The 1966 Dodge Charger

The mid 1960's saw the American public fully entranced with the "Muscle Car Movement." Bigger, meaner and faster was the mantra of the day. With the Mustang, Camaro and others fighting for dominance of the street Dodge decided that 1966 was the year to really take a stab at the Fastback market. Up to that point the segment was basically dominated by such classics as Plymouths' Barracuda and Fords' famous Mustang.

Right out of the gate the Charger was intended to be a powerhouse with a 318 V-8 power plant in it's base model. Buyers had a few options including a 383 or the now famous 426 Hemi engine. The 1966 version of the 426 was a dream come true for the average guy on the street. Pumping out around 500 horsepower this put some serious power on the pavement and helped fuel the muscle car boom for the remainder of the decade.

Buying the big package for the 1966 Charger was not cheap however. To run with the big boys on Main Street it would cost you an additional $900 or so. When looking at a base model for only $3200 this is one heck of a price increase!

There was another drawback, besides the price increase, to buying the big engine package. Seems the boys up at Dodge knew exactly what the kind of person who was going to buy the 426 was going to do with it. Can you remember what the warranty was on the big engine car model? Only a 1 year or 12,000 mile! This only 20% of the warranty the base and 383 models had!

With the big price jump and the less than stellar warranty it's not a big surprise that not a whole lot of the high end1966 model sold. Of over 37,000 Dodge Chargers built that first year less than 500 featured the 426 Hemi. Most of the guys looking for power opted to go for the 383 and tweak more power out of that rather than spending big at the dealerships.

So what could this hemi do? How about get to 60 in less than 6.5 seconds and get to just under 100mph on the quarter mile. Not too shabby for an out of the box motor in 1966. The Charger went on to be a real success and brand builder for Dodge for the remainder of the 1960's. As the '70's rolled around and harsher emission controls were put into place the Charger saw smaller and less powerful engines into the middle of the Disco Decade.

Will gets a kick out of old Dodge models of all kinds. Be sure to check out DodgeRestoration.com to see photos and find more information. Thanks!

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The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

There are just a handful of classic cars that just about anyone will immediately recognize and the 1957 Chevy Bel Air is one of them. From the classic tail fins to the hooded headlights this model is as much an American icon as parades and apple pie. While the term '57 Chevy has come to be used as a catchall phrase for that model year, as though there were just one model, there were actually several different variations of note. It's interesting to consider that the boys at Chevy wanted to see a totally new design for the 1957 model year. Production problems and setbacks caused them to use the 1955 model design as a base one more time. Imagine how close we were to never seeing this model!

The 1957 Chevrolet came in three different main trim packages. The Bel Air was the top of the line luxury package featuring gold anodized trim pieces on the front grill, fenders, hood and trunk lid. The 210 package was a mid-line offering with the 150 package rounding out the line as a base offering. There were several body styles available for the 1957 model year, most of which had an option of the Bel Air trim package. The standard Chevy two and four door sedans were offered as well as a two door and four door Hardtop. Often confused by novice observers are the Sedans and Hardtop or Sport Coupes. The sedan model is easy to spot when you understand that model has upright pillars between the windows while the Hardtop or Sport Coupe does not. Also produced was what they called a Utility Coupe which featured a bench in the back rather than a regular seat for salesmen who needed to carry samples and deliver items. Station wagons were also popular at the time and Chevy offered two variations in '57. The Nomad was the high end version with a Bel Air trim package while the Handyman was offered in the 150 and 210 packages. And we can't forget the famous Chevy Convertible from this year!

