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Nano Hummer: the 2007 H3

The 2007 Hummer H3 is smaller than the Cadillac Escalade, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer, but it hasn’t lost any of the luxurious styling associated with larger SUVs. In fact, the 2007 Hummer H3 has been reborn into a smoother, more modern-world-friendly Hummer, with a fuel efficiency of 16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway (not bad for an SUV), without compromising on the sassy look. or the off-road prowess of its higher-priced cousins: the H1 and H2. Critics who once criticized the Hummer for being big, flashy, expensive, and a power-firing fantasy miss the point: For $ 28,935 you can now get a well-equipped pickup made exclusively for truck lovers. Plus, the comfortable leather seats, spacious interior cabin, 220-horsepower engine, and sleek exterior suggest the 2007 Hummer H3 is far more sophisticated than other road SUVs.

Historically, we can trace the beginning of the Hummer back to 1979, when the US military was looking for a new general-purpose vehicle to efficiently replace the Jeep. Although the Jeep was the motorized symbol of the army during World War II and the Korean War, by the 1970s it had become obsolete. As such, a call was made for the development of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) to meet the military’s need to move troops and light equipment to / from the battlefield. In July 1980, AM General’s Hummer prototype was chosen over two other military contractors: Chrysler Defense and Teledyne Continental. Based on a steel frame with an aluminum and fiberglass body, the first Hummer sported a fully independent suspension and a 370-inch V8 diesel engine from General Motors. It produced 150 horsepower and was able to reach a top speed of 60 mph. An automatic transmission put the power to the ground through an all-wheel drive system with meshed bushings. The tires that powered the vehicle were 36 inches tall and the air pressure could be adjusted from inside the cab. As such, the first Hummer was a marvel of design and engineering. Today there are more than 20 versions optimized for specific military applications.

The Hummer was introduced to the American public in 1990, with the start of Operation Desert Storm. Television coverage showed US Special Forces driving the Hummer into action in Kuwait and Iraq. That same year, movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger stopped at one at the Academy Awards. His custom Hummer was the first civilian version and featured the Corvette’s V8 engine. Two years later, the first civilian Hummers were delivered and they were very different from their military cousins. For starters, “civilians” included insulation, soundproofing, and a semi-comfortable interior. However, the $ 50,000 to $ 90,000 price tag puts it in an exclusive category, out of reach for most people.

For 2007, the Hummer H3 has been substantially redesigned to meet the needs of a more demanding audience. As such, the 2007 Hummer H3 is a very accessible vehicle that is easy to get into and drive. Once behind the wheel, you may be easily fooled into thinking you are inside a more expensive Range Rover. There is plenty of room for five adults, and the H3’s bucket seats provide good support and are extremely comfortable for long trips. The rear seats fold down, resulting in 55.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The rugged exterior, combined with its comfortable interior, makes the Hummer H3 a highly desirable niche SUV.

The Hummer H3 is truly a compact vehicle that conveys the responsive feel of the road on smooth and rough terrain. The welded ladder frame is based on the Chevrolet Colorado and makes the Hummer H3’s handling much tighter than it should. There is no rattling that would otherwise be expected from a more utility vehicle. The Hummer H3 has closed the gap between rural trails and urban life.

The 2007 Hummer H3 powers a lighter 3.5-liter, 220-horsepower engine that combines performance with fuel economy. The 2007 H3 achieves 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and the optional four-speed automatic offers an impressive 225 pound-feet of torque at low revs at 2,800 rpm. By delivering more torque at lower speeds, you can feel more precise control for off-road driving in hard-to-reach places. The 17-inch high wheel clearance makes it possible for the Hummer H3 to go where few SUVs dare to go.

The only downside to owning the 2007 Hummer H3 is that all-wheel drive is permanently on and stability control does not come as standard equipment, but is available as an option. The 2007 Hummer H3 comes equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), two front airbags, and an exceptionally strong frame for added safety. Head curtains and side airbags are also available as options.

When Papa Smurf and his team returned from their field trip to Napa, they were refreshed and excited to be back at work on their Hamlet by the Bay. The slimmest H3 (4,980 pounds) is 4.9 inches shorter than the competitive GMC Envoy and considerably more refined than the Toyota Highlander, Cadillac Escalade and Ford Explorer. Proud to be a truck, the incredible 2007 Hummer H3 is radically designed to turn the tide on demand for refrigerated SUVs.

