vehicles land

2009 Cadillac XLR-V

2009-05-05T11:11:00.002+06:00

The Cadillac XLR-V is a high performance version of the XLR.

The XLR-V is a two-door roadster powered by a supercharged 4.4-liter V8 that develops 443-hp. Power is delivered through a rear mounted six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. XLR-V comes standard with 19-inch wheels and tires, adjustable traction control, performance brakes, and a large diameter front stabilizer bar. Standard safety features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, side-impact air bags with head and thorax protection, electronic vehicle stability control, and traction control.

For 2009 the Cadillac XLR-V receives an interior and exterior refresh.

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2009 Cadillac SRX

2009-05-05T11:10:00.006+06:00

The Cadillac SRX is a versatile utility vehicle, combining the driving dynamics of a luxury sedan with the all-weather capability of a SUV and the functionality of a minivan.

The SRX is available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, offering seating for up to 7 passengers with an optional third row seat. It can be equipped with either a 255-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, or a 320-hp 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission; both transmissions feature a Driver Shift Control manual shift mode. Standard equipment on V6 models includes a power liftgate, 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite radio, OnStar and leather seat trim; V8 models add 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights, heated front seats and wood trim accents. Safety features found on every SRX include anti-lock disc brakes and Stabilitrak electronic stability control, as well as front, side, and side-curtain airbags.

The 2009 Cadillac SRX is a carryover from 2008.

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2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

2009-05-05T11:10:00.002+06:00

New for 2009 the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid combines the luxury and presence of a Cadillac with an advanced 2-Mode power train for real fuel savings with style.

Standard equipment includes Magnetic Ride Control, 22-inch chrome wheels, power liftgate, remote start, Bluetooth compatibility, and a rear-view camera. Available as a 4x2 or 4x4 the Escalade Hybrid 2-mode hybrid system conserves energy by using an electrically variable transmission, a 300-volt storage system and a 332-hp 6.0L Vortec V8 engine with Active Fuel Management. The nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery includes an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty.

The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is all new for 2009.

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2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT

2009-05-05T11:09:00.002+06:00

The Escalade EXT is a sport utility/pickup combination that quickly converts from a pickup with an enclosable eight-foot bed to a five-passenger luxury vehicle.

The EXT deletes the third-row seat found in the standard Escalade in favor of a lined, lockable and enclosable pickup bed with manually folding midgate and removable rear window. Standard equipment includes stability control, remote start, Bluetooth compatibility, and side curtain airbags. Some options are Magnetic Ride Control, 22-inch chrome wheels, a rear-view camera, and power running boards. It is powered by a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management and E85 compatibility, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

For 2009, the Cadillac Escalade EXT carries over from 2008.

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2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV

2009-05-05T11:02:00.004+06:00

The Cadillac Escalade ESV is a longer version of the Escalade. In addition to providing five-star comfort, its goal is to be the ultimate symbol of power and achievement, a mansion on wheels.

The ESV features a long wheelbase and an increase in total length, greatly enhancing third-row seat legroom and rear cargo space. Also, getting into the third row is easier with the ESV, its longer rear door providing a larger opening when the second-row seat is folded. Standard equipment includes a power liftgate, stability control, remote start, Bluetooth compatibility, and side curtain airbags. Some options are Magnetic Ride Control, 22-inch chrome wheels, a rear-view camera, and power running boards. Available as a 4x2 or 4x4 the Escalade ESV is powered by a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management and E85 compatibility, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV carries over from 2008.

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2008 BMW 760

2009-05-05T11:02:00.002+06:00

The BMW 7-series is the pinnacle of BMW sedans. You get a luxury sedan that's big, smooth, fast and surprisingly fun to drive.

The 760Li is powered by a 438-hp 6.0L direct-injection V-12 engine and a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The 760Li has an extended wheelbase for more cabin room and passenger luxury. Standard tech features include: iDrive, Logic7 audio system, self-leveling suspension, steerable Adaptive bi-xenon headlights, ultrasonic parking distance control, navigation system with cabin voice command and a power trunk. Standard safety features include stability and traction control, tire pressure monitoring, eight airbags and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes.

For 2008, the 760Li extended wheelbase sedan is largely a carryover.

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2009 BMW 750

2009-05-05T11:01:00.005+06:00

The BMW 7-series is the pinnacle of BMW sedans. A luxury sedan that's big, smooth, fast and loaded with state-of-the-art technology to keep you safe on today's roads.

The 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li are powered by a direct-injection, 400-hp 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. The 750 has many standard luxury features such as four-zone automatic climate control, power sunroof, high-gloss wood trim, heated 16-way Comfort seats, voice-activated navigation system on a 10.2-inch color monitor, HD radio and BMW Assist emergency and information communications. Standard run-flat tires wrap 18-inch alloy wheels, while standard Park Distance Control adaptive brake lights and steerable adaptive bi-xenon headlights provide active safety. High-tech options include rear and side-view cameras, power trunk lid, high-beam assistant, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, dual 8-inch screens for rear seat entertainment and ventilated front seats.

The BMW 750 has been completely redesigned for 2009.

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2010 BMW 650

2009-05-05T11:01:00.002+06:00

The BMW 650i delivers stellar performance, refined handling and that unique combination of elegance and sportiness that defines BMW.

Available as a coupe or convertible, the rear-wheel drive 650i boasts a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8 engine, mated to a six-speed Sport automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles; a six-speed manual transmission is optional. The 650i is equipped with a multitude of progressive technologies, including a sport-tuned suspension with Active Roll Stabilization, 18-inch run-flat tires, adaptive brakelights, Park Distance Control and adaptive bi-xenon headlights. Inside its lush cabin, the 650i provides seating for four, with high-quality leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and aluminum trim. A voice-activated navigation system and Bluetooth wireless connectivity are also standard. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability and traction control, active anti-whiplash front head restraints and up to eight airbags, while more advanced technologies such as a lane-departure warning system and night vision are optional.

The BMW 650i carries over with minimal changes for 2010. Both the coupe and convertible are now outfitted with digital HD Radio, while the next-generation iDrive system includes a new internal hard drive-based navigation unit.

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2010 BMW 550

2009-05-05T11:00:00.005+06:00

The BMW 5-series puts an emphasis on the driving experience. This mid-size luxury car remains a true sports sedan by delivering lively acceleration, precise handling and outstanding safety.

The 550i is offered only as a rear-wheel drive sedan and is powered by a 360-hp 4.8-liter eight-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual is standard, while a six-speed automatic with or without paddle shifters is optional. Standard features include leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control with active micro-filtration, an AM/FM/CD stereo with 10 speakers, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, six airbags and a rechargeable flashlight in the glovebox. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and six airbags, and front and rear parking sensors; while more advanced safety features such as a lane-departure warning system and night vision are optional.

The 550i is unchanged for 2010.

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2010 BMW 535

2009-05-05T11:00:00.002+06:00

The BMW 5-series puts an emphasis on the driving experience. This mid-size luxury car remains a true sports sedan by delivering lively acceleration, precise handling and outstanding safety.

The rear-wheel drive 535i and all-wheel drive 535xi feature a 3.0-liter, twin turbo, inline-six generating 300 horsepower, with the choice of a six-speed manual transmission, optional six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic shifting or on the 535i only, a six-speed Sport transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifting. The 535xi is available in sedan or wagon bodystyles. Standard features include leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control with active micro-filtration, an AM/FM/CD stereo with 10 speakers, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, six airbags and a rechargeable flashlight in the glovebox.

The 535 is unchanged for 2010.

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2010 BMW 528

2009-05-05T10:59:00.005+06:00

The BMW 5-series puts an emphasis on the driving experience. This mid-size luxury car remains a true sports sedan by delivering lively acceleration, precise handling and outstanding safety.

The rear-wheel drive 528i and all-wheel drive 528xi feature a 3.0-liter inline-six generating 230 horsepower, with the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic shifting. Standard features include leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control with active micro-filtration, an AM/FM/CD stereo with 10 speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels, six airbags and a rechargeable flashlight in the glovebox.

The 528 is unchanged for 2010.

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2009 BMW 335d

2009-05-05T10:59:00.002+06:00

The BMW 335d delivers a special mix of sporting performance and clean fuel-efficient transportation. The 3-series sedan is the car that defines 'sport sedan,' and the benchmark every luxury car maker from Acura to Volvo aims at when it develops an entry-level luxury sport sedan.

The rear-wheel drive 335d sedan is powered by a 3.0-liter, twin turbo, inline six-cylinder advanced diesel engine that puts out 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission choice. This combination provides 0-60 acceleration in 6.0 seconds (BMW AG test results), while delivering an impressive 36 mpg on the highway. Standard safety features include six airbags, four wheel anti-lock disc brakes with adaptive brakelights, bi-xenon headlights, active head restraints, electronic traction and stability control and run-flat tires.

The 335d is an all-new engine offering in the 3-series for 2009.

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2009 Bentley Continental GTC

2009-05-05T10:57:00.002+06:00

The Bentley Continental GTC is an ultra-luxury all-wheel drive convertible built in England. The Continental GTC?s 6.0-liter W12 engine produces 552 horsepower and 479 pounds-feet of torque, and is matched with a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with steering column mounted gearshift paddles. The computer-controlled adaptive air suspension with automatic ride height control includes manual driver adjustment for ride height and damper settings. Continuous all-wheel drive, traction control and stability control are standard equipment. A navigation system, Bluetooth, Sirius satellite radio, dual-zone climate control, heated power seats with memory and a power convertible roof with automatic roll-over protection are standard equipment. Premium grade leather and genuine wood trim are used throughout the interior.

This 4-seat convertible features a luxurious handcrafted interior with a large variety of custom trim options, including aluminum and numerous types of wood veneers. Several wheel styles in chrome and painted finishes are available. A rear reversing camera is also available.

The 2009 Bentley Continental GTC is a carryover from 2008.

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2009 Bentley Continental GT

2009-05-05T10:56:00.002+06:00

The Bentley Continental GT is a luxury all-wheel drive coupe built in England. The more powerful and exclusive Continental GT Speed joined the Continental GT for 2008. The Continental GT?s 6.0-liter W12 engine produces 552 horsepower and 479 pounds-feet of torque. The Continental GT Speed features the same 6.0-liter W12, but generates 600 horsepower and 533 pounds-feet of torque. Both trims send power through a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with steering column mounted gearshift paddles. Continuous all-wheel drive, traction control and stability control are standard equipment. A navigation system, Bluetooth, Sirius satellite radio, multi-zone climate control, heated memory power seats are standard on all trims. Premium grade leather and genuine wood trim are used throughout the interior. The Continental GT Speed features a dark chrome grille, lowered sports suspension, 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, and diamond-quilted leather seat facing and trim.

This 4-seat coupe features a luxurious handcrafted interior with a large variety of custom trim options, including aluminum and numerous types of wood veneers. Several wheel styles in chrome and painted finishes are available. Optional light-weight carbon ceramic brakes offer superior durability and reduce brake fade, where the brakes become less effective due to overheating in extremely demanding conditions. A rear reversing camera is also available.

The 2009 Bentley Continental GT and Speed are carryover from 2008.

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2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur

2009-05-05T10:53:00.001+06:00

The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a luxury all-wheel drive sedan built in England. The Flying Spur?s 6.0-liter W12 engine produces 552 horsepower and 479 pounds-feet of torque, and is matched with a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with steering column mounted gearshift paddles. The new-for-2009 Flying Spur Speed uses the same engine, but horsepower is bumped up to 600 horsepower and 553 pounds-feet of torque. The computer-controlled adaptive air suspension with automatic ride height control includes manual driver adjustment for ride height and damper settings. Continuous all-wheel drive, traction control and stability control are standard equipment. A navigation system, Bluetooth, Sirius satellite radio, multi-zone climate control, power trunk opening and closing, and heated and ventilated memory power seats with massaging lumbar are standard equipment. Premium grade leather and genuine wood trim are used throughout the interior.

The Flying Spur features a luxurious handcrafted interior with a large variety of custom trim options, including aluminum and numerous types of wood veneers. Several wheel styles in chrome and painted finishes are available. The new Flying Spur Speed features dark chromed radiator and lower grilles, sports-tuned exhaust, lowered sports suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, "diamond quilted" leather seat facings, and other interior upgrades. An available sunroof includes a solar panel that powers ventilation fans when the vehicle is stationary to maintain interior temperatures. A refrigerated bottle cooler in the rear armrest and a rear reversing camera is also available. New for 2009, optional fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes (available on 20-inch wheels) provide improved brake feel. Radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control; an iPod, MP3 and USB interface; and a Naim stereo system designed exclusively for Bentley, are also new options.

For 2009, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur's exterior changes include a more upright front grill, larger air intakes and a sleeker rear bumper. Mechanical changes include revised spring, anti-roll bar and damper settings; retuned power steering settings, and a 'Sport Traction' mode for the electronic stability control. There are also several new color choices for exterior paint and leather seat trim. The Flying Spur Speed trim is new for 2009.

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2009 Audi TTS

2009-05-05T10:51:00.003+06:00

The 2009 Audi TTS brings S-level performance to the iconic sports car in the Audi/VW AG family, and is aimed directly at the segment leading cars from BMW and Porsche.

The TTS blends the original Bauhaus styling with Audi's current modern design theme and advanced technology. The coupes spaceframe is 69% aluminum and 31% steel (roadster = 58/42%), with most of the steel in the rear to offset the weight of the engine and better balance the car. All TTS's are powered by a 265-hp turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic S-tronic as the only transmission choice. The all-wheel drive quattro system has been customized specifically to the TTS for faster response time. Unique body treatments, 18" wheels and black brake calipers provide the visual differentiation from the TT. Safety features include front, side and knee airbags, run-flat tires with pressure monitoring and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes and stability control.

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2009 Audi TT

2009-05-05T10:49:00.002+06:00

The 2009 Audi TT is the entry-level sports car in the Audi/VW AG selection of performance cars, and is aimed directly at the segment leading cars from BMW and Porsche.

The TT blends the original Bauhaus styling with Audi's current modern design theme and advanced technology. The coupes spaceframe is 69% aluminum and 31% steel (roadster = 58/42%), with most of the steel in the rear to offset the weight of the engine and better balance the car. All TT's are powered by a 200-hp turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic S-tronic as the only transmission choice with this engine. The all-wheel drive version can also be had with a 250-hp 3.2-liter V6 with the choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed S-tronic transmission. Safety features include front, side and knee airbags, run-flat tires with pressure monitoring and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes and stability control.

