2012 Ford Escape Hybrid

One of the best SUV models to come on the market is the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid. This high mileage vehicle will achieve up to 34 mpg and is available in four hybrid models. You can choose from six exterior color options, and there are many exterior and interior options to allow you to customize your vehicle. The suggested MSRP on the base model of the Escape is $30,570.

2.) 2012 Toyota Highlander

2012 Toyota Highlander

Starting at an impressive 25 mpg on the highway, the 2012 Toyota Highlander offers five model options to give you the choice of your favorite SUV style and performance features. The Highlander includes nine exterior color options and several other options, including a tow package that will allow you to pull up to 5,000 lbs. The base-model suggested MSRP for the Toyota Highlander starts at $28,250.

3.) 2012 Hyundai Tucson

2012 Hyundai Tucson

This sporty-looking SUV will provide you with great mileage while also offering a very economical price. At a suggested MSRP of $19,145, the Tucson will save you money while also providing up to 32 mpg on the highway. The 2012 Hyundai Tucson is available with nine different exterior color options as well as two interior color styles. The vehicle also includes five model options with all-wheel-drive capability as well as a sun/moon roof option and several other features to provide a comfortable and convenient driving experience.

4.) 2012 Chevrolet Equinox

2012 Chevrolet Equinox

With a suggested MSRP of $23,530, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is a great choice for high mileage SUVs. With 13 exterior color options, the Equinox also features a sophisticated exterior design with plenty of leg and head room. The fuel-efficient engine can provide up to 32 mpg on the highway, and the interior seating can fit up to five adults comfortably. The Equinox also includes many conveniences such as a programmable power liftgate for easy access, chrome door handles and mirrors for a more stylish look, and a trailer sway control system to provide a safer towing capability.

5.) 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander

When you are looking for the best SUV with higher fuel mileage, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander definitely needs to be part of the consideration. The Outlander offers four model options with five exterior color options and more exterior choices like a roof rack cross bar, side window deflectors and special body-side molding. The vehicle offers five engine choices that can provide up to 28 mpg on the highway and offers many great conveniences to make your driving experience more enjoyable. The suggested MSRP of the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander starts at $22,345.

The Bentley EXP 9 F SUV Concept

The trend among automakers in recent years appeared to be moving away from the production of large and powerful Sport Utility Vehicles. With energy prices at an all-time high and by all appearances likely to stay high for the foreseeable future, industry watchers had confidently predicted the demise of the SUV.

Don’t tell that to Bentley Motors or its parent, Volkswagen Group, as the long-rumored Sport Utility concept from the UK-based luxury marque was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show this past March. While some purists are aghast that the Flying B marque would lower itself to marketing what is basically a luxury truck, the hope is the new concept will be a game-changer for the sport utility category. Company officers are also hoping to penetrate new markets for the nameplate in the Middle East and Asia, particularly in China with its growing class of affluent buyers eager to purchase high-end luxury items.

The EXP 9 F Sport Utility Concept Car

The EXP in the designation stands for “experimental,” while the F stands for “Falcon,” which may well be the name of the production vehicle slated to begin production for the 2015 model year. According to Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and CEO of the company, the Falcon will be “the fastest, most luxurious and most expensive sport utility vehicle you can buy,” and by the looks of the car shown at Geneva that looks to be a firm promise.

To deliver on the promise, the Falcon concept is built around a 12-cylinder 6.0-liter twin-turbo W-12 engine that develops 600 horsepower and 590 pounds-feet of torque. This should provide more than enough power channeled through the 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive to outperform it’s closest sport utility competitor, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo’s 4.7 second 0-60 and 173 mph top speed. Alternative options will likely be available on production models, including a newly launched 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, a supercharged V6 and a rumored plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The vehicle possesses all the styling cues of classic Bentleys, from the massive slab side panels to the pronounced haunches over the rear wheel wells, but the look starts at the front end with the signature matrix grill and large round headlights. Another interesting design feature is the openings for the daytime running lights just below each headlight that double as air intakes for the twin turbos, which was inspired by the “visible engineering” of the famous Blower Bentleys of the 1920s.