The all-new 2016 Suzuki Vitara: the compact SUV reinvented

The new Vitara is the latest offering from the Suzuki stable. There is no doubt that Suzuki has reinvented the compact SUV in the new Vitara, which is ready to crush the automotive market. It can even become a big hit. There are many buyers who cannot afford to pay a lot of money to own an SUV; for them, the new Suzuki Vitara is the most affordable compact SUV in its segment. Undoubtedly, many small hatch car buyers will now have to think twice before finalizing their decision to buy the vehicle.

The automobile market has become quite competitive and Suzuki has introduced this compact SUV to maintain its fair share of the market. The new Suzuki Grand Vitara has a starting price of $ 22,990 (on the roads it costs more) – its specs, along with pleasant fuel economy figures, should appeal to more than a few buyers of the usual little hatches. This car is available in 2 specifications and both are well equipped. The entry-level RT-S ($ 22,990 plus highway costs) comes with front-wheel drive only and the RT-X ($ 24,990 plus highway costs) offers all-wheel drive and a standard car.

The new car is the Vitara nameplate makeover; however, it is not the successor to the current Grand Vitara. By contrast, this little wonder competes with compact styled SUVs like the prosaic Ford Eco Sport or the Renault Captur. This new car is ideal for a week in the city, with just the right flexibility for driving to the beach on weekends. It’s decked out with a sunroof, leather seats, and little extras to justify its extra cost.

Suzuki strongly believes in Vitara’s customization options as the key to the car’s success. There are 6 paint finishes available, of which 3 come with a contrasting black roof as a $ 995 alternative.

Without a doubt, this reinvented compact SUV is quite promising.

Drive

The new Suzuki Vitara is powered by an efficient 1.6-liter gasoline engine with VVT that generates 86kW of power at 6,000 RPM and 156 Nm of torque at 4,400 RPM. It comes with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive for the RT-S model and a 6-speed automatic, four-mode all-wheel drive for the RT-X model. It is equipped with Mac Pherson strut front suspension and torsion bar rear suspension. It has electric power steering, solid rear rotors, vented front rotors, and 4-wheel disc brakes.

Suzuki’s experience dates back to the 1970s when it introduced its first LJ10 series. That car has over time become the Jimny, which is available to this day. Since then Suzuki has not looked back and has been successfully manufacturing and supplying small, light and surprisingly capable compact 4×4 vehicles. Without a doubt, this new car is certainly focused on urban driving; however, that strong DNA has helped design today’s vehicle. Driving the manual car in the city is very straightforward and draws attention to a smart gearbox and a nice clutch feel, which makes it quite easy to drive. There are no failures to maintain the highway boundary; however, it is recommended that you leave enough room when passing.

  • The RT-S variant performs front-wheel drive only, which is a good option for young first-time car buyers who only want to drive in the city and on the highways.

  • The RT-X variant is equipped with impressive all-wheel drive with automatic transmission and is perfect for those looking for grip on all four wheels.

The system will supply power to the rear wheels as it uncovers grip when left in automatic mode on gravel. To respond to low-traction surfaces, the “snow and mud” setting preemptively splits rear axle power from neutral and adjusts ESP. Between the front and rear axles, a 4×4 lockout mode assigns a uniform 50:50 torque split, and to keep revs high, Sport mode shifts the automatic shift points. Also, on narrow and zigzag roads, sport mode shifts torque to the rear axle and it ends up being quite fun. When it comes to ride quality, the Vitara is firm and at no point does it feel too stiff, nor does the suspension jump or stutter on uneven roads. The steering is sharp, which packs a nice weight and is very accurate, which is something you wouldn’t always expect from an SUV.

Fuel economy

Fuel economy is the center of attraction. According to official figures, the manual RT-S yields 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers and the RT-X yields 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers.

Safety

The new Grand Vitara is equipped with seven airbags (double side, double front, driver’s knee and full curtain), ABS brakes with electronic distribution of brake force, hill descent control, height-adjustable front seat belts with load limiting pretensioners, a reversing camera and grade hold (automatic only).

Inside

The interior of Vitara has been intelligently designed to surprise and impress you. It is well built and configured to be practical.

You can customize the decor panel and air conditioning vent rings with a choice of interchangeable panels ranging from deep orange to vibrant turquoise or contemporary pure white to more refined glossy black for a small additional cost.

The Vitara has good space on the inside despite its compact external dimensions. While driving, you get a clear front view, as well as good all-round visibility, all because the driving position is higher than usual. The front seats are quite comfortable for a longer ride, they provide adequate thigh support and a well-formed bolster.