On top of the many body style variations from this year a ton of different options were available. Air Conditioning and Fuel Injection are perhaps the most notable two of them all however very few were sold. Air conditioning was still considered an unnecessary luxury by most and Fuel Injection was so new that most garages simply did not know how to fix the system. Most 1957 Chevy buyers that year opted for the tried and true carburetor. Other items offered included a "Surround Sound" system for the radio (which consisted of a speaker in the rear of the car), power radio antenna, power brakes and a padded dashboard. This was the same year the ill fated Turboglide transmission was introduced. Unfortunately this tranny had a bad reputation from the start and the vast majority of buyers avoided it. The Turboglide ceased production less than 4 years later

While we think of this car as perhaps the most famous in American history the buying public at the time was not equally impressed. While sales are decent they fell short of expectations. In fact the Ford Motor Company out sold Chevy that year for the first time in over 20 years. Following an interesting trend in classic car market however, the 1957 Chevy remains one of the most sought after models for car collectors the world over.

Due to its popularity this model has been a favorite for charity fund raisers. Bill runs OldCarRaffle.com and HarleyDavidsonRaffles.com. Stop by and take a look. You will be amazed at the beautiful cars and bikes on there! Thanks for reading and have a great day.

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The Volkswagen Type II Split-Screen Camper

The VW Type II Split-Screen Camper - from Utility Van to Design Icon

How Did it all Start?

When the British found themselves running the VW factory in Wolfsburg, Germany after the Second World War, there was a shortage of equipment and resources. The engineers had made up flatbed trolleys using the VW Beetle chassis and running gear to transport parts round the huge factory.

On a visit to the factory, Ben Pon, a Dutch VW importer, saw the little trucks. He sketched a design for a beetle-based van, which was basically a simple box on wheels, after he was inspired by the basic but effective plattenwagens. A year later, Heinz Nordhoff took on this idea when he became chief executive of Volkswagen and the first VW van was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in November 1949.

Europe was restructuring and there was a lack of simple but sturdy transport vehicles that were flexible and low cost. The Type VW II met this need.

On the 8th March 1950 production of ten vehicles a day began. The basic rear engine design remained the same for four decades and over five million buses were produced.

The Successful 'Splittie'

The type 2 vans had a split windscreen with a sweeping v-line front and a large VW emblem. These buses were 170 cubic feet (about 4.8 cubic meters) in volume and were spacious enough to hold a 15-hand horse.

The bus had the engine and axles of the Beetle but had a unitary construction supported by a ladder frame instead of the central frame platform. The original plan was to use the Beetle chassis, but this was not adequate to carry the proposed payload of 750kg so there was a rapid redesign in 1949 before the launch.

The ladder frame is two longitudinal parallel girders or beams on which the suspension, engine, transmission etc are mounted. It is good for carrying direct loads but the handling is poor, partly due to a lack of stiffness so it performs badly when cornering.

The air-cooled engine was just over 1131cc with an output of 25hp but later (in 1954) the engine size was increased to 1192cc and 30hp. The VW van was designed as a utility vehicle, not for speed - or handling.

An important contribution to the design was the result of testing at the wind tunnel of the Technical University of Braunschweig. The flat angular front end of the prototype performed poorly, but the resulting redesign paid off, as the Type 2 was aerodynamically superior to the Type 1 Beetle despite its slab-sided shape. This design also resulted in the iconic and much-loved rounded front with the styling of the sweeping V and oversize VW badge.

As the design was so adaptable, VW turned out many different body variations over the first five years. These included buses, pick-ups, fire engines, rear-door ambulances, beer wagons, refrigerated ice-cream vans, milk floats, mobile butchers shops, bread vans, mobile grocers, ordinary delivery vans and of course the VW camper - over 90 variants in all.

Evolution of the Type 2 VW

The split screen type 2 was produced from 1950 to 1967 and went through a number of developments, which were obviously reflected in the type 2 VW campers as well. The engine size was gradually increased from 1100 to 1500cc and in 1963 the sliding side door became available as an option to the barn doors.

The later 'fifties models had a slightly extended roofline above the windscreen, the engine bay became smaller and 15 inch wheels were introduced.

In 1967 the electrical system changed to 12 volts just before the new type (bay window) was introduced.

