Automotive

Best Car Sharing Services Compared: A Guide To Short-Term Car Rentals

Best Car Sharing Services Compared: A Guide To Short-Term Car Rentals Americans today are looking for the most cost-effective ways to move about. As the average price for a new vehicle continues to increase, car sharing services have become a viable option.
You can think of car sharing as a short-term rental service, enabling you to drive a specific vehicle when and how you need it. And while car sharing has a lot of upsides, there are particular drawbacks you need to consider as well.
This guide will help you determine which car sharing service is right for you.
What Are The Advantages of Car Sharing?
Expenses: Car sharing helps you save on gasoline, parking fees, maintenance costs, taxes, vehicle registration, insurance, and various other fixed monthly costs. Those expenses are inclusive in the per-minute or per-hour cost of renting the vehicle.
Occasional Use: Car sharing is a practical alternative for those on a budget who don’t necessarily need a full-time vehicle.
Selection: Easily able to choose what you need for specific trips. Need a small car for a quick run to the shopping mall or grocery store? Do you need a larger truck for moving, or an SUV for a family vacation? Many car sharing services and the vehicles they offer are accessible via an app on your smartphone.
Flexible: Car sharing services are an easy and affordable way to get behind the wheel without buying or leasing the vehicle, or beholding yourself to a preset public transportation schedule.
Green: If you are concerned about carbon emissions and pollution, then consider a car sharing service. You can choose a hybrid or – in some cases – a fully-electric vehicle for your trip.
Easy: Car sharing is nothing more than choosing the vehicle you want, and waiting for it to arrive at your home. When you’re done, return the car and that’s basically it.
Passive Income: Car sharing allows you to earn money from your privately-owned vehicle(s). New cars are cheap to run but expensive to buy. Car sharing services will give you the ability to maximize the use of a particular vehicle. Going on a long business trip abroad? Instead of parking your vehicle at the airport lot, car sharing gives you the opportunity to earn money while you’re away.
What Are The Disadvantages of Car Sharing?
Costly: Car sharing is costly if you need to drive every day. This also holds true if you cover a lot of miles on your typical work day commute. If this is the case, leasing or buying your own vehicle is more economical in the long run.
Range: Car sharing services may sound convenient, but not if you live far away from parking garages or drop-off points.
What Are The Types of Car Sharing Services?
Traditional car sharing where a company owns the cars; and
Peer-to-peer car sharing, where you rent the vehicle from private car owners or lenders.
This comprehensive guide will take you through the basics of car sharing and help you pick a service that’s right for you.
Traditional Car Sharing Services
Zipcar
Zipcar was established in 2000 and is one of the most popular car sharing services in the United States. They are a traditional service as a subsidiary of Avis Car Rental. As of July 2019, the service is available in more than 170 cities in 44 states, as well as Canada and Europe.
Zipcar offers a bevy of driving plans, including one for occasional driving with no monthly commitments, and an extra value plan for frequent drivers. The monthly rates will vary by city and model. You can expect to pay a daily rate of $66.00 to $78.00 for a 24-hour period or approximately $8.00 to $10.00 per hour depending on the chosen plan.
The monthly driving plan is $7.00 per month while the extra value plan is $50.00 per month. New customers can enjoy $25.00 in free driving credits; students may also receive special discounts and credits.
Photo: Zipcar.
What Are The Pros of Zipcar?
Location: Available at almost all airports and college campuses in the United States.
Selection: Zipcar has a huge fleet of cargo vans, pickup trucks, luxury vehicles, SUVs, and hybrid cars.
Peace of Mind: The service comes with 24/7 roadside assistance and a rental option of up to seven days.
Range: Every reservation includes 180 miles per day. If you need more, Zipcar will simply charge an additional $0.45 per mile.
Gas & Insurance Included: Each vehicle comes with a gas card. You can use it to fill up the tank and Zipcar will handle the rest. All Zipcar members are covered with comprehensive insurance.
Simple: After applying online, your Zipcard is mailed to you, giving you access to thousands of vehicles worldwide. Book your ride, tap the Zipcard on the car’s windshield to unlock the vehicle, and you’re ready to hit the road.
What Are The Cons of Zipcar?
Drop-Off Location: You are required to return the vehicle where you picked it up.
Added Fees: You’ll get hit with penalty fees ($50.00 to $150.00) for late returns and low fuel.
Verdict: Zipcar is available in more cities and airports across the country, and offers competitive rates within a range of plans. The widespread availability makes it an ideal choice for business travelers too.
If you join using our link, you’ll get a $25 free credit when you create an account.