It is equipped with a decent 375-liter trunk, which beats the Mazda CX-3 and Holden Trax. To accommodate smaller items, there is a pocket on each side and a compartment under the floor to hide valuables.

Variant RT-S: Single-zone climate control, fabric upholstery, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, cruise control with speed limiter, trip computer, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch gray alloy wheels inch and analog clock.

RT-X variant: (In addition to RT-S): Power panoramic sunroof, proximity key and push button start, power folding mirrors with indicators, leather and suede seat upholstery, front and rear parking sensors, 17-inch polished alloy wheels , automatic lights and wipers and LED low beam headlights.

Infotainment: Four speakers (RT-S) or six speakers (RT-X) for audio, seven-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Mirror Link (for compatible smartphones) and iPod USB connectivity.

Luggage capacity: 375 liters, which can be stretched through 60:40 split folding rear seats.

summarizing

The Suzuki brand has a brilliant history in SUV manufacturing. The new Vitara is built by focusing on hairpin bends for city driving. The compact dimensions of the Vitara are perfect for roaming the busy city streets, which pairs nicely with spacious and stylish interiors and boasts a fantastic infotainment system. It shines on the road and is a great buy for young buyers. People who can afford the RT-X variant will get the all-terrain grip (4-wheel drive).

GMC Yukon Hybrid review: the pros and cons

The 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid has been described as “stunning”, “dazzling” and “magnificent” by critics and owners alike. They’re not talking about the Yukon Hybrid’s performance, amenities, or looks, though they’re all average or superior. Instead, they are talking about the fuel economy figures they see with this rugged hybrid.

GM’s two full-size 2009 hybrid SUV models, Yukon and Tahoe, feature the innovative 2-mode hybrid system, introduced in 2008. Combined with GM’s active fuel management technology and a unique valve opening system late-intake, computer-modulated 2-mode Electronic Variable Transmission (EVT) technology translates into real savings at the pump.

Since its debut in 2008, the GMC Yukon Hybrid has increased gas mileage by nearly 30% compared to non-hybrid Yukon models. The EPA estimates of 21 mpg / city and 22 mpg / highway for the Yukon Hybrid 2WD and 20/20 for the 4WD model are, in fact, impressive.

The ’09 GMC Yukon Hybrid includes a full list of standard amenities, including 8-passenger seating, 6-way power adjustable leather front seats, and a GPS with integrated sound system with a reversing camera. Additionally, the Yukon Hybrid has 6,000 to 6,200 pounds of towing capacity, antilock brakes, and stability control.

With its 2-mode EVT system, a bit of aerodynamic tuning, and a 350-plus pound weight reduction on the wheels, body and cabin, but still weighing in at nearly 5,300 pounds, the 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid is big and green”. .

Starting at $ 50,945 for the ’09 Yukon Hybrid 2WD, and about $ 2,810 more for the 4WD, big and “green” is also expensive.

You can find more information about hybrid cars at ProHybrid.com along with news videos, reviews, and tools like price quotes and an auto loan calculator.

Porsche 996 – The least loved 911 Carrera

In 1998 Porsche released the 996, which was a monumental change from their legendary 911 Carrera series, they switched from an air-cooled engine to a water-cooled one. This change, as well as its different design, is probably the reason why the Porsche 996 is considered today as one of the least loved generations to date, as reflected in current resale values.

Porsche was forced to switch from its legendary air-cooled (horizontally opposite) 6-cylinder flat engine to a water-cooled version due to stricter noise restrictions (especially in Europe) and environmental concerns. Not only where government restrictions put pressure on Porsche to make the switch, but they also hit a power ceiling in its air-cooled engine.

The new design of the Porsche 911 came from designer Harm Lagaay. The design pushed the new 911 towards a more aerodynamic look with a steeper windshield. With the design deviating from previous generations and the switch to the legendary power source, this annoyed Porsche enthusiasts everywhere. Too many changes in too little time. The Porsche 996 so impressed the enthusiast base that the next generation 911 released, the 997, reverted in style to previous ones, maintaining the necessary change to the power plant.

The new Porsche 996 was launched in 1998 with a 3.4-liter water-cooled 6-cylinder flat engine producing 296 hp, capable of propelling the new 911 0-60 in 5.1 seconds. Their first water-cooled power plant is known to have some problems, so much so that in 2002 (available in 2001 on the 9114S) they switched it over to a 3.6-liter, improving its reliability. The 3.6-liter Porsche Flat 6 engine was what powered the Porsche 993, which to most enthusiasts represents one of the most desirable air-cooled Porsches ever built. Although it was a water-cooled version, it enhanced the 996’s appeal to the Porsche fan base and improved its power to 320 hp and from 0 to 60 to 4.9 seconds.