Changes for 2009 include the availability of the 2.0T engine with the quattro AWD system as well as new packaging of different trim levels.

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2009 Audi S8

2009-05-05T10:48:00.001+06:00

The S8 is the performance-enhanced flagship of Audi's lineup. It is based off the A8 luxury sedan and features all the cutting edge innovation that Audi has to offer.

The S8 is powered by a 5.2-liter 450-hp V10, similar to the engine found in the Lamborghini Gallardo. It utilizes a six-speed Tiptronic transmission and Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system to put the power to the ground. Inside it has standard leather upholstery, Alcantara headliner, ten airbags, and power memory front seats. Options include such luxuries as a Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, upgraded leather appointments, power rear sunshade, power trunk and advanced keyless entry.

Changes for 2009 include making the contents of last years Premium Package now standard on the S8.

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2009 Audi S6

2009-05-05T10:47:00.001+06:00

The Audi S6 is the sport-refined version of the luxurious A6 sedan, boasting more power, exclusive design details and a level of technological sophistication few cars achieve.

The S6 is equipped with a powerful 435-hp 5.2-liter V10 engine with direct fuel injection, a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual mode and paddle shifters, and quattro all-wheel drive. Building on the A6 4.2 sedan, every S6 is outfitted with a power sunroof, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI). Additional standard equipment exclusive to the S6 includes a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, aluminum-optic exterior mirrors, sport seats and aluminum interior trim elements. Standard safety features include electronic stability and traction control, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist and front, front side-impact and overhead curtain airbags; rear side-impact airbags and a new Audi Side Assist blind spot detection system are optional.

The Audi S6 is redesigned for 2009, with fresh exterior styling that includes a revised front bumper, grille and foglamps, as well as new front and rear lighting with LED daytime running lamps. New for 2009, the Advanced Key passive entry/start system, an Audi Music Interface with iPod connection and a voice-activated navigation system with integrated rear camera parking assist are now standard.

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2009 Audi S5

2009-05-05T10:46:00.001+06:00

The Audi S5 is the performance-oriented version of the A5, Audi's two-door, four-seat luxury sports coupe. It provides more muscular styling, more power and additional standard equipment.

The S5 is built with a 354-hp 4.2-liter V8 engine, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic and paddle shifters. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system is standard, along with exclusive S5-specific standard features such as a sport-tuned suspension, bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front sport seats and aluminum interior trim elements. Options include a Bang & Olufsen audio system, voice-activated navigation, adaptive cruise control and Audi Side Assist.

For 2009, the Audi S5 carries over with minor standard equipment and option adjustments. An auxiliary input jack is now standard, and the new Audi Drive Select package includes an adaptive suspension and dynamic steering system.

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2009 Audi S4

2009-05-05T10:40:00.003+06:00

The Audi S4 is a modified version of the A4, offered in a Cabriolet body style. It has a subtly more aggressive styling, increased engine power and a sport-tuned suspension.

The S4 is outfitted with a 4.2-liter V8 engine that generates 340 horsepower. A standard six-speed manual transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system transfer power to the ground; a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that allows manual gear selection is optional. The S4 comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, bi-xenon headlights, leather sport seats, aluminum trim elements and satellite radio. New for 2009, Bluetooth wireless connectivity is now standard equipment.

For 2009, the Audi S4 remains on the previous-generation A4 platform, with minimal changes, and is available in a Cabriolet model only.

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2008 Audi RS 4

2009-05-05T10:39:00.002+06:00

The Audi RS 4 is the highest performance version of the A4, sitting above the S4 in the lineup and offering an uncompromising driving experience. Previously only offered as a sedan, it is now also available in a limited-production two-door Cabriolet body style for 2008.

At the heart of the race-bred RS 4 is a high-revving 420 hp 4.2-liter V8 engine featuring FSI direct fuel injection. A six-speed manual transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system transfer power to the ground. Exclusive standard features include Dynamic Ride Control, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive headlights and carbon fiber interior trim elements. Options for the RS 4 Sedan include a Bose audio system, six-disc CD changer, navigation system and heated rear seats; these features are standard on the Cabriolet.

The RS 4 Sedan is a carryover from the 2007 model year; for 2008, a Cabriolet version joins the lineup. All RS 4 Sedans get standard satellite radio and Bluetooth wireless connectivity for 2008, along with two new packages: a Titanium Package and an Audi Exclusive Package.

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2009 Audi Q7

2009-05-05T10:38:00.002+06:00

Now in its third model year, the Q7 as established itself in the luxury SUV segment, and like other Audis, is a paragon of driving elegance and interior refinement.

The Audi Q7 comes in three trim levels, 3.6, 3.6 Premium and 4.2 Prestige. The 3.6 is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 280 horsepower and comes standard with five-passenger seating, leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, and 18" wheels. The 3.6 Premium adds heated front seats, seven passenger seating, a power liftgate and satellite radio along with other luxury touches. The 4.2 is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 that produces 350 horsepower and adds even more standard luxuries such as Advanced Key, bi-xenon headlamps, blind spot detection, Bose audio, navigation system and 20" wheels.

The Audi Q7 is basically a carryover from 2008 with some minor changes to standard and optional equipment.

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2009 Audi Q5

2009-05-05T10:36:00.001+06:00

The new Audi Q5 provides the versatility of an SUV with the driving characteristics of a sport sedan, with the goal of being the sportiest in its class.

The Q5 is powered by a 3.2-liter FSI V6 engine, which is bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic, and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system for surefootedness in all conditions. Standard features include 12-way power front seats, wood trim, leather seating, LED rear lights, 18" alloy wheels, rain sensing wipers, a trip computer and SIRIUS satellite radio. Many high-tech features can be had from the option list including Bi-xenon headlights with LED DRL's, power tailgate, voice-controlled navigation system, Bluetooth, memory driver seat, blind spot detection system and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

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2009 Acura TSX

2009-05-05T10:34:00.001+06:00

The all-new second-generation Acura TSX is a sporty sedan that offers a satisfying blend of performance, style and efficiency. Redesigned for 2009, the TSX boasts a more muscular appearance, improved handling and a new electric power steering system, all complemented by enhanced comfort, convenience and safety features.

The front-wheel drive TSX is powered by a 201-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission; a five-speed automatic transmission with SportShift and steering wheel paddles is also available. The TSX is well-equipped, with a power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and HandsFreeLink (Bluetooth) wireless connectivity. An optional Technology Package includes a navigation system with voice activation, integrated rearview camera parking assist and upgraded audio and climate control systems. Standard safety-enhancing features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, front side-impact airbags, overhead curtain airbags and new active anti-whiplash front head restraints.

The Acura TSX is a complete redesign for 2009.

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2009 Acura TL

2009-05-05T10:28:00.001+06:00

The all-new fourth generation Acura TL is a dynamic mid-sized sedan offering a winning combination of performance and luxury.

The TL offers a choice of front-wheel or, new for 2009, all-wheel drive configurations. The front-wheel drive TL is outfitted with a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, while the all-wheel drive TL SH-AWD features a more powerful 305-hp 3.7-liter V6. Both engines are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, featuring Sequential SportShift manual mode and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Acura's exclusive Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhances grip, stability and all-weather control, while a new electric power assist steering system on both models provides direct feedback. Every TL is equipped with a power moonroof, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and HandsFreeLink (Bluetooth) wireless connectivity. The TL SH-AWD is further distinguished by exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, bumper-integrated front brake cooling ducts and quad tailpipes. A Technology Package is available on both models, including a navigation system with voice activation, keyless access, upgraded audio, premium leather and a rear decklid spoiler with integrated rearview camera.

The Acura TL is completely redesigned for 2009. It receives exterior and interior styling refinements, more powerful engines and additional standard features. An enthusiast-oriented all-wheel drive model also debuts, replacing the previous generation TL Type-S.

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2009 Volkswagen Eos

2009-03-05T01:19:00.004+05:00

The Volkswagen Eos is an affordable hardtop convertible with a unique integrated power panoramic sunroof that sets it apart from all other retractable hardtop convertibles on the market.

The Eos is powered by a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG automatic transmission. A 12-way power driver seat is standard on both the Komfort and Lux trims, while Lux adds a 12-way power passenger seat. Standard features include: convertible-specific electronic climate control, 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, heated seats and leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Safety features include active rollover bars, an electronic stability system, tire pressure monitoring and front and side airbags.

For 2009, the Volkswagen Eos has been slimmed down to two trims (Komfort and Lux), the VR6 engine choice has been dropped, and VW's new no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program has been added.

2009 Volkswagen CC

2009-03-05T01:07:00.003+05:00

The CC is an all-new vehicle from Volkswagen for 2009. The CC is a Passat wrapped in a dramatic and stylish four-door body with flowing lines and a bold face.

Power comes from either a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, or a 280-hp 3.6-liter narrow-angle V6 (VR6). Both engines are available with front-wheel drive, while the VR6 can also be equipped with all-wheel drive. The CC carries four people in ergonomic sport-type seats, leather seating surfaces are standard on all but the leatherette equipped Sport trim level. Standard safety features include electronic stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, panic brake assist, six airbags, front row seatbelt pretensioners and a tire pressure monitoring system. Features such as a panoramic sunroof, Dynaudio stereo system, navigation system, back-up camera and satellite radio are also standard on some trim levels, optional on others.

The new 2009 CC also includes VW's new no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program.

2009 Volvo C70

2009-03-05T00:49:00.005+05:00

The Volvo C70 is a four-seater convertible with brilliant styling and elegant lines, and the retractable hardtop is an engineering masterpiece.

The C70 only comes in one model, the hardtop convertible. It is powered by a 227-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five engine matched with a six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional. Safety features include electronic stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution. In addition to the required front airbags, there are side airbags in front, and air curtains which activate upwards from the doors, even with the windows rolled down. The Rollover Protection System, a pop-up rollbar, is activated by a "pyrotechnic charge", which will smash the rollbars through the glass if the roof is up.

For 2009, the Volvo C70 carries over from 2008.

2009 Volvo C30

2009-03-05T00:28:00.008+05:00

The Volvo C30 has smooth styling and a dynamic chassis. This sporty four-seater combines an exciting drive with Volvo's customary safety features.

Available in T5 and R-Design trims the front-wheel drive C30 has a sporty front MacPherson strut/rear multi-link suspension. Powered by a 227-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder engine, it is matched with a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed Geartronic automatic. The safety features are up to Volvo's excellent standards with six airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, whiplash protection, side-impact protection, and stability traction control. Volvo continues its' Custom Build ordering process, allowing the customer to select almost any combination of options.

The 2009 Volvo C30 carries over from 2008, adding the R-Design package.

Auto Insurance Tips

2009-02-21T22:13:00.003+05:00

1. As you are researching insurance companies to purchase auto insurance from, make sure that your first educate yourself on your driving record. To get an initial estimate, insurance companies will ask you to remember the number of tickets and accidents you have had in the last x-number of years. The number of years that an insurance company looks back changes from company to company. Therefore, if you have a poor driving record five years ago, but in the last three years you have improved, look for a company that adjusts rates according to a three-year record. Also, companies use a CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report from Equifax to determine your rates. You can purchase one, and you might consider it as you are shopping around for insurance companies.

2. Purchasing a car brings up many questions about how your insurance will be affected. If you are using a loan, most lending institutions require that you purchase both comprehensive and collision. Insurance companies take a vehicle’s safety features and the cost of repair into consideration when they are setting insurance premiums. Generally, the vehicle that has the most safety features and that would be the least expensive to fix would be the car with the lowest premium. Using this criteria, exotic cars would be the most expensive to insure because of the cost of repairs if the car was damaged. However, sedans would be the least expensive because they are reasonable to fix and have many safety features.

3. When you get married, think about combining all of your cars and your spouse’s cars onto one policy. Holding one policy may be less expensive than holding two separate ones because of the discounts that could be available. Check with your carrier to see whether they offer discounts if you insure multiple cars with them. Some insurance companies also lower insurance premiums for males under the age of twenty-five who are married (males generally are not as aggressive when they are married, and less aggressiveness results in fewer accidents and speeding tickets).

4. The theft of a car is a traumatic experience. In case of theft, you should keep copies of your license, registration, and insurance in your home. Also, if you have updated your car (adding stereo equipment, new tires, etc.), you should keep receipts of those purchases. You should also have some sort of security system on your cars (most new cars come with these systems installed; such systems also lower insurance premiums). If your car is ever stolen, you should contact the police first and then your insurance company. Your insurance company should work quickly to get you into a rental car while the police are investigating.

5. Personal injury protection is coverage that pays for the medical or funeral expenses of you or your family if you are injured in an auto accident. Personal injury protection is a smart addition if you have poor health and life insurance. However, if you have health and life insurance policies that would offer sufficient coverage in the event of a fatality, personal injury protection is an additional coverage that is not needed. If you are looking at reducing your rates and you already have medical coverage from another source, you could reduce the amount of personal injury coverage on your auto insurance policy.

6. Uninsured and underinsured motorists protection is essential to your insurance policy. Uninsured motorists insurance is required in several states, and it covers bodily injury when an accident occurs with an uninsured driver or a driver of a stolen car. It also covers hit-and-run accidents. Underinsured motorists coverage pays the balance of medical costs up to the policy limit when the at-fault motorist’s insurance is insufficient to pay for all of the costs. Because of the prevalence of uninsured and underinsured motorists, you should purchase a high limit of uninsured and underinsured protection as it will, in the end, cost much less if an accident occurs.

7. Adding teenage drivers to your insurance is an expensive proposition. As you are considering purchasing insurance, consider a few factors: first, females generally cost less than males to insure; second, shop around for insurance companies that offer discounts for driver’s education classes, good grades, and driving logs; third, as you are insuring teenage drivers, your premiums will be lower if the drivers are occasional drivers; fourth, teenagers have a high accident rate, so consider purchasing high liability coverage and lower comprehensive coverage; and fourth, the type of car teenagers drive—whether it is new, sporty, or exotic—will also determine the premiums.

8. When you are purchasing auto insurance, consider paying the complete premium when you sign up. Insurance companies generally offer discounts for those that pay the premium up front opposed to over a period of months. Paying in full at the beginning of the insurance period reduces an insurance company’s administrative costs in processing and checking your payments on a monthly basis. Paying up front is the most economical option.