The Birth of the VW Camper

Volkswagen subcontracted the VW camper to Westfalia, a coach building company located in the German region of Westphalia. From 1951 onwards the company fitted the buses with a variety of internal layouts. An innovative 'Tourist Delivery Scheme' encouraging people to collect their campers from Germany, helped spread VW campers, and many were bought by US servicemen stationed in Germany, who shipped them back to the US. VW campers were also soon available from VW dealers round the world.

The VW camper took off due to its tiny fittings and furnishings that epitomised the 50's home from home. Before the era of cheap charter flights and package holidays, the VW camper enabled families to take economical camping and touring holidays in relative comfort.

The side opening barn doors enabled the van to be opened up to the outdoors and ingenious fittings made maximum use of what was rather limited space. The pop-top package was introduced later and then became really popular on the later bay window campers introduced in 1968.

Approximately 1000 VW campers were produced between 1951 and 1958, followed by the SO models which had a range of special equipment.

VW Camper Equipment

The standard VW campers included different fold out seat arrangements for sleeping, including the famous rock 'n roll bed. The interior was lined with plywood panels and there were plywood storage cabinets in a variety of layouts.

Some models had a sink and there was water storage with a pump plus an electrical hook-up. Curtains were standard as were screened windows and a folding table.

Optional equipment for type 2 VW campers included pop up tops and attachable or stand-alone tents and side awnings. Mod cons available included a portable chemical toilet, a camping stove and other camping equipment.

There were also ingenious options such as a child's sleeping cot slung in the driver's cab, storage boxes and a swing table.

Even with all these options, the split screen VW campers were still basic, slow and small by modern standards.

VW Camper Culture

This did not affect their popularity and the VW bus was adopted by the 1960s counter-culture as by then older campers were available cheaply, and both the VW camper and the samba bus suited the carefree outdoor hippy lifestyle.

Since then split screen camper and buses have became classics and design icons, and are now collectors' items with many examples preserved and beautifully restored.

Large numbers of VW camper fans gather at events all over the world; you can hire a restored splittie for your holiday or special event, and imagery of the early models can be found on a huge range of items: clothing, mugs, toys, pictures and even usb sticks.

Nick J Wright is a VW Camper enthusiastic who blogs on all things VW Camper at http://VWCampersForever.com. His interests are in the history of VW Campers, their appeal, how to restore campers - from bay window and Splitties to the VW t25 - and in publishing interesting travelogs, exploits and guides to help other VW Camper enthusiasts.

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The Rolls Royce Cars

Mascot is a term used to refer to the hood ornament on a car. It is generally represents something which the car symbolizes. Mascots can be outstanding works of art on their own or else be quite ordinary. The first Rolls Royce had no hood ornamentation. However in the early 1900's many people in Great Britain were working to enhance public acceptance of the automobile. One of these was John Walter Edward Douglas-Scott Montagu who, in 1905, became the second Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. He was a passionate lover of cars and an enthusiastic advocate of motoring interests.

At that time, there was an Automobile Club in Britain, which sponsored the Thousand Miles Trial to prove the safety and reliability of motorcars. The club was managed by Claude Johnson who had a very beautiful secretary named Eleanor Thornton.

Both Claude and Lord Montagu were friends and admirers of the artistic works of Charles Robinson Sykes, a graduate of the London Royal College of Art. Montagu, who owned a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, commissioned Sykes to produce a hood ornament especially for his automobile. Using Eleanor as his model, Sykes crafted a sculpture of a woman holding her fingers to her lips and named it The Whisper.

Montagu's car struck a chord with the public and people began attaching all manner of objects to their cars. By this time, Claude Johnson had moved from the Automobile Club to the Rolls Royce Company. He became alarmed at the impropriety of these impromptu hood ornaments and decided to commission a mascot that would reflect "the overall style and quality of the car." So he turned to his friend Sykes.

Johnson, as he conveyed to Sykes, had in mind something akin to the spirit of the mythical beauty Nike, whose image was on display at the Louvre in Paris. Sykes, however, disagreed feeling that the representation should be more feminine. Evidently Sykes prevailed, as he created another sculpture of Ms. Thornton. The sculpture was three inches high and crafted of white metal. Later, it would be manufactured from stainless steel. There is a myth that the ornaments are made of silver but silver has never been used. Again, the lady has her finger to her lips as though conveying a secret.

