One of the most complex machines in everyday life, automobiles requires a great duty of care to operate safely. Knowledge, skill, attention, best judgment and even luck are components to safe driving. However, when there is a lapse of control, the result can be property damage as well as human harm. Varying in severity, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated around 6,024,000 reported traffic accidents occurred in the United States in 2007. Though too many accidents continue to involve serious injuries and death, advanced safety systems such as air bags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control has assured the majority of traffic incidents in the United States (4,275,000 in 2007) involve only property damage. If an individual ever enters into the uncomfortable ordeal of an auto accident, committing to memory a number of steps will make sure the event will dissipate in a relatively controlled fashion. Attempt to Preserve You Calm When in the position to do so, all existing parties in a vehicle accident the axiom of “let cooler heads prevailing”. After being fortunate enough to endure a car crash, human life always take precedence over property. Understanding that other thoughts would apply when individuals injured in a car accidents, keeping a positive and clear mindset is the best way to deal with the aftermath of a car crash. Inspect for Injures and/or Property Damage Check on the well-being of yourself as well as everyone else involved in the accident. Immediately call for 911 emergency if there is anyone hurt in the crash. For many traffic accidents where damage is limited only to vehicles and other property, it is important to observe and record document the accident scene. When collecting information, consider anything that be relate to how the incident transpired including road and weather conditions. As many cell phones equipped with high resolution cameras, this technology serves as marvellous tools in recording damage done in a collision. For those accepting lower-tech lives, keeping a disposable camera in the glove box will suffice. Exchange information and/or Call Police At an accident scene, the sharing of driver and vehicle relevant information is required. Possessing a driver’s license and proof of...

There is no shortage of rumors surrounding the iconic Chevrolet Corvette. For years we have heard about radical changes to the car, most of which have never panned out. Yes, the ZR1 (formerly referred to as “Blue Devil”) did materialize but, overall the Corvette has remained evolutionary. With the current C6 Corvette nearing the end of its lifespan, attention has turned to the car’s replacement. Once again, (untrue) rumors of a mid-engined C7 have come out. One thing that did come right from General Motors North American President Mark Reuss is that the car will “target a very different sort of buyer.” That’s an interesting statement. The Detroit Bureau says it has the scoop on what the change of buyer will entail in a practical sense. In Europe, exotic manufacturers used to offer highly-efficent small-displacement engines With the latest vehicles from Ferrari and Lamborghini engine sizes have been steadily creeping up, but this isn’t how it always was historically. With a new focus on efficiency and reduction in emissions by these manufacturers, we could see smaller engine. The Detroit Bureau is saying the next-generation Corvette will have a range of engines that includes a small 3.0-liter (!) V-8 engine making over 400 horsepower. The new V-8 would be a free-revving, turbocharged overhead cam unit unlike the pushrod V-8 in the current car. The changes are supposedly part of an effort to make the Corvette more up to date, and therefore attracting a different type of buyer. The large, pushrod V-8s of the current car would apparently still be available. One thing we are definitely certain of with the C7 Corvette is that the interior will be much-improved. GM’s head of design Ed Welburn is overseeing the effort to make sure it is world-class. The interior of the current car is an area that has been criticized. As for this report, we aren’t quite sure what to make of it. It certainly seems like a big change from the approach of the current car so we’ll see if it pans out. For the most part, we expect the C7 Corvette will continue on an evolutionary path. Related posts: Endora Cars Introduces Corvette-Based SC-1 2011 Chevy Corvette Engines Can be Built by Owner A Happy Anniversary: 2012 Chevrolet...