9. Motorcycle insurance can either be purchased through a company that specializes in motorcycle insurance by creating another insurance policy, or it can be purchased through your auto insurance company. Many auto insurance companies offer motorcycle insurance. A miscellaneous category on the policy can insure motorcycles, mopeds, and motor homes. Adding motorcycles onto an existing policy can be more economical than creating a new policy. Also, if you do not ride your motorcycle in the winter, reduce your coverage for the motorcycle during that season. If you are not going to be riding it, why purchase expensive coverage?

10.If you have a child visiting for a period of time and that child would like to use your car, you should check with your insurance company about whether you should add your child back onto your insurance policy. Personal insurance policies cover you, your family, your friends, and any of your associates that drive your car and do so believing that you would have permitted them to drive it. In the case of a child using a car on a consistent basis over an extended period of time, you should check with your insurance company to see how many consecutive days a child would need to drive a car before adding that child onto your insurance.

Understand what automobile leasing is — and what it's not

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The concept of leasing is fairly simple, yet many automotive consumers don't completely understand it and are often skeptical, even afraid of it. It is frequently misunderstood as a kind of "rent-to-own" scheme hatched up by clever dealers to separate good people from their money.

There are even well-meaning but misinformed "experts" who are quick to advise against leasing because "it's all a scam" or "it's the same as renting and you throw your money away" or "it's only good for businesses."

In fact, leasing is a well-respected and common financial concept that has been used in the commercial world for decades as a method of financing buildings, equipment, and vehicles — although it is still relatively new to most automotive consumers.

Car leasing is not renting, as many people mistakenly believe. Because many consumers still are not sufficiently informed, there have certainly been cases in which mistakes have been made and in which customers' lack of knowledge has been taken advantage of, sometimes fraudulently.

Understand how car leasing works

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As with any business transaction, the key to successful and intelligent auto leasing is understanding how the process works, taking the time to properly prepare yourself before making decisions, and learning to use leasing to your benefit rather than to your disadvantage.

Without at least a basic understanding of leasing concepts, knowing how to get a good deal, and knowing how payments are figured; you expose yourself to the very real possibility of making mistakes, significantly overpaying, or worse, being cheated.

Leasing is a method of financing, similar to a loan. It would be a mistake to think that consumer car leasing is like apartment leasing, apartment renting, or car renting. It is not. The differences are so significant that any attempt to try to understand one by drawing on your knowledge of the other will only result in a serious misunderstanding.

Let's make an important statement here: You shouldn't consider leasing an automobile unless you have an understanding of car leasing fundamentals and how it works. Don't lease if you don't understand it. Understand how car leasing works and it can work for you.

That is what this Lease Guide is all about.

Why is car leasing popular?

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Two factors helped cause the shift to leasing. First, the cost of new cars has rapidly spiraled upwards over the last few decades, often putting prices out of reach of average buyers. Second, federal tax law changes in the late 1980's eliminated finance interest deductions on automobile loans, which further increased ownership cost. The net effect is that people have become increasingly eager to find ways to make personal vehicles more affordable.

Auto manufacturers and finance companies have come to the rescue in a big way with consumer car leasing programs. These programs are simply a modified version of business leasing that have been around for years. This helps explain much of the strange language and confusing concepts associated with consumer leasing today.

In a nutshell, leasing has become popular because it offers people a way to drive the vehicles they want — often better vehicles than they could buy — for less money and less hassle. Low monthly payments are the big attraction, although we'll soon find out why it's important to look at other factors before deciding to lease.

Auto Insurance - Companies Or Broker, Which is Better?

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A number of people engaged in obtaining auto insurance are really not aware whether they are dealing with an insurance company or an insurance broker. This has happened because a number of insurance brokers advertise themselves as the company in spite of restrictions imposed by the government. Consumers are led astray many times and even end up getting cheated.

You could easily identify the insurance brokerage firms by identifying the suffix in their names such as services, brokerage or agency. If your state does not allow such differentiation you can get in touch with the local authorities to get more information. You should never ever avoid this step while obtaining insurance.

Internet has brought in tremendous benefits to a number of companies including insurance companies. Take complete advantage of the internet and find as such details as possible about the company you are dealing with on the net. You can also avail of a number of benefits the companies offer for internet customers which your insurance broker may not offer.

The days have gone where you used to make repeated calls to your insurance broker and kept chasing him/her to obtain that insurance you badly needed for your car. Today with the internet you can just obtain a quote online in the comfort of your home after filling in the required information. You won't be surprised at the number of mails reaching your mailbox. They will come with a number of benefits and you will need to spend time thinking on which company to choose. Finally you must choose a company which is reputed and offers you a rate which you can comfortably pay. As a warning don't just go for the cheapest company.

You will realize that although the insurance brokers are a better alternative and you could obtain insurance after a couple of calls you will not get the benefits offered by the insurance companies. This does not in any way mean that there are no good insurance brokers out there. You will find a number of brokers who take care of the customer's interest and they provide cheap quotes which will delight their customers. The advice that they provide can be invaluable.

In the end it is finally up to you to make that choice whether to go for a broker or approach the company directly.

Women, Get What You Deserve - Cheap Car Insurance

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The statistics speak for themselves - women are safer on the road than men. So girls, make sure you're picking up a cheaper car insurance premium to reflect this.

Figures from the Home Office show that women are the safest on the road and more law abiding than their male counterparts. Indeed men are responsible for 94 per cent of convictions of death by dangerous driving and statistics from the Transport Department show that in 2005 there were 6,529 male casualties on the UK's roads compared to just 2,968 female.

With men also involved in 97 per cent of dangerous driving convictions it's clear that females have a superior record on the road. However, they must take a savvy approach to their car insurance shopping to ensure this is reflected through premium savings.

The first step is to compare car insurance quotes online. There are a host of female branded car insurance providers to choose from including Diva Insurance, Ladybird, Diamond and Sheila's Wheels. These specialists claim they can offer cheaper premiums to females because they brand the deals to them and also offer special incentives such as handbag cover and child seat cover.

However, while these incentives can be worth consideration, it is still possible to find cheaper deals from a more conventional provider - as such you should take a complete overview of the market with a comparison website.

While women have a superior driving record to men, they often fall victim to car crime so enhancing the security of a vehicle is a vital step towards making savings. Install a good car alarm, immobiliser and tracking device to earn discounts each month - the Thatcham range of alarms are particularly popular.

How to Cut Your Car Insurance Premiums in Half

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Fancy reducing your car insurance premiums by more than 50 percent? It can be done. A price comparison website has undertaken research into simple steps a family can take over the course of a year to reduce the premiums on a range of insurance products. Though the survey took into account payment protection, life, travel and home insurance products, by the far biggest savings could be achieved with car insurance.

The most crucial step is to shop around with an online car insurance comparison tool. According to the study, a 45-year-old male driver with a Ford Focus and five years' no-claims could pay as much as £1,458.63 through provider Marker Study Group. However, the same driver using a comparison website could pick up a policy for just £202.73 through Swiftcover. That's not just 50 percent off - it's more than a 70 percent reduction.

Admittedly the savings for you may not be this extensive. Car insurance by its very nature is variable and influenced by a number of factors including your personal circumstances and the car you drive. However, it's clear that if one driver can slash more than £1,000 off an annual premium just by switching providers it's well worth taking a look to see how much you could save by following a similar approach.

Indeed there are several other ways to save on car insurance too. For example, if you are a younger motorist you could add an older family member to your policy as a named driver, potentially saving more than £280 a year. Changing your policy excess from around £100 to £500 could cut your premiums by more than £50 and adding a partner to a policy could also reduce your payments by more than £20.

Tips on Finding Facts of Auto Insurance Companies

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Are you thinking of buying a car? You need to spend some time to gather on some important fact about the insurance companies. Whether you intend to buy the car insurance for yourself, your spouse or your teenage kid there are some things you need to know for this process. Insurance cost is increasing on a daily basis and people are just on the lookout for insurance they can afford. There are some auto insurance facts that play a key role you in the amount you need to shell out of your pockets.

The kind of car you will be driving is the primary factor in calculating the cost of insurance. If you are driving a sports car then you should be prepared to shell out some money. If you have a good driving history then you need not worry on the contrary if you are a bad driver and have been involved in accidents you will end up paying a decent amount of money as premiums to the insurance companies

Some ways by which you could reduce your insurance premium is by installing anti theft devices or security devices in your vehicles since this will reduce the risk of your car being stolen.

Another way is to buy insurance from companies which are purely internet based. For this just go online and just compare the quotes from these online companies. You will also save time. Just a word of caution cheaper is not always better.

You should know that all companies are different and these companies will offer you some schemes to jump aboard them. So take a look at the features these companies offer, their reputation and reliability.

So first decide whether you need a full coverage or just third party insurance. Next most insurance companies include options for damage liability, medical cover, insurance. Some of the insurance companies will include all of these as part of the package while other will charge you for it. Therefore a word of advice is to shop around and gather all the important facts before you buy insurance for yourself or your family. Only once you have done it should you go and buy a car.

Buying Auto Insurance - Agent or Direct?

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Who sells auto insurance?
You can buy car insurance in different ways, from a variety of sources, depending on the insurance company. Does it make a difference how or where you buy? It might. Let's take a look.

There are essentially four ways to purchase auto insurance. They are:
From an agent (employed representative) of an insurance company
From an independent agent
From an online broker
Directly from an insurance company

Some insurance companies use only one of these methods of selling to customers, others may use a combination of methods. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Auto Insurance Companies - Which is Best?

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Selecting the best auto insurance company – best rates and best customer service
People use different criteria for choosing an auto insurer. Some base their decision on the opinions of friends, some on marketing and advertising promotions, and others simply on the cost of premiums.

Typically, new auto insurance buyers tend to choose the lowest cost provider, assuming that most providers are essentially the same. As they become more experienced, and after having made a claim or two, they become more wise to other factors that determine a good car insurance company. Let's be clear, all insurance companies are not alike.

Eventually, most automotive insurance buyers place the most importance on how companies treat them after filing a claim. Low premiums become much less important if a company won't pay when they should, or immediately raise rates after an accident.

What's the problem?
Many thousands of auto insurance customers are happy with their insurers. A significant number of people have been with the same insurance company for 15 years or more. However, other customers don't find their companies very satisfactory. The most frequent complaints that customers have with car insurance providers are:
Refused claims
Slow adjustment process
Unsatisfactory payout on claims
Feel forced to use insurer's repair shop
Poor repair quality
High premiums
Company raised rates after accident
Lack of personal attention or compassion
Billing, policy, and other non-claim issues

Unfortunately, most of these problems don't surface until after a claim has been filed, when it's too late to find another company. That is why it is important to do your homework before selecting an insurance provider.

If you have been involved in an accident and are being sued or are not satisfied with your insurance company, you may need to get help from an accident attorney. See our article: How to Find an Auto Accident Lawyer.

How to choose the best car insurance company

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There are a number of ways you can go about choosing a good insurer.

Research consumer opinions - Consumer Reports magazine frequently surveys readers on auto insurance companies. The last large survey results were reported in the March 2006 issue. The survey measures overall customer satisfaction and claim problems. Of the 27 companies reported, satisfaction score difference between the best company and the worst company was only 16 points out of 100. This is hardly enough of a difference to make for a solid decision choice. Find the report on Consumer Reports' web site (a subscription fee is required) or look for the magazine at your local library.

Browse online forums - Consumer forums and automotive discussion boards often have sections in which car insurance is discussed. These sources change frequently and the quality of the information can vary widely, so don't use this as your only research source. Remember that people who have experienced problems are more likely to post comments than those who don't have problems.

Ask repair shop managers - Nobody knows about car insurance companies any better than the body shops that have to deal with them. Ask the owners or administrative managers of accident repair shops about which insurers are the best to deal with – which are the least trouble when settling claims and paying for proper repairs. We've seen body shops in which auto insurance company ratings were actually posted on the wall in the waiting room. Don't forget your car dealer's body shop, if he has one.

Check state government data - Most states have departments that regulate insurance companies and and handle complaints against them. This may be the Attorney General's office of consumer affairs or it may be the office of the Insurance Commissioner. You can often find which auto insurance companies have the best and worse complaint rates on your state's website. Actually, it may be helpful to look at other state's web sites as well. Just be aware that most state web sites are not well designed or out of date, and it may be somewhat difficult to find the information you need.

Use broker web sites - Insurance broker web sites (see recommended sites below) are one of the best and easiest ways to compare auto insurance companies online. Brokers work with multiple insurance companies so that they can offer customers a variety of choices to meet their needs. It's easier than shopping individual companies on your own. Their services are free. Some of these broker sites contain comparative information and ratings.

Get quotes from as many companies as you can (quotes are free) so that you have plenty of data to compare. The more information you provide when asking for a quote, the more accurate your quote price will be. Many people overpay for their insurance simply because they do not shop around enough.

Truck Leasing - Lease Your Truck

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Some things you need to know about truck leasing

Personal Use
To lease a truck for personal use is no different than leasing a car or SUV. A lease offers lower monthly payments than buying with a loan, and may not require a down payment. There are also savings on sales tax in most states. Therefore, leasing may cost you less to get into a new truck, and can save you on monthly cost as well.

However, before making a decision about whether to lease or buy, understand that leasing is best for people who drive no more than about 15,000 miles per year, like to have a new truck every 3-4 years, take good care of their vehicles, don't care about building ownership equity, and have a stable lifestyle such that they won't need to end the lease early.

Ending a lease early can be very expensive. It's more than simply paying termination fees. It means paying the balance of the lease, considering the wholesale auction value of the truck. In most cases, ending a lease early is very impractical. Therefore, if you think you might not be able to complete a lease, then don't lease.

If you plan on using your truck for heavy duty or rough utility purposes, such that the body and bed might be damaged or scratched, you might not want to lease. The reason is you may have to pay for those damages at lease-end when you return your truck to the lease company. Any damages beyond "normal" wear and tear can result in charges to you. Of course, you could get the repairs done yourself prior to returning your leased truck. Or, if you decide to purchase your vehicle at lease-end, the damages won't matter.

Also be aware that many trucks do not have high lease-end residual values as would a luxury car. This makes it more expensive to lease most trucks than a comparable car lease. There are exceptions of course. The Ford F-150 is an example of a truck that maintains good residual value and makes a good lease vehicle. Our Lease Kit contains a full list of all car and truck residual values and lease ratings.

You can expect lease payments on your truck to be approximately 30%-50% less than comparable loan payments for the same vehicle, same terms. If you watch for manufacturer-sponsored lease deals, you can get even better terms.