Sykes named his creation the Spirit of Speed.
But Johnson changed the name to the Spirit of Ecstasy.

In the meantime, Ms. Thornton had become secretary to Lord Montagu and they had also become lovers. Because of the mores of the time that forbade any romantic alliance between two people of such vastly different social and economic standing, their affair was a secret known only to a few close friends. Together, they had a daughter however she was placed in a foster home and knew Montagu only as uncle.

Their love story ended in tragedy. They were both aboard the SS Persia, enroute to India, via the Mediterranean when the boat was struck by a torpedo from a German U-boat. Eleanor drowned but Montagu survived. Privately, he was devastated but he dared not publicly mourn her death.

However, their romance may be immortalized on the hood of the world's most prestigious automobile if indeed the speculation that has been made is true. For it is said that the 'secret' embodied in the image was actually the love that Eleanor shared with Montagu.

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The Mercedes-Benz R Class Sports Tourer 2008

These days when you have a bigger family you want a larger vehicle in order to carry them all. While many of us moms require to be known as the greatest soccer mum we also require to be known as the trendiest - which is why so many of us are shying away from the minivan.

Now a days numerous of us don't like the aspect of a minivan and some of us don't demand that much space. But we don't want to use a tiny car either. Mercedes has come up with the best result to this - the Mercedes R-Class Sports Tourer. This in reality appears like a cross of a minivan and an SUV. Giving it just the right size for numerous families.

Mercedes has put on close to 35% of the mechanics from the M-Class SUV and put them within of the 2008 R-Class. It is 203 inches long - which is a little bit longer than its competition the Audi Q7. The automaker has done a good job of creating a more refined and interesting look with the handling and power of an SUV. It is able to seat 7 people.

There are three trims available for this model that include; the two wheel drive R350, all wheel drive R320 CDI, and the all wheel drive R350 4Matic. Those who live in California will not be able to purchase the R320 CDI due to the new emission regulations.

Ordinarily we are excited to check what Mercedes has in store for us when it comes to the engine - but we were disappointed this time round. Mercedes has removed the 5.0 liter V8 engine and the 6.2 liter V8 engine and replaced it with the much less powerful engines for every last trim level. The R350 has been equipped with a 3.5 liter V6 that pushes out 268 horsepower. The R320 CDI has been fitted with a 3.0 liter turbo diesel V6 engine that pushes out 215 horsepower.

But despite these obvious poor changes the 2008 R-Class Sports Tourer still wins when it comes to operation and hang line. Numbers provided by Mercedes shows us that the R350 4Matic can rev from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds and the CDI in 8.6 seconds. Each trim is made with a seven speed automatic transmission with a manual shift control.

But if you plan on using this as a family vehicle than power is not the most profound thing. How cozy it is and how much room it provides are the greatest things on your mind. The inside of the Tourer is refined and extremely comfortable. The gauges constructed into it are very easy to read and much of the controls are in the right area without getting in the way of the driver. It can handle up to 7 people and when you fold the third and second rows of seats you have plenty of room to haul things round.

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sports Tourer is essential for larger families that are on the go. Benz Faqs has data and reviews on other models.

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The Aston Martin DB9 Volante

The James Bond film industry has regularly used an Aston Martin in its motion pictures. What will being seen in an Aston Martin do for you?

The engine of the Aston Martin DB9 is a 6.0L V12 engine, just as the DBS. This engine is fitted near the central part of the car, which balances the weight of the car. Thanks to this there is a perfect half and half weight distribution from the front to the rear. As a result the car works at a superior level by being more stable on the road. The engine has a power level of nearly 470 horsepower and can go up to 190 miles per hour. The car can also go from zero to sixty miles per hour in less than five seconds.