Uh-oh! Well what do we have here? Someone dealing in red light cameras being duplicitous and not quite honest? Why I’m shocked, shocked I tell you! Sure, it’s not like the guy is accused of raping an immigrant hotel maid, but still, if this doesn’t throw even more dirt on an industry with a less than unsoiled record, I don’t know what does. Look, you don’t have to think about it very hard to realize that red light cameras are a pretty stupid and lazy idea. I’m not the only one to think this way. Even the jaundiced eye of security heavyweight Bruce Schneier thinks red light cameras as the bunk. Not only do they play to the low denominators in the American character (i.e. laziness and willful stupidity), but they are also a demonstrable profit center for both municipalities and the private companies that supply the “service”. What? You didn’t know these things were provided by private companies that get a cut out of every ticket? Yeah, they do. Now, honestly, do you think that given the opportunity to make more money by simply tweaking light intervals or fudging the calibrations, a company or a county wouldn’t do that? Of course not Dorothy, they’re the police and/or a corporation, they’d never every do anything like cheat. Ask Rodney King or Ken Lay. So into this milieu walks one Bill Kroske, vice president of business development at American Traffic Solutions Inc. American Traffic Solutions is based in Scottsdale, Arizona and provides red light cameras to anyone with the cash and political will that can fill out a purchase order. What did Mr. Kroske do? He decided to pull on the old sock puppet and start commenting on some message boards run by newspapers. Specifically, it seems that (so far at least) Mr. Kroske decided to comment on the Seattle Post Intelligencer website. And in these comments, Kroske promoted the virtues of American Traffic Solutions to help out traffic in the greater Seattle area. And then it turned out that Kroske was caught doing the same thing on the websites for the papers of Spokane, Washington (The Spokesman-Review) and Everett, Washington (The Herald). Seems that Kroske wasn’t clued into the fact that your posts can be tracked by things like ISP address and...

While zero-emission vehicles were burdened with bizarre-shaped econoboxes confides years ago, some electric car boosters quickly took note of impressive performance traits in the advanced power train. When the General Motors EV-1 was evaluated of leasing consumers in the late 1990s, acceleration was discovered as quite peppy. When the United States automakers and government briefly withdrew their support of the environmental advantages of electric vehicles in the early 2000s, some electric car hopefuls began to turn their eyes on the unintended but positive performance potential. With Tesla Motors marketing their radical all-electric Roadster, the independent automaker was one of several case studies to convince large auto corporations to take a new look at electric powerplants. Not a stranger to innovation, German sports car builder Porsche adopted technology Ferdinand Porsche originally applied to the car known as the economy-oriented Volkswagen Beetle to spawn what would be continuing admiration for high-speed motoring. As of late, Porsche has also been actively pursuing electric propulsion technology. Producing the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid and later the Panamera Hybrid, some of the most exciting news has been based around the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car as well as the eventual production of the plug-in hybrid 918. At the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin, Germany, native sports car builder Porsche showed-off the Boxster E for what continues to be an ambitious development for reduced emissions powertrains. Appearing as alluring as a typical Porsche Boxster roadster, the major changes occur under the sports car’s skin. The first prototype using one of the sport car builder’s smaller vehicles, the Porsche Boxster E incorporates an all-electric powertrain similar to technology already proposed through earlier concepts. Foregoing the fuel tank and the gasoline-burning engines, the Boxster E’s unique equipment includes a 750-pound, 440-cell lithium-ion battery as well as heat exchangers to regulate the water-cooled electric powerplant. Regenerative braking technology has merged with the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) system providing ideal lightweight properties as well as performance. The Porsche Boxster E is said to take 9 hours to fully recharge...