Since price is the most important factor in a lease deal, look for rebates and dealer discounts. We recommend getting dealer price quotes, which will include any available rebates and discounts, from InvoiceDealers, Edmunds, and Yahoo! Autos. It is best to get multiple quotes so that you have plenty of prices to compare and choose from.

Business and Commercial Use
Truck leasing for commercial or business use is different than personal vehicle leasing, although the purposes are about the same.

First, the type of lease used for commercial truck leasing is different. Most business vehicle leases are "open-end" leases, while personal leases are "closed-end."

Open-end leases have flexible lease-end residuals and are less structured to allow a company to use the vehicle as they need to, and pay for that use at lease-end. Monthly payments are higher than for personal leases and lease-end cost risk is higher. However, these costs are all tax deductible.

Commercial truck leasing offers a number of advantages over outright purchases or financed ownership:

No up-front investment and lower monthly expenses. Operating funds and capital are preserved for more useful purposes.

Predictable expenses when the lease plan includes fixed monthly payments, maintenance, and service

Most commercial truck leases are operating leases and considered off-balance-sheet financing. Leased trucks do not show up on the company balance sheet as an asset and will not affect financial ratios, making it easier to keep credit options open.

Truck lease payments are tax deductible and reduce AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax ) liability.

Truck leasing companies exist all over the U.S. and Canada. Companies such as Penske, Ryder, PacLease, NationaLease and many others are examples. Search online or look in your local telephone yellow pages for truck lease companies in your area.

Car Leasing and Car Renting - What's the Difference?

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Many automotive consumers assume that car renting and car leasing are the same thing, or are very similar.

Not true.

This misconception may come about from the fact that apartment renting – which is very familiar to most people – and apartment leasing are essentially the same thing.

It is therefore natural for someone not familiar with car leasing to assume that it is much like apartment renting or leasing.

It is not.

What is car renting?

Car rental companies exist to fulfill the short-term automobile use needs of traveling business people, vacationers, or those who might need a particular type of vehicle for temporary use.

Rental cars are owned by a rental company and are made available to customers for relatively short-term use. The company maintains and services its vehicles and carries basic insurance. Customers agree to not damage the vehicle, to buy gas, to purchase additional insurance if personal auto insurance is not applicable, and to return the vehicle within a specified time. All maintenance is handled by the rental company.

Rent rates are determined by the car rental company, based on a daily or weekly fee, and includes either unlimited mileage or an additional mileage rate. The method by which rates are determined is not revealed to customers and can vary widely, even within the same rental company, based on various discount schemes.

Rental companies make money by renting the same car over and over again.

Car renting is not a form of financing, as is leasing.

Car renting is much the same as apartment renting or leasing.

What is leasing?
By contrast, leasing is actually a method of vehicle financing that is very similar to loan financing. A lease company — or manufacturer's finance company – only gets involved after a customer decides he wants lease financing. The lease company buys the car from the dealer at the customer-negotiated price and loans it back to the customer.

The "loan" in this case is not money, but a vehicle. Since the lease company has invested money in the vehicle, they expect to be paid interest on that money. Since all cars depreciate in value, they also want to be compensated for the reduced value of the vehicle as the customer adds miles to it and as the vehicle becomes older. It will not be worth as much when it's returned to them as when it was new.

At lease-end, vehicles are returned to the lease company as the final payment of the "loan." Lease payments are easy to calculate using a well-defined formula used throughout the leasing industry, unlike car renting for which there is no way for customers to calculate rental rates.

In short, lease payments are determined by the negotiated selling price of the vehicle, anticipated depreciated value at lease-end (residual value), term (length of lease), and the money factor (financing rate, similar to interest rate). See How Car Lease Payments are Calculated.

A leased vehicle is usually only leased once, when it's new, not over and over again like a rental car.

How are car renting and car leasing different
Leasing is a form of financing; renting is not. Lease terms begin at 24 months; renting can be for as little as a day or less.

You may be able to swap cars in the middle of a rental; not so with leasing. Since leasing is a form of financing, customer credit scores, income, and debt are important; not so with renting.

Leasing appears on your credit report just like a loan; renting does not. Defaulting on a lease damages your credit score; defaulting on a rental does not.

With renting, you choose your vehicle from rental companies' available makes and models. With leasing, you can lease any new vehicle make and model you want.

It's easy to end a rental early by simply returning the car, while ending a lease early can be very costly, because it's a long-term contract.

For the same length of time, renting is much more expensive than leasing.

Why car leasing is not like apartment leasing
Cars depreciate in value and require money to purchase. Leasing pays for the depreciation and interest on the money provided by a lease company to purchase the car.

Apartments are real estate and generally don't rapidly depreciate in value, as do automobiles. In fact, many increase in value unless they are not maintained well. Therefore apartment rental fees do not pay for specifically depreciation or anything else specific. There is no interest or finance charges. An apartment owner needs to make enough money to pay the mortgage, taxes, utilities, upkeep, and make a profit. He can rent his apartment over and over again, long after it's new.

There is no formula to calculate apartment rental rates, as there is with car leasing.

Nothing to show for your money
It's true with apartment renting that you have absolutely nothing to show for the money you've paid, and rental rates can easily be higher than mortgage payments for a home.

It's also true with car leasing that you have nothing to show for your money. However....you've paid 30%-60% less than loan payments for the same car, and you have specifically paid for your car's depreciation, and only the depreciation, not the entire vehicle cost.

The money you've lost to depreciation is exactly the same money that is lost by someone who has purchased the same car with a loan. His car depreciates exactly the same amount as your leased car, but he pays for the entire vehicle. He therefore has nothing to show for that part of the money that is lost to depreciation if he sells or trades. That money is gone, for both a buyer and a leaser.

Advantages of Car Leasing

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Car leasing can offer advantages and be an attractive alternative to buying, although it's not for everyone, as we'll discuss later. You must decide about the importance and priority of these benefits to you.

So, what are the potential advantages of leasing?

Lower Monthly Payments
Because you only pay for the portion of the car or truck that you actually use, your monthly payments are 30%-60% lower than for a purchase loan for the same car and same term.

More Car, More Often
Since your monthly payments are lower, you get more car for the same money and drive a new vehicle every two to four years, depending on the term length of your leases.

Fewer Maintenance Headaches
Most people like to lease for a term that coincides with the length of the manufacturer's warranty coverage so that if something goes wrong with the car, the repairs are always covered.

Lower Upfront Cash Outlay
Most leases require little or no down payment, which makes getting into a new car more affordable and frees up your cash for other things. However, you can choose to make a down payment, or trade in your old vehicle, to lower your monthly payment amount.

Lower Tax Bite
In most states of the U.S. and in Canada, you don't pay sales tax on the entire value of a leased vehicle as you would if you purchased. You're only taxed on the portion of the value that you use during your lease. The tax is spread out and paid along with your monthly lease payment instead of being paid all at once.

No Used-Car Hassles
With leasing, the headaches of selling a used car are eliminated. When your lease ends, you simply turn it back to the leasing company and walk away, unless you decide to buy it or trade it.

Gap Coverage Included
Most leases automatically include free "gap" protection in case your vehicle is totaled in an accident or stolen, and you still owe more than the vehicle is worth. Loans do not generally come with gap protection.

Luxury Car Lease

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Why lease a luxury car? What's different about luxury car leasing?

Luxury car leasing is different

How is it different? It's not that luxury cars are more expensive, or that the leasing process is different, but because the consumer doing the leasing is typically different.

Luxury car consumer
High-end automotive consumers have different priorities, different values, bigger bank accounts, and prefer to transact business differently than people acquiring less expensive vehicles.

They have a tendency to lease rather than buy. "High-line" vehicles are leased at the rate of 50% - 70%, depending on brand, compared to only 20% - 30% for non-luxury models.

Luxury auto consumers tend to value time, efficiency, quality of service, and business relationship when dealing with financing. Spending a great deal of time shopping and haggling for bargain deals is less important that establishing a relationship with a company they can trust and depend on to genuinely look out for their interests.

High-end customrs tend to be more loyal to a brand and a dealership over a long period of time.

Luxury cars make good leases
Luxury automobiles make the best lease values, dollar for dollar, due to high lease-end residual values relative to MSRP. In fact, luxury vehicles, as a category, are leased significantly more often than vehicles in any other category.
The best lease deals are for those vehicles, such as Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche, Land Rover, and BMW, with the highest future resale values, or residual values, relative to their original cost. A high residual value creates a low monthly lease payment.

In fact, a better lease deal can often be obtained by leasing a high-residual luxury car than by leasing a car with a lower residual value, even though the price of the luxury car is the same or greater. This is the reason smart automotive consumers tend to lease a luxury vehicle.

Being smart about money is a typical characteristic of high-end car leasers. High-line leasing consumers are not trying to save a few bucks — they have the money to buy the car they want. They simply know that it's not smart to put money into depreciating assets (automobiles) when that money could be used for more productive purposes.

Independent lease companies and luxury cars
More than 20% of luxury automobile consumers finance their loans and leases outside of car dealerships, according to a recent report by JD Power and Associates.

Independent lease companies such as Primelease can, in most cases, beat luxury car dealers on prices and lease rates because high-end manufacturers don't subsidize deals and offer incentives nearly to the extent that low-mid-range vehicle manufacturers do. Furthermore, luxury car dealers don't like to be viewed as "discounters."

Finance companies who lease luxury cars typically require their clients to have "prime" credit ratings. This means a high FICO® credit score of 700 or greater. Lower credit scores can mean higher lease rates, large down payments, and security deposits — and possibly higher insurance rates.

For high-line vehicle leases an independent lease company can be more flexible and responsive to customers' needs than dealers, who are restrained by car manufacturers' rules. For example, when new models come out and are limited in dealers' inventories, independent lease companies can search the entire country for the exact car you want.

Benefits of leasing luxury cars
People who lease high-line cars like the convenience of a quick easy business transaction, like having a new style car every two or three years, like avoiding maintenace and repair headaches, and like avoiding disposing of used cars. They also like the option of minimizing cash outlay.

In summary, luxury car leasing is different, the people who lease luxury cars are different, and the companies who lease luxury cars are different.

Car Lease Insurance

2009-02-21T22:07:00.001+05:00

Some things you need to know about insurance before you lease

Most auto lease companies require you to maintain insurance coverage as follows:
Liability coverage: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence
Property liability coverage: $50,000
Comprehensive and collision for actual value with no more than $500 deductible.

In Canada, $1,000,000 in liability coverage is required for car insurance when leasing.

This may be more coverage than you would normally buy, which could mean an additional leasing expense — unless you know how to get better rates. Most people are already paying too much for insurance, before they lease.

What's the deal with car insurance when leasing?

2009-02-21T22:06:00.001+05:00

When you lease, your vehicle belongs to the lease company. They want to make sure that their investment is covered should you have an accident that damages or destroys the vehicle, or if the vehicle is stolen. They may also want you to have sufficient liability coverage in case you are at fault in causing an accident. This not only protects you from financial disaster, but it also protects the lease company if they should be held partly responsible.

Of course, having sufficient car insurance coverage is smart whether you are leasing or not. Many people attempt to get by with minimum coverage required by law but it's a big risk since there's so much to lose. Accidents do happen. Large lawsuits are common. If you have insufficient car insurance coverage, you can be personally sued for additional money after your insurance has been paid. Many smart consumers add additional coverage with "umbrella" policies.

Auto Insurance for Teenagers

2009-02-21T22:05:00.002+05:00

Teens and Car Insurance
When teenagers first begin to drive, they quickly discover that auto insurance is and will continue to be a major factor in their driving lives.

First, they discover that it is required by state laws. In most states you cannot buy a car, get tags, or drive a car without at least a minimum level of auto insurance.

Second, they discover that insurance is expensive, especially for teenagers, and especially for male teenagers under 18 years old.

Third, teens often don't understand why insurance is important and why it is needed, and why it is smart to have it.

Why do I need insurance?
Teens often question the need for insurance, especially when it is so expensive — and they don't expect to ever be an accident anyway. Let's ask this question a slightly different way. Under what conditions would you not need auto insurance?

If you were financially wealthy and didn't care about the risk of losing a substantial portion of your wealth, you could self-insure. That is, you would use your own money to pay for damage repairs, a replacement vehicle if your current vehicle is stolen or destroyed, towing and storage charges, rental car charges, medical bills associated with an accident, lawsuits by other parties when you are at fault in an accident that causes damages, injuries, or death, as well as attorney fees, and property damages.

However, those who might be able to self-insure don't for two reasons. First, the cost of auto insurance is relatively small compared to the potential financial losses associated with self-insurance. Why risk losing thousands or millions of dollars in an at-fault lawsuit? Second, states have laws requiring liability insurance as a way of proving financial responsibility. Although a bank full of cash might seem to accomplish the same thing, most state laws don't see it that way. State laws vary, so car insurance in New Jersey is not the same as in California.

Another reason for having auto insurance for those who buy with a loan or lease is that bank and finance companies insist on it. In fact, most require "full coverage" insurance, which exceeds minimum state law requirements. They want to protect their investment during the time of the loan or lease. If the vehicle is destroyed or stolen while they still have money invested, they want to be sure they are paid first.

In summary, you need car insurance to protect you, protect your finances, protect your family, protect your finance company, and protect other parties and property for which you might be responsible. Insurance is all about protection.

Types of insurance
An auto insurance policy might include one or more of the following types of coverage:
Liability - Protection from risks associated with property damage and personal injury to others. Legal actions against at-fault drivers is becoming more common and more expensive. Multi-million dollar legal settlements are not unusual. Without insurance, a single accident could easily ruin an unfortunate family's life. For this reason, liability coverage is the most important part of such a policy. Liability insurance is required by law in most states.
Comprehensive - Protection from the cost of non-collision damages, vandalism, theft, weather-related damage, or natural disasters. Comprehensive coverage typically pays for the cost of repairs, or in the case that the vehicle is totally destroyed or stolen, the cost of a replacement vehicle - at "cash value" of the old vehicle. A deductible lessens the amount you are paid.
Collision - Protection from the cost of repairing damages to your own vehicle. A deductible lessens the amount you are paid, but also reduces premium cost.. If the cost of repairs exceeds about 75% of the value of the vehicle, the insurance company may decide to "total" the vehicle and pay fair-market replacement cost.
Medical - Pays medical costs to you or other parties for accidental injuries associated with your automobile. There are limits specified in your policy regarding maximum amounts paid for each incident.
Uninsured Motorist - Protection from costs associated with an accident caused by another driver with insufficient liability coverage - or no liability coverage.
Towing and Labor - Pays cost of towing and storing your damaged or disabled vehicle. Maximums usually apply.
Rental Reimbursement - Pays cost of renting a replacement vehicle after an accident.
Gap Coverage - Pays the difference between the amount owed on a loan or lease and the "cash value" paid by your insurance company in case of theft, fire, or accident. A gap waiver or gap insurance is usually provided with most leases, but not loans. Some auto insurance companies offer it and some do not. If you are going to be "upside down" on your loan, it's good coverage to have.