Enterprise Car Share
Enterprise Car Share is found in a handful of U.S. cities and on 130 college campuses. The service is also available in the UK and Canada. Enterprise Car Share is part of Enterprise Rent-A-Car and leverages the company’s experience in the rental car industry. While rates are competitive, the reach in the U.S. is limited.
If you live in New York City, Enterprise Car Share offers two types of plans: Smart Saver and pay-as-you-go. Smart Saver charges an annual membership fee of $40.00 and will cost you around $79.00 to $175.00 daily; and $9.00 to $18.00 per hour depending on the chosen vehicle. Pay-as-you-go starts around $50.00 per month with hourly rates starting at $7.65. Houston, Philadelphia, and St. Louis are among the other major metropolitan areas Enterprise Car Share covers.
What Are The Pros of Enterprise Car Share?
Gas & Insurance: Both are included.
Location: Available in airports and on college campuses.
Range: Lengthy mileage allowance of 180 miles to 200 miles.
Flexibility: Offers customized plans for small businesses and government agencies.
Selection: Enterprise Car Share offers sedans, pickups, hybrids, and electric vehicles.
Rates: Slightly lower rates than other car sharing services. You can rent a vehicle 24/7 by the hour, per day, or overnight depending on your needs.
What Are The Cons of Enterprise Car Share?
Less Flexible: You must return the car where you picked it up.
Rates: Nothing is set. Rates will depend on the time of day or day of the week.
Availability: Enterprise Car Share is not available in most U.S. metropolitan areas. As of this writing, only 11 cites appear on their website.
Verdict: With the ability to rent a vehicle by the hour, Enterprise Car Share is best for shorter trips. The service also includes free pick-up if you reserve a vehicle from a non-airport location. However, the limited availability in the U.S. might mean you end up using another service anyway. Enterprise Car Share is, however, much more expansive in the United Kingdom.
Car2Go
Car2Go was established in Germany in 2008. It is now available in many North American and European cities and comes with no annual or monthly fees, and no membership costs. Their service model lets you grab an available vehicle from designated parking lots in your city. No reservations required! After you’re done with the trip, the process ends by parking the vehicle in the appointed spot and walking away. You don’t need to return the vehicle to the same pick-up point either.
The rates of Car2Go will vary by vehicle model and location. Typical rates start around $0.41 per minute and around $14.99 per hour. Daily rates start at less than $85.00.
Photo: Car2Go.
What Are The Pros of Car2Go?
Gas & Insurance: Both are included.
Rates: No membership fees and no late return fees.
Peace of Mind: 24/7 roadside assistance is standard.
Grab & Go: Per minute rentals are available, making it ideal for short trips around the city.
Flexibility: No need to return the vehicle to the same pick-up point. Return it to the appropriate “Home Zone” and you’re done!
What Are The Cons of Car2Go?
Selection: Smaller fleet of available vehicles.
Availability: The service is not yet available at airports and covers fewer cities.
Verdict: Car2Go needs to increase their coverage and service fleet to fully compete in the market. However, the hassle-free return policy and competitive rates are a strong point of Car2Go.
Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Services
Turo
When it comes to peer-to-peer car sharing services, Turo is a hands-down favorite. However, there’s a catch: the service only offers daily or weekly rates, meaning it might only be ideal for longer driving scenarios. If you just need to go grocery shopping or run a few quick errands, why pay an entire day’s rate? In terms of selection, however, Turo is top-notch. The service offers the opportunity to rent a wide array of vehicles courtesy of local owners. This includes luxury sedans, premium SUVs, and even sporty cars or coupes.
Turo is available at more than 300 airports and over 4,500 U.S. cities. What we really like about Turo is the doorstep pick-up and drop-off feature. There’s no need to look for official home areas or parking lots, and the vehicle is sent to you at no additional cost. When you’re done, simply park it outside your house and Turo will collect it.
There are no sign-up or membership fees either. Daily rates start at around $18.00 to $30.00 with an additional rental fee of 10 percent. The owner of the vehicle will set the mileage rates (approximately 200 miles per day). The service will charge a fee of $0.75 per mile if you exceed the prescribed mileage.
Photo: Turo.
What Are The Pros of Turo?
Availability: Turo sends the vehicle directly to your location.
Selection: Wide array of vehicles including luxury and sports cars.
Rates: No membership or sign-up fees. The daily and weekly rates are lower than other services.
Passive Income: The owner of the vehicle gets a $1M liability policy and will pocket 75 percent of rental and over-mileage fees.
What Are The Cons of Turo?
Availability: The service does not offer hourly or per-minute rates.
Expenses: You will pay for your own gas. Fuel expenses are separate from the rental fees.
Other Fees: If you are under 25, an extra fee applies (an additional 20 percent based on the rental rate).
Verdict: Turo works well if you are doing a full day’s worth of driving, or need a vehicle for a longer period of time. Its widespread availability means you likely will have access to the service in larger U.S. metro areas.
Create an account on Turo and get started renting, or if you want to make money from your car, sign up here to list your car for rent.