The Porsche 996 still struggles to win the hearts of today’s enthusiasts, creating one of the affordable 911s available on the market today. Prices for the early 3.4-liter models are definitely tainted due to known issues, while the 3.6-liter models are priced somewhat higher, compared to previous models the 996 is a steal.

In 2000, Porsche released a new all-wheel drive Turbo edition of the 996, which increased power to 420 hp, from 0 to 60 to 4.2 seconds and was hailed by the automotive press as a triumph of engineering. Even this new Porsche 911 Turbo represents the cheapest generation available on the market today.

So what can we get out of this discussion? Will the 1998-2005 Porsche 996 still be an outcast or will it eventually win the admiration of enthusiasts? Until then, this model represents an inexpensive way to experience the legendary engineering of the Porsche 911 Carrera.

2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat – American Muscle Car

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is a version of the 2015 Dodge Challenger with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI engine rated at 707 hp (527 kW) and 650 lb librasft (881 Nm) of torque. Dodge left the new powertrains intact for the Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Hellcat Challenger 2016 is a major salvo in Horsepower Wars, featuring classic muscle car metal and truly amazing engines. This engine is also available in the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. The interior driving light on the left front has been removed to allow air to enter the engine, generating more torque, and the wheel wells are different from the standard SRT to accommodate the 20-inch aluminum wheels. This is a very difficult car to launch on a sticky drag track.

Two types of key fobs used in the 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

The 2016 Hellcat Charger will come equipped with two separate key fobs; using the “black” remote will limit engine power to 500 horsepower, while the “red” remote will allow full output capability.

2016 Dodge Challenger Settings and Throttle:

The aptly named Hellcat has a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, good for 707 hp and 650 pound-feet, with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. The automatic is faster, hitting 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, while the manual is more fun and even faster, doing 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. The Hellcat has a quarter mile time of 10.85 seconds; this was accomplished with street legal drag tires. On stock tires, the Hellcat was able to hit 11.2 seconds at 125 mph in the quarter mile. The Challenger SRT Hellcat can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds and can brake from 60 to 0 in 109.0 feet. Top speed is 199 mph to 202 mph. The Challenger Hellcat has a lateral acceleration of 0.94 g.

Let’s talk about acceleration, if you step on the gas correctly, the Dodge Challenger Hellcat offers some really amazing acceleration, which is much faster than what can be achieved with its built-in launch control function. 0-60 mph occurs in 3.6 seconds, 100 mph increases in 7.8 seconds, and the quarter mile is covered in 11.7 seconds at 126 mph, with the challenging Hellcat’s massive supercharger moaning like a hive of angry bees the entire time. Although the acceleration runs from standstill in the Hellcat are impressive. Acceleration from top gear from 30 to 50 mph and from 50 to 70 mph occurs in 1.8 and 2.3 seconds. The big coupe squats back, the transmission quickly drops to a lower gear, and the car shoots forward, its rear tires skidding and struggling to maintain contact with the road.

Dodge Challenger Hellcat Engine:

A more tame Hellcat experience can be found in the “SRT Performance Pages” of the car’s standard 8.4-inch plug-in touchscreen infotainment system. Here, car owners can adjust the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat’s dampers, traction control, shifting, and horsepower settings. The latter feature offers options to keep the barn doors open and let the 707 horsepower run wild or to corner 207 of those ponies. The same settings can be accessed by swapping between the Hellcat’s red and black proximity keys; the first defaults to high power mode and the second the least powerful option. Either way, the Hellcat is still a handful.

Engine power can leave the impression that the 2016 Hellcat Charger has created a one-trick pony car, all about epic straight-line jerks, the two-door proves to be a decent companion on twisty roads, as long as you keep the same. pace a few notches below total. You wouldn’t expect it, as the 6.2’s iron block contributes to putting nearly 57 percent of the Hellcat’s 4,493-pound curb weight on its front wheels. But the well-ordered suspension of the Challenger Hellcat and the fast and relatively communicative steering rack keep you in control during corners. Both suspension and steering can be adjusted between Street, Sport and Track settings within the SRT Hellcat performance pages to suit the conditions and your riding style.