How much coverage do you need?
Many drivers view auto insurance as a necessary evil and buy as little coverage as they can get by with to minimize costs. State laws may dictate what and how much liability coverage is required, and whether no-fault coverage is required. If you buy with a loan or lease, the finance company may dictate minimum coverage requirements. They may even tell you the maximum deductible you can choose.

Beyond the requirements of your state laws or finance company, you have some ability to determine the kind of coverage you want, how much, what deductible, and what add-ons you want. Generally, the more coverage you have, the better you are protected.

For example, you can add more liability coverage, which can be a smart thing to do in these days of multi-million dollar legal settlements, especially when medical costs are involved. Many policies only cover $50,000 or less. If your auto insurance policy doesn't cover the full cost of a large settlement, you are personally responsible for the remainder.

You can also adjust your deductible amount, within limits. If you have sufficient cash available in case of an accident, you can set a high deductible to reduce your premium cost. However, many people who set high deductibles really can't afford to pay but bet on the chance they'll never have to. Not a good move.

Dropping collision and comprehensive coverage is another opportunity to save money. You should only do it, however, if you can afford to buy a replacement vehicle or pay for repairs from your own pocket. As mentioned previously, your loan or lease company may require this coverage even though you feel you don't want it.

Many insurance companies now look at your credit score and offer lower rates to people with high scores - 700 and above. You should know your FICO® credit score before you begin shopping for insurance.

Whose policy is it anyway?
Until a teen becomes 18 years old, they cannot buy insurance on their own. Therefore, most teens are simply added to their parents' policy, which is less expensive than a separate policy anyway. Some teens believe that they can simply not inform the parents' insurance company and avoid the high cost. Not very smart. It might work until the first time the teen is involved in an accident. At that juncture, the insurance company can and will declare no responsibility to cover the costs or lawsuits associated with that accident — and will likely cancel the parents' policy.

How much does auto insurance cost for a teenager?
There is no simple answer to that question. It depends on the type of car (see Cheapest Cars to Insure), where the car is driven, how many miles it is driven, for what purpose it is driven, and what discounts apply. Furthermore, insurance companies are regulated by state laws and rates can differ widely across state lines, even for the same insurance company. In some cases, a teenager may pay as little as $500 a year while in other cases can pay $3000 or more.

Get rate quotes
If you are buying a new policy or adding a teenager to an existing policy, the Internet makes it easy to shop for the best rates. Most people are already paying too much for their auto insurance. Companies frequently adjust rates such that no one company stays in the low cost leader slot very long. Unless you get new quotes every year, you never know that you might be able to get better rates from a different auto insurance company. It's easy to get free rate quotes online.

We recommend NetQuote to get a free insurance quote. It's fast and easy, and they work with multiple companies to get you the lowest rates and best coverage. NetQuote is the nation's oldest insurance broker company (see CBS News with comment). They can get the best rates by shopping your requirements to Allstate, Progressive, AIGdirect, Farmers, and other major insurers. Since these companies are competing with each other for your business, rates are as low as you'll find anywhere.

Car insurance companies are all different

2009-02-21T22:05:00.001+05:00

It's important to re-examine your car insurance at least once a year and every time you acquire a new car. Insurance companies frequently change their rate structures. A company that offers the best rates today may be the highest cost company after they raise their rates.

Furthermore, a company that offers the best rates for minimum-coverage, high-deductible insurance may not offer the best rates for the higher level coverage you need for leasing. Actually, you may be able to find a car insurance company that offers high level coverage for about the same rate as another company's low level coverage.

Recommendations

Before the Internet came along, it was quite a chore to shop for auto insurance. Now, it's a breeze because most companies have web sites. Insurance brokers are also online, making it extremely easy to get multiple instant quotes from different companies from a single source. They save you the trouble of contacting individual insurance companies because they do it for you. The services of these online brokers are free to consumers. They make their money from the insurance companies.

You are under no obligation to accept any quote offered by these companies. There are no fees or costs involved to get quotes from them. It's a no-lose deal. If you don't get rates you like, you can shop elsewhere.

When asking for a quote, you'll get the most accurate quote if you provide all the information requested, including your social security number. If you choose to withhold some of this information, you can still get a "ballpark" quote.

Because some companies base rates partially on credit scores, providing your social security number allows the company to access your credit records for a more accurate quote. These credit inquiries are considered "soft" inquiries and do not count against your score.

Auto insurance industry takes the gas money savings from small car owners

2009-02-21T22:04:00.001+05:00

Gary E. Sattler
Oct 27th 2008 at 8:00AM
Text SizeAAA

Filed under: Insurance, Transportation
Many drivers of smaller automobiles may be smiling about their fuel cost savings, but their smiles may soon fade when they start to realize that the auto insurance industry is taking a share of the money that they aren't paying for gasoline. Let it not be said that smaller automobiles don't come with a cost trade off.

An examination of automobile insurance premiums from The Wall Street Journal reveals that the nature of smaller autos makes them justifiably more expensive to insure. For some smaller cars, such as some of the new hybrid models, replacement parts can be difficult to obtain, and labor costs are sometimes higher than for conventional autos. Additionally, hybrid cars can often take longer to repair.
Karen Block, an independent insurance agent in Medford Wisconsin, indicates that the situation is quite basic and easy to understand. She stated: "Smaller cars have statistically higher repair costs." The Wall Street Journal article reports: "A recent study by the Highway Loss Data Institute, an affiliate of the IIHS, found that overall insurance costs for crash damage were higher for 11 of 12 hybrid cars and SUVs than for their gas-only counterparts."

While the owners of smaller cars may be paying higher costs to have their own cars repaired, it should be noted that their premiums for property damage liability may be lower. This is due to the fact that, when compared to larger vehicles in similar collisions, smaller cars tend to do less damage to the things they hit. There is concern however, that this condition may also mean that smaller cars offer their occupants a reduced level of crash protection, which is why I keep myself surrounded by a full sized Chevy pick-up truck, and keep my wife in her well built Jeep SUV.

Car Insurance: Policy to insure your vehicles helpful tips

2009-02-21T22:03:00.000+05:00

Here are five of the most common blunders to steer around when choosing a policy to insure your wheels.

Recently Five for the Money took a look at some of the biggest mistakes consumers make when buying life insurance (see BusinessWeek.com, 2/1/07, "Life Insurance Blunders to Avoid"). This week we'll tackle car insurance. Auto insurance isn't as fraught a subject as life insurance; buying a sensible policy doesn't need to be a reminder of inevitable death. But that doesn't mean it's easy to negotiate. Having the wrong car insurance, or making the wrong claims, can put a serious ding in someone's financial health.

As with life insurance, some of the rules are straightforward: shop around to ensure a fair deal and review your policy annually to make sure that it still fits your life and financial condition. Here are a few other common mistakes policyholders should swerve away from:

1. Don't assume the insurance salesman is your friend.

The best insurance policies for consumers aren't necessarily the ones that bring in the best numbers and bonuses for salespeople, says Andrew Tignanelli, president of Luthersville (Md.)-based money management outfit Financial Consulate. Remember that the next time you go shopping for car insurance. Often it's in the salesman's best interest to sell the "least amount of insurance that they can possibly justify." Smaller policies leave insurers less exposed to risk and proportionately tend to be more expensive. As a result, they're more likely to be profitable for the insurer. Because of this conflict of interest and other factors, Tignanelli says he finds that even wealthy clients are often underinsured.

Make sure you have "liability" coverage, which is usually mandatory in most states and covers the costs of another person's car damage and injury. "Comprehensive" will protect you if your car gets stolen, catches fire, or is damaged without coming into contact with another car. And "collision" covers damages if your car collides with another vehicle or object, no matter who's at fault.

2. Don't have a tiny deductible.

When buying auto insurance, consumers frequently think of it as a way to protect themselves against every ding and scratch. That's a bad idea. "You should insure for what you cannot afford to lose," says financial planner Jeffrey Bogue of Bogue Asset Management. That means, don't have a miniscule deductible of $100 or even $250. "If you nickel-and-dime the insurance companies with these small claims, you may get socked with a premium hike or they may say 'we're not going to insure you,' " he says.
Policies with higher deductibles (Bogue says $1,000 is often sensible) that extend to higher coverage levels are not necessarily more expensive and protect drivers from costs associated with more serious car problems. Higher-deductible policies also cost less.

3. Don't assume all cars need the same insurance.

Just as you shouldn't waste insurance on minor incidents, Bogue says some cars just don't need the full insurance package. Drivers always need to maintain their liability insurance in case they cause an accident but some cars just aren't worth the hassle and expense. For example, Bogue's third vehicle is an old Toyota pickup that he uses sparingly. He wouldn't miss it if it "fell off a cliff tomorrow." Insuring it with a reasonable deductible would be useless, he says; it would irritate insurers without promising much upside in the event of a claim.

4. Don't ignore car ownership.

This won't necessarily come up when buying insurance, but vehicle ownership can make all the difference in potential payouts. "There's absolutely no good reason to own a car jointly," says Dr. Steven Podnos, principal at Wealth Care, a financial planning and investment advisory firm in Merritt Island, Fla. If a husband and wife share ownership, both are exposed to liability if one causes an accident. Both can be sued.

Parents should be aware of the age of majority (usually 18) in their state. When the kids reach it they should assume title for their cars so that parents can avoid liability for any mishaps caused by drivers who are of age, but still young.

5. Don't forget your umbrella.

Umbrella policies tend to be very cheap and can help drivers (and homeowners) weather the most severe storms. Say there's been a severe car accident that involves significant property damage extending beyond what a solid insurance policy covers. When this happens, policyholders need umbrellas to shelter them from liability extending beyond the limits of their standard policy.

Since these umbrella policies protect against only the worst accidents, they rarely pay out and so can be bought for very little, sometimes $200 for a policy stretching from where the liability stops to around $2 million in damages, according to John Discepoli of Discepoli Financial Planning near Cincinnati. This could be an amount of car insurance coverage that allows most drivers a smooth ride.

auto insurance quotes....Tips to Save on Car Insurance

2009-02-21T22:02:00.000+05:00

Car insurance can be a confusing subject, especially if you have never held a policy before. Even experienced drivers often find themselves struggling to make sense of the fine print that comes with each auto insurance quote option. Between deductibles, co-pays, taxes and special provisions, it can be difficult to determine where your best chance of saving money may be hiding. Making matters even more confusing is the fact that most insurance companies calculate their own rates and premiums based on complex algorithms that take hundreds of factors into account. Thankfully, there are some simple trends you can use to guarantee lower rates across the board when obtaining auto insurance quotes.

The most important determining factor for car insurance rates is your driving history. Drivers who have been involved in frequent collisions or damage will inevitably see higher rates than those with spotless paperwork. One fender-bender should not be seen as a death sentence for your bank account, however – most such incidents lose their punitive value over time, and by law all driving records renew every seven years. That means if you stay within the speed limit and avoid moving violations of any kind, you will see your rates improving within a couple years.

Many drivers are surprised to learn that credit scores make a significant difference as well. This makes sense when you consider that insurance companies are essentially betting on your overall responsibility, especially your ability to meet those annual payments. Good credit can translate readily into discounts of 20 percent or more – no small amount when you consider how many insurance policies represent car owners' single biggest expense each year.

Insurance companies also tend to factor neighborhoods into auto insurance quotes, and with good reason. It is a simple statistical fact that cars tend to be damaged and stolen more often in high-crime areas, and most insurance companies require protection in the face of such elevated numbers. Moving to a better area can have an instantaneous effect on your premiums, even if everything else about your life remains essentially the same.

Of course the car is an essential component of auto insurance quote calculations as well. Newer cars and more expensive cars will cost more to insure and maintain over time, while older makes and models tend to represent far less expense. There is some truth as well to the oft-cited legend that your car's color and amenities can affect the final tally. This is hardly prejudice or small-mindedness on the part of insurance carriers – red sports really do get into more accidents than gold minivans.

The best way to save on car insurance and receive the best possible auto insurance quotes is to do your homework and seek estimates from as many carriers as possible. Once you have all the data at your fingertips, you may be able to negotiate more favorable rates from your carrier of choice. One final note – if you don't yet have home insurance or life insurance, you may be able to get superior rates by combining multiple policies under one roof.

Auto insurance quotes.....Things to know about Auto Insurance

2009-02-21T22:01:00.001+05:00

How auto insurance companies come up with your premium can seem like a complicated formula. In truth, it is. However, that formula is based on some very simple principles. Auto insurance premiums, like most insurance premiums are determined by what type of risk factors you, the insured, have and what level of coverage you choose. Some of your risk factors are within your control, and some are not. Having an understanding of the risk factors that determine your auto insurance quote will help you get the best coverage at the best price.

An auto insurance quote is made up of different types of coverage. Liability coverage, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage are the three main types, but there are additional types of coverage available.

Liability coverage covers the damages you are responsible for because of an accident. Most states require all drivers to have a minimum amount of liability coverage by law.
Collision coverage covers damage to your vehicle if an accident occurs.
Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that is not accident related.

Both collision and comprehensive coverage are optional but strongly recommended. You should never settle for the minimum auto insurance coverage required by law. The more auto insurance you buy, the cheaper it is. That means you can get significantly more insurance coverage with just a small increase in your premium.

A number of different risk factors go into determining how much you will need to pay for auto insurance. Gender, age, occupation, driving record, type of vehicle, and where you live are just some of the factors considered when obtaining auto insurance quotes. Based on past accident and theft statistics, insurance companies use these factors to determine the probability that you will file a claim. For example, if you have a clean driving record with no speeding tickets, insurance companies feel like you are less likely to have an accident. Therefore, your auto insurance quote will be lower than someone who has one or more speeding tickets. In the same turn, it costs more to insure types of vehicles that are prone to accidents and theft.