Lamborghini and Ferrari have always been long time rivals. The two have gone head-to-head with models like the previous generation Murcielago, Gallardo and the current Aventador . As far as sales though Ferrari has a clear advantage with a diverse lineup that includes the 458 Italia , California , 599 GTO , 599 GTB Fiorano, and most recently, the Ferrari FF . Lamborghini has just the mid-engined Gallardo and Aventador. One area Ferrari hasn’t dared to explore is that of four-door sedans. With the Estoque Concept shown off a few years ago, Lamborghini looks poised to enter the segment. Speaking to reporters at a Reuters conference, Lamborghini Chief Executive Officer Stefan Winkelmann said a third model lineup is currently in the works. Regarding a third lineup, he said “we want to have a car which is able to be used on a daily basis.” Lending further credibility to the Estoque production idea are comments that the car would benefit from synergies within the Volkswagen Group. The Estoque will likely share a platform with VW Group models such as the Audi A8 , a new Bentley four-door coupe, the next-generation Porsche Panamera and possibly the 16C Galibier super sedan from Bugatti. With such a widespread basis of pricey models on the platform, the possibilities for sales and high profits are tantalizing. The comment from Winkelmann is just the latest in multiple ones made on the Estoque, the last of which came in December. At the time he said the company was debating options for the addition of a third model lineup. Telling Autocar he said “We really have a choice when it comes to an additional model: an SUV or a four-seat, four-door….and for me, the SUV is a no-go. It doesn’t even exist in our price segment and it’s not a real luxury car.” With strong comments like that, it seems as if the Estoque is heading for production. Stay tuned for an official announcement. Related posts: Lamborghini CEO Hints at Estoque Production Lamborghini Insecta Concept Lamborghini Estoque Concept See original here: Lamborghini CEO Says Third Model Line is Under Development

In astrology, the Taurus sign is said to be a negative symbol. However, for the tastes of 25 years worth of American drivers, the Taurus produced by the Ford Motor Company is a positive trendsetter. In 2008, Ford Motor Company resurrected the Taurus name returning in time to accomplish its original 1986 goal by replacing the Ford Crown Victoria. Though the 2008 Ford Taurus required almost 7 inches more of wheelbase and 13.4 inches of additional total length than its first-generation model, the new Ford sedan flagship of the 21st century was finally established. Winning the long-deputed clash of old car and new car construction, the Ford Taurus has since faced the all-out battle for the family sedan category. Angled towards the upper-end of the North American family four-door market, the Ford Taurus has been hindered by the lingering image of the Ford Five Hundred still freshly affecting the exterior and feel of the car. As attendees of the 2011 New York Auto Show already know, a 2013 Ford Taurus enlists more youthful assertions for design and technology. Preserving the dimensions of the current model, the 2013 Ford Taurus outer shell uses more chiselled body lines. Ford is said to have benchmarked the Audi A6 in refining the exterior construction quality. The large, front grille of the 2013 Taurus presents the horizontal fins found on modern Ford products but the overall shaping of the major air intake does not conform to any design DNA in North America. The hex-shaped main grille gives the 2013 Ford Taurus a pronounced nose. New, aggressive-looking projector headlamps with LED turn signals and a more muscular hood complete the front-end ensemble. Wheel sizes up to 20 inches will be available on the 2013 Taurus covering but not impeding larger brakes on all models. An enhanced brake booster is also presented for improved stopping power with standard torque vectoring control adding to the 2013 Ford Taurus‘ handling. Ford has continued there reengineering of the 2013 Ford Taurus on the inside started first with improved noise reduction and comfort. Soft-touch materials and some restyled controls will be noted by 2013 Taurus occupants. The drivers will also sense a newer feel to the steering system of the sedan as turning control is handled through electric power-assist....

