Cars Auto Review

The 2011 Kia Sorento.

The interior of the 2011 Kia Sorento.

Also standard in the EX are a multi-adjustable drivers seat with lumbar support, 60/40 split folding and reclining second row seats, pushbutton start with smart key, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto light control, tilt and telescoping steering column, illuminated vanity mirrors, rear privacy glass and fog lamps.Thats a nice package for less than 25 large. And the Kia people added three options to it:

The Limited package (Navigation with traffic data, backup camera, Infinity Audio system with 10 speakers, 18-inch mirror-finish alloy wheels and interior accent illumination)...$2,000.

Premium Package 1 (Leather seat trim in the first and second row, heated front seats and an auto-dimming mirror with display for the backup camera)...$1,500.

And a mirror with Compass and Homelink for $250.

Regular TireKicker readers know Id almost always pass on factory nav systems (your phone can do most of what those do), but the added safety of the backup camera is a good idea in almost any vehicle...especially SUVs...and the Infinity Audio system rocked...so Id actually go this way with my own dime....which would give us a grand total after delivery charges of $29,340.

It drives well, it handles well, it gets good mileage, and nicely equipped, youre coming in just a shade below the competition on price. Plus theres the 10 year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty and the 5 year/60,000 mile roadside assistance. Hard to go wrong...unless you dont test drive one.

Return with me now to those thrilling days of yesteryear...before (well okay, just as) midsize muscle cars were coming on the scene...when a big car with a big engine was the hot ticket.

In Fords case, were talking about 1965:



Yes, they called it "The Velvet Brute"...a Galaxie 500 with a 425-horsepower 427 cubic inch V8 stuffed under the hood. You could even get it with a manual transmission. Well, full-size powerhouses didnt last much longer and if it hadnt been for Chryslers 300C, Ford might never have tried the new Taurus SHO, but were sure glad they did.

Oh, sure there were SHOs in the early 90s, but that was a smaller car...the Taurus mission in life is to be the BIG Ford...so the SHO has a lot more in common with 7-Liter Galaxies in our book. And thats a good thing.

For the purposes of racing, the car must be capable of gripping the asphalt road to perfection. Hence, a tire that is used must have good traction. Such an ability is possessed by a compound made ​​from soft tires.

This type of softer tires. It is used specifically for racing. If it is used daily wear faster. Because the software, power cengkramnya better so that cars are safer when eating corner. Soft compound tire is still divided its kind to become a full semi-slick and slick. Full slick tires do not have grooves on the tread. Flat and smooth with no grooves. These types of tires have good grip on dry tracks. Opposite the semi-slick tires have a little groove with a besarbesar pattern.

Function plot to brush the water. So this type of tire designed in wet or slippery track, "he added. Because each tire has its own character. It is recommended that car owners who follow the racing event brings both, full and semi-slick slick. If the tire should be replaced soft, alloy wheels original wheels were advised to take luggage car.

If you want to replace the wheels, better if you use a wheel made ​​in Japan. The material is lighter yet more robust quality

I remember my first time at the wheel of a Sentra. It was 1982, and I was swayed by advertising telling me "You NEED this car".

Hard-selling the 1982 Nissan Sentra.

The 2011 Nissan Sentra.

Rear view of the 2011 Nissan Sentra. The tall trunk promises good cargo space. And delivers.

2011 Nissan Sentra Interior. Not fancy, but not bargain-basement, either.

Will this sell Audis? Will it cause Mercedes-Benz intenders to have second thoughts?

Dont know. Dont care. This spot is priceless. Use the little buttons at the bottom of the post to share via Twitter, Facebook and/or e-mail.

If traveling is definitely more comfortable if you use the car wide. Especially if it goes with my friends or family. Choosing a comfortable rental car and capacity of many seems to be the choice of the most good. Choose a car that you want to definitely available on car rentals.