Getaround
Similar to Turo, Getaround is a peer-to-peer car sharing service. But unlike Turo, it offers low hourly rates, making it perfect for short trips or occasional users. However, Getaround is only available in select U.S. cities, namely Washington D.C., San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Chicago, and Portland.
Rates start around $5.00 per hour and up to $45.00 per hour, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Customers can also expect to pay a three percent booking fee for each trip. Daily rates will vary upon the owner’s behest as will the mileage limits. You can expect to pay $0.50 per mile if you exceed the limit, and a late return fee of $50.00 to $500.00, depending on the vehicle.
If you want to list your vehicle on Getaround, you’ll need to pay a one-time installation fee of $99.00 and a $20.00 per month subscription fee. The fees will cover the remote tracking and unlocking system.
What Are The Pros of Getaround?
Peace of Mind: Comes with 24/7 roadside assistance.
Rates: Lower per hour rates and no membership or sign-up fees (a perk for occasional users).
Selection: Good selection of vehicles including convertibles, luxury cars, vans, and exotic rides.
What Are The Cons of Getaround?
Expenses: You pay for your own gas.
Availability: Only available in a handful of U.S. cities as of this writing.
Passive Income: Vehicle owners receives 60 percent of the fees versus 75 percent with Turo.
Verdict: Similar to Enterprise Car Share and Car2Go, Getaround suffers from limited availability. However, the hourly rates make it ideal for shorter trips and one-off users.
Sign up for Getaround here.
Conclusion
Our top choice for a traditional car sharing service is Zipcar. The service is available in more cities and airports nationwide and offers a wider selection of vehicles. For peer-to-peer services, it’s hard to go wrong with Turo. The service might not offer hourly or per-minute rentals, but it does come with lower daily and weekly rates compared to other car sharing services. It’s also available in more cities.
Join Zipcar here and get $25 in free driving credits.
Do you have a car sharing service you use regularly? Let us know by commenting below or on our Twitter page.

