3 Must Have BMW Performance Upgrades for Speed Junkies

How do you make a fast car go even faster? This is the question countless BMW owners ask themselves once they feel the power of their highly-engineered, performance-driven vehicles in action. So how can you push your BMW to the next level? Fortunately, there are a wide variety of upgrades that can optimize speed and performance and help you get the most from your BMW. Here are just three reasonable, must-haves for BMW speed junkies.

Performance Chips. Aftermarket performance chips replace the factory-installed chip in order to boost power and performance electronically. A chip's job is to adjust performance parameters, including timing, fuel-to-air ratio, turbo boost, and a performance chip allows you to change these parameters. This can increase your power and torque. A good BMW chip will adjust your air-to-fuel ratios and supply more fuel to the combustion chamber. The result? More power and more speed. You can choose the level of your upgrade, too, to achieve the level of performance you want.

Power Programmers. Power programmers run along the same lines as performance chips and are designed for those who not only want to boost performance, but also have greater control over the quality of their ride. It is an electronic component as well; a microprocessor optimizes the ignition spark advance and fuel maps. This delivers improved horsepower, handling, acceleration, torque, and throttle response.

Power programmers, unlike performance chips, are not permanently installed. You simply plug it into an under-dash OBDII port. It works on an as-needed basis. The results of both performance upgrades are similar, but according to many, you get more control from a power programmer.

Speed De-Limiters. Even the fastest BMWs, like the M3 Coupe, top out because the manufacturer installs a speed governor in the car. While 135mph (155 mph for those with the sport package) is more than enough for most drivers, those who want to kick it up (on a safe, closed track with professional driver only, of course) can try a speed de-limiter. This will eliminate BMW's factory-installed speed limiter.

The cost of these high-performance upgrades varies,depending on the model and year of your BMW. If you love speed and love pushing a finely engineered vehicle even further, this is additional cost is well worth the value of getting just a little bit more out of your BMW automobile. Of course, don't take our word for it. Try these upgrades out for yourself and see what we mean!

Enid Glasgow is a luxury automobile writer and enthusiast. BramanAutoParts.com offers BMW Auto Accessories.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Enid_Glasgow

»»  READMORE...

The Fastest 2011 BMW Models

What's the real reason people buy luxury cars? Is it the prestige and status? The excellent resale value? The elegant interior? Sure. But we know that behind the decision is really the desire to drive a superbly engineered machine that goes fast. The simple pleasure that comes with the acceleration of a complex engine cannot be met or adequately explained. How fast does a BMW go? It goes the speed limit, of course. But here are a few 2011 models that can handle a bit more.

M3 Coupe. As BMW says, "Racecars shouldn't be confined to racetracks." The M3 Coupe's design is inspired by Formula 1 racing cars and, first and foremost, it is a driver's car. The M3 features a powerful 4.0 liter V8 engine, 414 horses, 295 ft-lb of torque, and maximum engine speed of 8400rpm. What does this mean? Performance-enhancing features like Double-VANOS technology for precise valve timing and optimal combustion, 8 throttle butterflies for quick response, 7-speed Double Clutch transmission, the M Drive, and Electronic Damping Control combine to create a high-performance dream machine for speed junkies.

1 Series M Coupe. The 1 Series M Coupe's 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine is not as powerful as the M3 Coupe's 4.0 liter V8; but that is like saying a Harry Winston is not as good as a expensive watch. The M Coupe features TwinPower Turbo technology and puts out 335 horsepower. The Variable M Differential Lock allows you to manage torque on-demand, allowing you to optimize traction on all surfaces. Those commercials you see with cars hugging tight curves on a windy mountain road? That could be you. Other features include the M Drive button, which activates a precise throttle response program, close ratio 6-speed manual transmission, short, sporty M gearshift lever, and Double-VANOS technology. It is no wonder that BMW calls this their "predator on the prowl."

Z4 sDrive35is. This car feels fast before you even start up the 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. The 335 horsepower Roadster is sleek and fully stocked with performance-enhancing features, like 7-speed sports automatic transmission with double clutch, Servotronic Electric Power Steering for intense precision at all speeds, high precision direct injection, and Adaptive M Suspension make this a fast ride that sacrifices no comfort.

BMW combines advanced engineering with superior comfort to create high performance sports machines. These three models will fulfill your need for precise, exhilarating speed.

Enid Glasgow is a luxury automobile writer and enthusiast. BramanAutoParts.com offers 2011 BMW Parts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Enid_Glasgow

»»  READMORE...

Driving Lessons - Turn In The Road

The name was changed for test purposes many years ago as it gives the impression you have to complete the manoeuvre within the usual 3 turns. You can however, if on a road too narrow, complete the manoeuvre in 5 turns and this is totally acceptable - as long as it would not have been possible in 3.

With this manoeuvre you need to keep the car rolling at a Creeping speed using clutch control. The clutch will not at any point come all the way up as you will then be moving to fast. Its all about being slow and safe with plenty of mirror and safety checks. Examiners are not looking for this to be completed quickly.