The DB9 features nineteen inch alloy wheels that are controlled through a Servotronic system. This is a system that helps with controlling the car by adjusting the power of the steering according to speed. The braking quality of the car is enhanced because it features Electronic Brakeforce Distribution that works to keep a balance between the front and rear braking system. The Emergency Brake Assist feature works to adjust brake force levels in instances where higher levels of braking are needed.

The DB9 is elegant, luxurious and supremely comfortable. Its cabin is hand-trimmed in beautiful, natural materials; primarily wood and leather; and incorporates the latest in modern technology. There is a minimum of distraction for the driver; even the satellite navigation screen folds discreetly away when not in use. But when in use, the satellite navigation system is powered by a hard disk drive program that works for much of North America and Europe. Automatic temperature controls are also used in this car that help adjust heating and cooling to make the interior of the car comfortable at any time of the year.

The magnificent exterior styling of the DB9 gives way to a comprehensively equipped cabin, trimmed in the finest materials. Every element is perfectly conceived, from the 6.0-litre V12, to the hand-stitched seats and carefully selected interior woods. Nothing is out of place. Imagine the feeling of driving such a work of art.

Alex West is luxury and performance car enthusiast. Currently I drive a Mercedes C-Class, and I'm slowly working my way up. You can find out more about the Aston Martin experience at http://www.experienceastonmartin.co.uk/aston-martin-db9.php

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Maserati Cars History

Maserati began officially in 1926 when the Bologna, Italy, brothers who had previously worked for Diatto creating race cars decided that, after Diatto stopped making race cars, that they would make their own.

They created a race car that won the 1926 Targa Florio race. This race had been held in the mountains of Palermo, Sicily and was both a dangerous and treacherous race that included hairpin turns and temperature differences due to the elevation differences throughout the race. Because this was a difficult circuit to drive around, winning the race brought prestige to the brothers. Enough to send them down the path of manufacturing race cars. Brother Mario created the logo that is known across the world and these brothers began creating four, six, eight, and sixteen cylinder race cars.

Although, brother Alfieri was the driver that won that first race that Maserati had entered, in 1932 he passed away. With his passing, the other brothers continued along for five more years, eventually selling their parts of the company to Adolfo Orsi in 1937. However, these brothers remained an active part of the car designing and took engineering roles with the new company when it relocated to Modena.

In 1939, Maserati was the winner of the Indianapolis five hundred in successive years. Then the war came and Maserati stopped making cars and instead concentrated on the war effort. It was a time of trials and tribulations that pitted Maserati against Volkswagen. Maserati attempted to create a car for Mussolini, hoping to do so before Ferry Porsche did for Adolph Hitler. Of course, they failed in that V-sixteen towncar concept. But, the technology was useful in designing the A6 series which became popular after the war.

After the war, Maserati went back to creating race cars. In 1950, Maserati won the World Championship. In 1993, Fiat became the owner of the Maserati name and in 1999, Ferrari, which was also owned by Fiat, lent a V8 engine, as well as an automated manual transmission to the 2002 models known as the Spyder and Coupe with some success. It should come as no surprise that Maserati was created in Italy, the home of Ferrari and Lamborghini.

Alex West is luxury and performance car enthusiast. Currently I drive a Mercedes C-Class, and I'm slowly working my way up. You can find out more about the Maserati experience at http://www.maseratigran.co.uk/history-of-maserati.php

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The Yes Roadster 2009

The Yes Roadster is manufactured by Funke & Will AG. 10 years ago the company sold 200 units in the U.S. through YES North America.

Last 2008 The Yes Roadster 2009 is shown in Chicago Auto Show. This latest Yes Roadster 2009 is total weight only 1962 pounds that means that this cars will be light on equipment. The Yes Roadster 2009 is looks like a lotus mated with a last generation Audi TT roadster. Both will feature Audi-sourced 3.2-liter V6 engines and transmissions feeding power to the rear wheels.

Features: Alarm, remote keyless entry, power windows, 17 inch alloy wheels and include cloth upholstery.

