10 High Tech Car Features...

Just a few years ago, a car that could show you its location on a digital map, take control if you begin to skid, or automatically maintain a set distance from a vehicle in front might have seemed like a glimpse from some far-flung future highway. But these functions are becoming increasingly commonplace in today's vehicles.

What's next? How about cars that can automatically brake to a stop in traffic without the driver ever touching the brake pedal? Or ones that can parallel park themselves at the touch of a button? Or vehicles that brake for a pedestrian, even if you're looking the other way?
Here, we look at 10 of the latest auto technologies that are either already on the road or coming soon. As with most leading-edge features, the majority of these are now available only in higher-priced luxury models, and even then are often expensive options. But, as we've seen with antilock brakes, electronic stability control, and navigation systems, we can expect many to eventually trickle down to mainstream cars. Meanwhile, stay tuned; more are coming all the time.

A car that parks itself

Drivers who find it challenging to parallel park will appreciate Lexus's new Intelligent Park Assist system, an option on the redesigned 2007 LS model. Also available on the Toyota Prius sold in other markets, this system enables a driver to pull up to an available parking space, press a button, and essentially sit back. The car then maneuvers itself into the space. All the driver needs to do, according to Lexus, is apply a little braking pressure. Unfortunately, the system can't find a parking space for you.

Keeping an eye on blind spots

Volvo S80
Many accidents occur when a driver tries to change lanes on a highway without being aware that a vehicle is in his "blind spot." For 2007, Audi and Volvo are addressing this dilemma with two systems that can detect vehicles that a driver might not see on either side of his car. Both systems use LED displays near each outside rearview mirror to warn a driver that he shouldn't attempt a lane change because a vehicle is in or is rapidly approaching a car's blind spot. Audi's Side Assist system, which made its debut in the new 2007 Q7 SUV, uses radar to detect other vehicles. Volvo's Blind Spot Information System, available on the new S80 sedan, uses cameras.

The next step in precollision systems

A precollision system is one that can sense a collision before it happens and automatically take actions to maximize the safety of a car's occupants. These systems work in different ways, depending on the automaker. Several manufacturers, for example, offer systems that use radar to detect vehicles in front and an alarm and warning lights to alert drivers of a potential crash. If the driver does not respond quickly enough, the system can take preventive steps such as applying brakes, closing windows, adjusting seat positions for optimal air-bag effectiveness, and activating safety-belt pretensioners.

Lexus takes the technology a step further with its Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) in the top-of-the-line LS series. This system is the first that can detect pedestrians and animals as well as vehicles, potentially helping a driver avoid hitting a person in the road. Two small cameras mounted to the front of the vehicle provide a detection capability that the carmaker says radar alone cannot deliver. APCS also uses a third camera, mounted on the steering column and focused on the driver's face. If the system sees the driver is not looking ahead and senses a high probability of impact, it will first warn the driver with a chime and a flashing light. It can then apply gentle braking pressure, cinch down the safety belts, reprogram the steering for faster response, and prepare the braking system to apply full pressure as soon as the driver presses the pedal.

Next-generation night vision

BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz are introducing updated versions of the Night Vision system initially offered by Cadillac. The systems allow a driver to see objects and people beyond the reach of a vehicle's headlights, and they use infrared technology to sense heat from people, animals, stopped vehicles, and so on up to several hundred feet ahead of the car.
The BMW and Mercedes systems display images on a dashboard screen in the vehicle, and the Lexus system projects images on the lower part of the windshield. When we tested Cadillac's now-discontinued Night Vision feature in the 2000 DeVille, we found that it can be handy in some driving situations--particularly on flat, straight roads--but the images were grainy, and some drivers found it distracting. These updated systems claim to have better resolution and greater range.

Cleaner diesels

Diesel cars typically get about 30 percent better fuel economy than a similar gasoline-powered car. But because they emit more nitrogen-oxide and particulate emissions, they aren't sold in some states with tight clean-air regulations. Mercedes-Benz, however, recently announced a new line of diesel engines, called BlueTec, that promise to deliver cleaner emissions than existing diesels. They use an oxidizing catalytic converter and other technologies to significantly reduce diesel emissions. To achieve this, BlueTec requires the use of new low-sulfur diesel fuel, due to be phased in to the U.S. market this year. The first model using BlueTec engines is the E320. The Volkswagen Touareg low-sulfur V10 diesel is offered in all 50 states.

