The 2007 Jeep Wrangler JK has the looks that say ?I?m the biggest thing on the trail?. The JK has a more refined interior and possess better handling characteristics. If we are to guess what Jeep?s guiding principle when it was designing the JK it must be ?MORE? because this particular Jeep has more of everything you can think of like more room, more power, more on-road refinement, more safety, and more convenience.

Here are some of the remarkable features that the JK possess:

1. The chassis of the JK has a two-inch longer wheelbase, a 3.5 inch wider track, with a frame that?s exactly 100 percent solid which is a good thing since it makes the springs and shocks much easier to tune for a better on-road experience.

2. The bigger wheels and tires together with its new electronic axle lockers, an electronic disconnecting front anti-roll bar, and boosts up transfer cases makes the JK even more trail capable.

3. The much longer wheelbase and wider track provides more room for passengers and gears.

4. Its narrowing nose, sloping windshield, and raked grille improves the new Wrangler?s stability and fuel economy.

5. The new Wrangler makes use of different door and roof configurations which can be reconfigured further. Its three-piece Sunrider soft-top is compatible with the factory hardtop pr can be a stand-alone choice.

6. The rear-seat has a fold and tumble feature which enables easy access to a lockable under-floor storage area where small items can be stored. Plus with the rear seats tumbled forward it provides approximately 30 cubic feet of useable storage behind the front seats.

7. The JK is powered by an all-new 3.8 liter OHV V-6 which is made stronger, lighter and more fuel efficient compared to the 4.0 liter I-6 engine that it previously possess. The new V-6 offers 205 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque and is estimated to get 17 mpg for city driving and 21 mpg for highway driving. Its highly sophisticated Jeep catalytic converter reduces the level of harmful C02 emissions.

8. In terms of its seven slotted grille it is a prominent feature of Jeep vehicles as well the round headlights. But an option package that includes an integrated foglights and protective skidplates are available for an extra cost of course.

9. JK is also equipped with ESP or Electronic Stability Programme and roll mitigation software to reduce the possibility of rollover. There are also dual-stage front and side-mounted airbags which are designed to lessen impact in case of rollovers.

10. The windshield still fold flat to the hood by simply removing the screws and latches.

When people talk about off-roading and how much fun it is, it?s highly likely that you?ll also hear them mentioning the famed Jeep in the same breath, as Jeep is world-renowned for its mud-plugging potential.

Now the iconic off-roader comes in an even more fun package, not to mention a survivalist gear that?s guaranteed to make any zealous outdoorsman jump with glee.

EarthRoamer Xpedition Vehicles, says its website, are designed to travel to four-wheel drive accessible, remote locations and provide a comfortable year-round camping experience without dependence on external power or utility hook ups.

EarthRoamer has recently introduced a tweaked Wrangler ? one that will definitely be the object of desire for off-road enthusiast yet. The XV-JP comes equipped with the usual upgraded suspension, winch, high-intensity lighting and other necessities for a serious off-road excursion, but there’s more. There?s also the complete camping setup, including a tent mounted atop the roof offering users three different material choices to match the elements, along with a queen-size bed, a solar power battery backup, an engine-heated hot water tank and a cassette toilet. Now that makes for a dream camper, doesn?t it?

Here are more details from the company?s website (www.earthroamer.com/):

EarthRoamer XV-JP

The Jeep Rubicon Unlimited based EarthRoamer XV-JP is designed to carry two adults on technical four-wheel drive trails to remote camping locations. Once in camp, the XV-JP’s Loftop? can be deployed to provide nearly 9 feet of interior stand up height and a queen-size bed in the loft. Underneath the cantilevered loft, the rear tent can be dropped down for an additional bug free living space. The XV-JP comes equipped with 25 gallons of fresh water capacity, an inside cassette toilet, inside shower, sink and cooking facilities. Plenty of light and ventilation is provided by an abundance of screened windows. An electric fan provides additional ventilation when needed and the forced air furnace will keep you cozy on cold nights and when winter camping.

About EarthRoamer

The company says its website, places high importance in preserving the environment for generations to come. This is the primary reason why they design renewable energy sources like solar and biodiesel into their systems. All of their vehicles utilize solar energy as a primary power source for lights and appliances.

About Jeep

Jeep is an automobile marque (and registered trademark) of DaimlerChrysler. The marque, like all other Chrysler subsidiaries, became part of DaimlerChrysler when Daimler-Benz merged with the Chrysler Corporation in 1998. Jeep is also maker of top of the line Jeep parts like the Jeep catalytic converter.

Sure your GMC ride has kept you reliable company for the past three years, except on having your mechanic check out the GMC catalytic converter some months back, your ride never really gave you any problems. You like your car, but sometimes, you can?t help but long for something racier, something different, more out-of-this world.

Well check out the latest beast from the car-loving folks in Italy.

Designed and produced by the Italian design house SpadaConcept in conjunction with the tuning firm UK Garage, the newest supercar — the Spada Codatronca, might just be the car you had in mind.