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Specifications and Interior:

Now let’s get into the car and talk about the interior, the comfortable seats, a modern infotainment system and a decent ride quality make it a pleasant companion for day to day. Tall drivers should avoid the $ 995 moonroof option, as it steals too much headroom. For the record, this SRT Hellcat weighed five pounds more than the 2015 automatic without a moonroof. Save that money to feed the car a consistent diet of premium fuel. In our hands, the Hellcat absorbed one gallon every 13 miles. The EPA rates this version of the automatic transmission at 13 mpg in the city, 22 on the highway. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, the highway rating drops to 21 mpg.

Dodge Challenger Hellcat Price:

Dodge raised $ 5,200 to the base price of the automatic Challenger Hellcat for 2016 (and $ 4,300 for the shifter car), more or less keeping to itself the extra profit that dealers had been adding to the price of the 2015 models, which Some buyers were willing to pay for the honor of being an early adopter of Hellcat. To offset the label’s price increase, the 2016 car comes with a standard navigation system and can be equipped with full leather seats at no cost, two popular items that were combined to add $ 2,490 to the 2015 editions. This new SRT Hellcat also brings additional features to the U-connect infotainment system, including customization of the menu bar with drag and drop. Final price is $ 70,775 with automatic transmission, sunroof and summer tires.

AUDI Q3 2016: moderately priced sedan

Fast facts:

1. Price: $ 42,000

two. Seating: 5

3. Motor: 1.39L 4-stroke turbo

Four. Transmission: FWD, 6-speed double clutch

5. Mileage: 5.8 liters / 100 km

Quattro 2.0 Turbo engine

The 2016 Audi Q3 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of generating 207 pound-feet of torque and 200 horsepower. Its engine is comparable to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, but it focuses on fuel efficiency and overall handling. Equipped with six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system, the Audi Q3 is heavier compared to the Volkswagen GTI.

The weight is felt when the Audi Q3 accelerates and turns. On the other hand, it lacks the pristine feel and comfort compared to the latest offerings from BMW and Mercedes. It is touted as a crossover vehicle, assimilating a sports car and a conventional sedan. The Audi Q3 is factory-equipped with sport wheels, a stylish sports interior and, most importantly, a variety of driving modes, including Sport, Dynamic and Auto-drive modes. These driving modes are inherently identical and offer little change in driving.

Any consequential change in throttle response and steering was hardly noticeable. Saving Grace is a sports program that accelerates the throttle response to a higher level and turns on the turbo mode.

2016 Audi Q3 provides an average of 23 miles / gallon (28 on the highway and 20 in city limits), behind BMW and Mercedes.

Comparing fuel economy, the EPA rating of the 2016 Audi Q3 is similar to that of the Audi Q5. On the other hand, the BMW X1 takes the lead with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, capable of generating 28 more horsepower than the Audi Q3. This sedan segment is intensely competitive.

Inside

Audi Q3 tries to compete with Mercedes-Benz GLA-250 and BMW with its premium design interior, design and exterior. Audi insulates its passengers from outside road and engine noise, comparable to the comforts of BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

It is available in 3 categories:

S-line plus

Lines

I KNOW

Valued Audi customers can request the kit and any additional features they need.

2016 Audi Q3 competes in an intensely competitive niche with Mercedes GLA, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evogue as main competitors. A mini-version of the Q5, the Q3 employs Audi A3 traits and competes with a fresh design.

Resume

The cabin of the 2016 Audi Q3 is solidly built. Along with the MMI infotainment system implemented with fast response and sharp graphics, it also has an internet connection.

The MMI controller, mounted on your dashboard, is less instinctive compared to your console controller. In addition, its turbocharged engine has considerable room for improvement.

With cutting-edge technology deployed, along with a premium feel, the new Audi has raised the bar for the competition in terms of cabin space, performance, driveability and efficiency.

2016 Audi Quattro offers a decent drive. Its quiet cabin, highway performance and crossover work to its advantage. Compared to industry rivals, it falls slightly below expectations compared to the 2016 BMW X1 Drive28i.

Pros
The reversing camera has been installed

Offers 1.4-liter turbo engine

Cons

Big wheels require improvement.

Competition is stiff in the sedan section

Nissan Murano review and specifications

Nissan Murano is one of the upcoming cars from Nissan India. It looks like a mid-size SUV and crossover. It will compete with cars like Audi Q5, BMW X3 and BMW X1 in the Indian market. So obviously the price is high, it will come in the range of 35-37 lakhs. It was first introduced in December 2002, and subsequently Nissan released many upgraded versions of the Murano. Recently, the company has launched an improved version in the US and Canadian market that is powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 gasoline engine. The company plans to launch petrol and diesel versions in the UK and India market by 2012.

