Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everybody! We hope everyone has fun tonight welcoming the new and hopefully better year. Please remember to drive safe and never drive drunk. AAA is offering free towing tonight for those of you who might have one too many. The offer is valid in select states only but hopefully will help some of you tonight. You do not have to be a member.

Don't Drink and Drive tonight: AAA offers New Year's Eve revelers free ride, towing (for AAA South. Includes Florida, Georgia, TN.)
Official Link [aaasouth.com] for AAA south
AAASouth Press Release [aaasouth.com]
Call: 1-800-AAA-HELP (confirmed for AAA south: includes FL, GA, and TN)
Or
Automobile Club of Southern California
(800) 400-4AAA (California)

Source: Slickdeals.net

News: Kia Borrego May Be Dead

If you ever wanted a Kia Borrego, you should get one now. The Borrego will not return for 2010 and it’s uncertain if it’ll return after that. The body-on-frame design is becoming extinct these days with more concern on fuel economy which unibody designs deliver. The Borrego arrived at an unfortunate time because had it debuted in the 1990s, it could’ve done well.

Source: The Car Connection

News: 2011 Volvo S60 Video Released

Volvo has decided to give the public a glimpse of its redesigned S60 due out sometime in 2010. It’s definitely a more interesting design than past Volvo’s and follows recent Volvo styling cues most apparent in the front fascia. It’ll compete against the all new Buick Regal among other competitors.

Click the link for the video.

All new Volvo S60 - First footage [HD]

Source: Volvo via Facebook

Comparison: 2011 Ford Mustang vs 2010 Dodge Challenger

2011 Ford Mustang vs 2010 Dodge Challenger

Sports Cars

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Along with the Chevrolet Camaro, the Dodge Challenger arrived just in the nick of time to compete in the muscle car revival. It looks the most retro by far with the strongest resemblance to its respective original, the 1970 Dodge Challenger. It comes armed with an available 6.1L Hemi V8 and has the largest chassis by a significant margin compared to its competitors. The Ford Mustang on the other hand, is the smaller, nimbler pony car and gets two brand new engines for the 2011 model.

Click the picture for the comparison

News: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Specs Released

For full specifications, check here:

2011 Mustang GT Specs

News: Aston Martin Cygnet Information Released

It looks like Aston Martin is trying to make its Cygnet as exclusive as its other cars despite its lower price (relative to other Aston Martins that is). It’ll only be available to those who already own an Aston Martin and limited to about 2,000 units. The whole car seems to make no sense already considering they’re charging roughly $35,000 for a car based on a Toyota. These further requirements make even less sense. It also won’t be available in the United States which would’ve helped its CAFE requirements.

Source: The New York Times

Feature: 2009 Ten Best-Selling Vehicles vs 2008 Ten Best-Selling Vehicles

Features

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2009 is almost over (as well as the decade). How did automakers do this year? Pretty much horrible across the board as this was the worst year in twenty years for the auto industry. It's been a rough year but the road to recovery is just beyond the horizon.

2009 Top Ten Best-Selling Vehicles

1. Ford F-Series
2. Toyota Camry
3. Chevrolet Silverado
4. Toyota Corolla
5. Honda Accord
6. Nissan Altima
7. Ford Escape
8. Honda CR-V
9. Ford Fusion
10. Honda Civic

Source: Autoblog

Article: How to Talk Your Way Out of a Speeding Ticket

AOL Small Business has an article about how to avoid getting a speeding ticket. Their list includes the following:

1. Don't lie
2. Drive around with something really weird in your car
3. Know when to keep your mouth shut
4. Suggest a different charge
5. Suggest a less serious charge
6. Signal that you have friends who are police officers
7. Ask for a warning
8. Be polite
9. Follow directions
10. Don't deny your guilt
11. Avoid the excuses that won't help you in court

These tips won’t always work obviously and should be taken with a grain of salt. Hopefully some of you may benefit though.

For more detailed information, check the source link.