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Automoblog Book Garage: The John Deere Century

Automoblog Book Garage: The John Deere Century Growing up in rural Iowa I was subjected to many a debates over Ford, Chevy, and Dodge trucks. There were guys in my high school who fondly preferred one over the other and would adamantly defend their position during our lunch time discussions. While the jury remained inconclusive on trucks, there was a general consensus that John Deere made the best tractor.
It wasn’t even a debate. In fact, you didn’t go there.
Mean Green
So prominent were those green machines that to suggest red, or yellow, or blue (especially not blue) would be outright madness. Even the “town kids” wore John Deere shirts. Patrons at the local barbershop, upon leaving the chair and paying, would often proceed over to the coat rack to grab their John Deere hat. Tossing on a hat following a haircut is a contradictory concept in most parts of the world, but in my rural Iowa home it was just another day.
Our Book Garage series is (normally) filled with muscle and sports cars and other classic performance vehicles, but this time around, we are featuring something a little different. And The John Deere Century by Randy Leffingwell qualifies. The cars we normally feature should be green with envy by now (see what I did there).
The 1929 Model C appears on page 40. At the time, farmers pulled implements behind them similar to how horses would have. Photo: Deere & Company Archives.
Nothing Runs Like . . .
The John Deere Century opens with the famous manufacturer struggling to grain traction as agriculture was becoming more modernized at the turn of the 20th century. John Deere branch managers were petitioning the company’s board for an offering that could stand up to the growing “power farming” movement. Indeed the board responded, but the first efforts were not well received.
Leffingwell walks us through this and other John Deere hallmarks, from the Model D in 1926 with its innovative flywheel, to the 530 and 630 in the late 1950s now regarded as styling wonders. Later on we learn about the extensive technology in today’s tractors and John Deere’s expansion across the globe. Leffingwell even draws the conclusion that John Deere accomplished what former General Motors Chairman Alfred P. Sloan wanted: that is to create something for every purse and purpose.
The John Deere Century is unlike any book out there on the topic. It’s easily one of the most unique in our Book Garage series and definitely a favorite.
Author
Leffingwell wrote his first book, American Muscle, in 1989 while still on staff at the Los Angeles Times. Since then, he has authored another 47 titles for Motorbooks and is one of the top Porsche historians today. Leffingwell’s book Porsche 70 Years: There Is No Substitute was featured in this series last year.
The John Deere Century is available through Motorbooks and Amazon.
The John Deere Century Gallery

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2019 Honda Fit Arrives: A Brief Walk Around

2019 Honda Fit Arrives: A Brief Walk Around The 2019 Honda Fit will arrive at dealerships beginning Monday April 30th. The lineup is expansive with options to fancy every taste, from the entry-level LX to the EX-L with Navigation at the top of the mountain. Drivers wanting something a little more spunky will likely enjoy the new Fit Sport trim. We took the Fit Sport on a spin recently and thought it had ample interior room, a quiet ride, and solid overall performance.
Extensive Updates
For 2019, Auto High-Beams are added to Honda Sensing-equipped models, and a new Platinum Pearl White replaces White Orchid Pearl. Updates last year included retuned suspension dampers, a new acoustic glass windshield, and improved insulation throughout the vehicle.
More efficient packaging, such as the fuel tank being mounted underneath the front seats, provides 52.7 cubic-feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. Honda says this figure is class-leading.
Photo: Honda North America.
Power & Performance
The 2019 Honda Fit features a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection that creates 130 horsepower and 114 lb-ft. of torque. Two transmissions are available: a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). EPA fuel economy ratings are 29/36/31 (city/highway/combined) for the manual and 33/40/36 for the CVT.
Safety & Security
The Honda Sensing package is available for the CVT-equipped LX and Sport models but standard on every EX and EX-L. Honda Sensing includes collision and road departure mitigation and warning systems, lane keeping assist technology, and Adaptive Cruise Control among others. Honda says the Fit was designed to achieve a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Honda Fit Sport: Photo: Honda North America.
Technology & Comfort
All 2019 Fit models receive a rearview camera and Bluetooth capability; Sport models and above see Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration through a seven-inch touchscreen and a 180-watt six-speaker audio system. The Fix EX has push button start, satellite radio, and even a moonroof, while the EX-L adds heated, leather-trimmed seats and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Pricing
The 2019 Honda Fit starts at $17,080 for the LX with the manual transmission or $17,880 for the CVT. The Sport starts anywhere from $18,390 to $20,190 depending on options. The EX starts at $19,050 for the manual or $19,850 for the CVT. The EX-L comes in at $21,140 while the EX-L with Navigation beeps across the scanner for $22,140.
2019 Fits for the U.S. market are manufactured at Honda’s Celaya, Mexico plant.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
2019 Honda Fit Gallery

Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4 Review

2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4 Review The newly-remodeled 2019 Jeep Cherokee still provides unparalleled off-road capability, V6 power, and superior towing capacity, making it undeniably attractive for adventure enthusiasts. Cherokee gets a mid-cycle refresh with a redesigned front grille, new headlights and taillights, and some updates beneath the surface too. The Cherokee is one of the few vehicles in its class with a truly capable off-road system for getting away from civilization.
What’s New For 2019
The exterior is restyled, the interior is a little more upscale, and cargo capacity makes an incremental gain.
Features & Options
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4 ($33,620) comes nicely appointed with heated leather seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual zone climate control, an 8.4-inch color display, and backup camera. There is a power liftgate, remote start, six-speaker sound system, and four-way adjustments for the driver and passenger seats. Blind-spot detection and rear park assist are also included.
Optional equipment included the Technology Group ($995) with adaptive cruise control, brake assist, full-speed collision warning, lane departure warning, parallel park assist, and side distance warning.
The Luxury Group ($1,195) came with ventilated front seats, second-row adjustable seats, and foot-activated liftgate. The panoramic sunroof ($1,295) and upgraded sound system ($695) and navigation ($795) brought the total MSRP, including destination, to $40,040.

Interior Highlights
As we approached our Cherokee Limited, the doors automatically unlocked. The Cherokee gets subtle improvements inside with material upgrades and new trim details like piano black plastic and satin chrome. Engineers redesigned the center console, moving the shifter slightly rearward and creating a space for your phone near a USB port. There’s also a 115-volt outlet, as well as the latest version of FCA’s Uconnect infotainment system.
This tester came with premium touches including heated and ventilated seats clad in Nappa leather and a heated steering wheel, all welcomed this week as a spring snow hit the Denver area. Seats are comfortable for the most part, but we felt them a bit hard for longer trips to the high country. In the back, there’s enough room for passengers and extra cargo for those weekend getaways.
Jeep had adventure enthusiasts in mind and built more cargo volume into the rear, which expands to 26 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded flat, there’s 55 cubic feet of cargo-carrying ability with room enough for all your camping, hiking, and fishing gear.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The optional 3.2-liter V6 retains its rating of 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft. of torque, as well as its class-leading 4,500 lbs. tow rating. It comes mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that, according to Jeep, received new software to improve drivability. It also features fuel-saving stop/start technology.
EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 19/27 city/highway and 22 combined mpg with the V6 powerplant.
Driving Dynamics
With the 3.2-liter V6, the Cherokee has all the power most weekend warriors will need. Heading west on the winding, mountainous highway west of Denver, we found the newly-remodeled Cherokee delivers a smooth ride and there weren’t any real surprises. We pushed past slower traffic with ease and the SUV never felt lacking for power at the higher altitude.
Pushed hard around tight mountain curves, the Cherokee wants to lean and doesn’t rank high in terms of on-road agility. But this isn’t the vehicle’s strong point. Where Cherokee shines is when you leave the pavement.
We took it on a short (but severe) off-road drive course near Morrison, and Jeep’s Selec-Terrain System successfully maintained low speeds as it jumped over the rocky patches. Jeep’s Active Drive I system will go places no other vehicle in this class can tackle. It’s the reason you would pick a Cherokee over others for your daily commuter.
In the city, the Cherokee is still a nice place to spend time and with all the available safety tech, you’ll get plenty of warnings to keep you safe.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a small, inexpensive commuter, you might want to look elsewhere. If you enjoy camping trips on the weekend to get far away from civilization, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is a must drive. With its highly-adaptable four-wheel drive system, the Cherokee is not only capable in wintry conditions, but also for serious off-road use this summer.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited Gallery

2019 Jeep Cherokee Official Site.
Photos: FCA US LLC.

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Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo

6C 1500 Sports Two Seater

After engineer higher Vitorrio Jano of the notch designed the large successful runner of P2 Prix, it turned to the design “a cheap light car with the brilliant execution”. The new car was completely a departure with the cars earlier of the road of sparte, than all of large “furnaces” used and “sixes”. At the beginning shown in Milan Motorshow 1925, that always took two years before the 6C 1500 would be available for the many eager customers. It was the beginning of a chain of the sports cars designed and strongly successful of D Alfa Romeo de Jano.
Like several of the designs of Jano, the 6C 1500 was clean and simple, but strongly effective. It believed that the engines should look at as good as they function, and its engines turned superbly. An integrated engine of six cylinders, moving just below 1.5 liter was installed in the 6C 1500 (consequently the name). It was equipped with an air camshaft simple conduit by an axis. A gear box at four speeds was directly bolted on the engine.

The engine and the gear box were adapted in a steel reinforcement, which was suspended by the axes of phase and the springs blade semi-finale-elliptic around. It was available like short version of footing of 2900 millimetres and version length of footing of 3100 millimetres. The factory offered a certain number of four and six bodies of seater like standard and spider of two seater were available on request. Several of the coachbuilders of Italy like travelling and Zagato also offered bodies for the light and nimble frame.

For the use of competition the version of “sport” was launched in 1928. It was equipped with a double air version of camshaft, which increased the power with 10 BHP with 54 BHP. The execution was further increased by adding a superheater, increasing the power still other. With a 6C overfed 1500, Alfa Romeo recorded the first of eleven victories in the Thousand Miglia. The highest output of 84 BHP was carried out by the superb sport Testafissa, which comprised a block and the head moulded in-unit.

At 1929 the 6C 1500 was succeeded by the 6C with larger engine 1750. Today very little is on the left around 1000 6C 1500s built and the majority of them are now equipped with the more powerful engine 1750.

Described is a 6C 1500, equipped with an open body established by Alfa Romeo along the lines of a design of Zagato. One sees it here with bidding 2005 of Retromobile de Christie, where it changed hands for Juste more than $150.000.

Country of origin general of characteristics of the years of Italy of the production 1927 - 1929 presented at numbers 1925 of Milan Motorshow established the design Alfa Romeo of body 862 (of all the versions) inspired by the kilo of Zagato Weight 1000/2204.6 books

The engine of gear box directly before place of 6 engines, Cu the litre/90.7 longitudinally assembled displacement 1.487 in Valvetrain 2 valves/cylinder, aspiration of the D2 carburettor of zenith 30 of fuel food of SOHC naturally aspired the hand drive operation of wheel of back of drive speed of the gear box 4

The figures of execution actuate 44 BHP/33 kilowatts @ couple N/A BHP/Liter 30 power of BHP of 4200 t/mn/litre to weigh the report/ratio 0.04 BHP/kilogramme of higher km/h speed 110/68 M/H: “mph 0-60 M/H: “acceleration N/A of mph

By Papa Keren.

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Acura

Acura's Future Cars

Acura, the manufacturer of quality Acura catalytic converter, is set to offer three new and exciting cars: 2 as 2008 year model and 1 as 2009 year model. These three cars are the 2008 RDX, 2008 MDX, and the 2009 Acura NSX.
The RDX has the same roofline, greenhouse, and C-pillars as the last yearÕs concept vehicle. However, the doors are different. This is not just due to the handles. In last yearÕs concept, rear doors were cut out around the wheels. But for manufacture, their shape is more squared off.

Under the hood of the RDX is the first turbocharged engine for either Honda or Acura street vehicle. The all new 2.3-liter i-VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder yields 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It is paired to a five-speed manual-automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Standard with this vehicle is AcuraÕs Super Handling All Wheel Drive system, standard front, side, and side curtain air bags. The vehicle also comes with Acura's navigation system with real-time traffic reports and an ELS DVD-Audio surround sound stereo system.

The RDX will form part of the small, premium cross over segment, along with the Land Rover Freelander and the Audi Q5.

