Although hybrid cars are the rage, and there are all kinds of alternative energy sources on the horizon, hybrids are cost prohibitive, usually ranging $3000 to $7000 more than the gas only version of that model. However, instead of changing fuel sources, some automotive companies have been using a new type of transmission to improve fuel economy, lower emissions, and actually make vehicles faster without adding to the sticker price.

These companies are using a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and instead of having set gear ratios (or gears), it constantly varies the gear ratios, as well as engine performance, so that they both operate at their most efficient level in any driving scenario.

Because these key components of the power train are at their peak performance at all times, fuel economy is improved by 6-8% and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 10%.

Although these figures may not sound impressive, the gas savings increase the highway mileage of most vehicles by 4 to 6 mpg, which adds up pretty quickly at $3/gallon.

The CVT?s potential for reducing emissions is also significant. As Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor Company, said, achieving his goal of selling one million CVT equipped vehicles by the end of 2007 will have ?the same effect in terms of reducing CO2 emissions as selling 200,000 hybrid electric vehicles.?

Since there is no shifting between fixed gears, there is no ?shift shock? or jerking sensation, which makes them exceptionally smooth to drive. CVTs also do well in hilly terrain since there is no ?gear hunting? or bogging down on a hill, followed by a loud, violent downshift, which also contributes to its superior acceleration.

You may be wondering why this isn?t in every car if it is so great. Well, every year, more vehicles in the American market add CVTs as an option, though it has happened quietly, as many people are leery of new technology, especially in cars.

The CVT is actually quite old although it is new to American automobiles. The concept was developed by Leonardo DaVinci and was first patented in the late 1800?s for industrial applications. The CVT has been used in Asian and European vehicles since the 1950?s, but until recently CVTs could not handle the power that American drivers demand from their cars. However, CVTs have seen widespread use in snowmobiles and Formula 500 racing where they have a reputation for extending engine life and being much easier to rebuild than either a manual or automatic step transmission.

So where can you test drive a CVT-equipped vehicle? Well you can go to dealerships selling Ford, Dodge, Audi, or Mini-Cooper, to name a few, although a Nissan dealership may be the best place to go. In order to hit their goal of one million CVT sales in 2007, they have installed CVTs in nearly every sedan in their lineup, including the best selling Altima, Maxima, and economical Versa (as a side note, Nissan has also made side curtain airbags standard in these models, improving safety and reducing insurance costs).

Although you may not have the budget for a hybrid vehicle or cannot wait for that miracle fuel to hit the market, you can take it easy on the environment, as well as your checkbook, by checking out a few cars with a CVT.

Before we go into the ten affiliate marketing secrets to supercharge your affiliate site profits, you need to make sure you have a proper running website that promotes affiliate products. These tips just would not work if you are simply using a ?cookie-cutter? duplicate affiliate website that the product owner has handed to you that thousand others have. Okay, if you have a website created with unique content to promote affiliate programs, here are the secrets to make your affiliate marketing site a successful one
Provide unique content.

You often hear people say that Content is King. For more details go to www.affiliate-directories-online.com This is a half-truth. Content is not King, Unique Content is. Give your prospects good informational content that really is targeted to help them. It is fine if you come across a few good articles and decide to post them on your website to add value. But be sure to obtain the permission of the original content writer.

What car would you choose if you wanted a car which can carry as many passengers as an SUV but would come with the looks and performance of a sedan? Before you have to make a difficult choice between the two, the hardworking people at Chrysler have given us the solution ? in the form of the Chrysler Pacifica. The new addition to the line of automobiles the company has been producing since its birth, this car combines the positive aspects of an SUV and a sedan. This sport tourer is something so innovative that it is in a class of its own.

For starters just like an SUV, it can seat up to 6 adults which, compared to some SUVs, is a great feat. While some SUVs? third row seats are not tailored for adult occupants and best left to children, the Pacifica?s third row seat has a bit more leg room. The only drawback, and a very small one at that, is that since the seats are elevated it is best to leave those seats for people below 5?7?. In addition to that the car has fold-flat second and third row seats akin to some SUVs and minivans thus giving the user much more luggage space.