Source: AOL Small Business

News: 2011 Ford Mustang Boss 302R Coming

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In honor of the 40th anniversary of Parnelli Jones' 1970 Trans-Am championship in a Ford Mustang Boss 302 prepared by Bud Moore Engineering, Ford Racing is introducing the Ford Mustang Boss 302R, a factory-built race car ready for track days and road racing in a number of Grand-Am, SCCA and NASA classes.

Available through Ford dealers, a total of 50 Boss 302R Mustangs will be built by Ford Racing. Delivery is anticipated in the third quarter of 2010. MSRP of the Boss 302R1 is $129,000.

The 5.0-liter block and architecture in the Ford Mustang Boss 302R is the same as the 2011 Ford Mustang GT.

The Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge-ready Ford Mustang Boss 302R will feature a sealed high-output race engine with an upgraded cooling system, a close-ratio six-speed transmission with integral shifter, a seam-welded body, race suspension/KONI dampers and ABS brake tuning, race performance exhaust and a high-speed balance one-piece driveshaft.

Comparison: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe vs 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe vs 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

Coupes (Updated)

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For the first time, a coupe version of Cadillac's CTS will be available to battle Mercedes-Benz recently debuted E-Class. The pertinent question is what took them so long? The previous generation never had a coupe version. The new CTS Coupe is nearly identical to the concept introduced in 2008 and joins the CTS Sedan, CTS-V Sedan, and CTS Wagon. Perhaps even more exciting news is that a V-Series version of the coupe will also be introduced.

Comparison: 2011 Ford Mustang vs 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

2011 Ford Mustang vs 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Sports Cars

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With the all new Chevrolet Camaro finally making it to production earlier this year, the Mustang was given a real challenger. The Camaro returned after a long seven year break coming back with retro looks and powerful engines. Both the Camaro's V6 and V8 engines trumped the Mustang's engines in horsepower and torque by a fairly large margin but all that is about to change. The 2011 Mustang adds a new 3.7L V6 and 5.0L V8 that improve power to the Camaro's levels while also providing better fuel economy.

Comparison: 2010 Toyota Prius vs 2010 Honda Insight

2010 Toyota Prius vs 2010 Honda Insight

Hatchbacks (Updated)

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The Prius finally has a real competitor with the arrival of the 2010 Honda Insight. The new Insight completely ditches the design of the last generation and mimics the Prius instead. The new Prius was also redesigned for 2010 and enters its third generation and becomes better in every way.

Want to Fix the Economy? Start by Fixing the Roads

“The benefits of transportation spending are numerous. In the short term, it puts people back to work in construction, an industry suffering from a staggering 18 percent unemployment rate. In the long term, better roads and transit enable businesses to grow and prosper.”

Source: The Baltimore Sun via Digg

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everybody!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays! We’re just a few hours away from Christmas! Want to know where Santa is now? Check out the NORAD Santa Tracker.

NORAD Santa Tracker

Auto Rivals: New Section

A new section has been added for random comparisons. Don’t take them too seriously.

 Fun Section 

fun: something that provides mirth or amusement - dictionary.com
This section is not to be taken too seriously. The comparisons in this section are simply meant to compare different designs that resemble other non-automotive designs, features, and characteristics.

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News: Volvo Sold to Chinese Automaker Geely

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Looks like its official that Volvo is being sold to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group by Ford Motor. Geely got a bargain at a price of $2 billion considering Ford paid $6 billion back in 1999. How will this effect Volvo’s cars? Only time will tell.

Source: New York Times

Rumor: Nissan GT-R going hybrid in 2013

Rumors are being spread that the next generation GT-R will be a hybrid powered by the same 3.8L twin-turbocharged V6 but with an added electric motor rated at 160 horsepower. The electric motor would be the same one from the Infiniti Essence concept. The GT-R would remain AWD but total horsepower would raise to the vicinity of 600 horsepower while also providing better gas mileage around 25-30 mpg. If the rumors are true, the GT-R will be able to shakeup the super car world even further. Who says green can't be fast?

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Source: Inside Line

Comparison: 2010 Nissan Maxima vs 2010 Volkswagen CC

2010 Nissan Maxima vs 2010 Volkswagen CC
Sedans

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The term 'four-door coupe' gets thrown around a lot these days. Although it sounds like an oxymoron, sedans from several automakers (like Hyundai) are all getting the coupe-like makeover with a more flowing roofline and more aerodynamic design. Two recent models to receive this treatment are the Nissan Maxima and the all-new Volkswagen CC.