Too often, we are brought to the suspicions that some corporations care more about the impressing shareholders rather than the society in which their business inhabits. While too many times those companies have proven deserving of scepticism (not unlike some individuals), there are considerable efforts making a positive contributions beyond their own zeal for profitability. BMW’s MINI brand has been supporting non-profit organization AIDS LIFE’s major gala called the Life Ball. Hosted in Vienna, Austria, the 2011 Life Ball took place on May 21 st as a massive gala said to be one of the largest in the world. With fashion houses such as Versace, Diesel, Diane von Furstenberg and Kenneth Cole providing clothing and apparel displays as part of the Life Ball, the MINI product line-up has also been involved as a mechanical canvas. Designer representing the look at the 2011 Life Ball had been the Canadian designer brothers Dean and Dan Caten’s DSQUARED 2 company. Connected to various names including Madonna, Rihanna and the Barcelona Football Club, designer DSQUARED 2 performed some one-off magic on a MINI Cooper S to benefit the charity event. As many of us attempt to conceive how a fashion designer would approach a MINI Cooper S, a good deal of automotive enthusiasts would be taken by surprise by the direction taken by Dean and Dan Caten. While some of us witness fashion running amok from what translates everyday style at these fashion shows, the 2011 Life Ball revealed a DSQUARED 2 MINI Cooper S in road-worthy trim. The red MINI Cooper S is companioned with black graphics that includes a maple leaf worn on each door (symbolic to the designer’s home country) and the number 1964 identifying the DSQUARED 2  brother’s birth year. Existing on a raised chassis bolstered by deep-treaded all-terrain tires, the DSQUARED 2 creation described as “Red Mudder” is in fact more than capable for even severe road experiences. If difficult roads take the ultimate toll on one of tire of this MINI Cooper S, a full-sized spare is found on the rear tailgate. Continuing to complement this special MINI Cooper S is black wheel flaring, roof rack and a powerful set of rally lights within the grille as well as on the roof. Inside the cabin shaded by well-tinted side windows,...

It might be surprising to some who aren’t paying attention, but for luxury manufacturers the action is clearly in the Chinese market. With the largest population in the world and an increasingly wealthy clientele, it makes for a powerful allure. As a result, the Shanghai Motor Show has seen no shortage of luxury introductions, particularly long-wheel base models. At the high-end the Chinese market is very chaueffer-driven, unlike in the United States where we like to drive our own cars. A new report out by The Detroit Free Press says that a staggering 115,353 Audi A6L sedans were sold in the country last year. With that background, according to Car & Driver Maserati is laying out a future strategy for success in the country that includes new models. Currently, the Maserati lineup includes the Gran Turismo convertible, coupe and the classic Quattroporte sedan. We know from Fiat Group’s 5-year business plan that a new model to slot in below the Quattroporte is in the works. This model would be in the mid-size sedan class and positioned toward the higher-end of the segment, leaving room for the Quattroporte to move a bit upmarket. C&D says both cars are being designed in cooperation with Italian design house Pininfarina. A new revelation in the report is that Maserati would use a variation of the Pentastar V-6 for its future models. It would be a turbocharged Multiair-equipped performance version making 400 horsepower. Perhaps worst for purists is an SUV in the works. Despite showing off concepts like the Kubang as far back as 2003, Maserati never entered the segment. An SUV holds allure in the Chinese market, as well in the U.S, where Maserati would like to make further inroads. The new Maserati SUV would be based on Jeep’s unibody Grand Cherokee. A Maserati SUV, based off a Jeep? It is sure to make purists howl. Production would either take place at the Jefferson Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan or an ex-Bertone factory in Italy near Turin. The Italian location certainly would help to maintain a bit of prestige for the SUV. The new Maserati lineup is set to take shape by 2014. As long as Ferrari remains untouched, we think we’ll be able to handle it. Related posts: New Entry-Level Model Maserati Targeting BMW 5-Series Grand...

