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Aston Martin Rapide – The four-door supercar

Aside from its stunning styling and looks, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about about the Aston Martin Rapide. You could say that it is a competitor to the Porsche Panamera and Maserati Quattroporte, however the Rapide is priced much, much higher than its two rivals with a price tag of over two hundred thousand dollars. The Aston Martin CEO has called the Rapide the world’s first four-door supercar, a pretty big claim considering it’s not as fast as the Porsche Panamera Turbo.

The Rapide shares its six-liter, four hundred and seventy-horsepower V12 engine and six-speed automatic gearbox with the DB9, and can achieve a 0-60 time of around five seconds. The Rapide’s weight distribution, low center of gravity, and immensely rigid chassis combine to form a true four-door sports car.

In reality, the Rapide is more of a Grand Tourer to drive than a thoroughbred sports car, and the steering feels correspondingly light. However, unlike high-end luxury sedans such as the BMW 7 Series or Mercedes S-Class, there are none of the meandering side-to-side movements you may experience when cornering. On Rapide, the suspension can be tightened even more for a very firm ride. Activate sport mode and you can increase throttle response and the six-speed transmission keeps revs even higher, making acceleration sharper.

The Rapide is the kind of car you can drive in all day, as long as you are in one of the front seats. Despite being a four-door, the rear seats are quite comfortable, although to be fair, they can accommodate an adult passenger in relative comfort. The interior is drowned in leather and everything inside the interior that looks like metal is metal – no cheap plastic trim to sneak in here. Most of the dash is in common with the Aston Martin DBS and, in addition to the rear passenger space, there is a surprising amount of trunk space, almost on par with an everyday sedan.

It is difficult to know exactly where the Aston Martin will fit in the market. Considerably more expensive than its main rivals, but without the performance gain to match the higher price, the Rapide is more likely to rely on exclusivity as its main draw for potential buyers: a limited production of around just three thousand means that prices and convenience will remain high for years to come.

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Pony Car Wars II (80s Challenger doesn’t count)

So it’s starting to sneak up on us; the next generation ponycar wars. For many fans of domestic ponycars from the late 60s, this is like a dream come true. In a year or so, the streets will be awash with new Dodge Challengers, Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaro. Now, I was too young to be a part of the early ponycar wars, so I can’t give a first-hand account of what happened. But what I can do is tell you what happened next: the cars sucked.

Now don’t get me wrong, there were some bright spots (the 1970-1981 Camaro / Firebirds), some low spots (Mustang II King Kobra? Come on!), And some things the mind tries to forget (OMG, by what! ?!). But what if you wanted a ponycar and not the junk mobiles that were produced at that time? Let me take you back to the mid-1980s. I was in high school and didn’t have any money to buy a car. You had always wanted a 1971 Plymouth Barracuda, but it was awfully expensive to buy a decent one, (like $ 5000. Today that could buy your shell) and you wanted to suffer the humiliation of buying one of the ‘weak’ 1972-1974 cars? For a thousand dollars you could buy a 1974 Barracuda and pretend you were in a big block Mopar. Bleh, that felt like a trap. Now those disposables average over $ 10,000 on eBay! Anyway, after a few years I got a job and by my senior year in high school I was ready to buy myself a ponycar.

At the time, I was really starting to notice late ’60s Mustang Fastbacks, so I kept that option in mind. I scoffed at this kid at my school who would sell me his nearly rust-free 1969 Mach 1 for $ 2,500. Too much for a Mustang, I thought. Late ’60s Camaros were starting to go up in price at the time, but I never had much of an interest in them at the time, but I was able to get’ buy one / get one free ‘deals on mid’ 70s and Trans Camaros. -Ams almost everywhere. No. It’s not different enough for my taste. So I started looking for my Barracuda, a ‘top repairman’ who could afford to buy and drive at the same time. A friend found a drivable 1971 Cuda ‘383 with the trunk virtually gone and was in need of a full restoration for $ 1500, but I thought it was too much work. So I ended up buying a 1969 Coronet 383 that was clunky but workable, and decided I’d buy my ponycar a little later.

