Hybrid Tech Dominates The 24 Hours Of Le Mans Endurance Race - Visperud Autosalg

It just became a lot cooler to drive a hybrid. That is, if your hybrid system also includes a 510 hp direct-injected turbodiesel V6 like the one powering the rear wheels of Audi's R18 e-tron quattro LMP1 race car.
The R18 e-tron quattro is the first Le Mans prototype to combine a diesel engine with a hybrid system. The pairing proved potent this weekend, as the R18 e-tron took pole position during qualifying rounds and cruised to victory at the end of 24 hours of racing on Sunday. In doing so, the R18 e-tron became the first hybrid-powered vehicle to win the storied endurance race. In fact, the winner's podium was packed with drivers representing the German automaker; 1st and 2nd place going to the R18 e-tron quattro teams and 3rd place taken by the traditional diesel-powered R18 ultra.



Of course, the hybrid tech used at Le Mans isn't the same as the fuel-sipping systems found on passenger vehicles like the Toyota Prius. Both make use of electric motors and regenerative braking, but the comparison ends there. A traditional passenger hybrid operates with MPGs in mind, whereas the R18 e-tron seeks to add a boost of performance where possible.

The R18 e-tron quattro uses a carbon-fiber flywheel accumulator system to capture energy under braking and release it to electric motors powering the front wheels, providing a brief 204 hp boost to the front axle during acceleration. The rear wheels are powered conventionally by the V6 TDI engine, hence the quattro moniker. (Although, again, this isn't quattro in the same sense as Audi's AWD passenger vehicles.) The temporary hybrid-electric boost is only allowed above speeds of 75 mph, per FIA rules.

Audi Sport's stiffest competition was expected to come from a rookie Toyota Racing team. Making their anticipated return to endurance racing, Toyota was the only other carmaker to field hybrid-powered prototypes: a pair of super capacitor-based TS030 Hybrids.

Early on it appeared as if Toyota's hybrid tech would deliver, propelling their #7 to the front of the pack near the six-hour mark; however, not soon after, a horrific collision with a GT Ferrari at over 200 mph decommissioned the car (video below). Later, Toyota's race was officially cut short when their second TS030 succumbed to engine failure.

Troubles aside, Toyota's early success and Audi's victory sweep make it clear that hybrid race tech is here to stay, and at TRANSLOGIC--where we liked hybrids before they were cool--that's something worth celebrating.

Now, where's that champagne?

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Make Sure Your Car is as Safe as Possible - Visperud Autosalg

Before you jump into your car for that long-planned road trip, there are a few things you need to take care of to make sure your trip will be a safe one.

“Get an oil change, have your belts and engine checked, and if your windshield has ever been replaced, make sure the job was done right,” says Leo Cyr, vice president of NOVUS Auto Glass.

According to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA), 82 people are either killed or injured in accidents every day after being ejected from their vehicles. There’s no breakdown of how many of those people went through windshields, but Cyr figures the number is high.

“Laws exist that require seatbelt use. Laws exist to prohibit tampering with or disabling airbags. However, there are no laws that govern how a windshield is replaced once the vehicle leaves the factory. An improperly replaced windshield could -- and sometimes does -- become detached from the vehicle during airbag deployment, from the force of a collision, or when the car rolls or flips over. With the windshield disabled, the effectiveness of the vehicle’s safety restraint system (SRS) is seriously compromised.

“The tragedy of the situation,” explains Cyr, “is the average person will not realize their windshield was improperly replaced until it is too late. There are literally thousands of responsible auto glass companies in the United States that perform high-quality, safe windshield replacement. However, the way to locate and select such a company comes from knowing what questions to ask before making a commitment.”

The first question to ask is if the windshield really needs to be replaced, or if dings in the glass can be repaired. Chips or dings that are small enough to be covered by a credit card or cracks that will fit under a dollar bill are typically repairable without having to remove the factory seal of the original glass.