Few companies have seen as much of a public, back-and-forth drama as Saab. Not just the high pace of events over the past few months, but also over the past few years. A little over a year ago, General Motors sold Saab to Spyker, after months of negotiations with different sale partners. With loan backing from the European Investment Bank, everything was in the clear right? Not so fast – the company was hit with a cash crunch earlier this year that resulted in production stoppages at the Trollhattan plant. Multiple deals, with Russian investor Vladmir Anotov and Chinese manufacturer Hawtei were concocted. A few days ago, the Hawtei deal fell through. Now, a memorandum of understanding with a new Chinese company, Pangda Automobile, has been signed. Automotive News reports that Pangda Automobile is China’s largest automobile distributor, which recently completed an initial public offering (IPO) that raised US $1 billion. As part of the memorandum of understanding, Pangda will purchase Saab vehicles worth 30 million euros ($42.4 million USD at current exchange rates), along with a subsequent purchase of vehicles worth 15 million euros ($21.2 million). These cars will be sold by Pangda in China. Pangda also sells Toyotas, Hondas and Subarus. The deal is important for many reasons, as it gives Saab an entrance into the Chinese market with a stable partner. Also, the Pangda’s status as a distributor and not a manufacturer is unique and beneficial for a few different reasons. Regulatory approval will be much quicker as Pangda’s initial purchases have primarily to due with supplying its dealers. Victor Muller, Saab/Spyker Chief Executive of Officer, says the funding is medium term and will carry the company though for a year. This deal looks attractive for Saab. The initial purchases should be enough to sustain the company for the near term, while a long-term deal is put in place, such as Pangda taking a stake in the company. It is clear that for Saab to survive, it will need to find a Chinese partner with the funding and vision to see the plan work. Until some stability can be brought to the situation though, Saab’s image will continue to erode. Related posts: Saab Secures Short and Long Term Funding, Plans PR Blitz Koenigsegg Backs Out...

As a manufacturer, no matter how amazing and high-end you make a car, there will always be someone who wants more. Or, just different….more exclusivity, personality, power, luxury – you name it. That’s what the aftermarket is for. The Lamborghini Aventador hasn’t been around too long but Oakley Design is already taking their hand to it. And a pretty light hand at that too, at least cosmetically. Oakley isn’t about being outrageous and over-the-top – Mansory has that a corner on that section of the market. Oakley Design’s Lamborghini Aventador is dubbed LP760-2. That designation differs from the standard car’s LP700-4. The standard car’s designation has a nice ring to it, but we digress. The LP760-2, as its name implies, gets increased power, to the tune of 60 ponies, for a result of 760 horsepower and 550 pound feet of torque. Instead of being routed through four wheels, the Oakley-tuned Aventador sheds its front drive shaft for rear-wheel drive power. Normally we are fans of rear-wheel drive; with all that power though we think we’d want the stability of all-wheel drive. Removal of the front differential, drive shafts and associated front drivetrain parts reduces curb weight by around 187 pounds. Boosts to the engine’s power output come by way of a new titanium exhaust system (which saves a further 66 pounds), bigger airbox and intake and a recalibrated Engine Control Unit (ECU). On the exterior, the changes are few and serve to enhance the car’s appearance rather than change it dramatically. Front and rear bumpers are reworked to aid cooling, along with larger side sills that house redesigned vents. Customers can chose the sills to be body color, or left exposed in carbon fiber. Other carbon fiber bits are added on the side mirrors, roof and engine bay. Topping it off, new black Signature Design wheels feature, and they are said to save 8.8 pounds at each wheel over their production counterparts. As far as exclusivity, just 5 Oakley Design LP760-2s will be produced, each with (of course) a numbered plaque. Three of the five unit run have already been sold. Oakley says individual pieces from this limited edition will be sold in the future, but not in a complete package. Related posts: The...