Motor – It is a front wheel drive (FWD) vehicle that is also available with four wheel drive as an option. The car is equipped with a powerful 3.5L, 24-valve, SOHC, V6 gasoline engine. It has a capacity to produce 252 hp at 6000 rpm and is capable of breaking 334 Nm at 4400 of maximum torque with CVT. It can reach 0-100 in just 8.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 210 km / h. It comes with petrol and diesel variants, where the diesel variant comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Exterior – It is a five-door midsize SUV that has an eye-catching appeal, the exterior of the car is magnificent with outstanding features. The headlights and fog lights look very stylish, which gives the car a sporty look. It has a sleek front fascia and an impressive rear design. ORVMs are in body color with 3D front fog lights (as a group). The car looks modern from the rear with LED taillights and rear defroster. The 20-inch alloy wheels add much more beauty to the car. Totally, the design of the car will appeal to the young generation, it seems specially designed for the young people in the Indian market.

Inside – It will come with extraordinary interior features. It looks cute with the two-tone beige with color-coded wood. The quality of the leather used inside is smooth, which creates a delicate feeling in your heart. The BOSE audio system with 11 speakers appeals to music lovers where you can use USB, MMC and blue tooth to listen to music. It has a spacious board with several pockets where you can store your valuables. You can easily operate the AC controls. Trunk space is good with the quad steering wheel. The car driver’s seat is manually adjustable in 6 directions with wooden support, while the passenger seat is adjustable in 4 directions; all seats are heated.

Safety – Comes with a host of advanced safety features like ABS (Antilock Braking System) with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Airbags (including two front, side and side curtains), Bi-Xenon headlights, leather, dual surround zone automatic climate control, rear fog lights, high brake light, reflectors, rear spoiler are other safety features.

Turbo Scion TC vs Honda Civic: the most tunable car?

When comparing any two cars, like the turbocharged Scion tC and Honda Civic, you should start from large to small, working from unique parts of each car to more general elements. For example, the first feature to consider that the Scion tC may come with is the turbo package. If you get the turbo, it won’t add a lot of power, but you will definitely notice a difference from the Civics’ cigarette lighter power, even though the Civic Si is V-tech.

So what is better? Well it all depends on your tuning styles and the selection of parts available for that car. Scion came out with a car that was basic and attractive, much like the Honda Civic that it always had been. However, when the turbo tC came out, they opened the doors to new autotuners for them to come and buy their way to another tuner car that has just started. This appealed to many young children who were always drawn to Honda Civics and are now of legal age to buy their own cars. The Scion tC turbo provided an easier route for people looking for Civics, simply because there are very limited sources on clean, old Civics. The newer Civics recently have been a bit pricey and many auto tuners who work on a daily basis want something cheaper, but still be able to customize it.

If you are comparing the Honda Civic to the Scion tC, regarding the number of parts and upgrades each car can have, I would say that the Scion tC has outperformed the newer Civics. However, if you look at each generation of the Civic in regards to the Scion tC numbers, it would be obvious that the Honda Civic tuner industry is much deeper, bigger and older, and has more recognition than that of the Scion tC. .

It also depends on how much you want to customize. If you want to make a Honda Civic V-tech turbo, you can build it to outperform any Scion tC turbo. Both styles of cars have become very different. The Civic has acquired some of the characteristics of the Accord, such as the longer body. The Scion tC is still the most basic and boxier type of style. They’re kind of like old-style Honda Civics, with a new edge.

I must say that I have seen many older Civics, such as EG and EK styles driving at night, on the well known cruise streets. This was probably due to the low economy and people are looking for cheaper and more durable cars. At car shows, it’s a different story. There’s a lot more money and more connections, resulting in a better selection of customizations. With this, both the turbo Scion tC and the Honda Civic can be adjusted to a great extent. In the end, it all comes down to your resources and connections for the parts. The more you can get, the bigger and better your car will be.

The basic working mechanism and the advantages of the supercharger

Do you know what a runner’s biggest dream is? It’s about driving a faster car. Keeping in mind this particular demand and aspiration of each racer, you can now find manufacturing companies that create more sophisticated cars with powerful engines.

A problem and its solution:

Although cars with more horsepower are now available for racing, there are other conditions associated with this option. Price, for example, is the main reason most people cannot fulfill their dream of driving a faster car. But, the good thing is that there are some alternatives to expensive cars. One such alternative is to convert your mediocre engine into a high-performance engine with the help of a supercharger.

