Why you should go for electric cars

You are probably asking your self why should i go for an electric car, well here are some of the reasons you might want to consider.I will use the example of the Telsa's model S. The model s can go from 0-100km/h in less than 5.6  second, this faster than the BMW Z4 good!!!! no perfect.
It can also achieve a top speed of 210km/h.Thanks to the efficient the regular batteries(which use lithium cells similar to those in laptops)  is uses,it can go for 480 km without recharging which is quite a good distance.
The model s is also very spacious in that it has two trunks one at the back and the other in the front{called a frunk }this is because the  model s is has no engine and is powered by a power train(motor) which fits between the two rear wheels.Wondering where the batteries  are, well there is along flat battery pack that joins both the front and and rear wheel. One of the good thing about this car is how much torque you can get at an instance, the accelerator  has a very good response,which means you press on it and the car moves.  Although the model s has normal brakes  it uses regenerative braking which is achieved by easing of on the accelerator.The electric car more efficient than the gasoline engine in-terms of cost.The question in everyone mind is are this cars going to be adopted? if you ask me we might be heading there what do you think???

What?? A man crashes $1.9M Ferrari Right After Leaving the Dealership(video)

     A man crashes $1.9M Ferrari Right After Leaving the Dealership
             


What would you do if you crashed the most expensive car in the world??personally i would die of heart attack. Well this happened to a man in Budapest, right after he left the dealership.

According to fox news, witnesses say that the man was exited with the cars super fast acceleration that he ended up swerving and smashing into packed car. Fortunately,no one was hurt in the unfortunate event.
The worst thing about all this is that the accident was captured in video. The footage shows how  the driver lost of the high power hybrid,leading to him smashing in three packed cars.

Here is the video

Check out the new range rover Evoque 2016 convertible (photos)

A Range Rover convertible??? Yes Land rover has now released the new range rover 2016  Evoque
convertible. At first when i heard this , I asked myself how bad will it look. Amazingly, it does not look that bad. If anything it looks good, considering that this is a new niche for range rover. The Evoque starts at roughly $5170 and may go way up to $7400 in the high-end models.

image credits: Drew Phillips

image credits: Drew Phillips

image credits: Drew Phillips

image credits: Drew Phillips

Press Release 

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CONVERTIBLE – A CONVERTIBLE FOR ALL SEASONS

- Design retains distinctive profile with roof up or down
- Lightweight roof stows in 18 seconds, at speeds up to 30mph
- Space for four adults, 8.9-cu. ft. (251-liter) cargo area
- Available ski hatch option allows easy through loading
- Standard Land Rover InControl® Touch Pro™ infotainment system with 10.2-inch touch-screen
- Features 240-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive
- On sale mid-2016, in SE Dynamic and HSE Dynamic derivatives
- Priced from $50,475

(MAHWAH, N.J.) – November 8, 2015 - Land Rover has unveiled its first compact convertible SUV against the backdrop of the University of the Arts' famous Central Saint Martins building in Granary Square, Kings Cross, London. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible combines the bold design and refinement of the Range Rover Evoque with a sophisticated folding roof to create a versatile, all-season convertible SUV.

As the newest member of the Range Rover family this highly desirable model combines traditional Range Rover luxury with an elegant four-seat convertible design and versatile storage while simultaneously meeting the rigorous standards set by the Land Rover brand; ensuring superior structural rigidity, trademark refinement, and unrivalled breadth of capability both on- and off-road.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, commented, "The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is a vehicle for all seasons. Its uniquely distinctive design and world-class engineering add another dimension to the Range Rover family, further enhancing its desirability and appeal."

The global Land Rover SUV market is forecast to grow by 20 percent over the next five years1 and the Range Rover Evoque Convertible will play a key role in continuing the 45-year Range Rover success story.

The eye-catching exterior design of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is made possible by a sophisticated fabric roof shaped to create a defined silhouette that remains faithful to the vehicle's original award-winning design. Its Z-fold mechanism lays flush with the rear bodywork for a sleek, uncluttered appearance when lowered.

The fully-automated roof stows in 18 seconds, and can be raised in 21 seconds, at speeds up to 30mph3. When closed, it provides high standards of refinement with a layer of acoustic insulation ensuring interior comfort on par with the five-door Range Rover Evoque. The 8.9-cu. ft. (251-liter) luggage space offers added practicality.

