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Best sellers: our favourite cars
When you take fleet sales out of the picture, the list of Australia’s favourite cars looks very different. We take a closer look at the top six.

Read more on Brisbane Times

Is it any surprise that thousands of people have begun contemplating the advantages of hybrid cars? Gas prices are forcing drivers to consider whether or not they should buy a hybrid.

With the continuing rise is oil and gas prices the hybrid car advantages are hard to ignore. Here’s the problem… As with any new technology there will be a lot of rumors and myths going around and the hybrid vehicle is no exception.

So how do hybrid cars compare to their conventional counterparts and what are the truths behind these myths.

Hybrids Are Slow?

It has been commonly thought that hybrids are unable to go fast enough for freeway travel. Well that may have been true of the earlier models where the weight of the battery played a significant issue in the cars ability to generate rapid starts and fast speeds. Not any more.

With the advancements in battery technology, so too have the hybrids advanced. They are now quite able to compete with the speeds reached by their conventional counterparts. As hybrid vehicles become more mainstream and technology advances they will continue their upward advancement in achievable speeds.

Hybrids Cost Too Much!

Are Hybrid cars really too expensive. Although the initial outlay can be expensive ( what car isn’t?) they quickly make up for their cost in the money you save on fuel. Is there any doubt that the way the gas prices are going, a hybrid vehicle will become more and more of a bargain to own.

Not to mention the fact that it has been announced that you will soon be able to purchase kits to convert your car to an electrical hybrid, or if money is really tight and you are ready to convert right away you can also invest in a water conversion kit to create a your own water hybrid.

No excessive money spent there. Only about $150 to purchase the instruction book and all required parts.

Hybrid Plug Ins?

Another common myth is that all hybrids need to be plugged in. Well this is true of the original electric hybrid vehicles. Now there are electrical hybrids that have a battery on board that is charged as you drive.

So you are still gaining the advantage of saving on the cost of fuel, without the problem of having to plug in every few hours. Research is continuing and that will result in an even better version which will combine the best of both worlds.

A electrical hybrid that would run on the plug in power for the first part of the trip and then switch to the charged battery power for the reminder of the trip. Imagine having to fill your gas but tank once or twice a month, while your hybrid creates the rest of the need power.

There are many advantages to hybrid cars, and as technology advances the advantages will too. If you are looking for a great fuel efficient, environmentally friendly vehicle, think hybrid vehicle.

Forget the myths, learn the truth and soon you can be driving a hybrid too.

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One of the best things about the internet is that practically any type of interest can find a passionate following. Whether it’s a car news site for motorists or an online sci-fi magazine, the chances are that there’s a site out there with a dedicated readership, which regularly covers the latest developments in their area of interest. After all, one of the biggest benefits of a potentially global audience is that you’re not limited by publishing costs, distribution issues or even subscription costs.

Some of the most popular genres of fan-sites and niche news (barring video games and tech – a little too obvious!) that can be found online include:

Motoring

America may like to celebrate its love affair with the automobile but in truth it’s a global phenomenon. People love their cars – and what’s more they love hearing about the cars that they would like to have. Car news websites don’t just report on stories that would affect the average driver, they report on the things that only a tiny, miniscule amount of even the most dedicated car hobbyists will ever have direct experience of. From the launch of a new prestige sports car (and a subsequent test drive) to interviews with car manufacturers or professional racers, motoring is one of the biggest passions out there and its online presence reflects that.

Music

Still, no matter how many people love cars you can’t argue that even more love music. Of course that’s slightly complicated by the fact that music is a little more of a diverse interest – your average jazz fan won’t be too interested in the world of death metal. Music news sites dedicated to each genre or even specific geographies can be found throughout the internet. Gigs, festivals, interviews, label signings, the release of new albums or just good old fashioned gossip about rock-star lifestyles, it can all be found online.

Science

Science news may only take up a small section of most print publications outside of New Scientist but online, it has a huge and dedicated following. A lot goes on in the world of science that is neither quirky or entertaining but can be significant – or at least interesting if you’re so inclined. Whether it’s new information on exoplanetary surveying, the cellular behaviour of bacterial life-forms in a vacuum or even political or social commentaries from eminent scientists, you can find dozens of sites dedicated to covering science news. Be warned though; if you’re the average layman – if you left behind science in secondary school – then some of these websites may be hard work. Many are written by the scientific community exclusively for the scientific community and if you’re not familiar with the principles, they could be a little impenetrable.