The New Mitsubishi Eclipse 2009

Last 2008 at the Chicago Auto Show the New Mitsubishi Eclipse 2009 showed fromthe public. The biggest news is the new exterioir. The New Mitsubishi Eclipse 2009 is the redesigned for the 2006 Eclipse model.

Its 3.8 liter V6 instead turbocharged 4 cylinder.The New Mitsubishi Eclipse is very styling. very fresh looking, more powerful and has many additional features. Available in 3 new colors Maizen Blue Pearl, Quick Silver Metallic and Yellow Color.

The Eclipse is built at Mitsubishi's plant in Normal, Illinois. Pricing hasn't been announced, but it should be little changed from the current model, which starts at $20,000 and tops out at $30,000 for a GT Spyder. Look for the 2009 model in late spring.

The New Volkswagen Beetle 2009

New Volkswagen Beetle 2009 is the carryover from New Volkswagen Beetle 2008. Its a family coupe car. This is also the new faces of all the beetles cars.

New Volkswagen Beetle 2009 has 150 horsepower engine, a 5 speed transmission for manual and 6 speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

Price for this New Volkswagen Beetle 2009 is ranging upto US$18 up and any colors to choose from.

The New Volkswagen GTI 2009

New Volkswagen GTI 2009 2 door sports sedan or 4 door sports coupe to choose, 5 passenger seats and ranging 2.0T.

New Volkswagen GTI 2009 are both 2.0 liter and 200 horsepower turbo engine. It is perfect for 31 mpg, 6 speed manual at the same time 6 speed for automatic also. The New Volkswagen GTI 2009 is carryover from New Volkswagen GTI 2008 edition.

This is the latest sports and sedan for New Volkswagen GTI 2009.

The New Toyota Scion TC Coupe

Toyota is releasing an updated version of the popular Scion tC coupe, which will debut at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. The Scion tC Release Series 5.0 is a limited production tC, which has been outfitted with Toyota accessories from Toyota Racing Development (TRD). The New tC will hit Toyota dealer showrooms this March.

What makes the Scion tC RS 5.0 unique is Toyota's use of a gloss black paint on the exterior of the car. There are also the aforementioned TRD accessories. Among the sporty components are matte black alloy wheels with red trim. The 2009 tC RS 5.0 is also lower than the standard tC model, which one Westminster Toyota dealer believes should provide a more aggressive and sporty demeanor. Other components include a TRD sway bar, sport muffler, lip spoiler, and TRD exterior badge.

The Toyota Racing Development touches continue inside the Scion tC RS 5.0 as well. The aggressive TRD treatment includes black seats with red accents, TRD floor mats, cargo match, and the vehicle's number, indicating the limited availability of this tC.

Toyota will only be releasing a mere 2,000 Scion tC Release Series 5.0 will be available. The tC RS 5.0 will go on sale next month for about $2,300 over the standard tC, bringing the price tag to around $17K. With only 2,000 available, if you're interested in getting your hands on this limited release Scion, Toyota dealers Olympia reminds interested customers that you'll have to hurry.

About the Author

Joe Kent is a writer for TK Carsites, an automotive website design and marketing firm in Orange, CA, that specializes in working with car dealers nationwide.

The Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai has been making plenty of changes lately. While the Korean automaker has been here in the US since the late 1980s, it has recently gained plenty of momentum, and attention, from American consumers. With incredible value, modern styling, and robust warranties, Hyundai cars and SUVs are becoming increasingly popular. One model that's crucial to the lineup is the 2009 Hyundai Sonata. The Hyundai Sonata gets a modest update for this year, with interior and exterior changes, and even more power. So the question is, is it good enough to battle the likes of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord?

The Hyundai Sonata's biggest advantage has always been its value, as with many of Hyundai's models according to a Cheyenne Hyundai dealer. The Sonata in particular features air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and door locks, CD stereo, and much more as standard on the GLS. The Sporty SE model adds larger wheels and a sport suspension. The Limited is the top of the line model, and has heated leather seats, sunroof, universal garage door opener, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Additionally, a Boston Hyundai dealer points out that safety is a big component of what makes the Sonata a strong contender asa family hauler. The sedan offers dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbag, ABS brakes with brake assist, traction control, and electronic stability control, and active front head restraints.

