Automotive | All About Automotive

Pontiac Cars sales peaked in 1973, at 920,000 units. Firebird provided the brand's "excitement" throughout the 1970s, starring in the Burt Reynolds film "Smoky and the Bandit," and prompting consumers across the country to make a run for black-and-gold Trans-Ams.

1982 unveiled the Fiero, a high-tech, mid-engined race design that was approved over bitter protests from Corvette executives worried about their "sports car" position.

The Fiero's innovative space-frame chassis used plastic bodywork and clip on body panels. The factory was called a show place of new production methods. Regular tours were always fully booked.

Pontiac lasted just one year longer than Oldsmobile's 20th century long run. Similar in so many respects, Oldsmobile never had the emotional connection with enthusiasts that Pontiac did. The Chief had 278,000 sales its last year and was purchased by the youngest average age of any GM brand.

Pontiac's identity as a performance brand dates back to the late 1950s and early 1960s. The cars were designed with wider bodies and the wheels pushed out to match. "Wide-track" design became a selling point, advertised as giving Pontiacs a distinct cornering advantage over other cars.

But the public acceptance of Pontiac as a performance brand was solidified in 1964 with the creation of the Pontiac Tempest LeMans Gran Turismo Omologato. Quickly shortened, the GTO is often credited with creating a new class of American car, the Muscle Car.

Pontiac was originally a low-cost alternative in GM's brand hierarchy, and a middle-class mainstay. However, Pontiac's "muscle cars" of the '60s and '70s include some of our finest American classics. There was nothing more powerfully refined, on the streets, than the GTO.

The 1970s were cataclysmic for American automakers as oil cartels formed, raised gasoline prices and sent the consuming public flooding Japan and other Asian countries for smaller, cheaper more fuel efficient autos. Any plan of returning Pontiac to the thundering horsepower of the '70s ended as gas prices continued always upward and Congress' every stricter fuel economy rules.

The golden age of muscle cars was over as GM shifted focus to an array of econo-cars which all failed to connect with consumers. Well, if you're going to put someone in a beer can for 30k, the car should have an interesting design at least. Pontiac's Swan Song earned the distinction of being ranked one of the ugliest designs ever with the pyramidal angled Aztek crossover vehicle.

So, now another farewell, to another true American original. Will Ford be the last American car company standing?

You own a Mercedes Benz, a car that makes most other drivers on the road jealous and you love that car. You would not think of putting second-class parts into your first class vehicle, but you don't know where to look for parts. Follow these tips to find the parts you will inevitably need for you Benz. first place that most people think of when its time to replace a part in their vehicle is the dealership where they originally purchased it.
Its expensive for a reason, the parts are genuine and the mechanics are experienced. If you happen to be a hands on type of owner, you may want to install the part yourself; however, if you are not, there is no one better to install a replacement part than the dealer. The next place that people turn to when looking for parts is the internet. The internet has so much information floating around that it can be difficult to pinpoint the information you are searching for. The best place to start your search for parts online is to look for Mercedes Benz specific sites these sites often contain forums. Forums are generally populated with like-minded people, each with varying degrees of expertise with Mercedes Benz.


One thing that most of these people will have in common is the willingness to help you locate what you are looking for; they may even be able to provide instructions on how to install the part, if you are the hands on type. Mercedes Benz specific sites also offer other advantages. Most sites will have at least one photo of the item you are looking for as well as reviews from past purchasers.

 Music has never been as easy to access as it is right now, even for your car audio system. With songs readily available from sites such as Amazon and iTunes, you can download music quickly and easily and listen to it right there on your computer. How to get that music into your car can be a little more complicated, though. Previously, you would have had to burn a CD, but now you can play computer music files directly on your car stereo.

These music files come in many formats, though, and transferring them to your car cannot yet be done by email (although that is no doubt only a few years away). So it is not always easy to tell which way is best to get your favourite music from your PC to your car.

There are now three main audio file types on a computer that will transfer to your car audio system: mp3, wma and aac. The mp3 is probably the one most people have heard of and it is the file type that is most common online. However, there are also wma files, which have similar properties but were created especially to be compatible with Windows Media Player. AAC files, on the other hand, are the files which are now downloadable from iTunes, aac stands for advanced audio coding and these files do give higher music quality.

Although they are similar to the user, this difference in file format can affect you. The stereo you have in your vehicle might well not be able to play aac files, or even wma. If your car contains a Panasonic CX-DH801N, for example, you would need to convert any wma files to mp3 before it would be able to play them. On the other hand, stereo systems such as the JVC KD-R303 are compatible with both wma and mp3 file types but not aac. It is best to check carefully what files your audio system will play.

Most car stereos these days are mp3 compatible, but fewer can play wma files without conversion and aac compatible stereos are in the minority. Therefore, if you're not sure whether your car audio equipment is wma or aac compatible, it might be best just to convert all audio files to mp3 to avoid problems. Software to convert music files can be found online, but as with all downloads, be careful about what you're downloading.