Select a travel agent who has a transportation partnership program. Select is also a car with a passenger capacity of the lot. The reason, of course, be more comfortable if worn long journey and the wider place. Its capacity can be for 13-14 passengers. Rental cars are usually well every customer who rented a car already includes the driver. So, no need to add the cost to pay the driver again.

If you return the car over the lease will be subject to charge per hour 10 percent of the rental price. Unless grab a bigger package it will be given a special discount. Usually the rental car will be full bookings during the holiday season and wedding season. Not only have rental cars at competitive prices and convenient vehicle.

Upholstery leather car seats have a number of advantages over fabric or synthetic material. This material emits the impression of more luxurious and comfortable. If stained or exposed to dirt, how clean it is also easier than the two ingredients that.

However, the price is more expensive types of coatings. In addition, if not treated properly, leather upholstery will be broken. When that happens, then the process to restore its original condition is very difficult and expensive.

"Because of the material was by no means skin human skin is vulnerable to weather, or treatment that is not good," said Mohammed Fajri, specialist upholstery and bekleding Victory, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, Friday, May 27, 2011.

But not to worry, because treatment of the leather seat upholstery was pretty easy. "The key, only painstaking and careful. The materials used were not expensive and readily available, "said Fajri.



So how do the treatment? Here are tips from Fajri:

1. Avoid sunburn
Much like the human skin, leather seat upholstery is also absorb heat. Only, the difference, the pad can not adapt and neutralize the solar radiation using body fluids such as when a cow skin.

As a result, ultraviolet radiation will be absorbed by the skin sheet. As a result, this layer will harden. If it is often the case then the sheet will rapidly develop cracks.

Therefore, it is advisable to park the car in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight. When forced to park in the open, then use protection or sun visor.

2. Clean regularly
In addition to preventing from sun, clean the upholstery of the leather upholstery at least once every three months. You do not have to go to a salon car to clean it.

However, one thing to remember do not use a dry cloth. Use a wet chamois cloth. "Do not wet with water but use a special moisturizing leather seats are sold at the accessories store," said Fajri.

If not, you can use babys skin moisturizer or baby oil. How to clean, simply wipe with the direction of motion.

Such movement is meant for the dirt that slipped in the pores of the skin sheet can be lifted. "Then wipe with a two-way back and forth, the dirt it will go into the pores, so that the layer dirty seat instead," explained Fajri.

Dirt on the pores and in large quantities will be fused with humid air in the cabin of cars and solar radiation. They chemically react and lead to chapped skin layer or wrinkled.

3. Avoid liquid spills that damage
Avoid this seat upholstery spilled water. The reason, besides the potential to cause stains, spillage of water could cause mold if not dried quickly.

Another thing to remember is, do not use cleaning fluids containing alcohol, spirits, thinners, detergent, shampoo, and similar fluids. The reason is, all the liquid substance has the potential to damage the tissue in the skin sheet, remember layers are derived from living things or cow.

"When you use a liquid cleaner, make sure the liquid is safe not to use material from the alcohol and the like," said Fajri.

4. Make sure the car is not damp cabin
Mistakes that often occur but are not aware car owners who use the seats in leather is to let the car cabin damp. In fact, such conditions could potentially trigger the onset of mold on leather seat upholstery.

When that happens, then the coating will be broken or wrinkled. Meanwhile, to restore the skin layer is wrinkled or broken as in the past is very difficult and too expensive fare.

Audi RS 7 Sportback
The German luxury car Audi continues to expand its range of high-performance RS models: the new Audi RS 7 Sportback celebrates its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which opens its doors to the public next Saturday.

The large five-door coupe, which represents the dynamic in its most beautiful form, riding a supercharged direct injection engine with two 4-liter TFSI turbo yielding 560 horsepower (412 kW) and has a maximum torque of 700 Nm .

It can accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km / h) in just 3.9 seconds and, optionally, the client can increase the electronically governed top speed up to 305 km / h.
Despite such benefits, the Audi RS 7 Sportback can travel on average 38.7 miles per gallon (10.2 km / l or 9.8 l/100 km).