Due to the price factor, you can now find several high-performance cars that use superchargers to increase power. In racing, racers are using superchargers in drag racing, where a car must accelerate in a straight line. That’s exactly the situation where the importance of low-end torque and power is emphasized.

The basic working mechanism of superchargers:

Supercharging has to do with forced induction in which more air is forced into an engine to increase power. Here, a rotating impeller is used to push additional air into the motor. The crankshaft plays an important role in the rotation of the impeller.

Today, you can choose from three basic types of superchargers: root, screw, and centrifugal. Although all of these superchargers use the same basic principle of forced induction, there is a difference in the method used for compressing air in different types.

Advantages of supercharging:

To get more horsepower, most racers opt for a supercharger or turbocharger. But these are some of the great advantages of supercharging over supercharging.

o When using a supercharger in a car, you can only witness a small loss of power. Since it is driven by the crankshaft, you may see a slight loss of efficiency only until the compressed air travels to the intake manifold.

o Superchargers can be used to see a big increase in torque and power at low RPM.

o Some people like to use the turbocharger in their cars, but superchargers are better as they do not suffer from turbo lag.

o Superchargers are perfect for those who like to go green. When you opt for a CARB approved supercharger kit, you become a sophisticated street legal power adder. Also, the supercharger kit can easily pass the emissions tests, which is quite difficult when using the turbocharger kit.

So the fact of the matter is that there are several reasons why you should go for superchargers. Only some of the benefits are mentioned above, but you can really find a lot of other benefits after installing a supercharger. But, before opting for them, keep in mind that you will have to live with excess noise and a decrease in fuel economy may also be witnessed.

Freelander 1: Is it really THAT bad?

You hear a lot of horror stories about the Freelander 1: repeated cylinder head gasket failures; complete powertrains destroyed; blown up engines … – are they really THAT bad?

The first thing to keep in mind is that not all Freelander 1s are the same. Within the Freelander 1 range there are four different engines:

– the Freelander DI diesel (produced from 1997 to 2000 with a 2.0-liter Rover L-Series engine);

– Freelander 1.8 petrol (produced from 1997 to 2006 with a 1.8-liter Rover K-Series engine);

– the Freelander TD4 diesel (produced between 2001 and 2006 with a 2.0-liter BMW M47 engine);

– the Freelander V6 petrol (produced between 2001 and 2006 with a 2.5 liter Rover KV6 engine).

The drive train for all Freelander 1s is based on an IRD unit up front (the equivalent of a transfer case); a viscous coupling unit in the center of the propeller shaft and a rear differential, clearly at the rear. Aside from a few minor differences, particularly with the V6 Freelander, this drivetrain is the same across the entire Freelander 1 range.

So what is it that causes so much trouble with the Freelander 1? What does everyone seem to be complaining about?

Common failures with the Freelander 1 can be divided into three categories:

– Problems with the powertrain;

– Problems with the engine;

– Electric problems.

The Freelander 1 is a brilliant 4×4, extremely capable off-roader (it will give any Defender a run for their money) with the great advantage of being an incredibly comfortable vehicle; Don’t bounce up and down hitting your head against the ceiling in these! However, some owners experience a massive drivetrain failure, followed by an equally massive hit to the bank account to correct it. Complete destruction of the IRD and / or rear differential. Why? Is this the fault of the Freelander 1? No. There is absolutely no problem with the Freelander 1’s drivetrain design; there is also no weakness in the system that causes it to fail. All of these drivetrain problems are caused by a communication failure. Yes, you read correctly, a communication failure.

There are two common causes of drivetrain problems, sadly all too common. The first is the viscous coupling unit (VCU). This innocent-looking unit actually has a useful life, in our experience it’s roughly 70,000 miles. Because it is a sealed unit, it is very difficult to test whether the VCU should be changed and the most reliable way to protect your drivetrain is to bite into the bullet and change it every 70,000 miles, just like you would with a timing belt. The problem with communication is that it has never been included in a service program like the timing belt, and therefore many owners are unaware that it needs to be replaced. The result? It squeezes, puts pressure on the drive train and destroys, usually the IRD unit. If this change were in a service program, the Freelander would not be criticized for the resulting failures.