Variable-tint glass

Electrochromatic rear-view mirrors, which automatically darken in response to light, have been around for years. Now, the concept is being applied to a vehicle's window glass. Ferrari introduced an electrochromatic roof panel on its limited-production $287,000 575 Superamerica in 2005. The panel can be adjusted to any of five levels of tint by turning a knob in the car's interior. The system's manufacturer claims solar-energy transmission can be reduced from two to 20 percent, and the amount of light entering the cabin can be reduced by as much as 40 percent. While the Superamerica is no longer in production, a domestic auto-glass supplier plans to bring the technology to mainstream vehicles within the next few years.

Photo-realistic navigation systems

The displays in current GPS navigation systems show the location of a vehicle on a graphical map in a way that's similar to looking straight down at a paper map. Several systems also provide a 3D "bird's eye" view that give more of a driver's perspective with roads stretching out to the horizon. Soon, however, we may view all of these displays in the same way we view old Mickey Mouse cartoons in a Pixar era.

The next wave of nav-system mapping will use actual images of roads and terrain to provide a dramatically realistic perspective. First up will be nav displays that show roads and the surrounding area as they look in satellite photography, complete with a bird's-eye-perspective capability. A company called 3DVU, for example, has developed such a system that is now in use on some portable nav systems in Japan and will be available in the built-in nav systems of some new South Korean cars by the end of the year.

Carmakers are exploring 3DVU and other lifelike navigation options, and the company expects to have this technology available for the U.S. market by 2010. By that time the terrain will also include realistic elevation data, meaning that mountains will really look like mountains instead of a laid-out flat photo. Future plans include adding street-level views of major cities that include realistic images of major buildings and landmarks.

An aid for inattentive drivers

Some of the latest Infiniti models include a lane-departure system, which alerts a sleepy or inattentive driver if his vehicle begins to wander out of its lane without a turn signal being activated. It uses a camera mounted behind the rearview mirror to detect the painted stripes between lanes and warns the driver with both a buzzer and warning light.
When we tested the system on the 2006 Infiniti M35, we found that it works well on the highway but can be distracting on curvy roads. Fortunately, the system can be turned off with a switch.


Source: Consumer Reports

AutoShopLinks.com Press Release

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AutoShopLinks.com is working to bring the automotive community and the public one step closer. This is achieved by helping automotive shop owners promote their businesses by offering them the ability to list sale/discount items, display a full-page On-line Ad, list all their products, brands, and/or services, offer sponsorships and raffles, and other attractive features which will also continue to capture consumer interests to AutoShopLinks.com and those shops specifically listed on our service.

AutoShopLinks.com also provides a community experience with our interactive Photo-Gallery, where consumers can not only view Event photos, but also rate and post their own pictures. There is also an interactive Forum where users can discuss automotive related topics. Consumers can apply their vehicles for Vehicle of the Month and see their Ride displayed on our homepage. Through our New Products section, get info about the newest and hottest products on the market. Get info about all upcoming Automotive events throughout the Nation in our Upcoming Events section. Want the latest ASL gear and decals, visit our ASL Store.

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BMWs Big Plans!!

NEW MODELS and STRATEGIC ALLIANCES...

The BMW Group announced plans in order to achieve annual sales of more than 2 million by 2020—an increase of 600,000 vehicles on its record 2006 sales figure of 1.4 million. The changes will consist of a broadening of the BMW Group’s lineup through its BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce brands. The company would seek greater economies of scales though strategic alliances, hinting heavily that BMW would increase its supply of engines to other carmakers while seeking cooperation in a number of fields in a bid to cut its cost base and improve overall efficiency.

The new BMW models will fuel the growth plan, including:
• X1, a new entry-level sport/utility vehicle, by 2012.
• A revived range-topping 8 Series production model based on the dramatically styled CS four-door coupe concept shown at the Shanghai Motor Show last spring, also due by 2012.
• V7, a heavily overhauled version of the Space Functional Concept, now referred to as the Progressive Activity Sedan. The vehicle would compete with the Mercedes-Benz R-Class.
• A Mini compact SUV.
• A Rolls-Royce coupe version of the Phantom, as previewed by the 101EX concept at the 2006 Geneva motor show (see related story).
• A smaller Roll-Royce model to compete against rival Bentley’s Continental Flying Spur.

BMW also will develop new concepts, suggesting additional models may cater to environmentally conscious car buyers. That has fueled speculation that the BMW could be eying the acquisition of a fourth brand (possibly Volvo), or follow the example of Mercedes-Benz with its Smart off-shoot in creating an additional brand to market a new range of low-emission vehicles for city use.