Motor V8 4.0 TFSI: power efficient
any of the four liter engine, characterized by its ease of rotation, has been optimized to reduce flow losses during gas exchange. Because it is able to develop his strength with agility and spontaneity. The heads have the exhaust side on the inside and outside entrance. Both twin scroll turbochargers, capable of generating a filling pressure of 1.2 bar relative, are located with their charge air cooler inside the V formed by the rows of cylinders, these results in very flues short and optimal response. Engine management specific to the RS and -- intake system also contribute to the dynamic character of the V8 biturbo. With the push of a button or when accelerating hard, a series of variable valve located in the exhaust system provide an engine sound even more resounding, optionally, Audi also offers a sport exhaust system.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback is able to accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km / h) in just 3.9 seconds. Audi standard restricts the maximum speed to 250 km / h, however, with optional dynamic package, the limit is raised to 280 km / h, and the dynamic package plus, even reaches the 305 km / h.

With all this new flagship model in its range can go on average 38.7 miles per gallon (10.2 km / l or 9.8 l/100 km), an excellent result which also influenced the starter and stop series and innovative thermal management.

The most innovative efficiency technology aboard the new Audi RS 7 Sportback is the system cylinder on demand (COD). Load conditions and lower-middle regime, the system disconnects the cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8, closing their valves by electromechanical actuators, in which case the 4.0 TFSI four-cylinder works as a driver until the speed becomes more force. In the active cylinders operating points are shifted toward higher loads and thus increases yield.

Switching between modes is done in a few hundredths of a second, completing so fluid and so fast that it just feels or hears. The active engine mounts, another solution technology in Audi, counteract the slight vibrations that occur during operation with four cylinders emitting opposite phase vibration. COD technology reduces fuel consumption by about 5 percent average, and a ride at moderate speed, the savings can reach 10 percent.

Transmission and chassis
gearbox eight-speed tiptronic as standard mounted Audi RS 7 Sportback has been designed with a view to a sporty character. The driver can opt for the automatic D or S, or engage himself marches through paddles on the steering wheel or the shift lever in RS-specific design. While the tiptronic lower gears have a staggering short and sporty, the eighth gear works as an overdrive (overdrive) and reduces consumption thanks to its wide gear ratio.

In order to give a decisive advantage in terms of traction and driving safety against the competition with two-wheel drive, the Audi RS 7 Sportback comes standard with Quattro permanent four-wheel drive. Its cornerstone is a center differential with a locking factor high is tempered by an oil cooler itself. This distributes the torque between the front and rear axles as required, within a wide range. In its basic configuration 60 percent flows traction backwards and forwards 40 percent.

Ingenious solution software, management individually for each wheel pair, working with the differential reaching the limit of stability when cornering, making minimum braking on the wheels downloaded. Optionally, Audi mounts a sport differential at the rear axle, able to distribute the forces between the wheels continuously by two overlapping gears.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback, Audi fitted as standard forged alloy wheels 20-inch, seven-spoke design and turning bright double. Optionally, the high-performance coupe and five-door cast wheels can fit 21 inches, in three different versions. After the big wheels staying strong brakes. Its four ventilated discs are designed in wave of light weight design, the forwards have a diameter of 390 mm. A series of bolts are responsible for disengaging the friction rings steel aluminum frames, while discs incorporate six-piston calipers painted in black, red optionally also available. Upon request, Audi mounted brake disks made of ceramic fiber reinforced carbon, having a diameter of 420 mm and tweezers anthracite gray. Electronic stability control (ESC) integrates a sport mode and can be switched off completely.

With onboard air suspension, which harmonizes perfectly with the dynamic nature of a high-performance coupe, the new Audi RS 7 Sportback has a sports setting but also comfortable. The adaptive air suspension of the Audi RS 7 Sportback lowers the ride height by 20 mm. The adaptive damping is another feature of this system and adjusts its operation to the state of the road, the drivers driving style and the selected mode in the driving dynamics system Audi drive select, the driver can vary the response of some important components in varying degrees. As an alternative to the air suspension, Audi offers the rigid sports suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). This works with steel springs and dampers in three levels, connected by oil passages diagonally and a central valve. Another option that can complement the system is Audi drive selects dynamic steering with variable steering ratio attendance and continuous regulation. Its characteristic lines, as is the case with the standard electromechanical steering, are made to order.