Of course, the real touch of the luxury marque is evident in the spectacular interior that is swathed in quilted hand-stitched leather, fine wood veneers and polished metal trims. The instrumentation is detailed in bronze and chrome and highlighted by a 3D touchscreen center console that can be adapted to display a variety of data. The rear passenger seats feature fold-down tablet computer workstations and infotainment screens, chilled armrest drink holders and power footrests.

The price for this vehicle is expected to be in the $200,000 range when it enters production, and the company projects to build between 7,000 and 14,000 units per year.

The Ford Fiesta ST

The Fiesta was first introduced in 1975 as a way for the automaker to compete with the European and Japanese manufacturers for the subcompact market. The car went through a number of alterations and names, while also changing with the newest technology and designs. The ST features the newest and best performance features for the subcompact vehicles.

Performance and Technology Features

The ST has a number of great performance and technology features, including the 1.6L I-4 Ti-VCT Duratec engine with a six-speed powershift automatic transmission that can go from 0-60 mph in 7 seconds and can achieve up to 40 mpg on the highway. The vehicle also features electric power-assist steering, front-wheel drive, MacPherson strut suspension system and AdvanceTrac ESC to provide a smoother transition around tight curves and rough roads.

The vehicle also provides speed-sensitive steering, front and rear sway bars and a Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package that includes a spoiler, aerodynamic design and cruise control. The SFE package allows the vehicle to get the most fuel economy with its advanced design.

Exterior and Interior Features

The exterior of the ST features include nine exterior paint colors, sculpted exterior panels, 15-inch wheels, stylish front headlamp design, three-door hatchback design, deep front bumper and more. The interior of the vehicle has a number of great amenities and features that provide a comfortable ride, such as the specially designed two-tone seats with leather trim, roomy head and leg room, premium carpeted floor mats, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, power moonroof, Sync Applink with voice-activated music search, Bluetooth audio system, Sirius XM radio and intermittent windshield wipers as well as a rear window defogger, bucket front seats, split-folding rear seatback, rear ventilation ducts, power mirrors and door locks, front console with storage and front door pockets.

The ST also features an entertainment system that includes a 40 watts stereo output with four speakers, mast antenna and auxiliary MP3 audio input as well as an illuminated interior accessory package, interior protection package, telescopic steering wheel and 12-volt front power outlets.

Safety Features

The Ford Fiesta ST is designed with several safety devices to keep the passengers protected in the event of an emergency, including front and rear head airbags, side-mounted airbags, child seat anchors, stability and traction-control systems, tire pressure monitoring, ventilated front discs, passenger airbag occupant-sensing deactivation, front and rear headrests, electronic brakeforce distribution and post-collision safety system.

The ST has been given a number of accolades, including Popular Mechanics Auto Excellence Award, Best Driver’s Car Award, Top Safety Pick Award and the International Design Award.

Conclusion

When it comes to new cars with a unique design and great versatility, the all-new Fiesta ST is a car you should definitely consider. The suggested MSRP for the ST is $15,670, and there are many great incentives and special deals to assist you in saving money on your purchase. For more information, go to: (http://www.ford.com/cars/fiesta/).

Before And After of a 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Old cars, especially those that showcase the best designs of their era, can be good long-term investments, or simply very enjoyable to drive and collect. Auto restoration, however, is a separate interest in and of its own, and restoration costs incurred by an enthusiast are quite a bit higher than the usual price for a car that has already been restored.

At a glance, it is possible to miscalculate and determine that the costs of restoring a somewhat valuable car in extremely poor condition, such as a desirable car found abandoned or at a junkyard, are lower than the price of the same car purchased in restored condition from another collector or a professional restorer.