You may have heard about SpadaConcept ? it is the same design studio responsible for designing such classics as the Aston Martin DB4, Fulvia Sport Zagato ?to name a few. Ercole Spada and his son, Paolo Spada, who also happens to be the company?s new design director, reportedly drew influences from their original 1965 Alpha Romeo TZ that also featured a fin-like rear called the “Kamm tail coda tronca” design.

Now Spada have released full technical details of their exciting new limited-production supercar, the Codatronca, which, according to the company?s website, can be expected to be available in three hand-crafted versions, two of which will be fully road homologated super cars, the TS (Turismo Sportivo) and the TSV (Turismo Sportivo Veloce); with a third race destined option, the TSS (Turismo Super Sportivo), which was described by the Italian firm as “the finest race version which will be delivered soon.”

Based on the Chevy Corvette, the Codatronca features heavy Mako Shark infuence in the front end design. It is a front-mid-engined, rear wheel drive two-door coup

At this year?s Chicago Auto Show, Pontiac (also maker of top of the line Pontiac catalytic converter) ? confirming its commitment to style and performance ? introduced a show car version of the all-new, rear-wheel drive performance, the G8 GT.

The G8 is the first North American application of GM’s new global rear-wheel-drive architecture developed by Holden, GM’s Australian subsidiary.

The G8 show car gave everyone a peek of the highly anticipated production GT model, including use of the 362-horsepower (270 kW) 6.0L V-8 engine and optional six-speed manual transmission. The show car also features some unique items not found on the production model, including twenty-inch “shadow chrome” wheels and performance tires, ride height lowered approximately half-inch, high-performance brake rotors with painted brake calipers, custom interior trim color, including a leather-wrapped dash, exclusive exterior paint color: Phantom Grey, and the concept of “modernized” Pontiac badge.

Last week, the first prototype of the Pontiac G8 rolled off General Motors’ Australia unit, GM Holden — ahead of a full production start later in the year. The rear-wheel-drive performance sedan is headed for the United States in early 2008.

Production model details

The 2008 Pontiac G8 lineup will offer two models: G8 and G8 GT. Each will come with a host of standard performance, convenience and safety features, including:

Four-wheel independent suspension

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control

Electronic stability control

18-inch aluminum wheels (19-inch wheels available with sport package)

Seat-mounted thorax air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags for front passengers, with automatic passenger sensing system

Roof rail side-impact air bags for both seating rows

OnStar

XM Satellite Radio

Power-adjustable front seats

Fog lamps

Chrome exhaust tips

Rear lip spoiler

A sport package will also be available for both models and adds features such as specific wheels ? including 19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires on GT ? a rear wing spoiler, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy pedals.

Production of the Pontiac G8 is scheduled to commence at the Holden plant in late 2007, bringing the production line to a maximum capacity rate of 620 cars per day.

The G8 will be the first car sold in the U.S. based on the Australia-developed new Zeta global GM architecture. This means that Holden?s Elizabeth plant is exporting to every continent in the world, with the exception of Antarctica.

About GM Holden Ltd

GM Holden Ltd or Holden is an Australian automaker based in Melbourne, Victoria, originally independent but now a subsidiary of General Motors (GM). The automotive marque is one of GM’s “alpha” brands, taking charge of vehicle operations for General Motors in Australasia, and have partial ownership of GM Daewoo in South Korea.

Ah, the internet ? it?s probably one of the best inventions of this century. It has revolutionized the way people communicate; get information, do business as well as entertainment, and yes, shopping too. And this of course, has not escaped our automakers.

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has come up with something new for the Internet-savvy car buyer: The Mazda Shopping Assistant. This newest program from Mazda will take you a step closer to sliding into the driver’s seat of a new Mazda vehicle — without ever leaving your home or office.

The Mazda Shopping Assistant program is an industry first, providing potential buyers with an actual quote — from the customer’s choice of dealer — of the vehicle they’ve chosen, as opposed to other manufacturers’ programs that simply offer the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).

With the use of links on the http://www.mazdausa.com/ Web site, the new Mazda Shopping Assistant (MSA) program connects consumers with Mazda Personal Shoppers who can answer specific product questions and provide personalized shopping experiences through live Web-chat sessions. With the help of these in-house Mazda employees, buyers can configure a vehicle, check out a Mazda vehicle?s features including auto parts like Mazda catalytic converter, select a dealership, search vehicle inventory, acquire an actual dealer quote, schedule a sales appointment and get information about financing for the Mazda vehicle of their dreams. Once the customer and the dealer agrees o

N a price, the Personal Shopper arranges an appointment time at the dealership for final paperwork to be signed and the vehicle to be delivered.

“We want to make the vehicle purchase process as easy and comfortable as possible for our customers,” says Mike Ray, director, Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty, MNAO. “On average, a typical car buyer spends four hours at most dealerships buying a new car. In a day and age when every hour counts in our busy schedules, we believe the new MSA program is the perfect tool to help Mazda customers spend less time shopping and more time driving.”

The MSA program is designed to help customers and dealers connect more quickly, accelerating the purchase process by streamlining three of the steps involved when buying a vehicle — model selection, price and financing.