The design and body
the body Audi RS 7 Sportback comprises 20 percent aluminum and approximately integrates many parts manufactured in steel of high strength and high. His great strength is the basis for accurate ongoing behavior, excellent finish and calm on board, far from any disturbing noise.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback reveals his character at first glance: a series of specific design details give it its smooth crisp line coupe. These include expressive stroke bumpers and grille in gloss black protective and honeycomb on the front and the accessories in brushed aluminum. At the rear, topped by a spoiler emerging electrically striking diffuser, with its two large elliptical trims exhaust system.

For Audi RS 7 Sportback provides a palette of 10 exterior colors, including also the new gray paint and exclusive Nard Daytona Gray matt effect. Two design packages, aluminum and carbon matte, give a staging even more personal, both include the words Quattro on center front air intake. In the case of carbon design package, the front edges of the splitter and the diffuser have an even more intense aesthetics. Other options are the door mirrors with carbon coating and fully designed headlights with LED technology darkened screens, which gives them a note of distinction.

The interior
the dynamic elegance extends to the cockpit of the Audi RS 7 Sportback. The circular instruments have black dials, white numerals and red needles, and an inscription expressive RS 7 placed on the counter special stresses. Also, the key, the leather steering wheel flattened three-spoke design, illuminated entry sills and indicators of MMI and driver information system (FIS) incorporate RS emblems. In the FIS, a light indicates when you have reached the limit torque, and other indicators to boost pressure and oil temperature as well as for timing lap timer lap times on a racetrack, complete the specific menu Audi RS 7 Sportback.

With respect to colors and materials, this model also stands out. The footrest, the pedals and the soft keys of the MMI navigation plus terminal serial shine in aluminum look. Insertion decorative recessed under the retractable monitor comes in black piano lacquer. The carbon inserts belong to the standard equipment, although you can opt for other four materials. The roof liner is made of black fabric series, optionally also available in silver moon or black Alcatraz. Naturally, the Audi RS 7 Sportback also be customized using the Audi exclusive program, adapting to individual tastes.

RS sports seats, with its marked side, integrated headrests and inscriptions RS 7 is added to the standard equipment, the upholstery has been kept in a combination of Alcatraz and black leather, and the center band is decorated with diamond-quilted. An alternative is Valcona leather upholstery, high quality, in black or silver moon stitching design with honeycomb. Optionally, Audi ride comfort seats with memory function and electrically adjustable. Both rear seats have a sharp contour and, depending on the position of their backs, the trunk volume can be increased from 535 to 1390 liters.

The new Audi RS 7 Sportback has a very generous standard equipment, in addition to the aforementioned items, including others like xenon plus headlights, the control system of tire pressure, Audi parking system plus, the conditioner Trizone, automatically controlling the speed, and the Audi sound system sound system. Among the finest options include a head-up display, comfort package, dynamic package plus the dynamic package.

As ideal complement standard MMI navigation plus is available in Europe and the United States the Bluetooth car phone online. Its UMTS module allows the display board monitor all Audi connect services, custom-made, while the passengers mobile devices can connect to the Internet through a WLAN access point. The range of audio components reaches to the Advanced Sound System from Bang & Olufsen.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback is also at the forefront when it comes to driver assistance systems (some not available in Latin America and the Caribbean). One of these is the adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function including Audi pre sense front that keeps the powerful coupe at the optimum distance with respect to the previous car, in many cases helping to prevent accidents or minimize their consequences. The Audi active lane assist helps the driver keep the Audi RS 7 Sportback within the right course marked by the lines of the road. When parking, the parking assistant handles make maneuvering. The night vision assistant with highlighting of detected pedestrians more relaxed driving in the dark. The Audi side assist and speed limit indicator complete the program.