However, such a miscalculation is possible only if the cost of tools, as well as the amount of time that an enthusiast must spend on restoring a collectible car in poor condition, are not taken into account. Certainly, a few gallons of paint and some hand tools to remove dents do not cost anywhere near the same as the price differential between a 1958 Edsel found in a junkyard and one offered for sale by an experienced collector. Even adding the price of an Edsel engine and some parts, along with sheet metal and body compound to replace a rusted panel, may still convince a newcomer to the world of automobile restoration that it pays to carry out the restoration rather than to buy a restored Edsel.

In reality, the tools needed to complete even a relatively minor restoration of an older car are quite expensive, and the work is very painstaking and time-consuming. Certainly, anyone who is tempted to purchase or obtain an old car in very poor condition and to refurbish it for immediate sale should think twice, as the time, effort and even the cost of renting proper tools will more than eliminate any real profit that could be realized from the sale of such a car.

On the other hand, restoring a car is experiencing everything that went into making the car, and it represents a hands-on journey back in time through the history of the automobile and the particular era a particular vehicle belongs to. Restoring a 1958 Edsel is a lesson in the pitfalls of triumphalism, as well as a return to a simpler era when bigger was better and materials were chosen strictly on the basis of strength and power. Reconstructing a hefty and mighty Edsel engine, or a corroded panel of an Edsel wagon, can be a very enjoyable experience for an enthusiast who is mechanically inclined, and who realizes that restoring a car that is in very poor condition is a labor of love rather than an investment of time and money that will pay off when the car is put up for sale or auction.

It is probably best for any automobile investor to purchase restored cars, especially for an investment strategy that includes long-term storage or even occasional use before the car is made available for sale. On the other hand, the automotive enthusiast who values the very experience of becoming intimately involved with historical cars, and who is indeed skilled enough to restore a car with little or no professional assistance, is advised to attempt to rebuild at least one vehicle in order to truly experience a car of yore.

History of the Race

The East Africa Safari Classic began in 1953 as a celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne of England. The race would run from Kenya to Uganda, going around Lake Victoria before ending up back in Kenya. The rally has gained popularity each year, with many racing federations and associations such as the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile taking part in it.

The race course route had to be altered in 1969 when the country of Tanzania refused to allow the race to be run inside its borders. They even went so far as to deny racers from their country to compete in the race. The ban on the race was short-lived as the country of Tanzania reopened the borders to the race in 1971. In 1974, the promoters of the race added a little more excitement to the event by allowing only race cars that had been built before 1974, preventing cars with newer technology such as four-wheel drive and turbo-charge from entering. Other limitations were added to make the race more interesting, forcing the race crews to depend more on their support teams to keep the vehicles running during the race.

By 2003, the event had grown to the point that more than 50 race teams had entered the competition for that year. The race has had winners from a number of countries, but the race team from Kenya has taken a majority of the victories through the years. The Kenyans have taken the victories, running with vehicles like a Datsun 240Z or a Datsun 260Z.

2011 Classic Rally

The 2011 East Africa Classic was held between November 19th-28th and was sponsored by Kenya Airways. The starting point for the race began on Kenya’s coastline along the Indian Ocean. The race began with 46 crews and ended with a record high 43 crews finishing the race. The 2011 race was won with a Porsche 911 by the team of Bjorn and Mathias Waldegard, a Swedish father and son team. The second and third place teams finished in a Datsun 260Z and Ford Escort respectively.

The race was not exactly problem-free as the second place team of Geoff Bell and Tim Challen, driving the Datsun 260Z, experienced problems on the second day when a bent rim and two separate punctures in the tires slowed them down by ten minutes. The delay allowed the first place team of Bjorn and Mathias Waldegard to extend their lead to more than thirty-five minutes. Fortunately for Bell and Challen, they were still able to keep a forty-one minute lead over the third place team of Stig Blomqvist and Ana Goni, racing in the Ford Escort.

