-spoke leather steering wheel with front sport seats that are heavily bolstered.

Comparing the new Fabia with old, the old car has 128bhp 1.9-litre diesel engine, while the new one has more powerful petrol engine of 1.9-litre downgraded diesel and delivers just 104 bhp. It is a bit short with padded surfaces. However, hard plastics are still perfectly moulded, assembled, and finished. The paintwork and proper gloss lacquer around the tailgate aperture are excellent. Thus, panel gaps are laser-accurate. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and handbrake are substantial. To sum up, Fabia is solid and rattle-free.

Focusing on its performance, its 104bhp diesel can reach up to 62 mph within 10.8 seconds and tops out at 118mph. So, what are the assets of Fabia sport? Those are being roomy, cosseting ride, punchy diesel, economy, and quality. Therefore, the verdict: a fine car, not just a sporty one. So be sporty, have the Fabia sporty.

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Racing has been popular all throughout the world. It also encompassed lots of categories like horse racing, car racing, and many more. One popular race event is the Match Race on Lake Geneva. Like any other races, it also evolved and improved. The Match Race on Lake Geneva has evolved into an International Sailing event. The said race was organized by the Venerable Cercle de la Voile of the Societe Nautique de Geneve. Thus, Bentley Geneva sponsored an event in between October 17 and 19, 2008. The host of the event was Bentley Geneve Andre Chevalley. It is an essential event since points gathered by the winner affect official ranking in the International Sailing Federation (ISAF). This is because the regatta is conducted in relation to ISAF rules. The awarding of a Grade 2 status is comparable to second league in the sailing world. For fair competition, the Sailing Section of the Nautical Society of Geneva gives each crew identical sailboats and sets of sails. In that case, sleek Surprise crafts are renowned for their speed and agility.

In the Bentley Geneva Match Race, eight excellent skippers and their crews from different parts of the world competed. Their skills and experiences are matched against each other to conquer classic variables of sailing─ wind and currents.

On the eve of Regatta, Continental Flying Spur Speed was uncovered. It has high performance credited from its powerful 160 HP engine. It was engineered by Bentley Motors, a British car maker. It has refined craftsmanship of a luxurious limousine. It featured custom high-end sound system by Naim. In addition, it was also built to race against the wind.

During the match race days, varied orders have an equally fast and agile model. Thus, the uncovering of Continental Flying Spur Speed comes with a champagne reception. The uncovering then was done by exclusive circle of guests from Societe Nautique Bentley Geneve Andre Chevalley.

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