Most sites and shops that sell car audio equipment give a run-down of the file types that every stereo supports. If you want to find out more about car stereos, with a clear description of what files they will and will not play, have a look at www.caraudiowarehouse.co.uk.

Under the Lexus flagship, Lexus LS 600h has proven to be a huge success among consumers on a global scale. This eco friendly hybrid sedan is an initiator into the world of "go green". This is a very positive step by Lexus to spread awareness among people.

By adopting an eco-friendly attitude, good changes can take place, and this is a reason why Lexus LS 600h is so popular. Celebrities worldwide are promoting this hybrid model among their avid fans, and regular consumers alike by arriving at red-carpets, and functions seated in the luxurious car.

Lexus on its own is a popular consumer brand, and it has courted trust of the consumers for a long time. This new model has been revamped to fit the contemporary ideals of a modern car. Many technological and stylistic improvements have been made to this model for consumers to benefit from.

The ECO mode, introduced in this model helps it to be a more fuel-efficient car. Reduced load on the engine under acceleration also contributes to making the car more fuel-efficient than the previous models and many other cars under various banners on the market now.

The LS 600h model is all the more popular, because of its exterior design. The new four-bar grille with a redesigned bumper has given the car a status of its own. Another great thing about this model is its availability in many different shades. Consumers can select whatever colour they think suits their needs best. The range of exterior colours has been increased, with Mesa Red, Vanilla Mist, Richmond Green, and Atlantic Blue newly available, together with the hybrid-exclusive Crystal Sapphire.

The interior of the car has undergone rigorous design modifications, as well. Front seats are equipped with latest inflator operated active headrests. It forms an essential component of the mechanism to reduce whiplash injury in case of an accident.

The improved LS 600h feature a new, automatic high beam system. The rear view mirror sports a camera sensor. This camera sensor in the rear view mirror detects oncoming traffic, street lamps, and vehicles travelling ahead, automatically switches the headlamp high beam on, and off according to driving conditions.

Safety wise, this model is a notch above the rest. The larger, 380mm ventilated front-disc brakes with six-piston callipers, rotors, and pads make them ideal for high-speed fade-free stopping power, and give a quieter performance with less vibration as compared to other models.

The Lexus Hybrid Drive system is a great innovation. It has been specifically introduced to meet with the Euro V exhaust emissions standards. A great thing about it is that it does not affect the performance of the car.


The Lexus LS 600h model is a great achievement by the Lexus flagship. The critics are not too happy with the exterior appearance, stating that a little more work and creativity should have been put in to revamp the model according to latest technology. However, overall Lexus LS 600h has garnered a lot of positive media, and consumer attention at international events.

A flashback of a road scene a decade back and then comparing the same with the current scenario will let you wonder how the four wheelers, especially cars, have multiplied in alarming numbers. New cars introduced in India over the years have always drawn attention from car connoisseurs and the car lover is all tempted to buy more though he/she may already have two or three or more or may not even have the parking space! Amid the new cars in India, the Chevrolet Captiva LT or the Captiva LTZ is worth mentioning.

These cars by GM will automatically grab your attention on the roads with their exquisite exterior looks. Before you buy a Chevrolet Captiva, check the Captiva price as this factor differs from city to city. Go for a test drive so that you are fully satisfied with the performance level. To confirm the Captiva price, you can visit your nearest Chevrolet showroom or browse through the web. Viewing the features, technical specifications and reading user comments and reviews will further help you take the decision.

Power-packed with a range of the latest features, the striking Chevrolet Captiva is a luxury to own. The Captiva price (ex-showroom) in Mumbai is Rs. 18,37,768 and compared to other brands, it is reasonable. It has all the essentialities to make it the preferred choice by many amongst the new cars in India. The sturdy exterior looks, improvised body design, sizzling wheels and more have sparked up anticipation in the market, enticing car buyers to go for a test drive.


Once you ride the car, you will fall in love with it, and will end up buying it! In the SUV car segment, General Motors is playing the first fiddle with the introduction of its Chevrolet Captiva in the variants of Chevrolet Captiva LT and the Captiva LTZ. Both diesel variants come with almost similar features with the latter carrying some extra advantages. While the Chevrolet Captiva LT has a manually handled 5-speed gearbox, the Captiva LTZ comes with the automatic transmission standard, facilitating easy and quiet shifting into high gear. This is due to the carbon-fiber material used in the transmission, enabling you go from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.7 secs. The elegant bold look and a commanding driving position make the Captiva worth buying.

The exterior features of the Chevrolet Captiva with its large 6-spoke alloy wheels and tubeless tyres, satin silver finish bumpers, cylindrical prism type headlamps, LED signal lamps, turn signal repeaters, chrome door handles, etc. make it look grand. Further, the interiors speak volume with ergonomically designed dashboard, flexi-type seating, audio controls, dual front airbags, and more. Power-driven by a 2.0-litre inline-4 turbocharged diesel engine incorporating VCDi fuel injection technology, you enjoy a solid 148 bhp engine power.