Keeping the engines of the race cars running mechanically was not the only issue the race teams faced during the event. Weather conditions also hindered the course as dry creek beds were turned into raging rivers by heavy rains during the event and running water soon changed somewhat smooth dirt roads into trails with jagged rocks and boulders as well as mudslides that partially blocked the roads. The rally cars were tested daily from the road conditions as well as the beating that the engines took mechanically during the race.

Conclusion

The 2011 East Africa Safari Classic has become one of the greatest international races and the rally continues to gain notoriety and prestige. For more information and details about the 2011 Classic Rally, go to: http://web.mac.com/greville1/Maasailand/Welcome1_files/RallyMaasaiLo.pdf.

1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta

Steve McQueen was the “King of Cool,” and there is no question he was the coolest Hollywood car guy of all time. Car enthusiasts of a certain age will remember McQueen piloting the Mustang Fastback in the most famous car chase scene ever filmed in the 1968 movie Bullit, and he starred in perhaps the best auto racing movie ever made, 1971′s Le Mans.

All that being said, it should go without saying that the King of Cool and well-known car guy’s most prized automotive possession was one the coolest classic cars of all time, and that car was a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta. Only 355 of these magnificent cars were produced between 1962 and 1964, and today it is one of the most prized and sought-after models by collectors.

The King of Cool Cars

Considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing Pininfarina-designed bodies, the Lusso (as it is known) was sold as the road-going version of another line of Ferraris, the 250GT SWB (Short Wheel Base). The Lusso debuted at the Paris Salon in 1962 and created an instant buzz in the car world for its refined proportions, sweeping lines, and fastback shape.

“Lusso” is Italian for “luxury,” and the Lusso exuded luxury from the graceful lines of the Pininfarina-styled body to the elegantly appointed, thickly carpeted, and leather-trimmed interior. The inside was surprisingly roomy for such a small car, with bucket seats and a spacious luggage compartment made possible by the engine being positioned forward between the front wheels to accommodate more space in the cabin. The instrument panel featured a large tachometer and speedometer mounted in the center, with engine gauges placed directly in front of the driver for easy viewing between the spokes of the polished Nardi steering wheel.

But like all Ferraris, the Lusso was ultimately a driver’s car, and underneath the sculpted lines of the bodywork and sumptuous interior lay the same technology as the car’s racing cousins, sharing the same tubular chassis design and engine configuration. A Colombo-designed, detuned, 3-liter, 60-degree V12 engine with single overhead cams and three Weber twin-choke downdraft carburetors powered the car, a package that produced about 250 horsepower and drove the car through a four-speed manual gearbox to a top speed of approximately 150 mph.

The independent coil-spring front suspension system with a single shock absorber per wheel was developed from the GTO racers, as was the live-axle semi-elliptic springs and shocks on the rear. Another feature borrowed from the GTO racers was the four-wheel disc brakes, but the Lusso touch was the highly polished Borrani center-lock wire wheels that finished the cool look of the car.

The Fate of the McQueen Lusso

Steve McQueen owned and regularly drove his Lusso for many years, until he finally parted with it in the early ’70s. The car changed hands several times over the intervening years, until it was finally bought by a collector and fully restored in 2005. The car was sold at auction in 2007 for $2.3 million and was last publicly shown in an exhibit at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California.

The 2012 BMW 328i

When thinking about green cars, the 3-series probably is not the first vehicle that comes to mind. However, stricter fuel economy regulations both here and abroad are pushing automakers to release new cars in every category that have improved mpg figures including the gold standard for sports sedans.

The result is the new 328i, a car gets an EPA estimated 23 / 34 highway with a manual transmission or 24 city / 36 highway when equipped with an automatic. That is better than last year’s diesel-powered 335d in city fuel economy. In fact, the only luxury cars that perform better at the pump are the Buick Regal eAssist, Lexus CT 200h and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, which use hybrid drivetrains and are aimed squarely at the comfort side of luxury.

How Did BMW Achieve Such High Fuel Economy?