Fast forward much later down the road, and prices have skyrocketed on just about every ponycar made by the Big 3. How about a nice drivable 1974 Barracuda 318 for $ 5000? Say ah. No. How about those Mustang Fastbacks from the ’60s, they made hundreds of thousands? Sure, but if you want all the options, like an engine and the floors, it will cost you $ 15,000, if you’re lucky. But the good news is that the late ’60s Camaro has stabilized in price, say around $ 15,000 to $ 20,000, but I still don’t like them. But what if you want something to drive every day, with air conditioning, factory warranty, and airbags? Well the big 3 finally (read: about damn time) answered our prayers and are offering us retro ponies at a price we can afford. Now that’s exciting in itself, but it’ll be even better when all three cars are on the road at the same time. Let me put it this way, you can have two of the world’s most educated, docile, and friendly 40-somethings driving those cars, but when a Mustang and Camaro meet at a stoplight, one of those cars is turning off. lose a tooth. It is not the fault of the owners.

You can be sure that most of them bought the cars because they loved or used to own one of the originals, or maybe they just want to look good. No … cars know. I have a 2005 Mustang with the V6. I know he’s just a good driver and not a pavement killer. Every time a kid pulls up next to me in an applauded Cavalier or a shiny four-door Civic, or even an Aztek for Pete’s sake, it’s suddenly turned on! They rev the engines and try to break down the power (almost killing the poor guy) and then let go when the light turns green. All the time I hang back in awe thinking, “why are you trying to blow your car’s engine through the hood?” My Mustang laughs at me, because she knows that she is the one looking for the fight. If you think I’m exaggerating, watch the first time you see one of the new Dodge Challenger R / T and Camaro SS meet at a stoplight. I? I will enjoy peace and solidarity while it lasts. As for never being able to afford my Cuda ‘from 1971, okay, maybe they’ll do a 2011.

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Jeep Comanche – The Ultimate Jeep Truck!

The Jeep Comanche was manufactured between 1986 and 1992. It was introduced by American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1986, but then AMC and its Jeep Division were bought by Chrysler Corporation, which officially began distributing the midsize truck in 1987.

The fact that Dodge trucks are also Chrysler products made it difficult for the Jeep newcomer to compete with the established Dodge lineup, especially the Dodge Dakota which was also available with 4-wheel drive.

Furthermore, Jeep sales had been declining with the slow death of American Motors Corp. and now it was up to Chrysler to decide what to do with its new division … but especially the Jeep Comanche.

The Comanche truck was built on the successful Jeep Cherokee platform that shares most of the drivetrain and even some body / interior parts.

I’ve always felt the Comanche pickup was a good-looking pickup, as well as being a good size among compact and full-size pickup trucks across the US and foreign entry spectrum.

I currently own an original 1987 Jeep Comanche 4×4 long bed with a 5 speed gear. standard and the first of the 4.0-liter engines. I really enjoy my truck … and have loved most Jeeps for quite some time. This truck packs a lot of power and will go anywhere you point … especially in tough driving conditions.

My truck is smooth on the road and also handles dirt, rocks, mud, snow, and ice. There are no power windows, seats, or locks anywhere on this workhorse.

Chrysler / Jeep has been talking for several years about building a production truck to fill the long void since the Jeep Comanche. In 2005 they released the Jeep Gladiator Concept prototype that will blow your mind. This is a nice looking truck built on the Wrangler Unlimited platform.

Meanwhile, while you wait for Chrysler’s new blood Jeep Pickup … there are some nice Comanches still on the road and some are even available for good homes. They can only get rarer over time.

So … grab one … take care of it … and enjoy the Jeep experience!

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How To Cure Acne Through Prevention – Get Rid Of Your Pizza Face!

Let’s face it, acne is a pit. Waking up to new pimples is a horrible way to start your day. Worse still, if they show up when you’re getting ready for a hot date. Or getting ready to take school photos. The problem is, there is often no way around the dreaded pimples. At least that’s what most people think.

But there are things that can be done to help with skin care and prevent breakouts. Admittedly, it will take some time management and a certain degree of commitment … but it’s worth keeping the pizza face at bay! Here are some tips to help keep your skin acne free:

– After a long busy day, take some time to rest for a few minutes. Half an hour or so of relaxation is good. You should let your body de-stress before starting your acne skincare routine. Although it may sound silly, mindfulness is an important aspect of the treatment process. Do not neglect it.

– After your short “down time”, wash your face thoroughly. Make sure to wash off any bits of dirt on the surface of your skin with warm water. Your face must be absolutely clean because the pores will open in the presence of water and you do not want foreign particles to leak out. Warm water is much better for relaxing your pores, so cold water is preferred to wash your face.

Apply soap to your face. The soap must be hypoallergenic, that is, free from allergies. Wash thoroughly, then let your face rest for about five minutes until the pores have relaxed and open.