There are a number of strategies that can help you get a lower auto insurance quote. For one, you can shop around. While most companies use similar methods to determine premiums, there is a lot of competition for your business in the industry. Premiums for the same coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars from one company to another. You can also ask for discounts. Many insurance companies will reduce your auto insurance premium if you purchase another form of insurance such as homeowners insurance or life insurance from them. Likewise, if you have anti-theft devices or additional safety features on your vehicle you may also qualify for a discount. If you need to lower you premium further, consider getting a higher deductible. Paying your premium in fewer installments can also save you money.

While switching policies can help you save, it’s important to never leave a gap in your auto insurance when you do. Before you cancel an auto insurance policy, make sure you have another one activated. That way you will always be covered, and you can avoid any penalties your state might impose.

Auto insurance quotes.....Things To Do When You're in a Car Accident

2009-02-21T22:00:00.001+05:00

Getting into a car accident can be a traumatic shock to the system. Even if you aren't injured, the fear and adrenaline that inevitably accompany such an event can quickly cloud your judgment. It is for this reason that experts recommend preparing for such contingencies ahead of time, as you don't want to be faced with multiplying choices and confusion at the scene of the accident. The good news is that governing bodies in transportation have agreed on some basic guidelines you can use to make sense of such situations as they arise. Keep yourself prepared for any contingency and you may find such accidents become far more manageable.

The first priority in the event of a car accident is to get any injured passengers and yourself to safety. If the cars are still operating, that means turning on your hazards and moving everything to the side of the road. If you have lost such mobility, you will want to put cones or flares down the road to give the scene a wide buffer zone of safety. A number of car safety kits include such equipment as a matter of course, so it may be wise to look into a preventive purchase such as this.

Once the scene is secure, it is time to exchange information with other drivers. Resist the urge to make accusations at this point – the essential thing is to get the data you need so you can sort out the financial details later. Be sure and get the other driver's name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver's license number and plate number. You may also want to take photographs and create a written record of precisely what happened.

The next step is the police report. Again, you want to be as detailed as possible here, including any charts or diagrams you think might be illuminating. A number of drivers balk at this step of the process, hoping they can work out an independent payment scheme with the other driver and keep insurance out of the picture. In fact, such plans rarely go as one might hope, especially as other drivers may file their own reports without telling you. If you want to avoid lone liability or an exorbitant repair estimate, it is wise to protect yourself with a trail of paperwork from day one.

It is important as well to read your own insurance policy ahead of time, as a number of specific conditions may be required immediately after a car accident. Fast filing and ready compliance will likely save you money down the line. It's also useful to know what kind of services you can expect in the immediate aftermath of an event like this – some policies pay for towing, for instance, while others may not.

Good preparation and a level head are the surest ways to keep yourself safe, secure and protected following a car accident. Whether you have been in a wreck recently or simply want to plan for an uncertain future, smart preventive measures can save you considerable headaches down the line.

Taking Care of Business - Brokers Can Save Time and Money

2009-02-21T21:56:00.000+05:00

For many businesses, the period leading up to Christmas is the busiest time of the year as this is traditionally when consumers loosen their purse strings for a shopping spree. Indeed, many people curtail their spending habits throughout the rest of the year, so that they can save enough money to cover all the inevitable expenditure that goes hand-in-hand with Christmas.

But, with the concentration of all this extra business over a one or two month period, it can leave many companies a little 'thin-on-the-ground'. As a result, many are unable to deal with other issues that, whilst perhaps not crucial to the core function of the business, are every bit as important to ensure the day-to-day operations continue to run smoothly.

Of course, this is why many companies choose to outsource certain areas of their business, such as Human Resources and IT. Not only does this enable a business to utilise the knowledge and expertise of specialists in that field, but it also allows them to concentrate solely on the core aspects of the organisation.

And at a time of year when it might seem as though there simply aren't enough hours in the day to look after the most important parts of the business, more and more companies in recent times are choosing to enlist the help of specialists to take care of some of the more time-consuming business necessities.

For example, organisations - large or small - will require adequate insurance to cover staff, property, assets and anything else of value to the company. But searching for the best insurance deal - one that considers all areas of the organisations legal and moral requirements - can be a very time-consuming process.

And because every business is different, the type of insurance policy required will vary greatly. Small companies, in particular, could be at risk of bankruptcy if a large claim is made against it and there isn't sufficient insurance in place.

Knowing whether employer's liability insurance or professional indemnity insurance is needed is a responsibility that all business owners must meet. And this is why many choose to enlist the services of an insurance broker. As such, by having an insurance broker on board, someone that is dedicated to finding the most suitable insurance deal for the company, this frees up more time to focus on the revenue-generating activities within the organisation. Furthermore, it is also ensuring that the best insurance services are being sourced.

So, at a time of year when many businesses are at their busiest, enlisting the expertise of dedicated insurance professionals can help to alleviate much of the strain on a company's resources. Not only could it save a company a lot of money in the long run, but it is also one less thing to worry about; and that makes good business sense!

2009 Hyundai Elantra

2009-02-01T13:59:00.002+05:00

2009 Hyundai Elantra Overview
Introduction

The Hyundai Elantra is an economic compact car with handsome styling and nice lines. It has excellent interior space and standard safety equipment.

The current generation Elantra can seat up to five and has very accommodating trunk space. It comes in two trim levels: GLS, SE, all of which use a 138-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Buyers have a choice between the standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmissions for each trim level. Standard safety features on all Elantra models include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and active front head restraints.

For 2009, the SE trim receives a USB port, sport-tuned suspension, and sport shifter on the manual transmission.

2009 Hyundai Azera

2009-02-01T13:58:00.002+05:00

2009 Hyundai Azera Overview
Introduction

The Azera is Hyundai's representative in the full-size, near-luxury sedan market. The Azera mixes comfort, interior space, and a host of features for a very respectable price.

The front-wheel drive Hyundai Azera has two trims: the GLS, and the Limited. The GLS is powered by a 234-hp 3.3-liter V6 engine; and the Limited is powered by a 3.8-liter 263-hp V6. Both engines are mated to a Shiftronic five-speed automatic transmission. The GLS trim offers substantial standard equipment such as: traction and stability control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels, eight airbags, power front seats with active head restraints, simulated wood interior accents, automatic air conditioning, satellite radio with a USB port, cruise control, power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. The Limited adds: a power sunroof, heated front seats, leather seat trim, an upgraded audio system and a power rear windshield blind.

For 2009, the Hyundai Azera receives minor changes.

2009 Hyundai Accent

2009-02-01T13:57:00.001+05:00

2009 Hyundai Accent Overview
Introduction

The Hyundai Accent sedan and hatchback are exceptional economy cars that offer attractive looks and outstanding value in a price-sensitive market segment.

The Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter double overhead-cam engine that produces 110 horsepower, and features variable valve timing. A five-speed manual transmission is standard; a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. The environmentally friendly Accent has an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II rating. Standard safety features include front seatbelt pre-tensioners and six airbags (front, seat-mounted side-impact, and side-curtain) as standard on all models. The Accent is available as a GS or SE hatchback, and as a GLS four-door sedan.

For 2009, the Hyundai Accent SE and GLS receive additional optional equipment.

2009 HUMMER H2 SUV

2009-02-01T13:56:00.004+05:00

2009 HUMMER H2 SUV Overview
Introduction

The H2 SUV provides the power, size, ruggedness and iconic design expected from a HUMMER.

Power comes from a flexible-fuel 393-hp, 6.2-liter Vortec V8 and is controlled by a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted shift buttons. A four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case allows the H2 SUV to tackle the most challenging off-road situations, while extensive underbody protection gives the driver peace of mind. Standard safety features include head curtain airbags for all three rows, electronic stability control w/roll mitigation, panic brake assist, tire pressure monitoring and OnStar.

For 2009, the HUMMER H2 SUV receives a standard power sunroof and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and its V8 engine is now flexible fuel

2009 HUMMER H2 SUT

2009-02-01T13:56:00.002+05:00

2009 HUMMER H2 SUT Overview
Introduction

The H2 SUT is an open-bed pickup version of its SUV cousin with all the ruggedness and iconic design expected from a HUMMER.

The H2 SUT features GM's innovative Midgate, which quickly converts the five-passenger SUT with a small bed to a two-seat pickup with a six-foot bed. Power comes from a flexible-fuel 393-hp, 6.2-liter Vortec V8 and is controlled by an also new six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted shift buttons. A four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case allows the H2 SUT to tackle the most challenging off-road situations, while extensive underbody protection gives the driver peace of mind. Standard safety features include head curtain airbags, electronic stability control w/roll mitigation, panic brake assist, tire pressure monitoring and OnStar.

For 2009, the HUMMER H2 SUT receives standard Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and its V8 engine is now flexible fuel.

2009 Honda CR-V

2009-02-01T13:55:00.002+05:00

2009 Honda CR-V Overview
Introduction

The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV that delivers a balance of style, versatility and comfort, along with a high level of safety technology.

The five-passenger CR-V is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, each with a choice of three trim levels: LX, EX and EX-L. All trim levels are powered by a 166-hp 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The LX is equipped with 17-inch styled steel wheels, a CD player with MP3 capability and air conditioning. The EX adds alloy wheels, a power moonroof and a six-disc CD changer, while the EX-L is further outfitted with heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control and satellite radio. Standard safety features on every CR-V include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and a tire pressure monitor.

The Honda CR-V carries over unchanged for 2009.

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

2009-02-01T13:54:00.002+05:00

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid Overview
Introduction

The Civic Hybrid is the flagship example of Honda's hybrid technology in an efficient practical package. It is based off the regular gas-powered Civic that has been a best seller in the compact car market for years.

The Civic Hybrid is only available in a sedan model. It is powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a light-weight, brushless electric motor that is sandwiched between the engine and the CVT transmission. Combined, the gas engine and electric motor produce 110 horsepower and close to 45 mpg on the highway. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, six airbags, tire pressure monitoring system and active front head restraints.

For 2009, The Civic Hybrid gets refreshed exterior styling and adds standard electronic vehicle stability control.

2009 GMC Envoy

2009-02-01T13:53:00.005+05:00

2009 GMC Envoy Overview
Introduction

The GMC Envoy is a veteran in the highly competitive mid-size SUV market. With its balanced performance both on and off road, buyers flock to it year after year.

The Envoy provides seating for up to five in two rows of comfortable seats. It is available in SLE, SLT, and Denali trims, with a choice of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The SLE and SLT trims come standard with a 285 horsepower 4.2-liter, inline six-cylinder engine. The upscale Denali models are equipped with a 300 horsepower 5.3-liter V8. All models come with a four-speed automatic transmission. Safety features include a full compliment of airbags, electronic stability control and 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.

2009 GMC Canyon

2009-02-01T13:53:00.002+05:00

2009 GMC Canyon Overview
Introduction

The GMC Canyon offers a variety of cab styles, suspensions and powertrains that make it both versatile and practical.

Available in two- or four-wheel drive, the Canyon offers three body styles: regular cab, extended cab and crew cab. Two engines are available: a 185-hp 2.9-liter 4-cylinder and a 242-hp 3.7-liter inline 5-cylinder engine. New for 2009, a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8 is available on extended and crew cab models. There is a choice between five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions on 4-cylinder trucks, while all 5-cylinder and V8 engines are bolted to a four-speed auto. Dual stage front airbags are standard, while head protecting curtain airbags are optional. Other safety features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and ignition disable. A pair of suspension choices is available: the rugged standard Z85 suspension and the Z71 off-road suspension, available in 2WD and 4WD.

For 2009, a bedliner, 16-inch wheels, OnStar and stability control with traction control are now standard equipment on all models. The SL trim has been dropped, and new 3VL Value Package equipment groups for 2WD extended and crew cabs feature power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry and power mirrors.

2009 GMC Acadia

2009-02-01T13:52:00.002+05:00

2009 GMC Acadia Overview
Introduction

The GMC Acadia crossover utility vehicle combines the smooth ride and responsive handling of a car with the cargo capability and high seating position of a traditional truck-based sport utility vehicle.

The interior features two front bucket seats and two different seating configurations for the second and third row seats, accommodating a maximum of eight passengers. A direct injection 3.6-liter V6 engine is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Acadia comes in three trim levels: the SLE, the SLT1 and the SLT2. Each trim is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. An extensive list of safety features come standard; these include: side curtain overhead airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for driver and front-seat passenger, anti-lock brakes, and electronic traction and stability control.

For 2009, the GMC Acadia receives a new, more powerful and fuel efficient engine, new exterior colors and Bluetooth capabilities on both SLT trims.

2009 Ford Edge

2009-02-01T13:51:00.002+05:00

2009 Ford Edge Overview
Introduction

The Ford Edge is a five-passenger crossover sport utility that answers the call for a roomy vehicle with utility and style. It isn't a truck. Nor is it a minivan. Yet it's more than a car.

All Ford Edge models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 265 horsepower, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. Standard safety features on all models include front impact, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front/rear curtain airbags, four wheel anti-lock brakes, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

For 2009, the Edge adds a Sport trim with standard 20-inch wheels and eight-piece body kit. Also new is the addition of 911 Assist to the SYNC system, and a next-generation navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link.

2009 Ford E-150

2009-02-01T13:50:00.001+05:00

2009 Ford E-150 Overview
Introduction

The Ford E-150 cargo vans or passenger wagons are built on a rugged platform and offer large interiors with vast cargo capacities.

The Ford E-150 comes with a standard 225-hp 4.6-liter Triton V8 with an optional 255-hp 5.4-liter Triton V8. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, underbody full-size spare, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel and variable intermittent wipers. The cargo van is available in the regular or in the extended length version. The regular length van offers both a commercial and a recreational trim while the extended version offers the commercial trim only. The recreational trim is nicely primed for modifications to suit the buyer's needs. The E-150 passenger wagon comes in the rugged XL trim or the well equipped XLT trim which can carry up to eight passengers.

For 2009, The Ford E-150 receives a new instrument panel incorporating a glove box. The V8 gas engines are now flex fuel capable and the recreational trim on the cargo van and both trims on the passenger wagon now come standard with electronic traction and stability control.

2008 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

2009-02-01T13:49:00.002+05:00

2008 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Overview
Introduction

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a high-performance exotic coupe.

The 612 Scaglietti is powered by a 540-horsepower 5.8 liter V-12 front engine. The engine is controlled by a six-speed manual or electrohydraulic paddle-shift automatic transmission. The 612 comfortably seats two in the front and two in the back in a mix of leather and aluminum trim.