An SUV competed with the Mercedes-Benz ML and the Lexus RX300, the 2008 Acura MDX is built to straight at the BMW X5 and the Porsche Cayenne. To have the same level of performance as it competitors, AcuraÕs engineers built the vehicles parts at Germany s Nurburgring, which is known for its ability to produce quality parts that will give driving dynamics.

The exterior of the new MDX exposes several refinements. Frank Paluch, the chief engineer of both the original and second-generation MDX models, asserted that their aim was to provide a stealth family package. This was done by the design team through lowering the visual center of the new MDX, which they call the C-line. The D-pillar was also angled sharply forward to blend with the third row seating. Paluch added the new MDX looks smaller, but wider, longer, and lower.

Acura is doubted about power train performance, but Paluch says their goal is for best-in-class V-6 performance.

Last, but certainly not the least among Acura cars, is the 2009 NSX. The conceptualization of the next NSX is not yet final. Automobilemag.com said Honda is still in the process of finalizing what kind of car it should be and what will its appearance be.

The mid-engine Honda HSC concept will no longer be seen on the next NSX. The new vehicle will have front-engine, and not mid-engine as compared to the first mentioned car. Honda Motor CEO Takeo Fukui decreed a ten-cylinder engine that frustrated employees from Japan to California to Ohio , who would like to develop a V-8 that could be used across a wider product range, such as a proper flagship sedan for Acura.

By Evander Klum.

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2017 New York Preview: Lincoln teases the next-gen Navigator's daytime-running lights

2017 New York Preview: Lincoln teases the next-gen Navigator's daytime-running lights Lincoln’s flagship SUV first debuted as a concept last year. Now, it’s heading for a reveal in New York in production form.

What’s going on?
Back in 2016, Lincoln introduced a wicked Navigator Concept, previewing an all-new next-generation model. Despite all odds and pressure from the push to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles, demand for the Navigator seems to be alive and well. That said, Lincoln just tweeted a picture to tease the new Navigator. At least, now we can see what the production model’s daytime-running lights look like.
Click here for more news on the Lincoln Navigator.
Any details on the new Lincoln Navigator?
Not yet, and that’s because its scheduled for a debut on Wednesday morning, at 9:45 AM EST.
But from what we know and expect, the next-gen Lincoln Navigator, like all previous Navigators, is based on the latest Ford Expedition. In this case, we’re likely to see Ford’s venerable 3.5L EcoBoost V6 under the hood. Power figures are guesstimated to hover around 380 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque with an all-new 10-speed automatic.
Additionally, rumors indicate the new Navigator will go on a massive diet of a few hundred pounds, thanks to extensive use of aluminum, like its related Ford F150 cousin.
Just don’t expect those gullwing doors to show up on the production model. Sadly.
– By: Chris Chin
Lincoln Navigator Concept from the 2016 New York Auto Show Gallery – Photos provided by Lincoln Motor Company

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2017 New York Preview: This is the new Hellcat-ified Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

2017 New York Preview: This is the new Hellcat-ified Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk After many rumors, spy shots, and teasers, Jeep finally reveals the production Hellcat-ified Grand Cherokee of our dreams.

What’s going on?
In a literal power move that defies all odds, Jeep just unveiled one of the most anticipated new cars of 2017. Meet the hot-new Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Edition and as expected, it’s basically a Grand Cherokee Hellcat with 707 horsepower.
Wow! Finally, the production Grand Cherokee Trackhawk!

Yes! As predicted, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk gets the same whopping 6.2L supercharged V8 as the Challenger and Charger Hellcat. In the Jeep’s application, SRT tweaked the V8 to churn out the same 707 horses remain while torque measures in at 645 pound-feet, versus the Challenger’s and Charger’s 650. This is most likely out of respects to Grand Cherokee’s all-wheel drive system and single-speed transfer case.
Either way, with a ZF eight-speed automatic sitting at the transaxle, Jeep claims the Trackhawk will hit 60 in just 3.5 seconds for a quarter mile time of 11.6 seconds. Those numbers are pretty much the same as the Challenger Hellcat.
Not just more power either…