To help achieve the substantial increase in sales set out in BMW’s strategic realignment, BMW announced an increase in production capacity at the company’s manufacturing plant in South Carolin, China, and England.

As well as outlining bullish plans for BMW’s automobile operations, BMW also announced that a strategy had been formulated to increase its worldwide motorcycle sales by 50 percent to more than 150,000 by 2012. This will be partly achieved through its recent acquisition of Husqvarna.

2007 Frankfurt Auto Show - Favorite Cars

The 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show will feature numerous vehicles with a green theme as the concerns for global warming continue to grow. Let take a look at some of my favorite vehicles hitting the scene at the Frankfurt Auto Show…..

Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz F 700 Research Car

The high-tech F 700 previews a full range of new technology from Mercedes-Benz, including a green-friendly powertrain, a laser-equipped suspension that looks ahead at road conditions, and even an interactive voice-recognition system that incorporates the best features of a video game.

The big four-door sedan is said to provide solid clues to the sort of features that are likely to appear on the next-generation Mercedes Benz S Class that is due to be introduced in 2012

Mercedes-Benz says this small-displacement engine's output of 238 horsepower compares favorably with its existing 3.5-liter V6 gasoline and 3.0-liter V6 diesel engines. It is in fuel economy and air emissions where the DiesOtto engine really excels. Mercedes-Benz rates the car's fuel economy on the European cycle at an astonishing 53 mpg, an 18-mpg improvement over the current Mercedes S350 sedan.

The F 700 also showcases what Mercedes calls Pre-Scan suspension. Two lasers integrated into the headlights scan the road ahead and then the Pre-Scan control unit determines an appropriate strategy for the hydraulically operated suspension based on speed and road conditions. The headlights feature two linear arrays of LEDs to provide supplemental driving lights, while a third row functions as daytime running lights. Mercedes also has worked hard to simplify its notoriously complex arrangement of interior controls. A key contribution is a new voice-activation strategy, in which the voice of a young woman enters into a dialogue with the driver, posing questions that the driver answers.


BMW: AC Schnitzer GP3.10

At a cost of $274,600 AC Schnitzer's GP3.10 adds a heavy dollop of efficiency, economy and ecology with its LPG-fueled driveline. Schnitzer has reprogrammed the engine control unit on the 5.0-liter V10 and modified the exhaust system, fitting sport mufflers and catalysts creating 552 horsepower and 398 lb-feet of torque. With this 552 horsepower 4.5 seconds is all it takes to reach 60 mph…(and I thought my 5.3 second 40 yard dash time was fast)!!! Ac Schnitzer added a few other features to keep up with its very powerful engine… a racing suspension, enhanced brakes and its Type VI racing wheels.Since you can’t have all go with no show…AC Schnitzer added an aero body kit that includes a front skirt with coarse-mesh grille insert, air intakes with chrome ribs in the front fenders, rear wheel-arch extensions, a rear skirt with integral diffuser and a rear roof wing.

I think this was one of my favorite cars…but at a cost of $275K….I would rather get a Ferrari!!

Speaking of Ferrari….Novitec Ferrari 599 GTB

The exterior modifications that Ferrari made with this 599 GTB made this Ferrari very attractive. However, some of these mods were provided other benefits, such as … additional cooling and more downforce. These exterior mods are comprised of amodest aero body kit that bundles a front lip spoiler, side skirts with larger air intakes, side flaps, rear wing and rear fascia with integrated diffuser.

Thanks to a reprogrammed ECU and upgraded exhaust system..this Ferrari puses 645 horsepower. The suspension and brake mods used to stop this beast are a KW Automotive aluminum suspension kit with adjustable ride height and brakes are specially fabricated Brembos with six-piston calipers.

Now lets look at a car that I like which a normal individual could afford….

Lexus: 2008 GS Sedan

This Lexus GS sedan is nothing new. There weren’t much advancement to the 2007 model; however, it’s still a good looking car that we don’t just have to dream about. Shaving off 0.3 seconds from the GS 430’s zero to 60 time, The GS 460's V8 produces 339 pound-feet of torque and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, yet both models achieve similar fuel economy. The GS 460 earned an EPA-estimated fuel-mileage rating of 17/24 city/highway mpg, compared to the GS 430's 18/25 mpg numbers.The minor exterior changes that were made consist of a revised front fascia, a new front bumper and lower intake design and a new chrome grille surround, plus side-view-mirror turn signals and an all new wheel design.The interior mods for the 2008 GS include a new brushed-aluminum shift plate for the instrument panel and interior trim choices which include dark gray bird's eye maple wood and light gray leather.