First off you will need to prepare the car as always, using slightly less gas. Complete your 6 point safety checks and as long as there's no one coming, release the handbrake. As soon as you start moving, steer full lock to the right. As you get closer to the kerb you need to be looking out your drivers door window to better judge how close you are to the kerb. You want to get as close as you can without touching it. Once happy with your position, stop, and pull the handbrake up. Use the handbrake so to ensure you don't roll towards to kerb.

Next select reverse, and steer the wheel to the left to straighten the wheels. Prepare the car again. 6 point check. And again as long as there is no one coming, release the handbrake. Again as soon as the handbrake is down, steer full lock to the left. Try and keep the car moving slowly as you do this and steer quickly, ensuring you get the best possible turn. Once full lock, have a look out the rear window (actually turning your head to look out the back. Using the rear view mirror here doesn't count). The examiners will look out for you looking out the back, even though you wont be able to see much, to make sure you are not reversing towards something you shouldn't.

After a quick look out the back window, now turn your head to have a look over your right shoulder, to have the best view of the approaching kerb. Once once you feel you are as close as you can get without risking hitting it, clutch down, stop, and handbrake up.

Select 1st gear again and steer the wheel to the right to straighten the wheels up. Prepare the car, complete all your 6 safety checks once more, and if its clear, handbrake down, steer to the right as much as is required to get you into the correct road position to drive off.

And thats the Turn in the Road! When you do your 6 safety checks, if at any point there is a car coming then you must always wait until its clear what their intentions are. Because you are in a learner car, most people will drive past you even if you are mid manoeuvre. If the oncoming car stops, then continue the manoeuvre whilst they wait. You are not allowed to wave anyone past during the test as this would result in a serious fault, and therefore a fail. This is because someone else, ie a pedestrian, might see this wave as a signal to them and they might cross the road putting themselves in danger.

Also dry steering, ie steering when the car is not moving, used to be a fault but isn't anymore. It was once said that it would damage tyres, but tyres are so well made these days it would have no effect. And, especially if you are on a narrow road where a 3 point turn may only just be possible, and little dry steer as detailed above could be the difference between making it, or not.

So follow the instructions above and you cant go wrong!

JV

Jason Vines - Vines Driving School

Driving Schools Sutton

Driving Schools Croydon

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Vines

»»  READMORE...

Hatchback Cars Are Back In A Big Way

When hatchbacks were introduced back in the seventies, they were affordable and basic cars without a ton of extra fills or amenities. They were ideal for someone who didn't want to pay a lot of money for an auto and were willing to sacrifice when it came to luxuries. One of the earliest hatchback was the Pinto. These cars were always available as an option for consumers, however they never became huge sellers.

It looks as if this type of vehicle is regaining popularity with the masses again. The major difference between today's hatch back is that it comes with air conditioning, a stereo system, power seats and all of the amenities we've become accustomed to. Add to that the cargo space that is easy to get to and the result is more people are buying them.

Auto companies are aware of the surge in popularity of this model and as a result they are mass producing many more. According to WardsAuto.com, the number of hatchbacks produced and sold in the U.S. jumped by 63 percent during the 2006 to the 2010 model years. In raw numbers that is an increase from 291,853 units to 475,048 units. Meanwhile total car sales fell 23 percent during that period.

One company that has received massive success from its hatchback model is Ford, a producer of the popular Fiesta car. Almost forty percent of the Fiesta sold are hatchbacks. Moreover, 41 percent of the retail sales of the Focus are hatchbacks. That is a pretty good achievement because the Focus hatchback has been available for just a few months.

A large number of automotive makers have added this model to their lineup. For example, Hyundai is offering the Accent, which includes a hatchback model. More than seventy percent of Accent sales were of this model which is much higher than what the company expected. In addition, Chevrolet has introduced a new subcompact called the Sonic, which also includes a hatchback model.

Kia introduced the Forte hatchback and the company said that sales have been phenomenal. The Mazda3 is a model that is produced by the Japanese auto maker. The hatchback accounts for about 25 percent of all Mazda3 sales. The hatchback version is actually more expensive than the sedan; a big change from past years. Toyota has been selling a subcompact called the Yaris since 2006. It also includes a hatchback model.

Remember how back in the days hatchbacks were economy vehicles? Nowadays, even high end brands are producing them. Audi and Porsche are offering hatchback models too. These will be upscale and luxurious cars with enough power and performance for even the most discerning tastes.

Written by Jacqueline Star Nissan Colton offers a large inventory of vehicles in San Bernardino, Nissan and Redlands in the Inland Empire. Gauding Ford offers great deals on the 2011 Ford Focus Las Vegas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacqueline_Star

»»  READMORE...

California DMV New Law Changes Records System

Did you know that after July more effort is going to be required to take care of that pesky ticket on your driving record in California.

Even though some are concerned that traffic school will not be as valuable as it once was in helping someone clear their driving record.

The new law basically says that you can only go to traffic school once in a year and 1/2.

The problem that California is trying to fix is that their courts don't have good communication systems and so you may be able to go to traffic school multiple times in the same year as long as your tickets are from different municipalities. This new law will not allow that to happen anymore.

In addition, the fact that the traffic school attendance cleared the record, and with no record of the previous offenses someone would be able to go traffic school multiple times.

Apparently it even got so bad that people were able to take one traffic school for tickets in 2 different counties at the same time.