At the heart of the cabin is an all-new, 10.2-inch touch-screen featuring the next generation Jaguar Land Rover InControl® Touch Pro™ infotainment system. Making its debut for the Land Rover brand on the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, InControl Touch Pro offers seamless smartphone integration and is available with door-to-door navigation, Wi-Fi connectivity and a premium sound system2.

Providing additional driver protection, a roll-over protection system is hidden within the rear bodywork. In the event of a roll-over situation, the system is designed to deploy two aluminum bars within 90 milliseconds to create a potential protection space for occupants4.

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is underpinned by the all-terrain capability expected of all Land Rover vehicles and uses the same advanced technologies as the Range Rover Evoque five-door and coupe derivatives. The standard all-wheel drive system works with the vehicle's 240-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, nine-speed automatic transmission and Terrain Response® system to ensure the Range Rover Evoque Convertible retains its capability in a variety of conditions, on- and off-road, in all seasons4.

The new Range Rover Evoque Convertible will be produced at the Land Rover Halewood plant in the UK, alongside the five door and coupe body styles, and goes on sale from mid-2016 in more than 170 markets worldwide.

The All New Audi S1: A1 Has New Competition!

Oct 21, 2015 • By Sharmaine •

Audis most recent little sizzler had an elongated growth period. Why? One, its Name (S1) elevated uncertainties.
Back in the 80's the respected Sport Quattro S1 established Audi's four-wheel drive and rally authorisations. So the instant question was: Would a child in comparison, based on the A1 do justice to the legacy of this rally icon?
More conclusively, the lesser S model needed to be a Quattro, and as the A1 is underpinned by a FWD platform, new rear design would need to be developed: An implementation that is expensive for what in effect would be a niche model.
The little blitz, now powered by the 170kW/350Nm version of the Audi's TFSi turbo engine, still has enough grunt to run the 0-100km/h sprint in just 5,8sec (5,9 for the Sportback), according to Audi, and reach a top speed of 250km/h.
In its class, nothing – not even Mini's JWC specials – delivers similar performance, but the BMW owned brand is clearly responding, having only just publicised a new JWC version, also with 170kW on tap.
Besides the soon-to-be facelifted A1 grille the small flagship is further discerned by quadruple exhaust outlets, a slightly dissimilar body kit, xenon headlights and new LED rear lights. Oh, and do not forget the S-line trim and lots of S1 badging.

Well, they share some qualities, and was soon made clear after a couple of laps around Kyalami. Presumably some lay-out compromises had to be made with the Quattro system, which creates a feel of being nose-heavy, just like the original S1.
This is mostly sorted by a torque vectoring system and unique four-link rear suspension setup, as well as variable damping (with Dynamic, Auto and Efficiency modes).
Its heaps of low-down torque, an engaging six-speed manual ‘box and surefooted handing in Dynamic mode makes it a great track machine – as long as the ESP is left on.
Disengage the ESP system, push it into corners and it suddenly becomes a different animal – its inherent nose-heaviness making it prone to unexpected understeer.
On normal roads the S1's ride quality is hard, even in Auto mode, while not unforgivingly harsh. And while it seduces you with its sizzling performance, it is not as complete a package as the better sorted S3. So, in the end is it worth its large price tag of close to R450k?
If you enjoyed this article and want more of the same, visit MotorTalk, South Africa's favourite motoring portal.
article source:Articlebase

All You Need to Know About Wheel and Tire Safety

                 