Key Automobile Alliance Chooses MeeGo For Cars
The Linux Foundation today announced that GENIVI, an auto-alliance driving the adoption of In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI), will adopt MeeGo as the standard software environment for IVI systems built by car companies including GENIVI members BMW and General Motors. MeeGo-based IVI devices will provide Internet-based features such as rear-seat entertainment, navigation, and entertainment, with the …

Read more on PhysOrg

With environmental awareness increasing among people the demand of electric powered cars and hybrid cars are on the rise. In keeping with the trend Tesla Motors has brought its zero-emission high performance energy saving sports cars in the market. A superb combination of style, sophistication and futuristic technology Tesla sports cars are sure to sweep you off your feet.

Performance

Tesla Motors has recently introduced the high-performance Tesla Roadster, a next generation sports car which has already created a spark among the car enthusiasts around the world. The all new Tesla Roadster not only look attractive with a sleek carbon fiber body and retractable hard top it achieves an incredible 135 mpg.

Power

Tesla’s electric powertrain has been the main focus of several auto reviews on the roadster. The Tesla Roadster uses a 3-phase 4-pole Alternating Current induction motor which is controlled by the PEM (Power Electronics Module). Mated to a sophisticated two-speed electrically powered manual transmission Tesla’s unique electric powertrain is the source of highest torque and mileage while emitting one tenth of carbon dioxide compared to its gasoline combustion counterpart.

Style

Tesla Roadster comes in both metallic and non-metallic colors. From Brilliant Yellow to Thunder Gray you get wide range to choose colors for your car. Inside, state-of-the-art leather upholstery in black, gray or beige bears the mark of luxury.

Handling

As published in the auto news magazines, the Tesla Roadster is full of surprise. As you start the engine almost instant acceleration, that is, zero to 60-mph within 4 seconds gives you the required pace in the wink of an eye. What is best about the Tesla is that you don’t need to be a professional racing car driver to drive it. Its state-of-the-art technology ensures easy handling and smooth ride.

Battery

Much higher than usual electric cars that run about 60 miles per charge Tesla’s high-tech lithium-ion battery enables it travel up to 244 miles with 3.5 hours of charging. Tesla’s sophisticated Lithium ion battery pack is recyclable hence can be sold when dead. Instead of trashing it away you can sell them. You can charge it freely without waiting for the battery to get fully discharged.

Charging

Charging a Tesla Roadster is easy and safe whether you are at home or on the road. Once you buy the roadster you better generate a habit of charging it during the night so that every morning you find a fully charged car to drive off. You need to plug your Tesla into the High Power Connector unit at home. It takes around 4 hours to charge it. While on the road you can charge your car from any standard electric outlets using the Mobile Connector, an optional feature.

Safety

With most advanced safety features implemented in the Tesla Roadster Tesla Motors shows its commitment to passenger’s safety. The roadster gets high-quality Yokohama tires along with independent double-wishbone suspension to improve control while driving. It uses superior four-channel anti-lock brakes to reduce the vehicle stopping distance and increase vehicle control at the same time.

Finally, the Tesla Roadster boasting high energy efficiency and performance comes with an equally high price range starting from $101,500.

Cars Drivers Love Best
For the first time in over a decade, domestic auto brands surpassed imports in vehicle appeal.

Read more on Forbes

If you are an avid car user it is natural for you to regularly keep tab on car news in Australia. What with rising traffic woes, traffic management getting more challenging, vehicle owning community is witnessing introduction of new stringent regulations by authorities everywhere. Also, emerging technological development to provide more than adequate car comfort and fight climate change have made cars manufacturers buzz about their new plans and development in the media.

Alert car users are ever on look out in the market for fresh buzz about a new car, introduction of new technology, latest novel designs, fresh accessories, financial soaps to buy a new preferred brand of cars, cheap insurance coverage packages, lemons, call backs and anything that could feed their appetite for knowing more and more about cars and car markets. At times new feat by an adventurist on brand owned becomes news and matter of pride for car owners reassuring them they own the best model in the market.