The California DMV is going to have a centralized database that will track all of California drivers records. In addition, even though going to driving school will take the points off your record they're still going to keep a record of the incident in their files.

One of the biggest concerns from Californians opposed to the law is that the record can be used against people in court with future cases. Isn't that the way all criminal records work?

In other news items concerning the DMV in California is that they finally got their budget approved. Hundreds of thousands of drivers in California have had to wait to renew their registrations. This is because the DMV was trying to decide on how much they wanted to charge for this transaction. One good thing for drivers is that police are not supposed to pull you over for an expired tag. Also California is giving all drivers a 30 day extension on their expiration date to renew their registration. In addition to California, all the other states have been notified not to pull you over for an expired California tag.

Some more good news for drivers is that the DMV is going to start mailing out notices to renew your registration 60 days before the due date. Registration rates can be expected to rise at a greater rate due to the weak economy.

Finely, up until now if you were living in California and driving a hybrid vehicle you were given special preference on the highway and allowed to travel in the carpool lane. The relaxed carpool lane restrictions took place in 2004. This is no longer the case you will be treated like every other driver. In addition to that change they are increasing rates across the board including paying for special passes.

You may be able to get your DMV Records Online for free in your state. To check go to http://www.freedmvrecordsonlinesearch.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_F_Reyna

»»  READMORE...

5 Most Expensive Cars of The World

Based on the prices from manufacturers a list of 5 most expensive cars has been prepared for readers and car enthusiasts. Unlike factious characters of car games, these are real cars. For many people driving any of such cars is a dream come true experience. The article is informative and more thrilling as you read on your way to the top most expensive car of the world.

5. Hennessey Venomo GT

Price: 895,000 dollars

Rated At: 5

Hennessey Venomo GT is a light weight carbon fiber composite, including tires with the exception to doors and roof. It has an excellent suspension system with which the driver can adjust the height up to 2.4 inches. It can obtain 100 km/hr speed in only 2.45 seconds. It can run at maximum speed of 260 mph. One of the best ever cars for sale to reach market.

Max Speed: 260 mph

Horse Power: 1200 hp

No. of cylinders: 8

4. Pagani Zonda C9

Price: 1.3 million dollars

Rated At: 4

Pagani Zonda C9 is an exotic sports car powered by 700 horsepower 6.0 liter V12 Mercedes-Benz AMG engine. It can obtain 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and can run at maximum speed of 210+ mph. It is produced in Italy by Pagani and is a mid-engineered sports car. Pagani Zonda C9 can launch to 62 mph in less than three seconds. Made from 3770 new parts, this 1.3 million dollars exotic beauty with intelligent looks comes at number 4.

Max Speed: 210+ mph

Horse Power: 700 hp

No. of cylinders: 12

3. Maybach Landaulet

Price: 1.4 million dollars

Rated At: 3

Maybach with its majestic and glamorous looks is equipped with one of the most innovative and advanced systems that may be installed in a car. It uses 604 horsepower engine and can run at maximum 250 Km/h. It has Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC?äó) which responds according to driving situation to provide optimum breaking effect. It uses a PARKTRONIC system which is based on ultrasonic waves to detect objects close to it and generate alerts accordingly. You may unlock doors by simply touching door handle. Of course, you need to have an electronic key with you at that time.

Max Speed: 250 Km/hr

Horse Power: 604 hp

No. of cylinders: 12

2. Koenigsegg Agera

Price: 1.5 million dollars

Rated At: 2

Koenigsegg Agera from Sweden is a blend of technology and innovation geared towards bringing you an experience to the next level. With the body made of carbon fiber and aluminum backed by powerful 910 horsepower engine, this car can reach 100 km/hr in less than 3 seconds. The car's wide front gives it balance in corners and enhance its stability at high speeds. Indeed, Koenigsegg Agera is one of the most top performing cars on the roads.

Max Speed: 394 km/hr

Horse Power: 910 hp

No. of cylinders: 8

1. Koenigsegg Agera

Price: 2.6 million dollars

Rated At: 1

With an average price of 2.6 million dollars Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is marked as the most expensive cars in the world. It is an absolute dream and luxury vehicle for drivers, eager for fast and thrilling experiences on roads. Amazingly, within 2.5 seconds it can reach up to 100 km/hr. It's stronger stabilizers coupled with modern shock absorbers, and complex architectural design provides more control of the wheels even at high speeds.

Max Speed: 434 km/hr

Horse Power: 1200 hp

No. of cylinders: 16

Because these cars are so expensive, most of them are manufactured in limited number. Indeed, you will rarely sight these cars among cars for sale under cars classifieds any where in the world.

To see car pictures please click http://www.mymotory.com/en/car-articles/top-5-most-expensive-cars-of-the-world

To read our other articles go to http://www.mymotory.com/en/latest-news-articles

The author has almost ten years of extensive website development experience from time to time he engages himself into writing articles mainly for search engine optimization.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fawaad_Ahmed_Khan

»»  READMORE...

Toyota - Always In-Demand

In spite of a severe scarcity of cars in June 2011, Toyota remains the evident market leader, in the midst of 85,100 sales and in excess of 22,500, prior to its close competitor.