Hofele Design has releases their new tuning package for the Audi A8

The new body kit consists of a new front bumper inspired by the Audi RS5, a rear apron with diffuser, a four-tube sports muffler and a rear trunk spoiler. The diffuser can either be painted in the cars colour, a contrasting colour, or can be ordered with a layer of real carbon.

Hofele has also dropped the car on big 22-inch wheels. They are also available in 20 and 21-inch size. The electronic suspension module is adjustable up to speed of 70 km/h.

Under the bonnet, the 4.2-liter V8 FSI petrol engine is tuned from 372 hp to 390 hp and the 4.2-liter TDI CR diesel is tuned from 350 hp to 390 hp.

Inside, the cabin is revised with different premium materials such as smooth and rough leather or Alcantara. There’s also Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel as well as leather wrapped door panels.




Press Release

Sportive suit for the Audi A8 D4 „SR 8"

The new Audi A8 „SR 8" by Hofele Design is elegant and sportive at the same time.
Perfectly balanced aerodynamics combined with exclusive and individual design convert the well-behaved limousine into a very special sports car dressed with a dynamic, sportive suit.

The new body kit shows how an original „RS8" made by Audi might look like.

Sportive design
With this body kit Hofele-Design transforms the Audi A8 D4 into the sportive dynamic
„SR 8." The new body kit consists of a complete front bumper with original "RS5 mesh inserts, a rear apron with diffuser, a 4-tube sports muffler and a rear trunk spoiler. The front bumper has big air intakes which supply the intercoolers with more air. The newly shaped rear apron is the frame for the removable diffuser. This diffuser surrounds the four tailpipes of the new sports muffler. The sports muffler has an additional airflow and has a sportive sound, especially on cars with Gasoline engine. The diffuser can either be painted in the cars colour or in a contrasting colour like silver or black or can be ordered with a layer of real carbon.

Exclusive highlight
As exclusive highlight, besides the carbon rear diffuser, Hofele-Design also offers carbon mirror housings to spotlight the exclusive & sportive side of this luxury limousine.

Luxury interior
For the inside of the car Hofele-Design offers a bi-colour leather interior. The two-coloured seats have a quilted stripe made of soft nappa leather which crosses the seats in the middle. This wonderful masterpiece is available with special stitching and as a combination of different premium materials like smooth leather, rough leather or Alcantara (ecsaine / ultrasuede). Also available are leather-covered door panels and a steering wheel.

Dynamic appearance
Part of the Hofele program for the Audi A8 D4 is a variety of alloy wheels in the sizes from 9J x 20" up to 10J x 22".

The electronic speed-related lowering module ETS lowers the Audi A8 with air suspension up to 40mm. The system is only active on speeds under 70 km/h, on speeds over 70 km/h the system is deactivated to give the chassis its full comfort and security.

Indulge yourself a bit more driving pleasure with the engine tuning by Hofele-Design. The engine software optimisation reveilles the unused reserves of the strong A8 engines.
The 4.2 V8 FSI Gasoline engine is tuned from 372 PS to 390 PS and the 4.2 TDI CR is tuned from 350 PS to 390 PS and sensational 900 NM. That is some increase of force!

...something special from each different angle!

1. Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. Ensure that you have the code for your radio if it is the OEM stereo, since disconnecting the battery resets it.
2. Remove the Torx screws that hold the instrument cluster to the dash pod with a T20 Torx bit and a ratchet.
3. Protect the plastic on the gauge panel with a piece of flannel. Also lay a heavy towel on the steering column to offer more protection.
4. Slide a very thin tool (feeler gauge, thin spatula, etc.) between the cluster and the gauge pod on the edge near the center of the car. Very gently pry the cluster out far enough so that you can access the wires on the back of it.
5. Disconnect the three electrical connectors that go to the back of the cluster. The connectors are released by pressing the tabs down where they connect and pulling the wires out. Move the cluster to your workbench and lay it on a soft towel.
6. Replace the two odometer bulbs by turning and pulling them out of the instrument cluster and installing the new ones. Use a small screwdriver to help twist in the new bulbs. The odometer bulbs are beige. All of the other bulbs are black.
7. Place the instrument cluster back in the dash pod and connect the three electrical connectors. Carefully slide the cluster back into place and tighten the two Torx bits. Enter the radio code if needed and reset the clock.