What with fuel efficiency and hybrid variety making their way in to the market, new models naturally catch attention of these car enthusiasts and those waiting for something desired to happen to own a car. Innovations continue to galore automobiles and their manufacturer since the invention of the combustible engines. Every new car brand and model has given improvised versions to the advantage of car owners.

Similarly, accessory manufacturers from air bags, door locks, screen wipers, audio and video systems, air conditioning, lights, side steps, roof tracks have brought improvisations that could customize cars and bring what the owner most prefer. Sedans, SUVs or limos have all have advantages of customization. Body designs since the introduction of Japanese vehicles have received continued and much focus.

While all this news have been in and out of market but they are no more breaking car news. In Australia, the latest buzz much desired and which could make car enthusiasts sit up and take note of is the healthy fuel efficiency drive by auto makers which is receiving more attention to combat climate and lower maintenance costs to the advantage of environment and health and consumers savings. For example, General Motor has developed a new high-tech direct-injection V8 is set to overtake Generation IV in Commodore in order to develop fuel efficiency. The model is likely to be introduce in the market by 2010-end.

Car news or reviews in Australia is most valuable tool for new car buyers who are looking for used cars or willing to buy new and used cars or a preferred brand, or upgrade their vehicle to the next generation by buying an year or two used car. This class of car buyers look for a wealth of car news and want information on every model and make and every generation with details and valuation if possible to beam from a single point. That makes easy for them to compare and take well-informed decisions to go for a buy. It is a starting point for new market of car buyers.

Best Compact Cars for Safety
The 2010 Honda Civic is one of many compact cars that earned a “top safety pick” rating. Here’s a look at 2010 compacts with high marks. Contributor: James Hamel Published: May 07, 2010

Read more on Associated Content

The Dodge brothers, John and Horace, began their careers as bicycle mechanics in their father’s shop in Michigan. Their bearings and other parts were in demand with the early automobile industry, and they helped design motor parts for early Oldsmobiles.

It wasn’t long before the two brothers were approached by Henry Ford. In 1902, impressed by their skills, Henry Ford offered them a one-tenth share in his new automobile company.

After 12 years in this partnership, the Dodge brothers left Ford’s company and started their own automobile manufacturing company. Thus, in 1914, the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company was established. The “Old Betsy” was their first car, built that year.

In 1925, the Dodge Brothers Company was purchased by Dillon, Read & Company, and in 1928, the Chrysler Corporation took over a much larger Dodge Brothers. It continued expanding its line of vehicles, which included the WWII Power Wagon – a vehicle that garnered enough acclaim to continue production a decade after the war.

Following Chrysler’s takeover of the British Rootes Group and Simca of France, and the resultant establishment of Chrysler Europe in the late 1960s, the Dodge brand was used on light commercial vehicles, most of which were previously branded Commer or Karrier, and on pick-up and van versions of the Simca 1100. In the 1960s and 1970s Dodge contributed to America’s fascination with high-performance “muscle cars” by manufacturing the 505 Charger Daytonas for stock-car racing and as production cars.

Dodge and Chrysler brought the domestic convertible back to the roads in the 80s in the form of the Dodge 400 and the Chrysler Lebaron. In the 90s, the eagerly anticipated Dodge Viper put the muscle back in “muscle cars.” All of which soon culminated in the new, aggressive look on the Dodge Ram Pickup, Dodge Dakota and Dodge Durango.

For the model year of 2007, Dodge, a part of Chrysler, has lined up some new and some reworked models for its fans. Let’s take a look at a few specifications of the 2007 Caliber, Charger and Nitro –
2007 Dodge Caliber

It would seem that Dodge decided a compact hatchback is a swell idea in light of America’s recent and slightly elevated interest in smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Caliber is not a hard-core fuel miser, though, and is instead a pretty normal-sized compact. It features an all-new chassis design, and is being built at DaimlerChrysler’s retooled Belvedere, Illinois, plant.

For the Caliber’s initial launch in North America, Dodge has three styles available (SE, SXT and R/T) and a hat trick of four-cylinder, twin-cam engines: a 1.8-liter, a 2.0-liter and a 2.4-liter. The goal of improved fuel economy has also played a role in the Caliber’s transmission offerings. While the 1.8-liter gets a traditional five-speed manual, the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines have a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

2007 Dodge Charger

The 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the first special edition of the “Charger on Steroids” from Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology Division (SRT). Powered by the SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 producing 425 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, the Dodge Charger SRT8′s powertrain represents a new level in HEMI performance, with 85 additional horsepower.