Toyota stated May and June deals had been considerably influenced by manufacturing troubles caused by the destructive earthquake as well as tsunami in Japan. But, manufacturing has returned to usual in Australia, Thailand and Japan - the three countries that supply cars for the home market. Toyota has a very big piece of market share of automobile industry and all cars by Toyota are looking great a people love to ride these.

Toyota anticipates getting more or less all the automobiles that were structured previously in the year, offering consumers with a wider option of models, ratings and shades.

Next to August, the amount of vehicles accessible at Toyota dealerships will be back to usual - an amazing turnaround.

Toyota also expressed gratitude towards its consumers, for being considerate over the past months.

In June, Hilux was one of the best-selling cars in the nation with over 3,000 sales whereas Toyota Corolla topped 2,100 sales and Toyota Camry, kept hold of its supremacy of the medium-car division.

Toyota's Corolla has made a hat-trick as Australia's best-selling car for all of the past three months. Latest sales figures released revealed a January record for Corolla, which was the single vehicle to top 4,000 sales for the month. Ever since the beginning of November 2010, Australians have purchased over 13,500 Corolla sedans and hatches. This is over 3,300 ahead of any other car - representing its appeal as trendy, reasonable, fuel-efficient and dependable motoring.

The new Toyota Corolla ascent special version is obtainable as a hatchback only, with the option of manual or mechanical transmission.

The admired Toyota car is also Australia's best-selling car for the initial seven months of the fiscal year that began last July. Its recognition, particularly amongst private customers, assisted in driving the company to its 70th successive, as market leader in January - a continuous run dating back to April 2005.

Except Corolla, Toyota's other segment cream of the crop for January were Camry (mid-size cars), RAV4 (compact SUVs), LandCruiser Prado (medium SUVs), Land Cruiser 200 Series (large SUVs), HiLux (4x2 light trucks) and HiAce Commuter (bus).

Finally, Toyota Australia has declared the release of the Toyota Aurion White Limited Edition model. The vehicle is derived from the Aurion wonder; however it features over $3000 more add-ons.

Check out the information available online for Toyota Camry, Toyota Aurion and Toyota Corolla by visiting http://www.privatefleet.com.au

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danae_S_Grandison

»»  READMORE...

New Audi Q5 Car - An Overview

Audi AG is a manufacturer of a range of automobiles based in Germany. Its headquarters are in Ingolstadt. It manufactures automobiles from the range of supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges marketed under the brand name Audi. Audi is positioned as a premium brand within Volkswagen Group.

Audi Q5 at first glance looks like younger sibling of Q7. It is like baby SUV in Audi Q-Series. But it is having its own specificities like its compact size, and heavily loaded with latest technologies. Audi Q5 is a first venture into compact SUV segment. Q5 was firstly launched in European market in the year 2008. In India, Audi Q5 comes as completely built unit (CBU) direct from Audi's Ingolstadt facility in Germany.

Fuel Economy

10.9/15.2 km/l (city/highway), 3.0L TDI V6
9.6/13.7 km/l (city/highway), 2.0L FSI I4

Available Engines

3.0L Turbocharged TDI V6, 236 bhp, Diesel
2.0L Turbocharged FSI I4, 208 bhp, Petrol

Available Transmissions

7-speed S tronic Transmission.

Highlights

•Quattro All-Wheel Drive.
•Long Wheelbase.
•Capacious Trunk.

Pros

•Three engine options.
•Spacious Interior.
•Good Fuel Efficiency.

Cons

•No Fresh Look. Styling very similar to Audi Q7.

Characteristics
•Its front end is highlighted by large grille and venerated four circles which is the logo of Audi.
•Its sporty structure/body and curvy glass windows attached with flat roof rails reminds of the coupe which is having same features as this.
•Its existence is strong and magnetic and it is also having admiring and inspiring appearance which is a great head turner.
•It is having longer wheelbase which gives it a better stability
•Their elegantly crafted interior which is the general characteristics of all the Audi cars catches the eyes of the viewer easily.
•They use the best quality materials in manufacturing of the car that gives the feel of great luxury.
•The car majestically rides on 17-inch alloy wheels which are well-carved and with the bonnet positioned a little higher; the car portrays an aggressive appeal.
•It is loaded with the latest gizmos and gadgets like the automatic climate control system and top quality audio system.
•It also comes with safety systems like 6-airbag system, Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, tyre pressure monitoring, and anti-theft alarm system.

Powertrain & Performance

Audi Q5 is available in both petrol and diesel variants. Petrol engine comes with a 208 bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder. And diesel engine comes with a 236 bhp 3.0-litre V6. They both are coupled with a 7-speed S tronic transmission.

The Audi Q5 also offers Audi drive select system. This feature makes driving easy for drivers as it can shift the suspension setup and dynamic steering response with help of a simple button. It is also having a feature where drive setting can be adjusted between Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic levels.

Copyright © 2011

BuyYourCar.co.uk will help you find the right New Cars for you at the right price. New Audi A4 Cars available now at discounted prices, get the best discount on a New Audi A4 and New Audi Q5 Cars direct from franchised Audi dealers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_L_Long

»»  READMORE...

2011 Kia Soul, Sporty, and Out of the Box

Kia, Korea's sporty automaker, has released a new Soul. In 2011 Kia decided to release a fresh and innovative car into their lineup. This fresh and innovative car has hit the streets and is making an impression on consumers.