By Dan Hinchee  |   Submitted On September 21, 2015

Your entire car performance depends on how well the four wheels handle the road. Many people often focus on engine maintenance and forget all about the wheels that the car rides on.
Wheel and tire performance is very important for your safety when driving. The following are some important factors to keep in mind:
Check your tire pressure
Depending on how often you drive your car, you may need to check your tire pressure at least once a week. Getting the right tire pressure prolongs the lifespan of the tires, enhances safety and makes your vehicle more economical in fuel usage. Your tire lifespan may reduce by up to 75% even when you are operating at 80% tire pressure.
You can tell there is a pressure problem when the tires start wearing out faster on the outer edges. Tire blowouts often occur when the tire is under inflated since there is not enough air to hold up the weight of the vehicle. The sidewalls of the tires end up getting flexing beyond their limit and blow out. If you are driving at a high speed, you could easily cause a bad accident. Make sure you inflate the tires according to the tire rating.
Replace your tires
Replacing all four tires may be costly but it is not expensive as what you may lose in case of an accident. Bald tires should be used on racetracks only. When your tire treads are worn out and you cannot retread them, you need to replace them. The treads enable the tires to grip on to the road surface, which is necessary for breaking and making turns. Worn out tires are also illegal and you can get a fine for riding on tires with a low tread depth. You can buy a tread wear indicator and check the tread depth yourself. Make sure to check all the tires in every main grove and at least two different points along the grove.
Use the right tire for the right weather
You cannot use the same tires for summer during winter. Tires come with a variety of ratings. There are some which are all weather and there are specially designed winter rated tires. If you experience heavy winters in your areas with a lot of snow, you should get rated tires for your own safety.
Clean your wheels
You need to clean the wheels when you are washing the car. Avoid washing car wheels when they are still hot as this could cause rapid contraction and weaken the wheel. A lot of mud, grime and dirt often end up covering the wheel and this could affect the way the breaks work. Get some mild soap and water to loosen the grime and dirt and wash off the wheel when it is cool. You can wax or polish the wheel after washing for the finishing. Make sure you get the right rims for your tire so you do not damage the edges of the tire.
Copyright (c) 2015 Crawfordville Auto and Tire

At Crawfordville Auto Care, we recommend factory maintenance once every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first during which we advise you on any minor or major engine repair work. We also carry out systematic fuel system cleaning to help you get the best of your mileage. http://crawfordvilleauto.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Hinchee

Tips for Negotiating With Car Dealers

Negotiating with car dealers can be a daunting and intimidating task; however, if you want to get the best deal possible on your new ride you should know some negotiation basics. This article features six helpful tips for getting a good price.
Know your limit
You should already know your highest offer before you visit any car dealers, and once negotiations reach your limit, don't budge. If the dealer can meet your price, they'll sell to you. Don't be offended if your offer is turned down. It's nothing personal, salesmen also set limits during a negotiation and their goal is to turn a profit. If you're unsuccessful at one dealership, simply move on to another.
Negotiate selling price, not monthly payments
While you'll probably end up financing your vehicle, make sure you negotiate in terms of its overall price. You need to know exactly how much expense you're committing to, despite how much nicer those monthly costs sound. When your salesman asks you about your budget for monthly payments, just indicate that you prefer to negotiate the selling price. Focusing on total costs will actually help land lower payments.
Focus on dealer cost and negotiate up
The dealer's cost, also known as the invoice price on new cars and the wholesale price on used cars, is the amount referring to the car's worth. You can get a good dealer cost estimate for your vehicle if you do a little research. The dealership has to make a profit, so expect the listed price to be higher than your estimate. Your first offer should be your lowest and you should work negotiations up from there. Working numbers up instead of down allows you to hit the dealer's lowest possible price.
Wait for a counter offer
Before raising your bid always wait until salesman gives a counter offer. If your salesman says, "I can't do that" to your first offer don't jump straight into your next offer. You should wait until you hear the dealer throw out his own first offer, and then begin raising your bid.
Raise in $100-$200 increments
Start your bid low and try and keep it that way. Make the salesperson lower their price to meet yours. At the end if the day, dealerships want to get rid of cars and needs to make a profit, so if you place your bid just above dealer cost and raise it small $100-$200 increments, you'll more than likely get your car at the right price.
Keep calm
It's very important that you stay calm and assert confidence when negotiating. Yes, there is a lot of money being discussed and the situation can be stressful, but salesmen notice when you're anxious and can take control of the negotiation. Keep in mind, you're the one with the cash. You're the customer and you can take your business anywhere.
Before you begin negotiating, you're going to need to find a dealership and shop brands and styles to select your ride. Take your time with both of these decisions. Visit multiple car dealers before choosing one, and research options and prices ahead of time. You should never negotiate blindly. Remember, prepare yourself and stay within your budget.

When considering car dealers, New Jersey residents visit Honda of Toms River. Learn more at http://www.hondaoftomsriver.com/about-honda-of-toms-river-in-toms-river-nj.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anders_Abadie

Windows 10: Better, Stronger, Faster?