– Apply a rejuvenating cream. There are a variety of brands available in the market. Just make sure the brand you use is not an antioxidant. You want to get rid of all the potential oil buildup, but you want to retain moisture on your face. You don’t want it to dry out. The goal is to retain a healthy amount of moisture.

– Rinse well afterwards and relax again. You have completed the acne skin care process for today.

This is an easy routine that should be repeated on a regular basis. But don’t overlook its simplicity. Maintaining this cleansing regimen will help prevent future blemishes and breakouts. It’s guaranteed? No. But it is an easy and inexpensive alternative to commercial acne ointments.

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Looking for tips for buying a car online? Read ahead for helpful information

Just keep the following points in mind when looking for tips for buying a car on the internet.

Firstly, Searching for a generic phrase like “buy a good car” will likely turn up millions of pages of generic and vague advice. On the other hand, searching for “2014 Honda Civic vs 2014 Toyota Corolla” will return specific results with precise advice and guidance. Therefore, try to be as clear and precise in your searches for useful help on the Internet.

Now the Internet can help you refine your general search parameters into more specific queries. Consider your budget, ability to pay, loan eligibility, preferred car makes, and advice from friends and family to prepare a short list of five to ten cars that meet your requirements. Use social media websites and online forums to interact with other car buyers and to learn more about their preferences.

Next, don’t make the mistake of researching the internet in a random and random fashion. Don’t deviate from the dealer’s bargaining advice when comparing different car models online. Complete the comparison and identify the correct model before continuing your search for negotiation tips. Ignoring this rule can lead to a situation where you have a lot of unstructured information that leads to additional information.

If necessary, delegate different research tasks to different members of your family. Let a family member take care of comparing different models and identifying the right car for your family. Ask another member to compare different car dealerships on the internet to find a dealership that enjoys a reputation for being a professional and customer-friendly company. You can take care of looking for negotiation advice on the Internet. This will avoid a situation where you cannot make an informed decision due to incomplete information.

Third, don’t make the mistake of finalizing your decision after just one online search. Many people start the search process for the right car with preconceived notions and prejudices. If you are in favor of buying a Honda Civic, online search results may only tend to reinforce this bias.

Instead, start researching as if you are simply looking for cars with no intention of buying a car in the near future. This will prevent you from misinterpreting the results. You will not look for information to support your bias. Rather, you will be looking for information that helps you form a bias towards a particular car or a specific model.

Fourth, try to cover all aspects and facets of online research. Online forums that allow you to interact directly with car owners are a great place to look for specific questions related to maintenance or mileage or comfort during long drives. Using search engines for these types of queries can lead to vague and unsatisfactory results.

Social media is a great option for local searches on the quality of service offered by your nearest car dealership. From online review sites to your contacts on FB and Twitter, you can accumulate a lot of useful information about local distributors using social searches instead of search engines.

Reputable websites like MSN Auto and Edmunds can help you Negotiate with car dealers for better deals and discounts on your car purchase. You can learn about tips and tricks used by car dealers to finalize the deal to your advantage.

These sites will tell you how car dealers use false urgency to force buyers to make a hasty decision or how they win back discounts by offering overpriced accessories when you’re excited to buy a new car. You can avoid being misled by such tactics and make an informed decision based on your own convenience.

Lastly, it is very important to stop searching online once you have made the right decision. Take the time to do your research on the Internet. However, stick with your decision once you’ve made it.

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Is a 6-cylinder SUV better than a 4-cylinder?

Buying a new or used car requires doing your research first, you want to get the best vehicle for your money and when it comes to engine size and how much power is needed in your sport utility vehicle, it is good to know the difference between a 6 cylinder vs. 4 cylinders. Some things to consider when buying a car is to look at the many factors that determine the power, design, and fuel efficiency of the engine.

Year, make and model can affect the performance of different engines.

It is important to note that a 4 cylinder engine has four pistons and they are generally found in smaller cars, for example a Toyota Tacoma is a first generation compact pickup from 1995 to 2004 models, the two wheel drive Tacoma came with 2.4L and 2.7L four-cylinder engines, while 6-cylinder engines have six pistons and are generally found in most passenger cars, vans, and small trucks, such as those found in the truck’s V6 engine GMC produced in 1960 to 1978 in the Chevrolet 250 cid inline 6. Theoretically, more pistons would equal more horsepower.

Is a 6-cylinder V6 better than a 4-cylinder engine?