The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk gets an electronically controlled limited-slip differential to cope with the extra oomph. The rear-drive, half-shaft, and transfer case are all toughened up. And power is split 40/60 front/rear with the all-wheel drive system. That can change however at the touch of a button, thanks to the Jeep’s latest driver selectable programming mode. The 40/60 power split is standard while the car is in its Normal setting. Select the sportiest “Track” mode, and the all-wheel drive system changes the power delivery to 30/70 front/rear. Experience an inclement of weather, and opting for the “Snow” mode alters the traction and stability systems while splitting the power evenly 50/50 front/rear.
When it comes to cutting speed, larger, beefier Brembos do the duty. Six-piston calipers with 15.75-inch rotors sit up front with Jeep claiming they’re the largest front brakes ever fitted to one of their models. Four-piston clamps with 13.73-inch rotors sit at the back.

Rounding out the package is a far more aggressive body kit. For instance, the lower front fascia is larger to help cool the 6.2L V8. Wide, bespoke 20-inch wheels are standard. And Nappa leather and suede festoon the insides with options varying from an 825-watt premium sound system to a panoramic roof.
How much will it cost?
Those details are withheld at the moment. Though we expect pricing details to surface during Jeep’s press conference.
– By: Chris Chin
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Gallery

The post 2017 New York Preview: This is the new Hellcat-ified Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk appeared first on egmCarTech.

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Ford Introduces Ranger & Raptor To China

Ford Introduces Ranger & Raptor To China

Ford Motor Company is unveiling its trucks in China to meet the country’s budding pickup market. Ford President and CEO Mark Fields is in Shanghai this weekend to outline the automaker’s strategy. Pricing for the new F-150 Raptor will be announced along with plans to sell the Ranger in China next year.
Recently, shipments of the F-150 Raptor were sent to China while Ranger remains the best-selling midsize truck in Europe, South Africa, and New Zealand
“We’re very excited to bring Built Ford Tough, one of the world’s best loved and most successful brands, to customers in the world’s largest auto market,” Fields said.
Growing Demand
Although tucks represent barely two percent of the Chinese market, the winds of opportunity for Ford are still blowing. The automaker did exhaustive research, finding that Chinese customers thought most pickups fit the typical truck image: lacking features, not very comfortable etc. However, through television, film, and the internet, Chinese customers are more aware of the modern truck. Ford believes this creates potential growth in the market.
“We see a significant white-space opportunity with Chinese buyers increasingly looking for more capable, more refined, and more stylish pickups,” Fields said.
In fact, China is currently the fourth largest truck market with 14 percent growth last year alone. Ford’s research also indicates that Chinese customers lead active lives, both at work and at home, creating a need for an useful but comfortable pickup. At the same time, China is easing restrictions on truck usage.
“We see an opportunity to satisfy unmet need in China – for world-class, stylish, and refined pickups – and also to be a pioneer in this emerging segment,” said Dave Schoch, President of Ford Asia Pacific and CEO, Ford China.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Ranger & Raptor
The F-150 Raptor will introduce Chinese customers to one of the world’s most capable off-road trucks. The Raptor features an exclusive high-output version of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine mated with a Ford-built 10-speed automatic transmission. Other off-road signatures include 3.0-inch FOX Racing Shox and 17-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires.
“The F-150 Raptor has created a lot of buzz among Chinese customers since it was revealed for the first time last year and we are extremely excited to have it arriving in our showrooms in China, ready to be delivered to customers,” said Peter Fleet, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford Asia Pacific.
The Ranger is the second best-selling midsize truck globally outside North America. Ford has designed the truck with a fine balance of capability, refinement, and technology. The automaker believes the diversity and history of their trucks will find favor with Chinese buyers.
“Built Ford Tough is a proven brand, dating back to 1976 and we believe it has the opportunity to resonate powerfully with Chinese consumers,” Schoch said.
Ford has sold more than 26 million F-Series since 1977, making it the top-selling truck in America for 40 consecutive years, and the country’s best-selling vehicle overall for 35 years.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company

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