The variable geometry turbocharger is electrically controlled, which maintains the speed perfectly whether you are driving in the highway or the city. The load capacity is awesome; the Chevrolet Captiva is always stable on the road no matter the load as it rides on a self-leveling independent suspension.

What was intended to be a unique revision of the 1999 360 Modena, the Ferrari F430 Spider ended up being a stand alone art form. Another spotless dream child of Pininfarina's, The F430 Spider is a sleek, top of the line in a top of the class, registering one of the best reviewed new cars in the V-8 class of sports cars.
Her sleek yet muscular body frame is more than just teasing to the eyes, it was specifically designed using state of the art, knock your socks off, computer assisted imaging programs that are exclusively used by the F-1 team. Not a single detail of performance handling or speed inclination was overlooked, and the results stand high above the rest.

Starting out with what were supposed to be subtle adjustments in refining what was already considered a refined piece of machinery, the subtle was lost as the F430 took on a personality all her own. Her new high finish stainless tailpipes stare down at the competition as her 483 horses and 343 pounds per foot of torque leave her competition staring at her hindquarters.

What seems like a small 20% increase in the Modena's original 3.6 liters of cubic capacity coupled with the larger displacement rumbling V-8 and the new and improved 4 valve cylinder heads adds up to an additional 91 horses and 67 pounds per foot of torque. For the mathematically challenged like myself that all adds up to a roaring 0-60 in just under 4 seconds and an enhanced top speed of 193 miles per hours. Quite a step 20% can provide.

The Ferrari F430 Spider was ceremoniously unveiled to enthusiasts and critics alike at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, under a cacophony of flash bulbs and of course a sense of breathlessness that matched an undescribed anticipation to get her out on the open highway.

The F430 Spider came with a new and improved wind deflection system, a little reworking provided a functionally revised convertible top, and of course the updated and more-than-ready-to-show-you-what-it's-all-about instrument binnacle shone like a beacon from inside the vehicle. Tiny details created an obvious statement about the newest member of the Pininfarina family, right down to the embossed driver's side view mirror shell telling curious onlookers that of course this is an original F430.

With a sleeker central tunnel and electronic differentials that screamed of creative innovation, everything from the basic lines and eye pleasing corners of the car to the traction and handling improvement aimed for all types of roadway conditions oozed out over the Ferrari F430 Spider's sudden explosion onto the car scene.
Of course, onlookers marveled at the steering wheel mounted well thought out innovative design of the commutator switch allows for quick and easy set up of the car's adjustment features. The body shape underwent extensive testing to produce an all out hard to improve upon design that includes such features as a pronounced molder that is handsomely integrated in the engine cover, which is delicately covered in glass, giving it the appearance of a casing just for the heart of the beast. The larger rear intakes pronounce the vehicle's muscular heart, belying its graceful pose. The rear valance cleverly incorporates a diffuser of high class, state of the art competitive nature. Derived from the best in racing, the 430 Spider is a conglomerate of high tech features that smooth into one easy to handle high test version of Pininfarina's time tested performance cars. Unlike innumerable replacement models and redesign hot shots, the F430 Spider comes to the floor without redundancy.

At 177.6 inches in length and 75.7 inches wide, the F350 spider came with more punch for its size than all of her predecessors. The spoiler that gracefully meets both intakes handsomely and effectively drives the F430 toward the ground as she picks up speed, proving that functionality doesn't have to state anything other than beautiful. The intakes themselves are naturally a continuation of the 1961 dream run in the F-1 Championship. Inspired by tradition yet reflecting a modern era of intensity, the effectiveness of these intense designs is a bit overwhelming in their strength and subtlety.

Just like every generation of Ferrari super creations, the F430 Spider has had every detail of performance, style and function considered, perfected, and reconsidered to produce what only the Ferrari name could produce. This $200,000 dream machine is untouchable by most standards but carries her grace just like the rest of the Ferrari family. Critics recently condemned Ferrari for their classical approach to innovative design, encouraging them to step outside the box. What these critics don't realize is that the classical approach to innovative design is exactly what creates the Ferrari family, and to deviate from it would be blasphemous to the Ferrari principles.

The F430's grace on the eyes translates equally to grace on the road way. With the sleeker and more aerodynamic suspension, the finely tuned body design, and the attention to every possible functional detail, the F340 glides over the roadway with an ease that is reminiscent to gliding on cloud fringed skylines. A driver can feel his own pulse throb through his chest as he cranks her over for the first time, the pulsing of the engine practically begs for attention. Her desire for heat flash speed can outweigh the driver's, and in fact can intimidate those who have never felt the power of high class F-1 rumbles underneath their fingertips.

As is true to the Ferrari legacy and good name, with each new unveiling, there will be cars ahead of the F340 that will create an equal stir. But the F340 will fight to be unforgotten, and in fact will readily turn herself into one of those legendary classics that screamed onto the high performance car scene and refused to stop screaming ever since. She will be a perpetual delight and take her rightful place among the queens of the speedway, her pulsating thrum will echo for generations to lust after, learn from, and envy along the way.