By Kersti McDonald  |   Submitted On August 27, 2015

 

 

Microsoft made a big splash with its launch of Windows 10 on July 29, 2015. For many PC users, switching to the new OS is a no-brainer, while for others, it's a close call. If you haven't decided whether your business is ready to make the switch, here's a closer look at Windows 10 to help you determine if the new OS is truly better, stronger, and faster.
COST
Upgrade to Windows 10 for free! Users with Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 can receive the new OS free of charge until July 29, 2016. Windows 10 is free for the lifetime of the device, meaning support and updates at no charge as long as Microsoft supports the operating system.
Windows Vista, XP, 7 Enterprise, 8/8.1 Enterprise and RT/RT 8.1 are excluded from this free offer. These OS's require a payment of $119 per Home license or $199 per Pro license to upgrade to Windows 10. However, if you have Software Assurance with one of these OS's, then your upgrade is free.
SUPPORT
Windows 7 and Windows 8 are approaching end of support faster than we'd like to think. By upgrading to Windows 10, you gain years of additional mainstream and extended support. Here's a comparison of the operating system support lifecycles for Windows 10 vs. Windows 8 vs. Windows 7:
Operating System End of Mainstream Support End of Extended Support
Windows 7 January 13, 2015 January 14, 2020
Windows 8 January 9, 2018 January 10, 2023
Windows 10 October 13, 2020 October 14, 2025
Windows 10 brings added years of mainstream and extended support. End of mainstream support means that Microsoft will no longer enhance the product, but there will still be support for security and reliability issues. End of extended support still provides security and reliability support; however, this marks the end of support for non-security hotfixes, requests for new features and designs, and warranty claims.
The question is what will you do when your OS support comes to an end within the next few years? If you're an eligible candidate for a free upgrade to Windows 10, it may be worthwhile to upgrade before the offer expires.
SPEED
Is Windows 10 faster? TechSpot put Windows 10 to the test against Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 for speed performance. The new OS ranked within mere seconds of Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 for speed in all performance areas. Here's a quick look at the difference you may be able to feel on a daily basis with wake up and boot times:
Operating System Hibernation Wake Up Hybrid Sleep Wake Up Boot Time
Windows 7 27 seconds 17 seconds 5 seconds
Windows 8.1 23 seconds 12 seconds 4 seconds
Windows 10 21 seconds 10 seconds 6 seconds
Similar to wake up and boot speed, it's a close call for Windows 10 against Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 in application, storage, and gaming performance. Windows 10 doesn't have a clear win over past OS's in terms of speed in any particular category.
FEATURES
Windows 10 brings futuristic features to computing. With this new OS, users can expect enhanced collaboration, mobility and ease of use with a fresh look. Here's an overview of some of the newest enhancements:
MOBILITY. THE NEW OS RUNS ACROSS ALL MICROSOFT DEVICES - FROM DESKTOPS TO LAPTOPS, HYBRID, TABLETS, AND SMARTPHONES. IT'S A SINGLE PLATFORM FOR ALL OF YOUR ENDPOINTS.
CORTANA. MICROSOFT'S WINDOWS PHONE VOICE ASSISTANT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS IN SECONDS. CORTANA ALSO HANDLES CORE COMMANDS LIKE OPENING A BROWSER, CREATING A NEW EMAIL, SETTING REMINDERS OR CALENDAR APPOINTMENTS, AND MORE.
WINDOWS HELLO. SHOW YOUR FACE OR TOUCH YOUR FINGER ON DEVICES FOR BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION. HELLO REMOVES THE NEED FOR PASSWORDS, AND MAKES AUTHENTICATION MORE SECURE.
EDGE. SEARCH FASTER WITH THE NEW MICROSOFT EDGE WEB BROWSER. DRAW, TYPE AND WRITE NOTES DIRECTLY ON WEB PAGES AND SHARE THEM WITH OTHERS.
BATTERY SAVER. THIS FEATURE CONSERVES BATTERY BY LIMITING BACKGROUND ACTIVITY AND ADJUSTING HARDWARE SETTINGS WHEN ACTIVATED.
UPDATES. WINDOWS 10 NOW DELIVERS SECURITY PATCHES OUTSIDE WINDOWS UPDATE SO THEY GO STRAIGHT TO YOUR COMPUTER THE MOMENT THEY ARE AVAILABLE.
BETTER, STRONGER, FASTER?
Is Windows 10 better, stronger, and faster? Switching to Windows 10 brings extended support, futuristic features, performance enhancements, and at no cost (for some). While its speed may not be a deciding factor, weighing the benefits of new features and added support against your current operating system could tip the scale. Microsoft has made the decision even more compelling for those on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 with a one-year offer for a free upgrade.
If you have determined that Windows 10 is right for your business, testing the OS for compatibility is a must. Testing applications, hardware, drivers, printers and more for suitability with Windows 10 is necessary for a smooth transition. Since the OS was released on July 29, 2015, numerous patches and updates have already been released to enhance compatibility and stability. There will undoubtedly be more updates and patches to come as the operating system is tested by users. The key question in determining when your business will make the switch is how much testing is required to ensure a smooth transition.
If you're still not decided on Windows 10, try testing the new OS out in action on Microsoft's website, or contact us to explore what operating system option is right for your organization. If you've determined that Windows 10 is right for your business, get in touch with our team to ensure a smooth transition to the new OS.