The inline 6 engine has been replaced by the V6 engine due to its compact size and high performance engine, which is why it is the best choice if you are looking for a high power engine while maintaining great fuel economy for your SUV. Straight-line or in-line 4-cylinder is standard on most vehicles and is considered an economical engine. Its lower emissions and fuel efficiency make it the engine of choice for those who care about their impact on the environment. So determining which engine is better will depend on what you are looking for in the next car you buy, although more cylinders equals more power when comparing different engines.

Advances in technology for modern 4 cylinders

Many had thought that 4 cylinders lacked acceleration, this is changing with Japanese automakers building high-performance SUVs, such as in the Toyota sports utility, where you have the option to buy the Highlander, Rav4, and the new Toyota. The 2010 4runner has a 2.7 liter four cylinder engine that produces 157 horsepower, the only difference between a modern 4 cylinder compared to a V6 is the cost, due to the advancement in performance over the last decade.

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Moving? The era of mobile capsule companies has arrived

Time to move. You are a family of four moving to a new home, or perhaps a single mother moving down the street. Maybe you’re moving for work. Maybe you’re a college student transferring to a new college but can’t fit everything in that Honda Civic of yours. Whatever the reason, whatever the cause, the prospect of moving will never make you think of a day at the beach.

http://vasutioc.com

Believe it or not, the moving industry has come a long way since our parents had to move. We are no longer stuck with just a couple of moving options: renting a moving truck, hiring a moving company, or trying to do it all yourself. Sure they are all still very viable, but in the last 10 years some moving companies have changed the rules … forever. Capsule moving companies offer the convenience of easily loading (and unloading) at your own pace. Most of these mobile pods (based on available sizes) can be placed in the driveway or even on a sidewalk (check your city regulations first!), Making them great options if you live in the city. The best of all is that can be much cheaper. (Not always, so be sure to get quotes.)

However, not all mobile capsules are created equal, so it is important to research your options and see how these capsules stack up before reserving one. Note that these will be left in place, so unless you have a huge patio or a really long driveway, consider some of the smaller capsules.

In an effort to help make this decision easier, below is a list of capsule moving companies that serve most, if not all, parts of the country. We have also included the sizes of their respective portable storage containers and what they are made of.

Door-to-door storage and mobile pods

  • 5 ‘wide by 7’ high by 8 ‘deep
  • 3/4 pressure treated plywood. A very breathable material that guarantees the safety of stored belongings. While in place, the container has a waterproof vinyl cover, which is removed while the container is stored in the controlled environment of their storage centers.

Upack

  • Exterior: 6 ‘(72 “) wide by 7’ (84”) long by 8 ‘(99 “) high
  • Inside: 70 “x 82” x 93 “
  • Constructed of steel or aluminum.

Get a sam

  • 16 ‘long, 8’ wide and 8 ‘high
  • 7,500 pound capacity containers
  • fiberglass reinforced plywood walls (the same strong material used in road trucks) and galvanized steel corners

Pods

  • 8 ‘tall by 7’ wide by 7 ‘long
  • 8 ‘tall by 8’ wide by 12 ‘long
  • 8 ‘tall by 8’ wide by 16 ‘long
  • metal containers

Pack & Ride

  • 4’W x 7’T x 7’5 “L (approximately 200 cubic feet)
  • rigid, lightweight, corrugated polymer

There are many reasons why mobile pods should be considered for your next move. Many of these capsule moving companies will allow you to reserve multiple containers, but will only charge you for what you use. Plus, you can sometimes have up to a month to pack your capsule, so you’re in no rush. Last but not least, pods aren’t just for getting around. Companies like Door to Door, Upack, and Pods can store your pod in a secure storage facility.

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How Your Choice of Cars Reflects Your Personality

Automobiles have become an integral part of our society. Intended to be used as a tool to get from point A to point B, automobiles have extended their use in today’s society.

This article looks at some points about the selection and personality of the car. Cars are no longer tools that take us from one point to another and have become status symbols and reflect the values ​​and personality of the driver.

People often judge a person by the car they drive. If you’re getting out of a Bentley, for example, you’ll get a lot of respect from just about anyone who sees you get out of the car.

The condition and appearance of your car has spread the mantra of your discipline reflecting on how you wear your clothes. Being seen parking a dirty car is equivalent to going to the office in a scruffy suit. Similarly, stepping down from a flawlessly detailed automobile is the elegant and appropriate look many office executives are known for.