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a carryover from 2007.

2008 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

2009-02-01T13:48:00.001+05:00

2008 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Overview
Introduction

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, with an all-aluminum chassis and body, brings F1 racing technology and performance to the road. The 599 GTB Fiorano strikes a balance between sport and luxury with high-quality leather trim tastefully combined with high-tech carbon-fiber and aluminum details.

This Italian exotic grand touring sport coupe's 6.0-liter V12 engine makes 612-hp at 7600 rpm and 448 lbs-ft of torque at 5,600 rpm. Two transmissions are available, a 6-speed manual, or a 6-speed manual with F1 Superfast steering column-mounted shift paddles that allow for extremely quick gear changes. A switch on the steering wheel, called a manettino, integrates suspension, traction control, stability control and shifter systems and allows the driver to choose the optimum setting for current conditions. Magnetic fluid-filled shock absorbers react instantly to road conditions and driver inputs. Options include carbon fiber interior trim, Recaro sport seats, Bose sound system, parking sensors and navigation system.

The 599 GTB Fiorano carries over from 2007.

2009 Dodge Caliber

2009-02-01T13:47:00.002+05:00

2009 Dodge Caliber Overview
Introduction

The Dodge Caliber is a fun, well-rounded package, combining the versatility of a sport utility vehicle with the value and fuel-efficiency of a compact car.

The Caliber offers a choice of four front-wheel drive trim levels: SE, SXT, R/T and SRT4. The SE and SXT trims are equipped with a 148-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine; a 158-hp 2.0-liter engine is also available. The R/T is driven by a powerful 172-hp 2.4-liter engine. All are available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The SRT4 boasts a 285-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Standard safety features include multi-stage front airbags, an inflatable driver knee blocker and side curtain airbags for front and rear occupants; an electronic stability control system is standard on the SRT4 and optional on SXT and R/T trims.

For 2009, the Dodge Caliber carries over with minimal changes. All trims get upgraded standard audio systems with MP3 playback; R/T and SRT4 trims are further equipped with a 6-disc CD player and DVD-audio capability, and the MyGIG multimedia system with navigation is now available as an option. Additionally, the R/T trim is no longer offered in an all-wheel drive configuration.

2009 Dodge Avenger

2009-02-01T13:46:00.004+05:00

2009 Dodge Avenger Overview
Introduction

The Dodge Avenger is an attractive midsize sedan based off the Chrysler Sebring. With similar looks to a Dodge Charger, the Avenger offers many sporty features and standard equipment found in higher class vehicles.

The Dodge Avenger is offered in two trim levels: SXT or R/T. Both are standard with a 173-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and bolted to a four-speed automatic transmission. A 189-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine is also available for both trims. The R/T can be equipped with a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a six-speed overdrive automatic transmission. Safety features include six airbags, tire pressure monitoring, and a security system.

For 2009, the SE trim has been eliminated.

2009 Chrysler Aspen

2009-02-01T13:46:00.002+05:00

2009 Chrysler Aspen Overview
Introduction

The Aspen is Chrysler's full-size sport utility vehicle. The Aspen shares the platform with the Dodge Durango.

The Aspens' suspension is the same independent, double-wishbone front and non-independent solid-axle rear design found on the Durango. The woodgrain/metal-look interior is available with either cloth or leather seats. Available in one trim, Limited, the Aspen comes with a 303-hp 4.7-liter V8 or a 335-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine and either rear- or all-wheel drive. Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and the Hemi V8 includes the Multi-displacement System (MDS) which is capable of shutting down 4 cylinders to conserve fuel.

New for 2009, the Aspen includes the MyGIG Multimedia system.

2009 Chrysler 300

2009-02-01T13:45:00.002+05:00

2009 Chrysler 300 Overview
Introduction

The Chrysler 300 stands out with bold, imposing styling reminiscent of an art deco look of years past. Its strong lines give off a sense of power and refined stature.

The 300 is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. An optional long wheelbase rear-wheel drive model is available that allows for a rear seat area much larger than the standard car. A 178-hp 2.7-liter V6 or a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 powers the 300. Both the long wheelbase and the four-wheel drive versions come only with the V6 engine. Anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control are optional on the LX trim, but standard on the Touring and Limited trims.

2008 Chevrolet Aveo 5

2009-02-01T13:44:00.002+05:00

2008 Chevrolet Aveo 5 Overview
Introduction

The Chevrolet Aveo 5 hatchback combines a fuel efficient engine, seating for 5, ample cargo space and a host of optional features for a very affordable price.

The front-wheel drive Aveo 5 hatchback is available in two trims. The base Special Value trim comes standard with power steering, body colored mirrors, 14 inch wheels, front cloth bucket seats and an AM/FM radio. The LS trim adds carpeted front and rear floor mats and air conditioning. The LS also offers several convenient options such as a 4-speed automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes, a power sunroof, 15 inch alloy wheels, a CD player, cruise control, power windows and power door locks with remote keyless entry. Both trims come standard with a 103 hp 1.6-liter engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Safety features include front driver and passenger airbags with dual-stage deployment and side airbags for the front row occupants.

The Chevrolet Aveo 5 is a carryover from 2007.

2009 Chevrolet Aveo

2009-02-01T13:43:00.002+05:00

2009 Chevrolet Aveo Overview
Introduction

The Chevrolet Aveo sedan and Aveo 5 hatchback combine a fuel efficient engine, seating for five, ample cargo space and a host of optional features.

The front-wheel drive Aveo and Aveo 5 are available in three trims. The LS comes standard with power steering, body-colored mirrors, 14-inch wheels, front cloth bucket seats and an AM/FM radio. The 1LT trim adds carpeted front and rear floor mats, air conditioning and a CD player. The 2LT trim further adds: 15-inch wheels, satellite radio, cruise control, and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. All trims come standard with a 107-hp 1.6-liter engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Safety features include front driver and passenger airbags with dual-stage deployment and seat-mounted side airbags for the front row occupants.

For 2009, the Aveo 5 hatchback was redesigned and variable valve timing was introduced to increase the engine's horsepower by 4.

2009 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500

2009-02-01T13:42:00.002+05:00

2009 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Overview
Introduction

The 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 successfully combines the hauling capacity of a long-bed pickup with the comfort of a five-passenger sport utility vehicle.

Available in LS, LT, and LTZ trims the Chevy Avalanche comes in one configuration, a half-ton, full-size pickup with four doors, room for up to six passengers and outfitted with a unique, fold-down rear bulkhead accessing an enclosed bed. Four engines are offered, two 5.3-liter V8s make 320 horsepower in the two-wheel drive version and a third 5.3-liter V8 makes 310 horsepower in the four-wheel drive model. A 366-hp, 6.0-liter V8 is available on the LT and LTZ. New for 2009, the transmission is a six-speed automatic, mated to an electronic transfer case in four-wheel-drive models. Safety features that come standard on all models include front seat and side curtain airbags, LATCH rear-seat child safety seat anchors, and the OnStar crash-notification system.

The Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 carries over from 2008, with the addition of a six-speed transmission as standard equipment.

2009 Cadillac Escalade

2009-02-01T13:41:00.002+05:00

2009 Cadillac Escalade Overview
Introduction

The Cadillac Escalade is a large and luxurious SUV that exudes the image of a successful lifestyle. Classy and powerful, it has everything one needs for a night on the town or hauling your favorite weekend toys.

Available as a 4x2 or 4x4 the Escalade is powered by a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management and E85 compatibility, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes a power liftgate, stability control, remote start, Bluetooth compatibility, and side curtain airbags. Some options are Magnetic Ride Control, 22-inch chrome wheels, a rear-view camera, and power running boards.

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade carries over from 2008.

2009 Cadillac DTS

2009-02-01T13:40:00.004+05:00

2009 Cadillac DTS Overview
Introduction

The Cadillac DTS is a full-size luxury sedan that combines classic styling, impeccable road manners and a spacious interior, all contributing to its reputation as a comfortable long distance cruiser.

The front-wheel drive DTS is powered by GM's Northstar 4.6-liter V8 engine, available in both 275-hp and 292-hp versions and mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. It can be configured to seat up to six people, with premium amenities that include luxurious leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and OnStar; new for 2009, Bluetooth wireless connectivity is now standard. A Platinum Edition is also offered, with unique chrome wheels and grille, power sunroof, upgraded leather trim elements and exclusive wood accents. Standard safety equipment includes Stabilitrak electronic stability control with traction control, anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, tire pressure monitoring and front, side, and side-curtain airbags; Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone Alert systems are available.

For 2009, the Cadillac DTS carries over with minimal changes.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V

2009-02-01T13:40:00.002+05:00

2009 Cadillac CTS-V Overview
Introduction

Building on last years all-new CTS introduction, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is a performance sedan that promises more horsepower, an impressively finished interior and a large dose of style.

The 2009 CTS-V comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, run-flat performance tires, and a sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control. Interior highlights include a standard Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound audio system with 10 speakers, DVD-Audio, a 40GB Hard Drive Device and both USB and auxiliary MP3-player jacks. The standard engine is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 generating 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices include a standard six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

For 2009, the Cadillac CTS-V is all new.

2009 Cadillac CTS

2009-02-01T13:38:00.004+05:00

2009 Cadillac CTS Overview
Introduction

The next-generation Cadillac CTS is a small sedan that promises more horsepower, optional all-wheel-drive, an impressively finished benchmark interior and one large dose of style.

The 2009 CTS comes standard with 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, with 18-inch wheels available as an option. Feature highlights include a standard Bose audio system with eight speakers and both USB and auxiliary MP3-player jacks. The standard engine in North America is a four-cam, variable valve-timing 3.6-liter V6 generating 263 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. An optional direct-injection version of the 3.6-liter V6, with 304 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque is also available. Transmission choices include a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual, and a variable-torque full-time all-wheel-drive system can be added to either engine.

For 2009, the Cadillac CTS carries over from 2008.

2009 Buick Lucerne

2009-02-01T13:38:00.002+05:00

2009 Buick Lucerne Overview
Introduction

The elegant Lucerne is Buick's flagship sedan, boasting a plush interior and smooth road manners. It provides comfortable seating for up to six passengers, along with premium amenities and comprehensive safety equipment.

The front-wheel drive Lucerne is offered in three trim levels: CX, CXL and Super. For 2009, the CX and CXL are equipped with a new, more powerful 227-hp 3.9-liter V6 engine, while the Super retains its 292-hp 4.6-liter Northstar V8; both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The CX is outfitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and satellite radio; CXL trims add automatic climate control, leather seat trim, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Super is further equipped with an adaptive sport-tuned suspension with Magnetic Ride Control, 18-inch alloy wheels, upgraded audio and ventilated front seats, as well as exclusive upholstery and trim elements. Safety features found on every Lucerne include traction control, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, front side-impact and side-curtain airbags; Stabilitrak electronic stability control is standard on Super trims and available on the CX and CXL, while Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone Alert systems are optional on CXL and Super trims.

For 2009, the Buick Lucerne receives upgrades to standard equipment, including Bluetooth wireless connectivity for all trim levels, and minor option package adjustments. Additionally, the CXS trim is removed from the model lineup.

2009 Buick LaCrosse

2009-02-01T13:37:00.002+05:00

2009 Buick LaCrosse Overview
Introduction

The Buick LaCrosse is a sophisticated mid-size sedan, seating up to six passengers in comfort while providing confident handling and a smooth ride.

The front-wheel drive LaCrosse is available in three trim levels: CX, CXL and Super. The CX and CXL are powered by a 200-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine, while the Super is equipped with a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8, including Active Fuel Management cylinder-deactivation technology for enhanced fuel economy. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard on all trims. The CX is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, satellite radio and a power driver's seat; CXL trims add heated front seats and leather upholstery. The Super boasts exclusive features that include a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and a rear spoiler. Standard safety features on every LaCrosse include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control and side-curtain airbags; Super trims add electronic stability control (optional on CX and CXL trims) and rear parking assist.

For 2009, the Buick LaCrosse gets minor standard equipment upgrades, including heated exterior mirrors, and the CXS trim is removed from the model lineup.

2009 Buick Enclave

2009-02-01T13:36:00.001+05:00

2009 Buick Enclave Overview
Introduction

The Buick Enclave combines the smooth ride and responsive handling of a car with the cargo capability and high seating position of a traditional truck-based sport utility vehicle. The refined exterior incorporates organic shapes and distinctive front and rear fenders.

The Enclave comes in two trims; the CX and the CXL and both feature a contemporary design while still offering trademark styling cues associated with Buicks of the past. Both trims are available with a front-wheel drive (FWD) or an all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration. The interior features two front bucket seats and two different seating configurations for the second and third row seats accommodating a maximum of eight passengers. A direct injection 3.6-liter V6 engine is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave offers a luxurious interior with an extensive list of features and amenities.

For 2009, the Enclave receives Bluetooth capabilities, a new, more powerful and fuel efficient engine, and new exterior colors.

2009 BMW 335

2009-02-01T13:34:00.002+05:00

2009 BMW 335 Overview
Introduction

The BMW 335i delivers a special mix of sporting performance, practicality and European luxury in a compact package. It's the car that defines 'sport sedan,' and the benchmark every luxury car maker from Acura to Volvo aims at when it develops an entry-level luxury sport sedan.

The rear-wheel drive 335i is available in coupe, sedan and convertible bodies, while the all-wheel drive 335i xDrive is available in coupe and sedan only. Power is provided by a 3.0-liter, twin turbo, inline six-cylinder engine that puts out 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all variations, with a six-speed automatic transmission optional. Standard safety features include six airbags, four wheel ABS disc brakes with adaptive brakelights, traction and stability control, as well as pop-up roll-over protection on the convertible.

For 2009, the sedan gets an interior/exterior styling refresh.

2009 BMW 328

2009-02-01T13:33:00.002+05:00

2009 BMW 328 Overview
Introduction

The BMW 328i delivers a special mix of sporting performance, practicality and European luxury in a compact package. It's the car that defines 'sport sedan,' and the benchmark every luxury car maker from Acura to Volvo aims at when it develops an entry-level luxury sport sedan.

The rear-wheel drive 328i is available in coupe, sedan, wagon and convertible bodies, while the all-wheel drive 328i xDrive is available in coupe, sedan and wagon only. Power is provided by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that puts out 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all variations, with a six-speed automatic transmission optional. Standard safety features include six airbags, four wheel ABS disc brakes with adaptive brakelights, traction and stability control, as well as pop-up roll-over protection on the convertible.