As a manufacturer, no matter how amazing and high-end you make a car, there will always be someone who wants more. Or, just different….more exclusivity, personality, power, luxury – you name it. That’s what the aftermarket is for. The Lamborghini Aventador hasn’t been around too long but Oakley Design is already taking their hand to it. And a pretty light hand at that too, at least cosmetically. Oakley isn’t about being outrageous and over-the-top – Mansory has that a corner on that section of the market. Oakley Design’s Lamborghini Aventador is dubbed LP760-2. That designation differs from the standard car’s LP700-4. The standard car’s designation has a nice ring to it, but we digress. The LP760-2, as its name implies, gets increased power, to the tune of 60 ponies, for a result of 760 horsepower and 550 pound feet of torque. Instead of being routed through four wheels, the Oakley-tuned Aventador sheds its front drive shaft for rear-wheel drive power. Normally we are fans of rear-wheel drive; with all that power though we think we’d want the stability of all-wheel drive. Removal of the front differential, drive shafts and associated front drivetrain parts reduces curb weight by around 187 pounds. Boosts to the engine’s power output come by way of a new titanium exhaust system (which saves a further 66 pounds), bigger airbox and intake and a recalibrated Engine Control Unit (ECU). On the exterior, the changes are few and serve to enhance the car’s appearance rather than change it dramatically. Front and rear bumpers are reworked to aid cooling, along with larger side sills that house redesigned vents. Customers can chose the sills to be body color, or left exposed in carbon fiber. Other carbon fiber bits are added on the side mirrors, roof and engine bay. Topping it off, new black Signature Design wheels feature, and they are said to save 8.8 pounds at each wheel over their production counterparts. As far as exclusivity, just 5 Oakley Design LP760-2s will be produced, each with (of course) a numbered plaque. Three of the five unit run have already been sold. Oakley says individual pieces from this limited edition will be sold in the future, but not in a complete package. Related posts: The...

When General Motors launched the heavily refreshed Malibu in 2008, many speculated it would cannibalize Impala sales. That hasn’t happened however, as Impala sales have remained strong. This is likely due to fleet sales, but it is surprising due to the car’s age. The Impala was redesigned as a 2006 model and has remained virtually unchanged ever since. Underneath, the car is based on the W-body platform, which has long been eclipsed by GM’s newer Epsilon I and II counterparts. Despite this, the Impala is soldiering on. An all-new redesigned model to compete with the Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon is unlikely to come for a few years. In the meantime, the Impala is getting a new engine. GM’s ubiquitious 3.6-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission combination. This is a modern powertrain that GMInsideNews reports will offer a power output of 302 horsepower. This figure puts it just a hair under the 303 hp output of the discontinued Impala SS, which was powered by a 5.3-liter V-8. Impressive stuff. The 2012 Buick LaCrosse, which also uses the engine, is said to receive the bump in power as well. Other than that, the Impala stays the same. It would have been nice to see a mid-cycle enhancement (MCE) at least, with some exterior and interior styling updates. The dramatic difference in competitiveness between Chevrolet’s mid-size and full-size entries is going to become even more apparent when the 2013 Malibu arrives. Related posts: Buick LaCrosse eAssist Announced Captive US Fleet Buyers Await Chevy Captiva Sport in 2012 NAIAS: 2012 Buick Verano See the original post:  2012 Impala Gets New Powertrain Combination

A surging collection of German engineering and unlimited supercar prominence; little more needs to be added about the alluring Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG after almost two years adorning the limelight of almost every auto show or automotive publication. As a limited production vehicle, the frequency for unique version of the SLS supercar is near unprecedented. Shown through factory cars as well as the creations of aftermarket houses such as Brabus and KICHERER, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has been nothing less than stunning. With so many variations presented in the form of a hardtop ‘Gull-Wing’ configuration, Mercedes-Benz has realized the only natural course was to remove the permanent roof in favour of a more air open diving experience. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster is that latest stage in the supercar’s rally to stay fresh and exotic. While the proper introduction to the world will not take place until September’s International Auto Show in Frankfurt, a mildly disguised version of the Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming drop-top supercar is undergoing the final stages of a 3-year development shake down. A rigorous assessment through Mercedes-Benz quality control tests conducted by engineers and professionals has taken the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster through rain tests, corrosive tests and even 10,000 kilometers on the famed Nurburgring circuit. Realizing that the creation of the SLS AMG Roadster involves more than chopping off the car’s roof, Mercedes-Benz has performed a number of frame enhancements. Careful to assure just the right amount of rigidity is being added to the high-performance car, supporting struts have been integrated behind the SLS AMG’s dashboard as well as in the rear between the fuel tank and soft-top roof. Utilizing the soft top instead of a heavier hardtop decreases the weight penalty the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster endures over the coupe version. For the bodyshell, the SLS AMG Roadster adds only 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) compared to the Mercedes-Benz’s coupe counterpart. To feature a power-activated soft top, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster’s three-layer covering to the interior is designed to be opened or closed in just 11 seconds. Creating a retractable roof able to be operated at speeds up to kilometers per hour (31 miles...