Like many new cars, lightweight materials have been used to bring down weight. In this case, the new 3-series is 100 lbs. lighter than the 2011 model despite being slightly larger.

Under the hood, the previous model’s 3.0l straight six has been replaced with a turbocharged 2.0l four cylinder. Despite this drop in cylinder count and displacement, the new engine outperforms the six by providing additional 10 horsepower and a whopping 60 lb.-ft. more torque. Switching the engine-tuning selector to the new Eco Pro mode provides approximately 20 percent better fuel economy over the full power Sport+. The automatic transmission now has eight gears instead of six.

On the accessory front, the steering is now electrically assisted. Regenerative braking aids electricity production, while the alternator has a clutch to let it disengage when the battery is fully charged.

How Does It Drive?

Like many new turbo motors hitting the market, the new four cylinder is able to combine direct injection and forced induction in a way that makes it feel like a much larger engine, producing plenty of torque from 1,200 RPM right up to the redline. That gives it a much faster feel than may be indicated by the performance numbers with plenty of passing power at any speed. Reviewers almost universally prefer the new motor to BMW’s famed straight six.

Once the engine has reached operating temperature, the start/stop system comes into play, automatically shutting down whenever the car comes to a stop with the brake pedal pressed down. Lift up on the pedal, and the engine fires back up without delay. A slight shudder can be detected, but it should not be enough to bother most drivers.

Electric power steering usually garners criticism, but the previous hydraulic power steering was exactly a darling due to its heavy feel and lack of feedback. Road feel is still lacking, but the steering is lighter and the annoyingly random variable ratio system has been replaced by a new setup that steers faster the more the wheel is turned. The result provides good on-center feel on the highway with easy parking lot maneuverability.

What about the Hybrid?

The diesel is being replaced by a hybrid version later this year, but instead of being focused on pure economy, it uses the same powertrain as the 5-series ActiveHybrid for improved performance. That means combining the 335is’ 3.0-liter turbo six with electric motivation, creating a vehicle that is faster than the 335 while having fuel economy comparable to the 328.

The Legendary Carroll Shelby Dies at 89

Carroll Shelby, famed creator of the Shelby Cobra, died May 10 at the age of 89. Shelby started out life on a small chicken farm in East Texas, but died a motor-sports legend. It was a long road from the farm to the raceway, but Shelby’s tenacity and love for fast, powerful cars fueled his journey.

Shelby’s entire life was an adventure. In addition to racing and building high-performance automobiles, Shelby also established and managed a safari business in Africa and trained pilots who flew during World War II, but he was best known for his exploits on the track.

Shelby’s renown began to grow immediately upon his entrance into the automotive world; he won the first race in which he competed in 1952. By 1957 – a year in which he won 19 races in a row – he made the cover of Sports Illustrated and was widely regarded as America’s top racecar driver.

Shortly after becoming the first American driver to win Le Mans in 1959, Shelby was forced to permanently suspend his racing career due to a malevolent heart condition. This personal setback did not prevent Shelby from participating in the automotive world. Instead of racing, he decided to design and build the cars that make the sport possible.

Not long after beginning his designing endeavor, Shelby produced his first racecar. The curvaceous, muscular vehicle was an amalgam of British design and raw American power. A large-displacement Ford V8 was made to fit inside a svelte British roadster, and the Shelby Cobra was born.

The original Cobra had a 260 cubic-inch motor, but later iterations were fitted with a 289 and then a 427. The version with the 427 could rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just four seconds and reach a top speed of 180 mph, making it the fastest street-legal car in existence at the time.

Just 1,000 examples of the original Cobra were manufactured, and it was ranked as one of the 10 most important sports cars ever built by Automobile Magazine.

Following the success of the Cobra, Shelby was hired by Ford to design a high-powered, performance-oriented version of the Mustang. In 1964, Ford released the Mustang GT 350, which was followed much later by the even more powerful GT 500.