As the name of " Furia " suggests, this prototype has a "feroz" look and a " Furia " of the design elements energy.

There are lots of words that designers use to describe it, but just suffice to say that a car is a spectacular appearance. The 2013 Toyota Corolla Furia Concept is a pleasant surprise for those who may have preconceived ideas about the future of Corolla.

The 2013 Toyota Corolla Furia Concept is a compact sedan dynamic, short overhangs to emphasize a long wheelbase. The 2013 Toyota Corolla Furia Concept is designed around a theme that uses surface elements outright create an appearance of greater confidence, more decisive.

It has a considerably swept windshield, sloping roofline, pronounced fenders, and a fiery color that you could say "raging fire".

After the intense color catches your attention, aggressive front dominate your look with a blacked grill and spoiler carbon fiber bottom. Treatment of carbon fiber extends into the handle and rear bumpers, a rear spoiler ending is striking and break necks.

The ultra-modern but aggressive 19-inch wheels have been pushed to the corners to improve posture stable 2013 Toyota Corolla Furia Concept.

The overall design has been sculpted and guided by the LED rear lights and LED taillights compounds that give the vehicle a technologically advanced.

But not only the stunning 2013 Toyota Corolla Furia Concept outside, the inside will surprise many people, with materials livability, comfort and quality. Its just a concept, but the 2013 Toyota Corolla Furia Concept sends a message clear where the future of Toyota. Not only will they have a more expressive style, also reflect the overall approach of the compact segment in every way.

Front Bumper
1. Lift the front of the Audi, using a jack, to bring the front wheels off the ground. Support the car on jack stands.
2. Open the hood of the Audi A3 and use the T30 Torx screwdriver to unscrew (counterclockwise) the three T30 Torx screws located at the top edge of the front bumper, above the grille, . On the Audi A4, remove both T25 Torx screws, located on top of both headlights, and loosen both screws found on both sides of the headlights with a T25 Torx screwdriver. Gently pull out the headlights and disconnect the wiring by pressing the metal clips behind them.
3. Remove the three nuts located at both front fenders of the A4, using the ratchet wrench. Gently pull out both lower grilles located by the fog lights and loosen, but do not remove, both bolts there, using an Allen Wrench.
4. Remove (on the A4) the four T25 Torx screws located at the edge of both front wheel arches, with one screw located underneath each arch liner, and pull out the arch liners, two thin plastic pieces located above the front wheels.
5.
Remove the bolts located underneath the headlights of the Audi.
Remove the two bolts located underneath both headlights of the Audi A3 at the inside of the front bumper, using a ratchet wrench.
6. Remove the seven T25 Torx screws located at the bottom edge of the front bumper of the A3.
7. Unplug the wiring and tubing located inside the front bumper (on the drivers side) to disconnect them from the fog lights, horn, and the left headlight washer. Disconnect the right headlight washer tube, located at the passengers side of the front bumper.
8. Gently pull and remove the front bumper of the Audi.
Rear Bumper
9. Open the trunk and pull and remove both trunk liners, located at either side of the trunk, and remove the five nuts located at both sides of the rear bumper using a ratchet wrench.
10. Remove the three bolts located at the edge of both rear wheel arches. Pull out the rear arch liners and remove the two T25 Torx screws located at each side of the wheel arches.
11. Lay down on the ground and, from underneath, remove both T25 Torx screws, located at the bottom edge of the rear bumper.
12. Pull gently to remove the rear bumper of the Audi.
13. Reverse the steps to replace both front and rear bumpers with new ones.