With the Kia Soul debut in 2010, Kia wanted to keep attention of buyers by keeping the price low, trendy interior, and sport trim. The Kia Soul has also been receiving awards from "Top Safety Pick, to the Popular Mechanics award of Automotive Excellence.

The Kia Soul has kept a technological edge by having auxiliary and USB input so drivers may bring their MP3's or music files for the ride. Also, when the driver has music blasting, lights within the interior of the car light up along with the tempo and beat of the song playing.

The vehicle has many customizable features. It has very easy controls, lots of space, and includes a warranty that is in the purchaser's best interests. However the Soul, which is targeted to younger audiences, does not provide the greatest performance on the road. But the Soul is incredibly stylish and provides a great emotional connection with the user.

The Soul also has good sporty handling, but once at highway speeds, the Soul is a little rougher of an experience for the driver. It comes equipped with disc brakes on each wheel, showing that safety was in mind when Kia engineers put this great vehicle together.

The base model has 1.6 Liter 4 cylinder engine, and the purchase[r] may choose manual or auto transmission. With 26mpg in the city and 31mpg on the highway, the Soul gets solid mileage for being positioned in between the SUV and Hatchback class. Installed with Satellite SIRIUS radio, Side/Curtain airbags, stability control, and traction control, drivers can blast their great speakers that come by proxy with the Soul and be comfortable with solid safety features that will protect them on drunken nights of partying.

Some optional features are a bigger engine, 16 or 18 inch alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry, power adjustable outside mirrors, steering wheel audio mounted controls, a height-adjustable driver seat, interior trim, tinted rear windows, and Bluetooth. Also two additional speakers can also be added.

If a buyer chooses the premium package, they have the options to add leather interior, the keyless ignition and heated front seats to stay warm when on the road. Some other options are an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cargo cover, and a body kit.

Safety features come with the 4-disc antilock brakes, stability control, front side airbags, traction control, brake assist, active front head restraints, and the side curtain airbags. The Soul got the highest rating of Good by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The impression the Soul left when I drove the vehicle was that the 18-inch alloy wheels did make highway riding a louder experience. With less performance, and with more of an attitude of the street sport vehicle, the Soul is one of the better offerings if this is your style and choice. Also, the 10 year / 100,000 mile warranty is one of the better available in its class.

Other picks available in this class are the Scion xB, the Nissan Cube, and the Honda Fit. The Scion xB has worse fuel economy but more space in the trunk. Some users even report that the Nissan Cube's handling and control is better than the Soul but it will cost some extra cash. Lastly the Honda Fit has the most storage space out of its class.

All about looks and style, the Kia Soul would be a solid car for any driver looking to break some necks when driving around town.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_H_Shell_IV

»»  READMORE...

All About PY24W LED Bulbs For BMW Turn Signal Lights

There are a lot of places on the Internet to find a good racing video. One of the problems, however, is actually finding what you want in a short amount of time. There is so much content out there that it can be hard to discover the excitement you're looking for without a lot of time and effort.

Here are some great approaches to find an exciting racing video:

Video search services: If you don't want to spend the time searching for a great racing video, there are some interesting services that search for the best motor sports videos from hundreds of websites around the world, and send you the results. These can be in the form of an email with the links delivered to you, or as a membership-based website where you can see the latest videos. These services are a huge time-saver and are getting more popular. They are usually run by real race fans and you are almost guaranteed to see a lot of videos which you've never seen before.

The big daddy sites: The major content video sites have just about any racing video you can find. One of the challenges with these websites however, is separating low quality content from the real gems. It's common to visit with the intent of looking for something specific and have to search for 30 minutes or more for something decent. Another consideration with the mega sites is that almost every video now has an advertisement overlay. You can click these off but it's a little annoying and also seems to use up even more bandwidth.

High definition and specialty sites: The newest genre to the video content website is high quality or high definition specialty sites. These have a lot less content than the mega sites but feature much better quality. You won't always find what you're looking for but the production teams for these sites seem to only let people post a higher quality type of racing video. They also have fewer content contributors trying to become famous and more contributors posting good quality stuff, which means you can find not only really good grassroots racing content, but it's usually unique as well.

International sites: The great thing about racing is that it's very popular with people outside English-speaking countries. So there is an interesting mix of racing video content, with some things you wouldn't normally see in the U.S. or Canada, for example. How about French TV shows featuring Formula Renault or Le Mans? Or the British GT championship? Sedan racing from Argentina? International sites have a lot of varied video content. You might have to watch in a different language but motor sports are international, right?

Whether you are interested in formula cars, stock cars and NASCAR, sedans, GT cars, motorcycles, or any other racing series that you're passionate about, these sources are a great place to find a high quality racing video.

To join a free service that emails you an exciting racing video selection every week, visit http://www.trackvids.com

About the author: Dann Roberts is an auto racing and motorsports enthusiast who writes about products and services that enhance your driving, riding and racing experience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dann_Robert

»»  READMORE...

A Senior Citizen's Guide to Driving Safely

Aging is a part of life. It is inevitable that as we age, we experience bodily changes that make things that were once so easy for us, a little bit harder. Driving is one of the skills where we need to make some adjustments as we age. However, by being aware of these changes and responding appropriately to them through safe driving practices, we can be confident that we will remain safe drivers even when we are well past our 60s. Here are some of the most important changes in your body that affect your driving abilities.