For 2009, the sedan and wagon get an interior/exterior styling refresh.

2009 BMW 135

2009-02-01T13:32:00.002+05:00

2009 BMW 135 Overview
Introduction

Inspired by the BMW 2002, the 1-series redefines the entry-level luxury vehicle with its refined build and balanced performance.

The rear-wheel drive 135i is initially offered as a coupe or convertible. The 135i is powered by a twin-turbo, 300-hp, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifting. Standard safety features include six airbags on the coupe, four on the convertible, anti-lock brakes, adaptive xenon headlights, adaptive brake lights, stability and traction control and run-flat tires with pressure monitoring. The 135i features the usual BMW creature comforts such as a 10-speaker audio system, auxiliary input jack, power sunroof, automatic climate control, wood trim, leather wrapped steering wheel and multi-way adjustable front seats.

The BMW 135i is unchanged from 2008.

2009 BMW 128

2009-02-01T13:31:00.002+05:00

2009 BMW 128 Overview
Introduction

Inspired by the BMW 2002, the 1-series redefines the entry-level luxury vehicle with its refined build and balanced performance.

The rear-wheel drive 128i is initially offered as either a coupe or convertible. The 128i is powered by a 230-hp 3.0-liter dual overhead cam, inline six-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifting. Standard safety features include six airbags on the coupe, four on the convertible, anti-lock brakes, adaptive brake lights, stability and traction control and run-flat tires with pressure monitoring. The 128i features the usual BMW creature comforts such as a 10-speaker audio system, auxiliary input jack, power sunroof, automatic climate control, leather wrapped steering wheel and multi-way adjustable front seats.

The BMW 128i is unchanged from 2008.

2009 Bentley Brooklands

2009-02-01T13:30:00.002+05:00

2009 Bentley Brooklands Overview
Introduction

The Bentley Brooklands is a new ultra-luxury exotic large coupe built in England. The Brooklands features a twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V8, with 530 horsepower and an impressive 774 pounds-feet of torque that sends power through a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift control. The computer-controlled adaptive suspension with automatic ride height control is sport-tuned. Traction control and stability control provide responsive handling. A navigation system, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, 20-inch alloy wheels, and power adjustable heated and massaging front and rear seats are standard.

This exclusive coupe features a luxurious handcrafted interior with a large variety of custom trim options, including aluminum, carbon fiber and numerous types of wood. The paint color can be matched to customer specification. Optional carbon ceramic brakes offer superior durability and reduce brake fade.

The Bentley Brooklands is all-new for 2009.

2009 Bentley Azure

2009-02-01T13:29:00.002+05:00

2009 Bentley Azure Overview
Introduction

The Bentley Azure is an ultra-luxury exotic convertible built in England. The Azure?s twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 produces 450 horsepower and 645 pounds-feet of torque and is matched with a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift control. The computer-controlled adaptive suspension with automatic ride height control is touring-tuned, and traction control and stability control provide responsive handling. A navigation system, Bluetooth, and a power convertible roof with automatic roll-over protection are standard equipment.

This convertible features a luxurious handcrafted interior with a variety of custom trim options, including numerous types of wood and colors of leather. Several wheel choices are available, and the paint color can be matched to customer specification.

The 2009 Bentley Azure is a carryover from 2008.

2009 Bentley Arnage

2009-02-01T13:28:00.001+05:00

2009 Bentley Arnage Overview
Introduction

The Bentley Arnage is an ultra-luxury exotic large sedan built in England. It is available in three trims: the refined Arnage R, the performance-oriented Arnage T, and the long wheelbase Arnage RL. The Arnage R and RL share a twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 that produces 450 horsepower and 645 pounds-feet of torque. The Arnage T features a more powerful twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V8, with 500 horsepower and 738 pounds-feet of torque. All models send power through a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift control. The computer-controlled adaptive suspension with automatic ride height control is tuned for comfort in the Arnage R and RL, and is sport-tuned in the Arnage T. Traction control and stability control provide responsive handling. A navigation system, Bluetooth, and power adjustable heated front and rear seats are standard on all trims. The Arnage RL features a rear center armrest bottle cooler and a rear reversing camera.

This sedan features a luxurious handcrafted interior with a large variety of custom trim options, including aluminum, carbon fiber and numerous types of wood. Several wheel choices are available, and the paint color can be matched to customer specification. A DVD system with twin screens in the headrests is available.

The 2009 Bentley Arnage is a carryover from 2008.

2009 Audi A8

2009-02-01T13:27:00.002+05:00

2009 Audi A8 Overview
Introduction

Loaded with innovation, the A8 is a thinking man's luxury sedan, more progressive, less traditional than a BMW or Mercedes.

The five-passenger Audi A8 comes in three variations: 4.2, 4.2 long wheelbase, and W12 long wheelbase. The 4.2L V8 produces 350 horsepower, while the twelve cylinder 6.0L W12 makes 450 horsepower. A full leather upgrade is available on A8L models, while W12 models get the option of 20-inch wheels. Anti-lock brakes, electronic stability system, and ten airbags are standard on the A8.

Changes for 2009 include making the contents of last years Premium Package standard on the A8 and A8L.

2009 Audi A5

2009-02-01T13:26:00.002+05:00

2009 Audi A5 Overview
Introduction

Perfectly elegant and aggressive all at once, the A5 is Audi's two-door, four-seat luxury sports coupe.

The A5 is powered by a 265-hp 3.2-liter V6 engine featuring FSI direct fuel injection, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic and available paddle shifters. Quattro all-wheel drive comes standard, along with 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI). Standard safety features include six airbags (front, side-impact and side curtain), four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system. Options include a S line Sport Package, Bang & Olufsen audio system, voice-activated navigation, adaptive cruise control and Audi Side Assist.

For 2009, the Audi A5 carries over with minor standard equipment and option adjustments. An auxiliary input jack is now standard, and the new Audi Drive Select package includes an adaptive suspension and dynamic steering system.

2009 Audi A4

2009-02-01T13:25:00.005+05:00

2009 Audi A4 Overview
Introduction

The A4 is Audi's spirited and versatile mainstay, offering a combination of style and substance that keeps it highly competitive within its class. It is available in sedan, wagon (Avant) and Cabriolet body styles, with a choice between Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel drive system and FrontTrak front-wheel drive on sedans and Cabriolets.

The next-generation A4 Sedan and Avant are slated to receive more powerful engines for 2009. Cabriolet 2.0T trims continue to be outfitted with a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while 3.2 trims get a 255-hp 3.2-liter V6; both engines feature FSI direct fuel injection. Available transmissions include a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic with Tiptronic and a seven-speed Multitronic CVT. Standard safety features on all A4 trims include electronic stability and traction control systems, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, front side-impact airbags and a tire pressure monitor.

For 2009, the Audi A4 Sedan and Avant have been completely redesigned. Cabriolet models remain on the previous generation platform, but get a visual upgrade in the form of a standard S Line exterior package, including revised bumpers, grille and integrated trunklid spoiler. Additionally, new standard equipment on Cabriolet models includes Bluetooth wireless connectivity, satellite radio and upgraded alloy wheels.

2009 Audi A3

2009-02-01T13:25:00.002+05:00

2009 Audi A3 Overview
Introduction

The A3 is an example of the exquisite sensibilities in design and use of materials that distinguishes the contemporary Audi. It is a combination of open-road dynamism, long-haul friendliness, around-town usefulness and fuel economy.

The Audi A3 is powered by either a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or a 250-hp 3.2-liter V-6 engine. The 2.0T comes standard with a six-speed manual or optional automatic S-tronic transmission that allows manual selection of gears. New for this year, quattro all-wheel drive is available with the 2.0T engine, while the 3.2 comes exclusively with quattro and the S-tronic. Some high-tech A3 features include Bluetooth phone connectivity, light and rain sensors, satellite radio and dual-zone automatic climate control. Passenger safety is provided by front, side and curtain airbags, active front head restraints, electronic stability control and optional rear side-impact airbags.

For 2009, along with the addition of quattro availability to the 2.0T engine, the styling inside and out gets a full refresh including new bumpers, grille, taillights and headlights with R8-like LED front daytime running lights.

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

2009-02-01T13:23:00.001+05:00

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Overview
Introduction

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a British exotic 2-seat sports car available in coupe and convertible Roadster models.

The V8 Vantage's V8 engine features a bump in displacement from 4.3-liter to 4.7-liter, with a horsepower increase to 420 and torque increase to 346 lb-ft, an increase of 40 hp and 43 ft-lb of torque over the former powerplant. It is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional automated manual with paddle-shift, both of which have undergone changes to improve performance and to handle the increased levels of power and torque. Also introduced for 2009 is the optional Sports Pack, which comprises forged lightweight alloy wheels, re-tuned Bilstein dampers with improved dynamic response, up-rated springs and a revised rear anti-roll bar. A new Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System offers faster route processing, additional features and improved graphics. Full ipod/MP3 integration is retained as standard equipment. Standard safety features include airbags, antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system.

For 2009, the acclaimed V8 Vantage design remains unchanged, with only the enhancement of a range of new standard and optional 19' alloy wheels. Inside, the changes include a new centre console and revised switchgear. A series of improvements are introduced to the V8 Vantage chassis and suspension setup to deliver improved body control and low speed ride quality, enabling the driver to take full advantage of the increased performance potential.

2008 Aston Martin DBS

2009-02-01T13:21:00.001+05:00

2008 Aston Martin DBS Overview
Introduction

Stepping in for the discontinued Vanquish is Aston Martin's new performance flagship, the DBS.

The DBS is based on the same platform as the V8 Vantage and DB9, and is only offered as a two-door hardtop. This rear-wheel drive vehicle is powered by a 510-hp 6.0-liter V12 engine paired with a six-speed manual. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction control, and an electronic stability system.

The Aston Martin DBS is new for 2008.

2009 Acura RL

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2009 Acura RL Overview
Introduction

As the flagship for the Acura Division, the Acura RL is one of the most sophisticated touring sedans on the road, blending smooth power and responsive handling with cutting-edge technologies and luxurious appointments. The RL is redesigned for 2009, with bolder styling and a more powerful engine, along with upgraded standard equipment and packages.

The RL boasts a new 300 hp 3.7-liter V6 engine, paired to a revised five-speed automatic transmission with SportShift manual mode and paddle shifters. Acura's exclusive Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhances grip, stability and all-weather control, while a new electric power assist steering system provides direct feedback. Every RL is outfitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and a power moonroof; interior comforts include heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and HandsFreeLink (Bluetooth) wireless connectivity. Standard safety features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, front side-impact airbags, overhead curtain airbags and new active front head restraints. The available Technology package includes heated/ventilated front seats, an Active Front Lighting System (AFS) and a voice-activated navigation system with integrated rearview camera parking assist and real-time traffic and weather information. Additional available high-tech equipment includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).

The Acura RL is completely redesigned for 2009. New standard equipment includes larger wheels and tires, 10-way power adjustable front seats and a USB connectivity port; enhancements to the Technology package include ventilated front seats and upgraded wood interior trim elements.

2009 Acura RDX

2009-02-01T13:18:00.001+05:00

2009 Acura RDX Overview
Introduction

The RDX is Acura's turbocharged crossover, combining car-like performance and handling characteristics with the versatility of a compact sport utility vehicle.

The RDX boasts a 240 hp 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a five-speed automatic transmission with SportShift manual mode and paddle shifters, and Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Premium standard equipment includes a power moonroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio and automatic climate control. Key safety technologies for the RDX include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, SH-AWD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, front side-impact airbags, overhead curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

The Acura RDX is a carryover for 2009. A 4-way power front passenger seat is now standard, along with four new exterior paint colors.

Kid-Friendly Luxury Cars

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The Volvo XC90 leads our list of the industry's most kid-friendly luxury cars. The Acura MDX, Saab 9-3 Sport Combi, Mercedes M Class and BMW X5 round out the top five. All are examples of how an increasing number of luxury automakers are recognizing that luxury isn't just for adults. With that in mind, they are equipping vehicles with safety features and amenities designed to protect and accommodate infants, children and adults.

Shop wisely, and you'll see it's possible to drive a more stylish car with luxurious leather seats, a superior sound system--and plenty of holders for your children's sippie cups.

That's what you'll find in the three-row Volvo XC 90. It also features a unique second-row seat with a 40-20-40 three-way split that offers flexible seating combinations and cargo space for strollers and groceries when needed. All safety belt systems in the XC 90 include "pretensioners," which cut rear seatbelt slack in the event of a collision, a feature typically reserved for front-seat passengers. There's third-row air conditioning and an interior air quality system that alerts passengers to toxic substances in the incoming air stream.
The Mercedes Benz ML 350 has an eye to safety and entertainment with DVD screens mounted to the rear of the front head rests. This design means that drivers are not obstructed by roof-mounted DVD screens or a rear passenger reaching up to adjust the screen.

"There is a level of expectation that a car that is well equipped for a family should have certain amenities for children.” says Fallon. "They want some minivan amenities, but don't want to remove themselves from a level of comfort, style and prestige they are accustomed to.”

Tata Nano: The name of the Tata 1-Lakh Car

2009-01-25T20:48:00.001+05:00

Tata has unveiled its 1-Lakh Car at the 2008 Delhi Motor Show, and its officially been christened the Tata Nano. The model at the motor show was powered by a 33 horsepower 624cc two-cylinder gasoline engine mated to either a stepless CVT transmission or 5-speed manual transmission. A diesel version will soon follow. The 4-seater (5 if you squeeze) Tata Nano uses 5 liters of fuel per 100km and meets all Indian local crash test and emissions guidelines. It was also designed to pass international side offset and side crash tests as well as Euro 4 emissions tests.

The two-cylinder engine, which uses Bosch’s Value Motronic fuel injection and engine management is mounted at the rear of the car together with the battery. There is a small boot at the front where a person would normally expect the engine bay to be.
The car has no power steering, but being so light I don’t think you’d really need one anyway, plus at its 1 Lakh price point you really can’t complain. It also lacks an RPM meter, with its instrument panel consisting of only a speedometer, a fuel gauge and an oil light. The car will be priced at 100,000 Indian rupees, or 1 Lakh, but customers will pay slightly more than 1 Lakh at the dealers because of taxes and other charges.

This 1 Lakh price tag is for the standard car, which does not have air conditioning. The two deluxe models will cost more.

Tata expects to sell 500,000 units of the Tata Nano, and the car will go on sale in the second half of 2008.