Contact SysGen
http://www.sysgen.ca
(403) 266 0994

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kersti_McDonald

Customize Your Classic Car - Paint Your Own Rims

Oct 15, 2007 • By Steamboat L. Salter • 23,412 Views

Paint your own Rims? Who would have thought something previously done by professionals could be done in your own home.

While, the concept of painting your own rims has been around a few years now, many questions pop up of how to do it and I thought I would share my own experiences with painting my Integra stock rims. I have read up many examples of how to do this, but my first time trying was this year when I chose to refinish my winter rims. I was quite please with the outcome.

First, what the hell do you need to paint your rims? Paint of course :) This is where Duplicolor comes in with their wheel paint. They offer paint colors to match your style coming in white, gunmetal, classic silver and bronze as well. I chose to do mine in gunmetal leaving my lip the stock polished style look. So here are your options:

So you chose your color, bought your paint and are semi-ready. First, you need to sand down your rims. Why? This gives the surface a rough texture so the paint has something to adhere to. Reference the article to polish your rims on how sanding of the rims works. The only difference with this is how far you want to go. In my case, being winter rims painted I chose not to go through the process of stripping the paint on the rims completely. I simply sanded down the surface with 300 grit sandpaper ensuring to make everything sanded equally. This gives the rough surface required for the paint to adhere, and as long as your rims had no damage it should be good enough.

Your rims are sanded; you have your paint and now are ready. First, make sure you clean all sanding dust off the rims and ensure a totally clean surface so the paint will stick and not flake off after your first drive out with your newly painted rims!!! Here are my rims washed and ready to completely dry before painting:

My rims are masked off with newspaper and masking tape. Of course you want to do this so you don't turn your tires into the color you are painting. I don't want gunmetal painted tires. Also if you look close enough, you will know that the lip has been masked off as well. So I carefully applied the masking tape on the lip to protect it from being painted as well. Also, you know the little thing you pump your air into, mask that off as well unless you want that to have a color change as well :)

The rims are dry, you have masked off what you don't want painted and now you are ready. Put some newspaper on the ground and place the rim on top of the newspaper. You don't want to paint the concrete underneath the rim so keep it clean with the newspaper.

Now apply your first coat of paint. Let the paint dry well and next day admire your handiwork and results.