If you do decide to go through with a repair, ask if the technician will take the following steps when making the repair:

•    * Remove the old sealant leaving approximately 1/16 inch bonding surface. 
* Clean and prime the glass and the vehicle pinchweld. 
* Wear gloves so as not to contaminate the clean glass. 
* Use urethane adhesive (not butyl tape or silicone). 
* Check for a passenger side airbag and, if present, use urethane rated for that type of installation. 
* Discuss how long before the vehicle can be driven. 
* Tell you the “do’s and don’ts” of operation during adhesive curing.

After the job is done, inspect the work carefully. You do not need to be an auto glass expert to identify the “tell tale” signs of improper installation. From outside the vehicle, see if the windshield is perfectly centered on the car. Is the distance the same between the left side and the right side of the windshield and the auto body?

Finally, inspect the molding that fits around the entire circumference of the windshield. Is the molding broken or are there visible gaps? Is the molding flat or does it look like a roller coaster? Most importantly, is the glass flush with the vehicle’s body? If any of these conditions are present, the installation should be considered suspect.

“When shopping for auto glass repair and/or replacement services, people need to be quality conscious to a fault,” says Cyr. “Discounts, coupons and sales incentives are fine when shopping for ‘brand’ name products at competing retailers. Auto glass repair/replacement is not a product. It is a service -- a safety service -- requiring the use of the best materials technology has to offer.”

For more information or to locate the NOVUS Service Center nearest you, visit www.novusglass.com

Courtesy of ARA Content

Visperud Autosalg

http://www.2sportscars.com/carsafe.shtml

How To Choose The Right Car - Visperud Autosalg

Driving, across the country or merely a state line or two, is the quintessential sport. Our cars transport us to destinations like family reunions, vacations and honeymoons. You won’t find it on the front page of the sports section, but driving, windows down, music blaring and sunshine hot on your face has become a tradition that’s getting more popular every year.

Like lemonade stands and drive-in movies replaced by today’s mega-theatres and air-conditioned malls, cruising has evolved to include not only today’s safer convertibles, but other vehicles that lend themselves to the particular tastes of the driver.

“They say getting there is half the fun, and if you’re driving one of this year’s newer vehicles to your vacation destination that really will be the case,” says John Davis, host and executive producer of MotorWeek, a weekly automotive magazine show produced by Maryland Public Television.

Davis says you’ll be seeing a lot of pickups, SUVs and convertibles out there; and unlike in past years when people might rent “fun” cars specifically to drive on vacation, “the latest trend is for people to travel in their own vehicles. It’s a comfort thing as well as being more economical,” says Davis.

So-called cross over vehicles, which combine the features of a car with those of a sedan, minivan or sport utility vehicle, are really gaining in popularity. “They are the widest, most imaginative group of vehicles to enjoy in the history of the industry,” says Davis. Vehicles that fall into this category include the Pontiac Vibe, Subaru Baja, Honda Element, Scion xB, Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Matrix, and Chevrolet Avalanche. They cover a broad range of prices from under $15,000 to well over $40,000.

Safety Issues

“They are very versatile, there’s no doubt about that,” says Davis. “But like the traditional SUV, they tend to be tall, and taller vehicles by their very nature can roll over easier, so you still need to be extra careful when taking corners.”

Rollovers can also be a worry for another popular summertime car: convertibles. They tend to be slower to respond to driver inputs because they are heavier than your average sedan, but Davis points out, they have come a long way. “Convertibles used to be flimsily made and clumsy to drive, and really rattled over rough roads. Now they are better built, with better suspensions, and are much safer. Along with front airbags, many convertibles can be ordered with side impact airbags, while a few have pop-up roll-over bars that automatically provide extra protection for occupants. Most also offer electronic driving aids like anti-lock brakes and electronic stability systems.

Cruising still has the devotion of the American driver as it has for years, but with some 210 million registered drivers on the road, it does require us to be more conscious. Not just about safety, but other drivers, and local laws as they relate to aggressive driving and cell phone use. So, toss the cell phone in the glove compartment, strap on your seat belt and enjoy your next road trip.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Visperud Autosalg

http://www.2sportscars.com/right-car.shtml

Car Audio Systems - Visperud Autosalg

As the automobile has evolved, in-car entertainment has become increasingly important. Your OEM car audio system is likely subpar, unless you paid big bucks for a vehicle equipped with a Bose or other designer sound system. Upgrading your car audio system is much simpler today. In fact, you can do it yourself with the right help and a few simple tools. What will you need for the job?

