2007 Mini Cooper

Posted on August 3, 2005 at 10:31 pm by Jeff

Mini Cooper News - We’ve Got The Skinny on the Next Mini
By Chris Bartow

We’ve been doing some snooping around and got some skinny on the new Mini Cooper, due out in 2007.

First, if you want a truly international car, step right up. The new British-based Mini is going to feature an engine from the combined resources of German-based BMW and French-based Peugeot. And, of course, sold with gusto to an American enthusiast audience.

The engine is really the new Mini’s biggest change, and it’s going to be a big one, folks. The partnership is building a new range of all-aluminum, twin-cam engines that will become both carmakers’ new small powerplant flagships, featuring improved horsepower, fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

The new Mini, which is being called Mini 2 by some, will maintain the four-cylinder 1.6-liter capacity, but with a higher-tech aluminum block that is much lighter than today’s Chrysler-built iron-block Tritec engine.

The new engines for the next Mini haven’t been finalized yet, but you can expect to see two turbocharged units that will replace the normally aspirated and supercharged four-cylinder 1.6-liter engines in the current Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S. The Cooper will get a major power boost to 143 hp from today’s 115-hp engine. And, while the power output of the Cooper S stays the same at 170 hp, the turbocharged engine promises a big improvement in power delivery over the current supercharged setup.

Secondly, the next big thing is the body style. Just as we were getting used to seeing the Mini Convertible, along comes a longer-wheelbase version including (gasp!) a five-door with more rear legroom and cargo area.

The stretched Mini features a more upright rear hatchback, along with a pair of rear-hinged doors for easier access to the rear seats. (Remember “suicide doors?) The rumor is that the five-door arrangement will likely feature a Rolls-Royce electronic locking system that will allow the rear doors to open independently of the front ones—so if someone in the back wants to jump, he won’t inconvenience the front–seat passengers.

Outside, a new front end will feature bug-eyed headlights and a more upright design to satisfy new European pedestrian-protection laws. (Apparently they’re always running into pedestrians over there and something had to be done to facilitate their collision projection over the top of the bonnet so as to Minimize potential damage to the car.)

Inside, the interior will look new but still feature a centrally mounted speedometer. The dash will be available in wood trim as well as matching body color.

That’s the skinny for now. Cheers!

Chris Bartow and the staff at MiniCarParts.net are Automotive Enthusiasts dedicated to bringing you the latest news, events, club happenings, parts and accessories for newer-model Mini Coopers, 2001 and up. MiniCarParts.net is a division of Atlantic British, Ltd.

© 2005 Atlantic British Ltd.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

2006 Honda Civic Si

Posted on June 29, 2005 at 12:00 am by Jeff

2006 Honda Civic Si: Automotive Innovation at Its Best
By Jenny McLane

Designed as an “Advanced Personal Compact,” the next-generation Si will incorporate flowing bodywork, a steeply angled windshield, and wide stance to suggest stability and forward motion. The new Si will be the fastest and most powerful Civic offered in its twenty-year history.

The 2006 Civic lineup, launching this fall, will include a 4-door Sedan, a 2-door Coupe and Si Coupe, an even more fuel efficient Civic Hybrid and a natural-gas powered Civic GX.

The Civic Si Concept builds on its performance heritage with a 200-horsepower, 16-valve, and DOHC i-VTEC engine with an 8,000-rpm red line, mated to a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Helping to put all that power to the ground is a helical-type limited slip differential for improved launch traction and cornering performance.

A 200-horsepower 16-valve i-VTEC engine powers the 2006 Si. Honda sources indicate that next-generation i-VTEC technology will have significant gains in performance and fuel economy. A six-speed transmission will give drivers manual control of shift points up to the engine’s redline of 8000 rpm, and a helical-type limited-slip differential will enhance traction and cornering ability.