The Pacifica may have the traits and luggage capacity of an SUV or a minivan but outward appearance says otherwise. It is considerably lower than the usual SUV, yet just a tad taller than a car, showing just how one-of-a-kind this car is. The entire design of the Pacifica gives an aura of uniqueness. Something that looks like nothing you have ever seen before in any type of automobile. The contours and the design of the body speak for itself.

The power of this so called sport tourer comes from a 3.5 liter single overhead cam V6 engine capable of coughing out up to 250 horsepower at 6400 revs per minute and 250 lb. ft. of torque at 3950 rpm. All these power find its way to the wheels through high quality Chrysler parts and the standard AutoStick 4 speed automatic transmission that also allows manual shifting. While the automatic transmission is precise and is in itself a perfect piece of engineering, manual shifting is incorporated for those who wanted to take control of the gear shifting. The design of the Pacifica and the 250 horses inside its V6 can get the sport tourer from 0-60 in 9 seconds, a decent acceleration for a car that can sit up to 6 adults and still with room to spare.

What keeps those 6 adults comfortable on their seats during even long drives is the magnificent suspension system of the vehicle. With a fully-independent suspension for both the front and rear, the Pacifica employs MacPherson struts on the front and multi-link system in the rear. This keeps the car stable and adds to the overall comfort of the passengers and drivers against road irregularities. In addition to that, the car is an all wheel drive giving the car more traction even on rainy days thus increasing the safety of its occupants. With a five star rating for both front and side collision tests, users can have peace of mind knowing that the car they are in is a safe one.

With a car such as this, users can have the best of both worlds. They will have on their command the large storage space and seating capacity of an SUV and a minivan. And the low coefficient of drag is due to the vehicle?s design which looks more like a sedan.

Ford Motor Co. has earlier unveiled its all-new lineup F-Series Super Duty truck lineup which includes 2008 F-450. The latest lineup will be couple with the biggest pickup production ever made by the automaker.

Early next year, Ford’s redesigned version of huge pickup vehicles will be having their debut. To add extra charisma to Ford Super Duty trucks, the automaker has added towing capacity, refined suspension, innovative tailgate, 6.4-liter diesel engine and other exceptional features.

Some analysts expressed their impression about the debut of the latest Ford trucks. Erich Merkle, an analyst with IRN Inc. noted, “The Super Duty is incredibly important for Ford because, not only does it represent some pretty serious volume for them, (but) it’s also quite profitable. Of course, these days, every launch is critical for Ford.”

On one side, some analysts have noted their concerns regarding the risk of economic environment for selling commercial trucks. Others are also saying that Ford is only left with little choices so the automaker opted to upgrade Super Duty trucks to bring back its footing in the market.

Ford Super Duty has outsold other heavy-duty trucks. From the year 2000 to 2005, Ford has sold about 750,000 heavy-duty pickup trucks. Further, the sales of Super Duty accounts for 40 percent of the overall F-Series sales.

Pete Reyes, chief engineer of the Super Duty line said, “The biggest challenge with the 450 was making it a legitimate pickup. The challenge with a pickup is providing excellent ride, excellent handling and excellent stability — both empty and fully loaded. It’s tough luxury.”

General Motors, Ford’s rival, is also releasing new models of heavy-duty pickup trucks. Hence, to make a good competition, Ford is releasing its mighty F-450. It can be recalled that Ford F-350 Super Duty pickup parts have already established its standing. As a fact, F-350 was given a best-in-class payload and weight ratings. To boost further what F-350 has achieved, the automaker is giving F-450 a towing capacity in excess of 24,000 pounds and a payload capacity in excess of 6,000 pounds.

A car is but a very big investment. After the multi-thousand and even a million worth of car purchase, that sleek and sexy dream vehicle becomes our baby and sometimes, an obsession. We all invest much in our cars, and maintaining them is part of keeping a dream or wish that has been achieved. But some of us manage to outdo ourselves in this department ? spending more than what?s necessary on our cars.

From msn.com, here?s a list of the 20 ways on how we spend too much on our vehicles. You can now check if you are guilty of one of it, or worse, all of it.

Premium gas instead of regular. The cheapest gasoline that doesbt not make your engine knock is the most practical fuel.