    * Stiff Joints
    * Vision Problems
    * Hearing Impairment
    * Slow Reaction Times

Stiff joints can lead to difficulty in foot and pedal movement and in some cases, making it hard to turn your head to look behind you, harder turn the steering wheel and push the brakes. If you feel these things, see your doctor and ask for any medication he/she can give you to ease your muscle and joint pains. In this condition, it would surely be advantageous if you drive a car with automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes so that you won't have to exert much physical effort. Try to always exercise to keep your body strong and flexible.

There are several vision problems associated with age such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are associated with aging. Even if you don't have these specific eye diseases, it is inevitable that your eyesight will decline and you'll have trouble seeing things at night, you may find glare extra annoying and traffic signs may not be recognized so quickly.

The first way to counteract these vision problems is to have your eyes checked regularly. Ask your doctor if you have an eye disease such as cataract. It can be remedied by surgery. Also, make sure your prescription glasses are correct and updated and don't fail to wear them when driving. Refrain from driving at night if it's hard for you to see things in the dark.

Aging also causes hearing problems to arise. If this happens, you may not be able to discern horns, sirens and noises easily. Sounds are warnings and if you don't get them quickly, you may be putting yourself and your passengers in danger.

First, have your hearing checked on a regular basis. If you have any hearing difficulties, they can readily be treated by your doctor. It may also help if you use a hearing aid especially when driving. Refrain from playing loud music and ask your passengers to tone down their voices so that you won't be distracted from unnecessary noises.

Finally, when you age, your reaction time becomes slower, you get easily confused and distracted, and your attention span becomes shorter.

Some adjustments must be made to your usual driving practices to cope up with these changes. First, make sure there is adequate space between you and the car in front. If you ever need to stop in a while, start braking early on. As much as possible, avoid driving in place where traffic is high.

Learn how senior citizens can get the best auto insurance rates at Sr. Auto Insurance Quotes.

Get more crucial tips for safe-driving at Over 60 and Driving Safely

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sofia_Contreras

»»  READMORE...

BMW M5 E39 Versus BMW M5 E60

What looks like a four door sedan, but drives like a sports car? Well... the first car that comes to mind is the BMW M5. The M5 has always been a favorite of mine because it's an excellent mix of luxury and solid performance. This vehicle can transport you and three of your friends comfortably from point A to point B. However, the beauty of the M5 is that you can always choose to throw comfort out the window and give your friends a scare of a lifetime!

In a nutshell, the M5 is one of the most practical race cars ever made, if not the most. It has four doors, all the creature comforts of a BMW, seating for five, a huge engine and handles like a dream. In our video review, we drive two of the more recent generations, the 2003 E39 M5 and the 2010 E60 M5. Both are very fast cars, but the way they carry themselves is very different.

About the M5

The 2003 E39 M5 is the last year BMW built that generation of the M5 and is the best year for that model. Earlier E39 models had problems with the Vanos timing systems (which were expensive to repair), issues with carbon buildup and a couple of other minor things. However, in 2003 all the wrinkles have been ironed out and the car was near perfection.

The E39 M5 has a 4.9 liter V8 that produces approximately 400 hp at 6,600 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm and redlines at 7,000 rpm. Despite a curb weight of 4,000 lbs, the E39 M5 can hit 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds according to official performance specs, but some have claimed they could consistently hit 0-60 mph times of 4.5 seconds. Additionally, the car is very well balanced and handles like a dream and gives the driver good feedback. I used to take mine out to the mountains and I was not afraid to push it on the curvy mountain roads following a group of M3s, which is not an easy feat.

The 2010 E60 M5 is also the last year BMW built that generation of the M5 and is likely the best year. Earlier E60 models had issues with the iDrive system and the 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) III, but after a series of upgrades, these issues seem to have gone away.

The E60 M5 has a 5.0 liter V10 that produces approximately 500 hp at 7,750 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 6,100 rpm and redlines at 8,250 rpm. Although the E60 M5 also has a curb weight of approximately 4,000 lbs, the massive power upgrade propels it from 0-60 mph in only 4.8 seconds. What's interesting about the two is that, up until 60 mph, both M5s are nearly neck and neck. However, the E60 M5 starts to pull away quickly after the 60 mph mark, and it keeps going and going. What's more interesting is that the E39 M5 feels faster as the car's peak torque is achieved at a much lower rpm (3,800 rpm versus 6,100 rpm for the E60 M5) and hits the driver instantly, whereas with the E60 the driver has to be a little more patient.

Uniqueness of the M5

Both of these M5s are very rare, to be specific, only 20,482 E39 M5s were built from 1999-2003 compared to total BMW worldwide production during the same period of 3,544,234. That means that the M5 represented only ~0.6% of total production during the same time frame. However, despite all of the unnecessary criticism from hardcore enthusiasts, the E60 M5 was the most successful M5 yet with 20,548 units sold from 2006-2010. However, total BMW worldwide production during the same four-year period increased to 5,957,170 lowering M5 production as a percentage of total production to ~0.3%. So technically, the E60 M5 is rarer than the E39.