Lease or Buying Cars? Which is better??

Would you rather rent or own? Below are listed benefits of either renting a car (leasing) or buying it (financing). Both options have their benefits. Depending on the APR you get on a Lease or on a Finance it could be better to do one over the other. There are different financial calculations you can use to see which financially makes more sense in the short run and long run. I will break down some calculation to see which option will make more sense. First read the benefits of each then look at the examples that I show at the bottom.

Leasing:

Car leasing is a lot like renting an apartment; you pay a monthly fee to use it but don't own it -- and aren't making payments toward ownership. The leased vehicle remains the property of the lessor -- the company that issued the lease.

As with an apartment rental contract, car leasing will have a fixed period -- typically two or three years. You're obliged to make monthly payments for the length of the contract. While you can get out of the lease before then if you want to, there will typically be extra costs -- for example, an "early termination charge" -- typically spelled out in the car leasing contract you sign. And as is often the case with renting an apartment, you'll likely have to put down some cash as "security deposit" at the lease inception. This money will be used to pay for any damages to the vehicle -- such as door dings, stains on the seats, any needed service work, etc. -- when you return it at the end of the car leasing term.

A big advantage of car leasing is flexibility. You aren't making a long-term commitment. Typically, car leasing is for a relatively short period, 2-3 years being the norm. The average new car loan, on the other hand, is five years. When the lease period is up, you can simply bring the car back and walk away. Or you can buy it if you like by paying off the remaining balance -- called the "residual value" -- which you'll negotiate in advance at the time of lease inception.

Also, since you are only renting the car, your total cash outlay should be less. You won't have to make as large a down payment (a security deposit and the first month's payment are the typical initial out-of-pocket fees associate with car leasing) as you would if you were buying. And monthly lease payments are almost always less than payments would be if you bought the car. That means you'll have more money left over to spend on other things.

Or, if you prefer, you can "afford" to drive a more expensive car when you lease, since the monthly payments will be comparatively lower. This is one of the biggest single attractions of car leasing for many people. A car (or truck) that might cost you $500-$600 per month to buy might cost $100 per month less with car leasing.

Another nice thing about car leasing is that you're always driving a new or nearly new vehicle. And of course you don't have to worry about the potentially expensive repair and/or maintenance problems that inevitably crop up as a car ages -- and gets out of warranty. The leased car will typically be under factory warranty for the duration of the lease -- and car leasing contracts often have add-on provisos that cover routine maintenance, such as oil changes, etc.

Car leasing may also have tax advantages for you -- but this is something you'll have to ask your accountant about. In the past, most people who did car leasing were those who used their vehicle for business, such as realtors -- and who therefore could claim deductions for car leasing not available to those who purchased them outright.

Car leasing had the additional attraction of freeing up assets for investments and so on that would otherwise be locked into a depreciating asset -- the person's car or truck.

There are downsides to car leasing, of course. Since you're only making what amount to rental payments each month, you won't have anything tangible to show for your money at the end of the lease. If you spend, say, $12,000 on car leasing payments (about $450 per month) over two years, that money is gone forever.

Buying:

A person who buys his vehicle, on the other hand, has the comfort of knowing that one day, it will be "paid for" and -- assuming it is still in good shape at that point -- will provide "free transportation" until it breaks down or the owner decides to get rid of it.

In addition, a person who owns his car has equity (cash value) in the car or truck. Even though it will continue to depreciate with each passing year, so long as it's still serviceable transportation, it will always be worth something. That value can be used as a trade-in; or the vehicle can be sold privately to help raise money to pay for a new one -- or for some other need.

The person who opts for car leasing must start from scratch every time.

There's also the mileage issue. If you decide on car leasing, your contract will typically stipulate the maximum number of miles you're allowed before the end of the lease. If you exceed that figure, it can get expensive. Per-mile charges over the stated maximum listed in the car leasing contract are often exorbitant -- so if you drive more than the allowed miles in the contract annually, leasing could turn out to be more expensive then you thought.

The person who owns his car, meanwhile, can drive it as much as he wants, and do pretty much whatever he feels like with it, too. He can swap out the stereo, add different wheels and tires, change the exhaust system -- whatever. Do this with a leased car and you'll have to pay whatever if takes to put the car back the way it was. If you own your vehicle, the inevitable door dings and dents -- as well as coffee stains on the seat -- can also be shrugged off.

Car leasing is also more complex than buying so always closely read -- and be sure you understand -- every proviso of the lease contract before you sign. If you're unclear about anything, get expert advice -- or walk away.