As much as Hyundai Motors has been making substantial moves in advancing their vehicle quality, design and technology, it could also be said that the automotive market has come to the South Korean company. Particularly in the United States, new car customers are more open to explore the variety of value-priced vehicles that do not skip on standard features. As the Hyundai brand steered themselves to recognition as more than just a low-cost vehicle provider, the introduction of vehicles like the Genesis, Equus and the Elantra is showing observers we can truly expect more from the automaker. Drastically revamping their entire vehicle line-up, one remaining product of the old Hyundai regime was the entry-level Accent. With some considering their small car the weakest link to an enthusiastic line of fresh vehicles, the brand new 2012 Hyundai Accent will truly boaster the strength of the chain. Riding on a wheelbase 2.8 inches longer than the previous subcompact model, a GS or SE trimmed five-door and a GLS level four-door body style will inaugurate the 2012 Hyundai Accent. As many could expect, the Hyundai Veloster unveiled earlier provided a strong hint to the future Accent. Comparably, 2012 Hyundai Accent’s styling expresses itself in a more polite manner than the aggression of the Veloster. Smaller front grille openings and the additional available fog lamps on the SE and GLS models are defining differences between Hyundai’s new entry scale. As the headlamp housings flow gracefully up the front quarter panels, the side of the 2012 Hyundai Accent wears sharp contours. Wheel sizes between 14 to 16 inches will be found as part of factory preparations for the new Accent where four-wheel disc brakes and anti-lock braking will be equipped fleet wide on the 2012 model year vehicle. Tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control and Brake Assist are all standard safety items for the 2012 Hyundai Accent. While the 2012 Hyundai Accent was released with all specifications and details at the New York Auto Show, the more mature subcompact had been making appearance along the recent international auto show tour for 2011. Personally, I was introduced to the 2012 Hyundai Accent at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show. Able to get a good look at the upcoming...

An age old argument in the automotive community has always been: front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive? In the past, cars were primarily RWD, with FWD as something of an oddity. Those days are clearly in the rear view mirror now, as FWD became dominant for its space and efficiency benefits, as well as improved characteristics in the snow. RWD is primarily the domain of luxury manufacturers (with a few exceptions). But, there is a third way – all-wheel drive. Different from four-wheel drive, which has lower gears focused on off-roading, AWD sends power to all four-wheels via traditional delivery. Many new crossovers use AWD exclusively, but AWD has been gaining popularity across the board. Primarily a luxury item, it has also gained with mainstream brands. So much so in fact, that according to The Detroit Free Press , industry analysts predict it will make up 30% percent of all new car sales by 2015. Audi, unsurprisingly, leads the pack with a take rate of 80% for it’s all-wheel drive Quattro system in the United States. Quattro has been a cornerstone of Audi’s products for years, with the company placing a particular emphasis on the system. Audi’s American product planning chief Filip Brabec says it is a fundamental Audi trait: “For us, it’s more than a system to improve driving in bad weather….we believe having control of all four wheels is better than only two. As a driver, you’re just a little less likely to get into trouble. All-wheel drive expands the envelope of control.” The system also helps Audi to compete with RWD competitors – for many (including us for the most part) FWD in the luxury segment is looked down upon. The real surprise is with brands like Cadillac, whose CTS has an AWD sales rate of around 50 percent. Armed with that data, Cadillac is planning a more intense focus on AWD in future models. Cadillac’s global marketing director Jim Vurpillat expects AWD to exceed 50% of its total lineup sales going forward. We can see why AWD is gaining in popularity, particularly on what are usually FWD models. The interesting element will be seeing if it really penetrates through to the mainstream with further gains in cars such as midsize sedans. Related posts: BMW’s M Division Sees...