The All New Corsa: Opel's revolutionary Vehicle

Sep 29, 2015 • By Sharmaine •

Not too long ago, in the 90s, Opel was identical with Monzas and Kadetts that had the strength of a Lego house made by an infantile. Quality levels did progress over the following years, but not too long ago Opel South Africa's range, if you can call it that, consisted of a measly four models: the Astra, Meriva, Corsa and a Renault van. The Astra is an exceptional car, but somewhat undiscovered by local buyers. The Meriva is a ingenious, versatile family car, but flies under the radar. The Corsa was a respectable but dull appliance that became rental car fodder.
Fast-forward to 2014/2015 and Opel is launching cars here as if their lives depended on it. First, the cute and quirky Adam "boutique hatch" arrived a few months ago and now their baby SUV, the Opel Mokka, is on its way.
Isn't this article about the new Corsa?
Oh, it is. But I am illustrating how superior the 2015-and-beyond Opel range is, with the Corsa as its cornerstone. We expected an improved car, but not something this good.
So what is the best part about it?
Its 1-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It is more sophisticated than the Ford equivalent and though not as powerful on paper, it is a right little banger that is happy to chase the redline. It makes the new Corsa feels like it is intended to be a hot hatch. It also seems slightly more fuel-efficient than the Fiesta and Polo. It features a start-stop system that (mostly) turns the engine off when waiting at a red robot and it is teamed up with a slick six-speed manual that is a joy to shift, unlike its forerunner.
It looks a lot like the outgoing Corsa. So it is a face-lift and an engine/gearbox upgrade?
It is far more than that. Opel also re-engineered the chassis and suspension to create a car that can positively take on the benchmark cars: that Polo and Fiesta. The Corsa combines a rock-solid chassis with outstanding road-holding and a comfortable ride. If you are a car enthusiast this will delight you and if you are just a point-A-to-B driver you will appreciate its refinement and the first-class way it deals with bumps and potholes. As in the smaller Opel Adam the steering is rather light, but feels less imprecise. With its quiet cabin and big-car feel the Corsa will surely cover great distances with ease.
What about the interior?
The inside has gone all soft-touch premium and the cheap-looking grey plastic of old Corsa was expelled. Well, not completely: There are some leftovers at shin level, but it should only concern those downgrading from Audi A8s.
Because it is a modern hatch, aimed at young people, connectivity is a big deal. The IntelliLink system with its 7" (18cm) screen allows integration with Android or Apple iOs phones and tablets, for easy music streaming from your device or from the web. The navigation app will use your smartphone's GPS, but not its data connection. IntelliLink is standard issue on the top-spec Corsa Cosmo, but optional on the basic Essentia and mid-spec Enjoy.

What else impressed?
Some luxury items – like air-con for the Essentia – have to be added as elective extras, but the really significant things are included across the range: six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, electronic stability control, seatbelt pretensioning and hill-start assist. Disc brakes at the front (vented) and rear provide good stopping power and advanced ABS with brake assist are part of the deal. There is a choice on the Cosmo, specially for Gauteng folk who move to Cape Town and now have to parallel park. It is called Advanced Parking Assistant 2 (or APA2). It identifies potential parking spaces – most kinds – and then turns the steering wheel while the driver only works the accelerator and brake pedal. Within seconds you are perfectly parked – stress free.
Anything you did not like?
When I did not drive the front passenger seat became uncomfortable.
What are the spec levels?
1.0T Essentia, R185 500: Front electric windows and side mirrors (folding), tinted glass, steel wheels, start/stop engine control, gear-shift indicator, halogen daytime running lights, remote locking, alarm/immobiliser, City Mode steering, hill-start assist, black cloth upholstery and a single-piece folding rear seat. The warranty and road-side assist lasts for 5 years or 120 000 km and the service plan 3 years or 60 000 km.
1.0T Enjoy, R216 200: Adds air-con, 16" alloy rims, sound system and steering-wheel sound controls, Bluetooth, trip data computer, accented gear knob and steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seat, height-adjustable driver's seat, storage under passenger seat, LED daytime running lights and front fog lights
1.0T Cosmo, R236 300: Adds bi-xenon headlights with cornering light control, cruise control with a speed limiter, IntelliLink, auto-dimming mirror, auto wipers and headlights, leather steering-wheel, chrome detailing, black upholstery with vinyl bolsters, silver highlights on the instrument cluster, interior ambient lighting, flexible cup holders and two seat-back pockets.
The option packages are as follows:
Essentia Option Pack 1: Radio with Bluetooth & USB, air-con – R12 200

Essentia Option Pack 2: IntelliLink, air-con, 15" alloy wheels – R15 600
Enjoy Option Pack 1: IntelliLink – R4000
Enjoy Option Pack 2: IntelliLink, Advanced Park Assist 2 – R8000
Cosmo Option Pack 1: Advanced Park Assist 2 – R5000
If you enjoyed this article and want more of the same, visit MotorTalk, South Africa's favourite motoring portal.