Example:

Cost of car - $35,000
Lets say financing and lease are both at 6%
Estimated payments:
Lease $500/ month for 60 months (balloon payment of $16,500)
Finance $750/ month for 60 months

When you calculate the payments out you get a total cost of:
Lease = $46,500 (($500 x 60) + $16,500)
Finance = $45,000 ($750 x 60)

Looking at this calculation it appears that Financing would be cheaper (if you plan on buying the car at the end of the lease). However, note that on a lease payment you will save $250 a month. (Remember Present Value of Money > Future Value of Money).
If you take that $250/ month that you save you could invest that in Stocks, Bonds, CD’s, high yield savings accounts. Over 60 months and earning interest on the $250 monthly will more than likely yield you over $1,500 of earned interest (the differnece between the Lease total $46,500 and the Finance total $45,000), which can be applied to pay of the lease, used to lease another car, or fix up your car.

GM Strike - Summary

It’s been 37 years since the last nationwide walkout against General Motors (GM). The United Auto Workers and General Motors Corp. tentatively agreed Wednesday to a contract that ends a two-day strike and puts responsibility for retirees' health care into the union's hands. Union members were told to begin reporting to work Wednesday. UAW officials said they hoped to begin talks with Ford and Chrysler even before GM workers vote on ratifying the pact.
GM and the UAW confirmed that the deal creates a GM-funded, UAW-run trust to administer retiree health care. The two sides gave no other details, but two people briefed on the contract told The Associated Press that it also would give workers bonuses and lump-sum payments and would pay some newly hired workers at lower rates. The union would then invest the money and take over the health care responsibility for about 340,000 GM hourly retirees and spouses.
Wages would stay the same for the length of the four-year deal, but workers would be given a bonus of $3,000 once the contract is ratified and then bonuses of 3 percent, 4 percent and 3 percent of their annual pay each year for the last three years of the contract, said one person briefed on the contract details.
The people requested anonymity because the details of the contract haven't been released publicly, including whatever concessions GM may have made over job security, which was the reason the UAW gave for walking off the job.
The deal means UAW workers will head back to their jobs at around 80 GM facilities across the nation. Some were to return as early as Wednesday afternoon; shift times varied by plant and time zone. The union went on strike at 11 a.m. Monday when talks broke down, ending GM's production and causing layoffs and shutdowns at parts factories. GM said in a statement that the deal will make it significantly more competitive and provides "the basis for maintaining and strengthening its core manufacturing base in the United States."
Under the tentative agreement, GM would hire most of the temporary autoworkers now at the company at full company wages and benefits, one person said. That person said the company has approximately 6,000 temporary workers. Temporary workers who have worked for the company for less than 90 days would be hired at a lower wage, the person said. The pact also includes a lower wage structure for newly hired workers in certain non-manufacturing jobs such as sanitation workers, one person said, adding that in order to make way for the new hires, GM would offer early retirement and buyout packages of $35,000 to workers now in the positions.
GM made no specific commitments to build cars and trucks at U.S. factories, but generally agreed that with the reduced costs from the new contract, investment in the plants would make good business sense, the person said. Gettelfinger wouldn't release any details of job security agreements, including promises for future production at certain factories.
The deal also includes language that mitigates the impact of the jobs bank, in which the company pays laid-off workers most of their salary and benefits, said the person, who did not know the specifics.
Negotiations between GM and the UAW officially began in July. The UAW's original deadline to reach an agreement with GM was Sept. 14, but the union decided to extend that contract on an hour-by-hour basis and keep talking. Talks broke down Sunday night and the union set a strike deadline for Monday. When a deal wasn't reached by then, workers walked off their jobs.

IN SUMMARY:

UAW got:

• An independent retiree health care trust that will be funded with enough money from GM to remain solvent for 80 years



• Undisclosed job guarantees that we expect includes a promise of investment in particular U.S. plants in preparation for production of new models



• GM will hire up to 5,000 temporary workers as full-time employees



• Signing bonuses of an undisclosed amount for all UAW members who sign the contract



• Wage increases of 3% in first year, 4% in second and 3% in third

GM got:

• $50 billion in health care liability off its back after a large one-time payout into independent retiree health care trust



• Two-tier wage structure, as those 5,000 new hires who were previously temp will be brought in at their current wage of $18/hour, rather than the $28/hour current full-timers earn



• Undisclosed revisions in the Jobs Bank program that continues to pay laid-off employees



• Reduction in labor cost to produce vehicles, though might not be realized right away