Interior & Technology

When I look at cars I want to buy, I put a much greater weight on performance and a very small weight on the interior, but nonetheless an attractive and comfortable interior does matter. That said, I like both interiors but my preference goes to the newer E60 styling and technology.

The E39 interior is comfortable enough, but less ergonomic relative to the E60 and, as you would imagine, has much less going on in the technology department. The seats are comfortable but the leather is not as soft as the E60's. However, the overall appearance of the E39 interior is attractive and I personally like the more contemporary look of the brushed aluminum trim rather than a wood trim. It just makes you feel younger.

The E60 interior is more ergonomic as everything is positioned to conform better to your body. For example, the door hand rest has a downward sloping angle towards the front of the car and is more comfortable relative to the flat hand rest in the E39. BMW took this concept and applied it the other interior features making the driving experience all that much better in terms of comfort when compared to the prior generation (E39).

Both cars have navigation, heated seats, dual zone climate control, interior active charcoal air filters, a premium sound system, rain sensors, driver seat/wheel/mirror position memorization and a lot of the other standard creature comforts that you normally get in a BMW. However, the E60 has a far more advanced user interface which is called the iDrive system. It includes a much better navigation system and multimedia management system which can store mp3s, play CDs and easily play music on a connected mp3 player. I am also a big fan of the Bluetooth connectivity, which did not come in the E39 model.

Another impressive E60 feature is the customization ability of the performance settings. For example, you can program the car's horsepower to increase to 500 hp from the default 400 hp and have the suspension go to the stiffest setting from comfort when you press the "M" button on the steering wheel. The beauty is that you can adjust these settings to fit your driving style. Additionally, I am a big fan of the heads up display for speed and rpm that pops up when the "M" button is engaged.

Performance

After I had the chance to drive both cars, I noticed that the E39 was more of a "brute force" type of car whereas the E60 felt more like a "gentleman's car." The clutch pedal in the E39 was a lot tougher to press, the steering felt more "responsive" and the throttle response was instant as the torque hits you a lot quicker due to the E39's low rpm max torque peak (at 3,800 rpm) compared to the E60 (6,100 rpm). In fact, at first I was actually misled by thinking the E39 was just as fast as the E60. However, despite the fact that everything (clutch, seats, steering, etc.) in the E60 feels more comfortable, when put head-to-head with the E39, the "gentleman" actually spanks "brute force" after 60 mph and I believe that a good driver can also spank the E39 from 0-60 mph.

In terms of top speed, both of the cars have an electronic limiter at 155 mph, but when removed the E39 can achieve 186 mph while the V10 E60 can hit a max of a whopping 204 mph. I think top speeds are very impressive given that we are talking about four-door family sedans here, not a Ferrari. What's also impressive is how fast these cars keep accelerating past 100 mph, it just keeps going and going and going. It makes you wanna keep going to see how high it can go.

Conclusion

At first, I liked the E39 M5 better than the E60 M5, but after two days of driving, my preference for brute performance was abolished by the more comfortable yet solid performance of the E60 M5. Anyways, enough reading. To watch the video go ahead and visit our website at CarNecks.com.

Ivan Rudnitsky

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ivan_Rudnitsky

»»  READMORE...

Car Bumpers - Understanding the Various Options Available

Car bumpers have a very important role to play in making your car safe and comfortable to drive. Not only do they protect your vehicle in the event of a head-on collision, but they also help to improve the aerodynamics of your vehicle, thereby giving you better mileage. The other benefit of having good bumpers is that they protect people who might get hit by your car, albeit only slightly. You will need to replace your old bumpers if they crack or fall off because of an accident. You might also want to buy new ones that look better than the old ones in order to customize your vehicle to give it a better appearance.

There are many different types of bumpers you could select from and this makes it possible for you to choose one that suits your needs the best. When you set out to buy car bumpers, you should first consider the different materials that they are usually made of. Most cars have a bumper made of reinforced thermoplastic material because it is relatively cheap while being very durable. If you are willing to spend more money on your car then you can consider ones made of carbon fibre. This material is super light and very strong and will take a huge amount of punishment when compared to plastic ones.

Older cars tended to be made with steel bumpers. They are heavy and prone to denting very easily. They are therefore the least preferred option unless you drive a vintage car that will not look nice with ones made of plastic or carbon fibre.

There are many options for styles of car bumpers. You should ideally buy one that conforms to the original design of your vehicle. They are easily available because there are many companies that manufacture and sell them, there being immense demand for replacement parts. You can buy special ones in case you have special needs for your car, for example if you need to do a lot of towing with your truck or car. If you drive a pickup truck or a SUV, for instance, you could buy step bumpers. If yours is a custom compact truck you are most likely to require Roll Pan bumpers. Do a careful study of the different options available so that you can choose the best possible spare parts including car bumpers for your old or damaged vehicle.

Find out about the various car bumpers you could choose from before you make a purchase. Visit http://www.panelhouse.com.au in order to learn about the best options available.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rizvana_Abdul

»»  READMORE...