The base engine that powers the Hyundai Sonata is a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing. The engine now produces 175 horsepower and 168 lb ft of torque for 2009. Mated to either a five speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities, the 2009 Sonata is capable of achieving strong fuel economy as well. Expect 22/32 mpg with the automatic transmission.

Many Illinois Hyundai Sonata buyers are also expected to opt for the larger Lambda 3.3 liter V6 engine, which features 249 horsepower and 229 lb ft of torque for 2009. The larger engine is only mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with the ability to shift manually. Additionally, fuel economy with the V6 is 19 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Inside the Hyundai Sonata's cabin, Hyundai Chicago drivers will find a really comfortable interior, with quality materials and a modern design. The dash, center console, and doors feature quality materials that have soft surfaces and provide a quality look and feel that adds surprising value.

The interior not only features quality materials, but Hyundai Philadelphia notes there's always plenty of room in the front and the rear. Although the Sonata competes with the midsize sedan segment, the EPA technically classifies it as a large car thanks to its vast interior space.

Driver and passengers at Hyundai Texarkana also have no complaints when it comes to the Hyundai Sonata's storage space. The center console, for example, features a large cubby for storage, while the doors and also offer cavernous pockets. There are even entertainment options, thanks to standard iPod connectivity, and even a USB port and auxiliary input jack to connect a variety of devices.

With ample trunk space, the Sonata can also haul a variety of cargo. The opening of the space is not terribly large, but coupled with a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat there should be enough room for longer objects. There are also genuine Hyundai parts available to help organize cargo and prevent it from moving while underway.

Riding in the new Hyundai Sonata is smooth and compliant. Kia dealers Denver points out that both Hyundai and Kia vehicles have managed to drastically improve their driving dynamics in recent years, making them fun to drive. Interior noise is also quiet, making the cabin a comfortable place even at highway speeds. Although it's not the sportiest vehicle in its segment, the steering, handling, and brake feel should be up to par with most drivers. The boost in power for 2009 also helps to make the latest Sonata a bit more fun to drive.

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata is priced several thousand dollars below its competition according to Hyundai Car Loans, which makes the Sonata a high value choice among buyers who are looking at popular models such as the Accord and Camry.

About the Author

Joe Kent is a writer for TK Carsites, an automotive website design and marketing firm in Orange, CA, that specializes in working with car dealers nationwide.

The Vehicle of the Future?

In a world seemingly obsessed with finding renewable energy sources, solar power has become a common feature in day-to-day life. Although the technology was initially released before it was fully tested, and therefore gained a poor reputation for reliability, since the turn of the Millennium it has grown in stature and promise. One can forgive the scientists behind the development for this over-eagerness in releasing what could one day be a primary resource for fuel and power in the modern world, especially as the majority of the kinks are now ironed out.

It is therefore natural that many are considering the possibility of solar powered vehicles. With the non-renewable fossil fuels being consumed by motorists at a rate that the planet will soon no longer be able to supply, the idea of having a car entirely powered by solar powers is an intriguing one.

It is not, however, a particularly new one. Almost since the invention of solar panels, pioneering developers have been trying to find a way to harness the technology for the car. The idea of being able to run a car with no emissions and no consumption of fossil fuels would indeed be arguably the biggest leap in engineering since the Wright brothers, but is it really possible?

The steps are beginning to be made. For example, Toyota - who market the worlds most popular hybrid vehicle, the Prius - are said to be considered installing solar panels on new versions of the Prius. However, the panels will only be used to power the air conditioning and electrical systems. While this is advancement in the general concept, it isn't the finished article.

In truth, solar powered cars do exist. Powering a vehicle by the force of the sun alone is possible, but the problems arise in the practicalities. Two annual races currently exist for solar powered vehicles only, the World Solar Challenge and North American Solar Challenge. However, many of the competitors are engineering under and post graduates, as well as technologically minded individuals. The notable absence in these races is in the big car manufacturers, the people who genuinely could make solar powered vehicles a reality for all.