First, you'll need a schematic that shows how you remove your OEM radio. This can be a very involved process in newer cars. If you don't want to risk damaging your trim and interior, take it to a professional audio installer. They have the expertise and experience required to make the job simple and easy.

Before you yank out the audio system, you need to find a replacement system. Your budget and your needs will dictate what type you choose. Pioneer, Bose, Blaupunkt, Sony, Jensen, Samsung, Audiovox and many other brands are extremely popular. Each brand offers different benefits and different prices; use the Internet to research each brand and find the right fit for your needs. In addition, you'll need an amplifier (at least one!), quality subwoofers, speaker wire and replacement speakers for your doors and rear deck (if your car has subpar speakers from the factory).

If you intend to do it yourself, hit the Internet. Several sites will tell you how to remove your OEM audio unit. Remember, these instructions will be vehicle specific; never use a general guide that claims to show you how to remove the radio from a broad range of different vehicle types.

Once you have your instructions in hand, it's time to gather the tools you'll need. The instructions may include tool types, as well. While some vehicles will have very specific tools, most will require many of the same tools, as well. A flat-head screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, a ratchet and a variety of sockets, a ratchet extension and tape are all common tool used.

Follow the instructions in the removal manual and you'll be on your way to audio heaven. If all this sounds like too much to tackle, take it to a shop. You'll find that many offer very reasonable prices for installation. Some will even install your system free of charge if you purchase your components through them. Do your homework and you can find a great deal.

Visperud Autosalg

http://www.2sportscars.com/car-audio.shtml

How To Save Gas - Visperud Autosalg

Gas prices are on the rise. Here are some tips to help you conserve gas and save money as we approach summer gas prices.

1. Keep your car tuned up. Cars in poor running condition use more gasoline.

2. Plan trips well to avoid unnecessary driving.

3. When you run your air conditioner you get much worse gas mileage. Use your air conditioner sparingly. If you have a lower setting, use it. Turn it on until the car gets cool, then turn it off and let the fan circulate the cool air. Never run your air conditioner with your windows open!

4. Keep your windows closed when traveling at high speeds. Open windows cause additional drag and lower your gas mileage. At high speeds, an open window can use more gas than many air conditioners (especially if they are on a low setting).

5. Check your tire pressure. Over-inflated tires can actually reduce your fuel efficiency, so don't overfill.

6. If at all possible, change your work start time to avoid gridlock. Stop and go traffic hurts your gas mileage.

7. Take unneeded items out of the car. You don't need to carry snow chains around with you in the summertime. Just make sure to put them back in when winter comes around.

8. Try not to idle your engine for long periods of time. If you are stuck in traffic and you don't think you are going to go anywhere in the next five minutes, you may want to turn your car off.

9. You no longer need to warm your car up for long periods of time, especially new cars. New cars are made to run when cold.

10. Don't travel at fast speeds in low gears unless you need the compression to slow down.

11. Try to drive the speed limit.

12. Try to accelerate slowly when leaving the stop light. It's not a competition with the driver in the lane next to you. The fastest person through the intersection just gets to spend more on gas.

13. No need to buy the highest priced gasoline. Most cars are built to run on regular unleaded. Check you owners manual or consult a mechanic. I have had many tell me that the more expensive gas is a waste of money.

14. Revving the engine needlessly wastes gas. There is no need to rev before you turn your vehicle off.

15. If at all possible, try to arrange car pools with co-workers to share the cost of commuting to work.

16. Walk, bike or run to your intended location whenever possible.

17. When the price is sky high, don't fill up. Wait for the price to go down before you fill up your tank. Filling up your tank when the price is peaking lets gas companies know that you are willing to pay ridiculous prices for gasoline.

18. And last, the biggest and most important step towards saving money on gas is always try to purchase vehicles that get good gas mileage. The difference between 20 miles-per-gallon and 40 miles-per-gallon is huge.

Fisher Swanson is a regular contributer to The www.ThriftyFun.com News. ThriftyFun publishes information about thrifty living.

http://www.2sportscars.com/savegas.shtml

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