3,000-mile oil changes. Typical suggestions for oil changes range from 5,000 miles, 7,500 miles and even longer. As much as you can. Follow it.

Taking false economies. Quality car parts serve longer.

Using the dealer?s maintenance schedule instead of the factory?s. Stick to the manufacturer?s schedule and not the dealer?s unless your car is not running well.

Using dealer for major services. Other shops does the same work, and yes, much cheaper.

Using dealer for oil changes. The dealers of your vehicles sometimes offer dirt-chip specials, don?t fall for their tricks.

Not replacing your air filter and wiper blades yourself. Labor for replacement still scratches your cash, a little learning how on to replace car parts on your own wont hurt after all.

Going to any old repair shop. Make sure that your repair shop is an ASE-certified (A good housekeeping seal of approval from the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence).

Changing your Anti-freeze every winter. A need for Anti-freeze replacement arises when it can no longer bear temperature 30 degrees below the coldest your area sees during winter.

Replacing tires when you should be replacing shocks. Alignment must not be mistaken for shock or strut replacements.

Letting a brake squeal turn into a brake job. A squeal not necessarily means rotors or pad replacements.

Not complaining when your warranty claim is rejected. Check if there is a secret warranty (manufacturers will repair known defects outside the regular warranty). Know what services you can rightfully avail.

Not keeping records. A logbook of every repair or service your car had is always helpful. It?s like a medical record.

Buying an extended warranty. Know if your car really needs an extended warranty. Only troublesome car usually need it.

Over Insuring. Do not skimp on liability.

Assuming the problem is major. In cases of car troubles, first check those will cost you less?not the radiator or catalytic converter (original Honda catalytic converter is still the best replacements for Honda vehicles) right away.

Not changing the fuel filter. Replacement of fuel filter is part of maintenance.

Not knowing how to change a tire. Personal tire replacement is much cheaper, and a faster too.

Not keeping your tires properly inflated. Checking your tires once a month can save you pennies.

Car washes. A little rise in your water bill wont hurt as much as commercial car washes.

Ford Motor Co. is counting on its teardrop-shaped crossover to alleviate its sales standing in the automotive market. Executives of Ford have expressed their high hopes for the latest version of Edge. They are hoping that Edge will be a strong player in Ford’s bid to reverse the decline in sales.

Ford’s executives say that the new Edge is essential to the ongoing restructuring plan of the company. Ford experienced a sales slide from approximately 26 percent in the year 1995 to about 17 percent so far this year. As a fact, the company’s sales plunged by 8.6 percent through September compared to the first three quarters of last year. Moreover, Ford lost $1.4 billion in the first two quarters this year.

Edge is a midsize crossover which was based on the Ford CD3 platform. Edge is using one of the best among Ford engines the Duratec 35 V6, which produces 65 horsepower and 250 ft-lb. It was mated to 6F six-speed automatic transmission which was created through the cooperation of General Motors. Edge is an epitome of a desirable crossover that uses fascinating Ford accessories and features of a sport utility vehicle. Moreover, it is built on car underpinnings rather than truck. This is designed by the company engineers to pave way for a lighter, nimble and fuel efficient vehicle.

The 2007 version of the car is made more sleek and captivating. “Edge underscores the bold, American design direction for all Ford vehicles going forward,” says Mark Fields, president, The Americas, Ford Motor Company. “Edge also is packed with Ford innovation from its panoramic glass roof and laptop-friendly center console to fuel-saving engine and advanced safety features. We expect Edge to make waves in the hot crossover market this year just like the Fusion did for midsize cars last year.”

Fields also predicted that Edge would become a crossover hit albeit the presence of Toyota Highlander, Chrysler Pacifica and Chevrolet Equinox. However, he admits that Edge alone cannot save the company. “This is not the silver bullet that the company is looking for because in this day and age, you need to have lots of products,” Fields noted.