In fact, today, what you drive increases your reputation more than what you use. Studies have shown that attractions reflect a person’s personality more than clothing. Cars are no longer tools and have transcended into the realm of lifestyle.

Playboys want fast-looking coupes, while dads go for minivans. Buicks are said to cater to less internet-savvy drivers compared to Honda, which has an overwhelmingly digital shopper pool.

This trend even reaches motor trends. Sports car owners tend to be slightly less patient at the stoplight than truck drivers. The gigantic proportions of some SUVs tend to intimidate smaller vehicles from their owners in rush hour traffic.

Brands like Lexus tend to be bought by wealthy and well-educated owners. Aside from that demographic, the brand primarily caters to married couples. This reflects stability and a more settled personality for buyers.

Your choices in the car you are driving largely reflect your personality. Stop thinking of your car as something you take from one place to another but be very careful when choosing your car. You may think it doesn’t matter, but your peers will assess your personality in the car you drive.

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Tesla electric car: a penny per mile

The new Tesla electric car is in! But, as the company’s website proudly states, “burns rubber, not gasoline!”

This is not just any electric car. The Tesla electric car is a beauty and definitely unique. It comes with a Lotus designed chassis and has better acceleration than a Lamborghini Murcielago.

The Tesla saves more than twice as much fuel as the best hybrid car. It only costs about a penny per mile to drive, goes up to 250 miles on a single charge, and all you have to do is plug it in every night like you do with your cell phone or iPod.

Who Said Electric Cars Weren’t Fun?

Since the early days of automobiles, over a hundred years ago, electric cars have always been considered dull and boring. Oh sure, an electric car was fine if you only had a short trip or if you had to shop at the local supermarket and couldn’t get there on foot or by bike. But they were slow, ugly, and little more than glorified golf carts.

But two Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, have changed all of that forever. They have designed an electric car that is exciting to drive and beautiful to look at!

The Tesla Roadster is a 100% electric two-seater convertible that goes from zero to 60 mph in about 4 seconds, with a top speed of around 130 mph. It’s also clutchless and has a wide, flat torque curve, meaning that no matter which gear you’re driving in or how fast you’re going, acceleration is instantaneous.

Whether you’re at a stoplight or on the interstate and want to pass the car in front of you, just hit the pedal and go off like a shot.

The Toyota Prius, on the other hand, which is the best-selling hybrid, takes more than ten seconds to go from zero to 60. Of course, the Prius is not a sports car, but this comparison will give you an idea of ​​how efficient and well designed can be an electric car. For example, Tesla’s electric motor has only one moving part, but it still makes 248 hp.

The car’s power comes from 6,831 lithium-ion batteries. These are the same batteries that you use to charge your laptop or cell phone. It comes with a portable charging pack, in case you’re traveling more than 125 miles from home, and the batteries only take around 3 1/2 hours to fully charge.

By the way, the batteries are recyclable and Tesla guarantees them for five years or 100,000 miles.

However, if you want the thrill of owning the new Tesla, it will cost you $ 100,000. But, if all goes according to plan, the price will drop as more cars are sold. They already have a second, more affordable sports sedan in the works.

In the past, electric cars were designed by people who believed that you shouldn’t drive at all, and if you were, you should be punished. No wonder they never noticed. But the Tesla electric car promises a “sweet” future!

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How to Safely Maintain Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrid Brakes

The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids have regenerative brakes. They will do a self test every 5 minutes that pressurizes the system. If you do not disable the self-test function, you could be seriously injured while replacing the brake pads. The following is the step-by-step procedure to put the brakes in Safe Brake Service Mode (SBSM):

  1. Park the vehicle with the ignition on.
  2. Step on the brake pedal.
  3. With your foot on the brake pedal, turn the key off and then turn it on 3 times. Then release the brake pedal. This should be completed in less than 3 seconds.
  4. If done correctly, the brake warning light will flash when stored hydraulic pressure is released. It will stay on once pressure is released.
  5. Now you can safely repair your brakes. After the repair, you will need to activate the regenerative brakes once more by turning the ignition key off and on again. Leave the key in the on position.
  6. When you are done, you will need to exit SBSM. To do this, step on the brake pedal and hold it down while turning the ignition off and on. This creates pressure in the system. The brake warning light should now go off.

This is just one of the things to keep in mind when servicing Ford Escape and Mercury mariner hybrids. Always refer to the service manual for safety information whenever working on or near high voltage systems.