Cool Off With Car Covers

These poor cars probably go through more hell than we actually imagine. After all, we come inside, and cool down by the air - con. We drink, we have ice creams etc, all in effort to cool off, and make ourselves feel better. Our cars on the other hand are stuck there, outside, in the continuous sweltering hot sun, with no break. Not only that but they're expected to perform just so too. They have to shepherd us around to the ice cream store, with the car's air conditioner on, all whilst maintaining a clean exterior. This is virtually impossible.

I simply do not know how other people manage. I say 'other' because my car isn't like that. I can across this a few years ago, and since have bought myself a car cover.

Contrary to popular beliefs, car covers are not expensive. Mine as more than reasonable and I can say it has lasted my three summer, and looking forward to the fourth. My cover is in mint condition, and has actually ended up saving me money.

I bought a cover that protects my car from the sun. It has a particularly high level of resistance to the sun's ultra violet rays. This resistance is natural, which is why it is still going so strong. Natural resistance is fabulous as it will not wear away with time and use, hence making the cover extremely durable and able to last forever.

For the odd occasion, when the air clear with a small sprinkle of rain, my cover is equipped too. It provides resistance to water and liquids too, albeit at a lower level. This is to ensure that I am never caught out and are always protected.

The car cover is also brilliant at keeping my car dust and dirt free. These tend to peak in the summer months and I am thankful they are no longer a worry of mine. I have horrible memories of endless hours washing and cleaning my car.

I am also free from birds muck, and tree sap. Every time I come to my car and see a splat on the cover, I thank Covercraft once again for inventing car covers, and being able to receive my daily dose of birds muck, without having to go through much heart, and headache.

To sum up, I feel that for the average man, and even not the average, a cover is not really a luxury, but rather a necessity. It will save you, as it saved me, lots of money that would have otherwise been continuously spent on car washes, repairs, and body work.

Choose From The Largest Range of car covers, At Prices You Will Not Believe! Check Out http://www.thecarcover.com And Save $!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Basya_Katz

»»  READMORE...

Toyota - Number One Through Optimistic Products With Style

Toyota will be Number One with an Extra Pinch of Style and a Dash of Color and Optimism mixed in.

TOYOTA AND AMERICA ARE AT A CROSSROADS. The U.S. economy is in one of its worst hours at the moment. Almost 20% of the work force are unable to find full-time employment to support themselves. There is a shortage of private sector jobs and far too many people are employed by the government. Private sector jobs fuel the economy where government jobs produce nothing. The government prints money and pays employees. That adds to government debt way into the trillions, only to end up in the hands of citizens as major tax burden. Americans are unable to buy and sell homes so the housing market is almost dysfunctional. the American system can over come all of this. A change in government officials and policies in the coming 24 months can put America on the road to restoration of vitality and optimism.

WE'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE. When that happens we believe that American car buyers will be looking for not only the expected reliability, but also bright fresh dynamic styling cues that emote that vitality and optimism. This is not unlike what happened in the early 1950's after World War II. During those years after the war vitality and optimism flourished, particularly by the mid 1950's. Looking back, there appears to have been a dramatic change that took place between 1954 and 1955. It's like the world suddenly changed from black and white visually to technicolor. This was distinctively reflected with a change in car styling and colors between 1954 and 1955 through 1960. If you go to Google images and enter 1955 cars into the search box, an instant array of stamp sized images of bright colored optimistically styled automobiles will appear.

COLOR AND STYLE REFLECT OUR MOODS. Color plays a strong role indicating the type of mood that we are in. A marketing research firm recently asked nearly 1,900 Americans about their attitudes toward their own lives at several points over the course of a year. The firm also asked each respondent the color of the car they drive most often, which allowed the researchers to develop a kind of color-confidence index. According to the study, the color of a car says a lot about the person driving it. People who drive Emerald Green automobiles have the most positive attitude about the course of their own lives. Dark Blue and Silver are other colors chosen by upbeat optimistic people. Red can suggest an aggressive, high-speed personality, while Yellow, theoretically, is for folks with sunny dispositions.

WE'RE BACK TO THE FUTURE. Going back to 1955, there were plenty of green, red, blue, yellow, and other bright colored cars often two-toned with white, a stable color providing balance. We have a similar stage being set for the near future and Toyota has a tremendous opportunity here. Looking around at new cars being introduced, there are many with exciting design elements. Toyota needs to pick up on this quickly. At the moment, the Toyota line-up is showing some age compared to many fresh new designs from other manufacturers. Fresh design definitely needs to be part of the new Toyota equation.

TOYOTA MUST BE READY TO ROLL OUT OPTIMISTIC AUTOMOBILES. We found a recent Toyota design sketch online for a two door coupe. We know that two door cars are not the big sellers at this time. But, the design cues on this model are striking and quite optimistic compared to current Toyota design elements. We'd like to see that car, I don't know that we will. Toyota's opportunity to be Number One over the next couple of years is not only to bring to us the expected reliability but to also bring to us brighter fresher designs and colors that represent an optimism America needs and is ready for.

Toyota Will be Number One With An Added Pinch Of Style And An Extra Dash Of Color and Optimism!

These are our thoughts and observations at a critical point for both Toyota and America.

Gary Holmes is an administrator and writes articles for Toyota-Alabama, a website for Toyota news, vehicles, technology tutorials, and related products, http://Toyota-Alabama.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_E_Holmes

»»  READMORE...