You may well have noticed gorgeous, massive cars in classic movies. What happened to these car makers? Were they innovators or just producers of boats or other monstrosities of little innovative value? Sort of like big tank S.U.V. trucks in these days of $ 3 a gallon gasoline. Indeed you may have spotted such cars as the Italian made Isotta Fraschine in classic movies such as the movie “Sunset Boulevard” which starred Gloria Swanson. These cars were not only the highest end luxury models of their days but they introduced early on many advanced features into cars as well as moving ahead and reinforcing standards of reliability and durability of motor vehicles. The thin edge of the wedge even then. Back in 1929 when the Tippo 8A primo motor car was delivered to its first waiting owners , the automotive name and models if Isoto Fraschini were held in the same breath , prestige and level as those of Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza. The story starts in Milan, Italy thirty years earlier when Cesare Isotta and Vincenzio Fraschino joined forces and went into the “newfangled” car business.

At that time Italy was a poor country, they soon realized that with their limited car market, and luxury car market the need, indeed the necessity to export their products. The enterprising partners first shipped a car to the United Sates in 1902 and established the Isotta Import Company in New York just five years later. In 1908, Isotta won Sicily’s super tough Targea Florio race and notched up more than several important auto races in America. Two years later, the Italians launched the mighty KM model, which sported 10.6 liter, four cylinder, and sixteen valve engine. It would storm along at 90 mph at a time when few aircraft could achieve that in flight.

After World War I, Isotta Fraschini decided to concentrate on the lucrative and prestigious luxury end of the automotive market. The 5.9 liter Tipo 8 arrived in 1909 – powered by the world’s first series production straight eight engine, and was later joined, then replaced by the Tipo 8A. Customers purchased a chassis and ordered whatever body tickled their fancy from a coachbuilder. The well known high end coachbuilder of the time Sala and Castanga accounted for most of them. Others built to the likes of Fleetwood and Barker.

One of the lighter and more powerful Super Spinto versions of the *A finished sixth in the first Mille Miglia , driven by none other than Count Maggi , one of the 1000 -mile road race founders and originators. He was accompanied by Bindo Maserati. Bindo and his brother Alfieri were then working for Isota Fraschini as testers. Most of the parts for the first Masaerati cars were made at Isotta’s factory on Via Monterosa in Milan.

Launched in April 1931, the Tipo 8B is generally considered as Isotto Fraschini’s finest automobile product. It offered more performance than its predecessor. About 950 of these fine motor vehicles were manufactured and sold. The Tipo 8B Automobile product line encountered strong opposition from the likes of Rolls-Royce, Hispano and Bugatti. By the mid nineteen thirties the Isotta Frascnini car production system and enterprise was out of the automobile business. It made a short comeback after the time period approximately of the post Second World War II period when the Tipo 8C Monterosa appeared to a fanfare of postwar trumpets. The Post World War II Tipo 8C Monterosa was a most interesting concept car of its time period – a very big car with a V-8 engine its tail. Rather unbelievably, or perhaps

We owe a debit of gratitude to these early luxury automobile innovators and producers in that what we take today for automotive vehicle features , engineering as well as reliability started early on with the expectations of purchasers of these luxury automobile products.

I know a bit about cars. I also know that the most common answer to increased power is a turbo or supercharger, but i’m looking for something different.
What else can help the power of my car?
2004 3.4L V6 Grand Am

Anyone taken a look at what’s on offer from our American cousins recently? If the answer is hell no then perhaps I could persuade you to reconsider.

As things get increasingly tougher in the new car market due to the global economic situation and ever more challenging environmental issues even the American manufacturers have had to sit up and take notice. Of greater concern to them the Japanese have stolen a march on US manufacturers which has meant a rather large chunk of market share has gone to Japanese manufacturers resulting in Toyota being the top seller in the US.

The Americans have launched a counter attack and Chrysler now has a range of models to woo us.

Anyone remember the Green Hornet? Nah nor me but I do recall having a corgi model of his car and reference to him was made in the Public Enemy song “Your Gonna Get Yours” The car was a Chrysler Imperial which came to mind the first time I saw the 300c with its frankly intimidating front grill and privacy glass.

You get a lot of motor for your buck here with many enticing standard features not to mention some pretty good extras available also. Models range from the 3.0V6 CRD saloon to the frankly outrageous 6.1 V8 SRT saloon with its bright orange HEMI