Featured on all Dodge Charger models, a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick provides a full range of transmission performances to match a variety of driving styles, situations and road conditions. The new 2007 Dodge Charger features rear-wheel drive with near 50/50 weight distribution and advanced technologies that offer superb ride and responsive handling in all surface and traction conditions.

2007 Dodge Nitro

Dodge calls the 2007 Nitro its first midsize SUV, but it is more of a compact SUV. Dodge probably thinks “compact” sounds too feminine for an SUV geared to attract more men than women. However, the Nitro’s styling and hardware speak for itself. Although it’s built on the same platform as the Jeep Liberty, the Nitro was engineered primarily for street use.

Four-wheel drive will be an option, but there’s no low-range gearing or big off-road tires. The Nitro offers two solid V6s. Base and SLT models get a 3.7-liter with 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, while the R/T gets a 4.0-liter six with 255 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. There are three transmissions: a six-speed manual, which comes standard in the base model, a four-speed automatic, and a five-speed automatic which only comes with the R/T’s 4.0-liter V6. At 178 inches, the Nitro is about 4 inches longer than the Jeep Liberty and 10 inches shorter than Chevrolet’s Equinox.

Today, Dodge is a part of the Daimler Chrysler AG and is based out of Stuttgart, Germany. The Dodge brand has become famous primarily for its trucks. This is a reputation that the company is now trying to change by introducing the new Dodge Charger and the Dodge Challenger. So, that’s more to look forward to from Dodge!

Halt Motor Company (HMC) Colindale (North London) are main dealers for Daihatsu. They have many years experience in franchise and can offer great deals on new and used Daihatsu and a selection of new and used cars. There are many new Models such as the Charade and the limited edition Terios Kiri (there have been only 250 cars made) this limited edition has roof rails, special five-spoke 16 X 6 ins alloy wheels with 215/65 R16 tyres, a hard spare wheel cover, leather-covered steering wheel, front fog lamps and special ‘Kiri’ graphics. HMC Daihatsu also has many other models in store such as the Silver Copen, Materia and Terios. The Terios was voted a ’4×4 of The Year’ winner for the second year running by 4×4 Magazine. It now holds the title of: ‘Budget Class Winner – 2008′

Recent Daihatsu promotions such as the Daihatsu promotion in Harlequinn Shopping Centre (Watford) saw many people coming in for Test Drives and purchasing Daihatsu cars. HMC have many satisfied customers.

HMC Daihatsu have a reputation as a very thorough, reliable, family business who give each customer the ‘personal touch’ type of customer service, taking time and effort with each individual customer. Hence, the loyalty of many customers, who have returned repeatedly over the years.

HMC Daihatsu has many satisfied customers such as a recent customer who purchased a yellow Copen saying “My Copen causes a stir wherever I go! … I just wanted to say thank you for all your time, care and consideration for us. I love my yellow noddy!”

The Copen has a beautiful cute exterior coming in a range of colours such as Steel Grey Metallic, Champagne Metallic, Silver Metallic but Shining Red seems to be a hot favourite! Driving the Copen you are bound to get people taking a second look! This is a ‘New type of style statement’. In the city, beach or on your drive the Copen screams ‘look at me’.

The Copen comes with optional Recaro seats. This nippy little number is sporty and stylish. It takes just 20 seconds to change the open top sports car for the comfort of a coupe. But unusally the roof is made out of aluminium.

It also has a heated rear window, 5-speed manual transmission, outstanding collision safety design with a high rigidity cabin to help protect vehicle occupants. Telescopic tilt steering wheel. 47.1 mpg (combined), 9.5 acceleration.

HMC also have the Sirion in store which is a small car with the highest standards of interior space and equipment incorporating advanced engine technology and body design to give low fuel consumption figures and CO2 emissions. The Sirion is a hot favourite for those wanting to be environmentally friendly or wanting to save on yearly road fund tax the Sirion is only £35.oo per annum for 1.0 litre.

The Materia has a highly distinctive style. This MPV it stands out from the crowd due to its design of stunning lines and sporty features. Skillful engineering makes sure you get the best driving experience possible and the modified 1.5 litre DVVT combines powerful output for safer driving with outstanding low and mid-range torque as well as excellent fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.