Though he has passed, Shelby’s spirit lives on in the cars he designed and the racing spirit he inspired in others. His life testifies to the accomplishments that are possible when inspiration and determination meet.

Nissan NV 3500 HD

For decades, General Motors and Ford had an undisputed reign when it came to the traditional full-size van market, in the form of the Ford E-Series, Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. These vehicles were the mainstay of American tradesmen and couriers, but they were not without their faults. Their overall design and inefficient packaging created little head room, along with a cramped driver and passenger area, due to the engine requring of the space. Drivers could have thanked the snub nose. The Nissan NV 3500 HD represents a fresh take on commercial vans.

Introducing the NV 3500

Loosely based on the Nissan Titan, but with a frame reworked for heavy-duty use, the NV 3500 comes in a low-roof passenger van configuration with seating for twelve people. The NV is also available in a cargo van configuration, with the choice of a standard roof or a tall roof configuration, which allows those up to 6-foot-3 in height to stand up inside. This bodes well for those who constantly transport tall and bulky items that would normally require a larger box truck.

Not only does the Nissan NV 3500 HD offer a brand-new platform that makes offerings from Ford and GM seem like relics of an era gone by, but the NV is substantially cheaper than the Europe-derived Mercedes or Freightliner Sprinter, which has a starting MSRP of $28,550. For that much, you get the base S trim with its durable rubber flooring and fabric seats. The SV trim replaces the rubber floor with carpet, while the SL adds leather upholstery. All trims feature rear climate control, cupholders at each seat and a wide range of seat configuration options for the passenger seats.

Engine and Drivetrain

The NV offers two powerplant choices, giving buyers a choice between better fuel economy and more power. The 24-valve 4.0-liter DOHC six-cylinder engine produces a remarkably stout 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. The 5.6-liter eight-cylinder engine generates 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque.

Both engines utilize a five-speed automatic transmission that directs power to the rear wheels. Nissan will consider a four-wheel drive version of the NV depending on the demand for such a drivetrain configuration. The NV’s long nose makes it much easier for technicians to work on the engine, which fleet mechanics will appreciate. Owners will appreciate the 7000-pound towing capacity for the six-cylinder equipped NV and 9500-pounds for the eight-cylinder NV.

Causes of Noisy Brakes

In most cases, drivers shouldn’t expect to have their brakes work silently all the time. Most brake pads emit a slight swishing or grinding noise for a short period, at least until the pads warm up and evaporate the moisture that’s accumulated on the brake disc overnight. You may also hear your brakes make a slight grinding or hissing noise as the pads scrub off the thin layer of rust that forms on most metal brake discs. The brake pad friction material itself can also make a little noise from time to time, due to the use of harder ceramic and semi-metallic shavings in the friction material. This material came to replace asbestos, currently banned in the U.S. for its carcinogenic effects on human lungs.

What you shouldn’t hear is a heavy grinding or ripping noise as you apply the brakes while coming to a stop. The vast majority of brake pads feature an audible wear marker that makes contact against the brake disc as the pad nears its wear limit. The noise it makes lets drivers know that it is time to have the pads replaced.

How to Fix Them

The first step of resolving the issue of squeaking brakes is to make sure the brake pads aren’t worn out. If they are, they should be replaced as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to conduct an inspection of your vehicle’s brake hardware, to make sure everything is in working order. In most cases, it’s best to have a certified automotive technician conduct the inspection, as their trained eyes can spot potential problems that owners might miss. In addition, you can also have the technician replace worn or damaged brake hardware as needed.

If your brakes are in excellent shape and you’re still having issues with brake noise, it may be time to switch to a different brand of brake pads with a quieter type of friction material. If you’re using aftermarket brake pads, you may want to switch back to OEM pads that offer a good compromise between pad life, noise and grip. In many cases, the solution is as easy as applying a small amount of high-temperature brake grease or anti-squeal compound. Teflon shims placed between the pad and the brake piston can help reduce noise by minimizing contact and high-frequency vibration.