Comparison: 2011 Audi A8 vs 2011 BMW 7 Series

2011 Audi A8 vs 2011 BMW 7 Series
Luxury Cars

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The Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series are the most recently revised luxury cars. Lexus and Mercedes-Benz's flagships are aging gracefully but now need a revision to keep up with the Audi and BMW. Each one brings new technology, updated performance, and new designs. Audi even claims its new A8 is "the sportiest sedan in the luxury class." That's a pretty bold and brash statement considering what it's up against.

Update: 2010 Ford Taurus vs 2010 Honda Accord

2010 Ford Taurus vs 2010 Honda Accord
Sedans (Update)

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Ford has completely redesigned its once pinnacle Taurus (in the 1980s) and finally has a real contender. The Accord on the other hand, has long reigned as one of the top segment leaders.

Update: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide vs 2010 Porsche Panamera

2010 Aston Martin Rapide vs 2010 Porsche Panamera
Luxury Cars (Update)

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Both Aston Martin and Porsche are set to debut their first production sports sedans. Aston Martin previously had the Lagonda sedan which was in production from 1976 to 1991 but the all-new Rapide is a much more worthy sedan. Porsche's new Panamera is a capable attempt at a luxury sports sedan but is sure to upset Porsche purists. Both take familiar styling cues from each company's respective models.

Feature: The 2000s

Feature: The 2000s
Features

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It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The 2000s was rollercoaster decade with everything from new cars to dead companies, new styling to retro styling, small cars, large cars, fat cars, and short cars. With all that's happened recently in the automotive world, it's hard to remember everything. It wasn't all bad but a lot of it was, all the more reason to look forward to the new decade. But until then, let's take a brief moment to look back.

Update: 2010 Kia Forte Koup vs 2010 Honda Civic Coupe

2010 Kia Forte Koup vs 2010 Honda Civic Coupe
Coupes (Update)

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The all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup has arrived to compete in the compact coupe segment and is a complete departure from its predecessor, the Spectra. One of its main challengers is the Honda Civic which has been a segment leader for quite some time. You can see that Kia has taken design cues and characteristics straight from the Civic.

Comparison: 2012 Aston Martin Cygnet vs 2011 Scion iQ

2012 Aston Martin Cygnet vs 2011 Scion iQ
Hatchbacks

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What in the hell is going on in the automotive world? Has the whole world gone mad? This is Aston Martin's new creation? The Frankenstein Cygnet? It's based on the Scion iQ micro-subcompact hatchback which itself is no beauty contestant. A tiny hatchback might make sense for Scion who's known for creating unusual vehicles (like the xB and xD) but is ludicrous for a world-class sports car maker who makes beautiful creations like the V8 Vantage. Is this what the automotive world has come to? If the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide weren't bad enough (they're not bad actually but they still defy tradition), Aston Martin's next step is an abomination. If this is the future for exotic sports car makers, God help us all.

Update: 2010 Nissan 370Z vs 2010 Mazda RX-8

2010 Nissan 370Z vs 2010 Mazda RX-8
Sports Cars (Update)

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The RX-8 is unconventional to every sense of the term 'sports car'. It's the only available car in the US that uses a rotary engine, seats four, and actually has four doors instead of two. This is heresy in the sports car world (as it should be). The 370Z however, leaps forward with its design but steps back to its roots (the 1970 Datsun 240Z).

Update: 2010 Audi R8 vs 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo

2010 Audi R8 vs 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo
Super Cars (Update)

Believe it or not, the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo are related but you could never tell by looking at them. Most of the similarities are mechanical and underneath the sheet metal. Both are all wheel drive, powered by the same (although revised) V10 engine, and share the same manual gearbox. That's about it as far as similarities go. The designs branch off into completely different territories.

