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Archive for January, 2010

Toyotas Prius — Is The Hybrid Technology Worth The Extra Cost?

The Prius embodies Toyota’s motto “Moving Forward.” They designed the Prius to be a step up in the car world rather than a step toward awkwardness as I would expect from any environmentally conscious car. The car looks and feels special. People notice the difference in appearance and realize that the whole motivation for the car is different.

The people have cried out for relief from rising gas prices. They have sought after something that doesn’t destroy the environment. Toyota has answered the people with their gas/electric hybrid the Prius.

The Prius gets an average of 45 mpg in the city as well as on highways. People with lead feet complain that this car gives them no better gas mileage then a regular car but this is because gas usage depends very much on the driver how he or she works the gas pedal. The driver can ensure the best possible gas mileage by watching the screen mounted on the dashboard.

It is disputable whether or not additional cost for the hybrid technology is worth the money saved in gas expenditure. The car costs at least five thousand more than the average Toyota sedan to begin with. Then there is an additional seven to eight thousand dollar cost when the battery wears out. The battery’s warrantee comes to an end after one hundred thousand miles.

The car is trim and slim easy to fit into small spaces. Unfortunately the leg room is a bit wanting for the driver’s side in particular. I don’t understand why they didn’t allow the front seats to slide back any further. This is one of the few misgivings I have about the Prius.

So would you rather give your money to gas companies who are deliberately raising gas prices because they know there is nothing you can do about it or would you rather support Toyota who is putting forth effort to give you a choice in the matter? Assuming I’ll break even in car payments vs. gas prices I would rather support Toyota.

Toyota’s Prius also includes keyless entry and push button start. As long as the key is in your pocket the car will sense this and unlock the car. Same thing goes for starting the car. As long as the key is in your pocket just push the button and the car will start. The keyless key also makes it impossible to lock your keys in the car.

by Patrick Roberts. Find media reviews at www.KoGmedia.com. Also checkout www.BooksByPatrick.com

About the writer:  Patrick is an average Christseeker. His goal is to turn people to Jesus Christ. www.KoGmedia.com www.BooksByPatrick.com

6×9 Speakers Car Audio

There are a few things you should consider before deciding what 6×9 speakers you need. Firstly where do you want the speakers mounting in the front or back of the car in a built in console? Do you want to display them or hide them? What type of audio do you want to achieve from them there are more than you think are the speakers to replace other factory speakers or are they to complement other components? And do you need them amplifying? As you can see from a few sample questions there can be a lot of thought required before purchasing the correct speakers for you.

Hopefully i can provide a little information that will help you make a decision.

First of all and probably the most important where are you going to mount them. 6×9 speakers are an odd size that very few vehicles cater for. This means you will have do a little more work to install them. Either cutting into a parcel shelf which i wouldn’t recommend unless you like the untidy look? or boxing them and building a surround. This is usually done in the boot but is some 6×9 can be added under seat or hidden in consoles. Which in my opinion is the better option as installing them in the boot reduces the sound which is the reason you want them right?

What Audio do you want from them?

6×9 speakers are good at producing mid range sounds this is why many people use them in conjunction with subwoofers and tweeters. Most 6×9 car speakers are capable of producing a decent amount of bass and can achieve quite high frequencies as well so there often used to bride a gap between Subs and Tweeters to stop the mid frequencies being drowned out.

Are the Speakers replacing any other car speakers?

Well the chances are that your car will not have 6×9 speakers but this does not mean you can’t install them. Often a amplifier is needed to power them however you can wire straight from the speaker out sockets on the stereo. If you wire from the stereo it’s likely that the 6×9 speakers will be under powered and the performance of the speakers will be compromised.

How much do I need to spend on them?

Prices on 6×9 speakers vary depending on the quality. Prices start a around pound;30 and can go right up to pound;250 or more for a good pair. Although you can pick up a decent set for pound;60 that will be sufficient in most good audio installs. In conclusion 6×9 car speakers are beneficial if you want a boost to your audio system or to complete a component set. If you’re looking for a small boost you should be looking to spend in the region of pound;25pound;40 but if you have a good quality SQ install don’t be cheap and go for a pound;250 or mre set pair with a good amp and you’ll be laughing

About the writer:  More information on 6×9 speakers and car speakers is available from Audio Assault

The New Avalanche With New Unique Features

The Chevrolet Avalanche is a fourdoor sport utility truck unleashed in 2002 by Chevrolet. It was launched to give the public an advance look at the next generation of front fascia designs for the entire GM line. The name Avalanche is derived from the dangerous and sudden collapse of mountain snowpacks known as the avalanche.

The Chevy Avalanche has been redesigned and reengineered for 2007 and had become far more superior to its predecessor. While a carryover from 2007 comes the 2008 Avalanche.

The 2008 Avalanche is a 4door up to 6passenger full size pickup available in 10 trims ranging from the LS 2WD to the LTZ 4WD. The LS 2WD is equipped with a standard 5.3liter V8 320horsepower engine that achieves 15mpg in the city and 21mpg on the highway. The LTZ 4WD is equipped with a standard 5.3liter V8 310horsepower flexible fuel engine that achieves 11mpg in the city and 15mpg on the highway. A 4speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims. Despite its improved performance reviewers find a few complain about its fuelthirsty engine.

The Avalanche had always been one of a kind. Most find its exterior quite good but not especially a headturner for its class. It features a removable rear window and exclusive “midgate” that can be lowered into the cabin to provide additional cargocarrying capabilities. This powerdome hood and redesigned lighting elements also tells us that this is an Avalanche and not a regular pickup.

Car parts like oversized wheel flares and satin chrome door handles grille insert mirror camps and tubular assist steps are special features that add up to the appeal of the Avalanche.

Though it is luxurious and comfortable but it cabin isnt good enough to be a part of the topthree in terms of SUV interior quality. It can seat up to six passengers. It is constructed from highquality materials with much more comfortable seats and an instrument panel that is positioned perfectly for easy visibility. It is wellequipped with many standard features such as power windows power door locks keyless entry a single CD/MP3 player a power driver’s seat and cruise control.

Standard Avalanche safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes stability control GM’s OnStar emergency communications system and a fulllength sidecurtain airbag system with a rollover sensor. According to usnews.rankingsandreviews.com the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche does very well in federal government crash tests. It earned five stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal impacts and five stars for the front and rears seat in side impacts.

About the writer:  Anthony Fontanelle is a 35yearold automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.