The new 9-series bmw's vission for future luxury(images)

Is in it classy

2015 Volvo V60: First drive review

Click to enlarge picture
     This review was done by MSN autos
The V60 sport wagon is the most stylish of the three fresh 60-series Volvos. Thanks to an all-new power train, the midsize Volvos have jumped from worst- to best-in-class fuel economy.

With a big investment from new owner Geely Automobile, Swedish automaker Volvo is accelerating its presence in the marketplace. Last year, Volvo updated their interior and exterior designs; for 2015, they are addressing the mechanicals, starting with all-new state-of-the-art engines. The new engines are debuting in the S60 sedan, XC60 crossover and the V60 sport wagon that we are highlighting here. Known as Drive-E ("efficient") by Volvo, the new engines combine strong power with excellent fuel economy.

Reviews: Find expert and user reviews

Model lineup
The new V60 — like its S60 sedan and XC90 crossover siblings — is an upscale, midsize offering with extensive standard features. A moonroof is standard equipment, for example, and while cloth seats are standard, Volvo shoppers can expect to see the optional heated leather seats and other near-luxury items on showroom models. A short series of option packages — Sport, Technology — and the well-equipped Premier Plus trim level help bundle the options in meaningful groups.
To point out two of the V60's niceties, it comes with dual-zone climate control and a three-piece rear seat that includes pass-through capability. Integrated child seats are optional.
Safety, naturally, is a Volvo strong suit. Numerous new electronics have brought Volvo into the lead group of electronically assisted cars. The three 60-series vehicles boast collision warning with auto braking, radar-assisted cruise control and blind-spot detection as standard.
Those in a hurry can seek out the Polestar, a very limited edition of the V60. It boasts a sporty suspension, 6-piston Brembo brakes and 350 horsepower.
View Pictures:  2015 Volvo V60
Under the hood
The big news for Volvo is its all-new, turbocharged Drive-E engine series ranging from 150 to 300 horsepower in either 4- or 6-cylinder form. These are Volvo engines — not rehashed mills from previous owner Ford — and besides solid engineering basics they exhibit fresh thinking on the higher-powered models by adding supercharging to the already turbocharged engines. This is a somewhat pricey but effective solution to engine downsizing. It doesn't hurt that supercharging powerhouse Lysholm is also a Swedish company. Other state-of-the-art features are variable valve timing, low-friction cam bearings and a variable speed electric water pump.
Central to the Drive-E concept is reducing engine size and weight while boosting output. The new engines are tuned for high torque to ease standing starts and deliver a pleasingly muscular response at normal driving speeds, but also to breathe freely at high speeds for satisfying freeway manners. Typical engine weight savings are 100 pounds when moving from the older 6-cylinder models to the more powerful 4-cylinder Drive-E.
The V60 sport wagon's typical configuration is the 240-horsepower 4-cylinder Drive-E engine driving the front wheels. An older 250-horsepower 5-cylinder mill is currently offered in the all-wheel-drive option, but it will eventually be replaced by a Drive-E variant as well. An R-Design variant is also in the works; it will have a 325-horsepower 6-cylinder Drive-E engine and AWD.
All 60-series Volvos employ an 8-speed automatic transmission developed to complement the new engines. They offer full auto or paddle-shift operation. The new gearbox also supports the V60's three driving modes: Driving, Sport and Eco+. Each selection adjusts both engine and transmission response.

Car crashes cost us $900 each, whether or not you're involved

NHTSA study finds that in 2010, Americans were saddled with $277 billion of crash-related expenses.

In case you thought safe driving and friendly road manners were lowering your annual expenses, it turns out you're still overpaying.

According to a new economic study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it's the other guy's fault. Car crashes cost each of us about $900 a year whether we're involved or not, or about $277 billion in total. The NHTSA looked at all available data from 2010, and when putting a value to deaths, injuries and general harm, we were saddled with another $594 billion. And that's just from one year.

Speaking strictly of economic losses, speeding accounted for 21 percent of the total losses, followed by drunk driving (18 percent) and distraction (17 percent). Pedestrians and cyclists, who make up roughly 15 percent of all road-related deaths, cost $19 billion in 2010 (7 percent), while people who refuse to wear seatbelts saddled us with $14 billion (5 percent). 

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