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Comparison: 2010 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

2010 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
SUVs

Land Rover's Range Rover has long been known as one of the ultimate SUVs. Its a true SUV with real off-road capability and luxury that rivals BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. One of the Range Rover's closest competitors is the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class which is the reigning segment leader. (Sure the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is available too but that's only for the ridiculously rich with more money than common sense)

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Comparison: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi vs 2010 Subaru Legacy

2010 Suzuki Kizashi vs 2010 Subaru Legacy
Sedans

Rounding out the less popular family car segment are the Subaru Legacy and brand new Suzuki Kizashi. Both cars have their strengths but are doubtful to make a dent in Camry and Accord sales. There purpose isn't to try and beat the segment leaders though, it's to provide a vehicle for those that want to be different.

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Tools: Maintenance

Tools: Maintenance
Features

To help keep better records of the maintenance of your vehicle(s), feel free to use this template.

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Comparison: 2010 Kia Soul vs 2010 Scion xD

2010 Kia Soul vs 2010 Scion xD
Wagons

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Comparison: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour vs 2010 Toyota Venza

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour vs 2010 Toyota Venza
Wagons

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Feature: Evolution of Design: Ford Mustang

Evolution of Design: Ford Mustang
Features

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Comparison: 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia vs 2011 McLaren MP4-12C

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia vs 2011 McLaren MP4-12C
Super Cars (Update)

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Comparison: 2010 Ford Fusion vs 2009 Ford Mondeo

2010 Ford Fusion vs 2009 Ford Mondeo
Sedans

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Comparison: 2011 Kia Sorento vs 2010 Kia Sorento

2011 Kia Sorento vs 2010 Kia Sorento
SUVs

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Comparison: 2011 Kia Cadenza vs 2010 Hyundai Genesis

2011 Kia Cadenza vs 2010 Hyundai Genesis
Sedans

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Comparison: 2010 Infiniti G37 vs 2009 Infiniti G37

2010 Infiniti G37 vs 2009 Infiniti G37
Sedans

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Comparison: 2010 Hyundai Tucson vs 2009 Hyundai Tucson

2010 Hyundai Tucson vs 2009 Hyundai Tucson
SUVs

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Comparison: 2011 Mazda 2 vs 2011 Ford Fiesta

2011 Mazda 2 vs 2011 Ford Fiesta
Hatchbacks

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Comparison: 2011 Toyota Sienna vs 2010 Toyota Sienna

2011 Toyota Sienna vs 2010 Toyota Sienna
Minivans

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Comparison: 2011 Hyundai Sonata vs 2010 Hyundai Sonata

2011 Hyundai Sonata vs 2010 Hyundai Sonata
Sedans

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Comparison: 2011 Ford Fiesta vs 2010 Honda Fit

2011 Ford Fiesta vs 2010 Honda Fit
Hatchbacks

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Comparison: 2011 Audi A8 vs 2010 Audi A8

2011 Audi A8 vs 2010 Audi A8
Luxury Cars

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News: Hyundai Takes the Lead as the Most Fuel-Efficient Automaker in America

According to the EPA, Hyundai has overtaken a long list of automakers to become the most fuel efficient automaker. I guess Toyota is going to have to take down their commercials that keep saying they're the most fuel efficient. GM's commericals are misleading too when they compare their cars' fuel economy to Toyota.

Overall fuel economy numbers (mpg):

   Hyundai - 30.1
   Honda - 29.7
   Volkswagen - 29.6
   Toyota - 29.4
   Kia - 28.0
   Nissan - 27.2
   BMW - 26.9
   Ford - 25.7
   General Motors - 24.5
   Chrysler - 23.2

Source: Hyundai

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News: 2011 Audi A8 Revealed

The 2011 Audi A8 has been revealed with a little bit of information as well. The A8 will come with an updated 4.2-liter V8 engine with 372 horsepower and a 15 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over the last generation. The A8 is updated with Audi's familiar looks such as the new LED lined headlights and a sleeker design.

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Comparison: 2010 Nissan Altima vs 2010 Chevrolet Malibu

2010 Nissan Altima vs 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
Sedans


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Comparison: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vs 2011 Ford Focus

2011 Chevrolet Cruze vs 2011 Ford Focus
Sedans

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