The question is then, if a solar powered vehicle is possible, will it ever replace the standard combustion engine? The issue is open for debate, but it would seem unlikely. Toyota may have implemented the concept of solar panels to power electrics and air conditioning, but perhaps only after trying to power the entire vehicle with solar energy and failing.

The main flaw in solar powered vehicles is size. To get the most out of the suns rays, a lot of solar powers are needed, far more than can ever be fit onto an actual car. From the small space available, it is perfectly possible to generate the necessary power from the sun to power the electric engine of a car, but only for very short distances and in sunny conditions. The idea, it would seem, will remain a fun experiment for mechanical students, and the ever popular races will continue. However, under current ideas for solar vehicles, it is unlikely your family hatchback is going to come complete with solar panels any time in the future.

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The Chrysler Grand Voyager

Everything you need to know about Chrysler's latest people carrier

On the other side of the pond, Chrysler's Grand Voyager would be known as a mini-van; over here, however, we call it a people carrier. France's Renault Espace made the people carrier sexy in the mid eighties. And the larger car has remained a firm favourite with families ever since.

The whole concept was very much stolen from Chrysler, which created the whole mini-van segment in the early 1980s. And with their experience spanning almost 30 years, you'd expect the latest Grand Voyager to be pretty good.

Get the look

The styling is far more box-like than before, but bizarrely this actually improves the aerodynamics. It's not a handsome car, but we are talking about a vehicle where function counts for more than form.

Most improvements are inside the cabin. New finishes and wood trim line the dash board and door panels, while overhead a halo lighting package emits a glow along the console without distracting the driver. Gadgets include a rechargeable torch in the rear cargo area.

Sit tight

But the Grand Voyager's real masterpiece is the ingenious Stow 'n' Go seating system. It's easy to operate and allows the car to be transformed from a seven-seat people carrier to a two-person cargo vehicle in less than 30 seconds. Best of all is the fact the seats store flat in the floor, so there's no need to lug them into the garage like a Sharan or a Galaxy.

Stow 'n' Go is pretty good, but now there's also Swivel 'n' Go, available on the upmarket Limited-badged models. This includes floor storage bins and second-row captain's chairs that swivel 180 degrees to face rearward. Add a removable table that fits between the second and third rows so you have a mobile dining room!

Gadgets galore

People carriers are all about people and the Grand Voyager comes with an entertainment system that would put an airliner to shame. A dual DVD system can play up to three different types of media at the same time, so passengers in one row can watch a movie, while those in the other can plug in their gaming systems. Eight-inch LCD screens are fitted in the second and third rows and there's a remote control for the DVD player. You can also plug in your iPod and a touch-screen and voice-controlled navigation system complete the gadgetry.

Compared to the old model, refinement is much improved. Wind noise is reduced, the stiffened body means less vibration and a new suspension system has helped improve stability and ride comfort. The turbo diesel engine develops 161bhp but this is a big vehicle and it's a little sluggish to get going. An automatic gearbox is standard.

Special effects

Specification levels are high. Even the basic model gets convenient features like power sliding rear doors on both sides of the vehicle and keyless entry. Put to use as a family vehicle, it contains plenty of well thought out practical features, such as the odour and stain resistant cloth used to cover the seating surfaces for the LX and Touring trim.

Safety improvements see standard traction control, brake assist and side-curtain airbags that add to the multistage front and seat-mounted bags. A tyre pressure monitoring system is also included.

Money talks

The vehicle offers flexibility, masses of space and generous equipment. Prices start at £25,456 for the diesel powered LX. Touring models cost a couple of thousand more and the top-spec Limited is £32,300 whether you go for diesel or the V6 petrol. Top speed on the diesel is 115mph and you should expect around 30mpg. Car Insurance groups range from 11-13 depending on the model.

All that's left to do now, is round up the people!

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