The Si Concept includes performance features such as 18-inch cast aluminum wheels with 225/40R high performance tires, and 4-wheel disc brakes with large cross-drilled brake rotors. “The 2006 Civic Si Coupe will be the most powerful, fastest and fun-to-drive Si we’ve ever put on the street, and the Civic Si Concept sets the direction in terms of its styling, package and performance,” said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. “It’s part of a new family of Civic vehicles that build on the already class-leading values of the Civic in terms of safety, styling, performance and fuel efficiency.”

This new production Civic Si Coupe will serve as the performance leader for the 2006 Civic model lineup, which will be completely redesigned. The 2006 Civic will feature more emotional styling, enhanced performance, and the latest generation of “intelligent” i-VTEC engine technology.

One of the leading Honda Parts suppliers is Parts Train. They offer high quality aftermarket Honda auto parts at guaranteed lowest prices. Simply browse at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA and you have access to one of the largest Honda auto parts wholesalers in the United States. Parts Train offers a variety of aftermarket and replacement Honda car parts including radiators, fog lights, tail lights, air filter, Honda engine parts and many other Honda replacement parts. Parts Train’s very friendly and efficient customer service staff will be waiting for your enquiries.

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

2005 Mitsubishi Outlander

Posted on June 23, 2005 at 8:14 am by Jeff

2005 Mitsubishi Outlander Reinforced Safety with Matched Performance Parts and Accessories
By Jenny McLane

The Outlander is built on a rigid unibody chassis and benefits from Mitsubishi’s extensive experience in international rallies and raids. The Outlander benefits from such body-strengthening techniques as MASH seam welding and what Mitsubishi

calls its RISE design (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution). Much of this technology was developed from the company’s winning efforts in the Paris-Dakar raid as well as its involvement in the World Rally Championship with the Lance.

It has four doors and a roomy cargo area that’s easily accessible. Like other small crossover sport utilities, the Mitsubishi Outlander offers elevated seating for better visibility.

Mitsubishi’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 160 horsepower, matching the output of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Mitsubishi tuned the Outlander’s engine to deliver the bulk of its torque at lower engine speeds. Mitsubishi’s MIVEC electronic variable-valve setup helps the engine to operate at peak power and efficiency throughout the rev range.

The 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in three models: LS, XLS, and Limited. All come with the 160-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Most models come standard with an automatic, but the base models come with a five-speed manual. Each is available with front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

The LS trim includes air conditioning; cruise control; power windows and locks; power folding rearview mirrors; a height-adjustable steering wheel; height-adjustable driver’s seat; a 140-watt, four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system. It also has an analog clock; center console with storage; two 12-volt accessory outlets; 60/40 split, folding and reclining back seat; intermittent windshield and rear window wipers, and 16-inch steel wheels. A cargo cover, floor mats, keyless entry, and roof rails come standard on the AWD model and are optional on the 2WD model

XLS trim adds a rear spoiler, premium cloth seat fabric, extra speakers, whiteface gauges and clock, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, see-through headrests, a tubular roof rack and alloy wheels. Options for XLS 2WD include a Sun & Sound package with a 210-watt Infinity audio system with six-CD changer and sunroof.

The new Limited and Limited AWD have heated leather seats, front side airbags, heated outside mirrors, and body-colored fender flares and air dams.

Safety equipment includes three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions. Both front seats feature seatbelt pretensioner and force-limiter technology, which can help reduce injuries in an accident. Also standard are: child safety seat anchors. Anti-lock brakes are optional on the XLS and Limited models; ABS helps the driver maintain control of the car in an emergency braking situation.

Parts and accessories for Mitsubishi are available at Parts Train. All you have to do is go to http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/MITSUBISHI and choose which ones are compatible for your needs. The advantage of using Mitsubishi parts and accessories is that these are especially designed to work well with all Mitsubishi cars and therefore you have ensured performance and maximized workability out of these parts and accessories.

Partstrain also offers car parts, which are continuously being improved upon to ensure quality service and performance.

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/