The second problem with the drivetrain is caused by mismatched tires. There is only a 5mm tolerance on the rolling radius of the tires and driving mismatched tires can destroy the rear differential in as little as 5 miles. Although the Freelander manual specifies that all four tires should always be replaced together, unfortunately many tire fitters are happy to replace only two at a time, even just one if you insist! Again, it’s not the Freelander’s fault, we need those to help us understand the catastrophic effect of creating a mismatch by replacing just one or two tires.

So far our Freelander is innocent. Drivetrain problems are due to lack of communication.

So now we come to the engine problems. There are four different engines, so here you have to judge each Freelander individually.

The Diesel Freelander DI, with its old-style diesel engine and minimal sensors, is an absolute workhorse. If this were the only engine in the Freelander range, we would be out of business! There are no common faults here. This Freelander is definitely innocent of all charges thus far.

Now we come to the gasoline Freelander 1.8. Unfortunately, we believe this is the Freelander that caused all Freelanders to be accused of being “SO” bad. But is it really the Freelander’s fault? The Rover 1.8 K-series engine is a magnificent piece of engineering, widely used in racing for its incredible lightness. However, it had an initial design flaw. The head gasket was too flimsy for the Freelander and the use of plastic cleats didn’t help. This has caused almost all 1.8 Freelanders to blow their head gasket, typically 70,000 miles. But soon a solution was found in the form of a modified multi-layer steel cylinder head gasket with steel dowels; with this installed correctly, all problems disappear. So why do some owners experience multiple head gasket failures? One reason is that some shops have installed another SINGLE layer head gasket when they have made the replacement, it is sure to blow again! The other reason is that once a head gasket has melted, there are many parts of the system that can be affected, even more so if sealing fluids have been added to the coolant (Freelanders hate these sealing fluids); And if all of these affected areas are not addressed and rectified, further problems with the cooling system can occur, which can ultimately lead to another head gasket failure. Simply putting in a new head gasket is not a total solution once a head gasket has failed. Also, using blue or green coolant, rather than red, can erode the head gasket and lead to head gasket failure. The 1.8 Freelander is guilty of the charges as it has an inherent problem in manufacturing; however, the repeated failures are not the fault of the Freelander.

The Freelander TD4 diesel is probably the most popular in the range. This is a much more complex engine than the L-series diesel and therefore, as with any modern vehicle, it tends to have a few more problems, many of which are caused by sensors! The low pressure fuel pump has a shorter life than would be ideal, however we would generally say that there is only one major problem these engines have, which is above what you would expect to see in any other engine, this is the problem. that the engine suffocates and is finally completely destroyed. What Causes This? This is because the crankcase breather filter was not replaced when the Freelander was serviced. Now this vent filter is on the service schedule, so this time we can’t blame the communication. Generally, we only see this problem when the Freelander has been repaired by a general shop. It is evident that some general workshops do not realize that this filter exists (it is hidden in the back of the engine) and they do not change it. Once again, the TD4 Freelander is innocent of all charges thus far.

The last Freelander in charge is the gasoline Freelander V6. This is the one with the power. An engine beast that really needs a specialist and specialized tools to fix it. This one will make you smile as you drive down the road, but will it get you where you want to go? As the name implies, the V6 Freelander has a six-cylinder V engine. The main problem with these engines is that the thermostat is in the center of the V, where all the heat is, and it is encased in a plastic housing. This means that it can be prone to leaks. In and of itself changing a thermostat is not a big deal, however if the owner does not notice the loss of coolant this can lead to cylinder head gasket failure, which on this engine is a great job. So is the Freelander V6 guilty of the charges? If you check your coolant level regularly it wouldn’t be a big deal, but we admit there is an inherent problem there.

Moving on to the final category of common faults, electrical ones. This category includes the sunroof, power windows and central locking doors.

The sunroof causes a problem on the Freelander, as many owners find closing it, blowing out the fuse, and pretending they never had one is much less stressful. The problem, however, is caused by our winters and some services. If the sunroof is not greased in the toilets and is not opened and closed regularly, the result is that it rusts and seizes. Our dear Freelander is innocent.

Sorry, Freelander, we love you so much, but when it comes to windows and doors, you are GUILTY. Be prepared for the wires to snag on the window mechanisms, hopefully leaving the window up instead of down. Be prepared for one or more doors to refuse to unlock / lock when you press the central locking buttons and if you’ve never had any of these issues, it’s a blessing.

Before you make your judgment on the Freelander, remember that all vehicles have their weaknesses; You are never fully aware of them until you research or own one. Also, if you read all the forums, remember that people usually go to a forum because they have a problem, you will not find many owners without problems to post there. There are forums for every vehicle, all filled with troubled owners.