Each month, more than 1.5 million unique visitors log onto MazdaUSA.com to collect product information, build vehicles or locate dealerships. With this as proof that Mazda buyers increasingly turn to the Internet as a valuable resource, the company believes the MSA program will be a huge hit among its youthful demographic, the second-youngest in the industry.

About Mazda

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Boosted by record sales of Acura light trucks and the TSX sports sedan, Acura posted June sales of 16,766 units, up 6.9 percent versus last year based on the daily selling rate. Year-to-date Acura sales reached 91,540 units.

Breaking the previous June record of 5,797 set in 2005, strong sales of Acura’s luxury SUVs combined to set a June record of 6,503 for total light trucks. The MDX luxury SUV continued to post sales gains, with June sales of 4,639 units, up 26.2 percent versus last year.

Aside from the RDX turbocharged crossover recording sales of 1,864 for the month, year-to-date MDX sales reached 27,027, up 9.9 percent.

The TSX sports sedan also set a June sales record, up 4.0 percent compared to 2006. TSX sales of 3,414 units surpassed the previous record of 3,162 vehicles set last June. Year-to-date TSX sales reached 17,421.

The TL performance luxury sedan posted strong June sales of 6,221 units, up 8.1 percent for the month. Year-to-date TL sales hit 31,035, making it the top-selling Acura model.

According to Dick Colliver, executive vice president of Acura, June marks the eleventh consecutive month of record Acura light-truck sales. “Our two new SUVs, combined with strong sales from a broad sedan lineup, put Acura in a strong sales position for the second half of 2007,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acura?s parent company, the American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted record June sales of 140,935 Honda (including Acura) vehicles, up 7.3 percent on a daily-selling-rate basis. American Honda year-to-date sales totaled 766,929, up 2.1 percent.

Honda Division posted record June sales of 124,169, up 7.4 percent compared to last year. The CR-V sold 19,715, up 53.2 percent, achieving its sixth consecutive month of record sales. The Civic posted record sales of 36,512, up 33.6 percent over last June. Civic Hybrid sales increased by 20.1 percent to 3,246, also setting a new record for the month. The Fit, up 44.3 percent to 5,613, broke its all-time sales record from May, 2007 of 5,361.

“The Civic and CR-V gained an incredible amount of momentum in the first half of 2007,” said Colliver. “We expect the small car and crossover SUV segments to remain strong for the second half of the year, putting Honda on pace for a twelfth straight record year.”

About Acura

Acura is the luxury vehicle brand name used by the Japanese car manufacturer Honda Motor Company in the US, Canada and Hong Kong since March 1986 to market luxury automobiles and near-luxury vehicles. The brand was introduced to Mexico in 2004 and to the Chinese market in 2006. It is also planned to extend Acura to the Japanese domestic market in 2008. With the Acura brand, Honda ? maker of top of the line auto parts including the Acura catalytic converter, is credited with being the first to tap into a market for luxury Japanese cars outside Japan.

The newly redesigned 2008 Dodge Magnum lineup including SRT8, R/T, SXT and SE models continues the boldly-styled theme of American muscle, with its distinctive profile, exceptional versatility, HEMI power, fuel-saving cylinder deactivation and rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive performance. Advanced technologies, flexible and functional cargo space and integrated safety and security features are combined to provide a powerful, capable family vehicle with the ride and handling of a sports car.

For its third birthday, the Dodge Magnum gets some face lifting mainly around the headlights, seeking to correct what Chrysler design chief Trevor Creed described as the Magnum’s “wide-eyed look.” Aside from the scowling new headlights, the ‘08 Magnum also gets a new grille and the new interior. The latter change is shared with the Dodge Charger, but neither the Charger nor the Chrysler 300 is getting a facelift for next year.

The Magnum was displayed in SRT8 trim at Detroit to better show off the hood scoop which is now part of the SRT8 package. The car also features a new paint color for the SRT8, a bright lipstick red. The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is more intimidating than ever with its completely redesigned hood, grille, front fascia and functional performance hood scoop. The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 retains its commitment to the SRT credo of “Race inspired, street legal” with 0-60 mph performance in the low 5-second range while, at the same time, maintaining all of the functional and convenience features the entire 2008 Dodge Magnum lineup has to offer.

Mike Accavitti, Director of Dodge Motorsports and SRT Marketing and Product Planning for Chrysler Group, said the 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is the ultimate package for drivers seeking complete, sports-car performance without compromising family-vehicle comfort and functionality.

Poised for its fourth year, the Magnum has won and lost buyers without compromises. It actually looks nothing like an SUV, or a crossover, or anything besides what it is. Only a few vehicles have such strong personalities, so it is refreshing that the Magnum?s reinvention has kept much of that personality intact. By knocking a few corners off the design and improving the interior, the folks at Dodge just may convince more people that it is okay to love a wagon that really looks like a wagon.

What does the 2008 Dodge Magnum look like?

Dodge designers restyled the side creases and stretched the front end by lowering the hood line and adding chrome accents under the headlights. One feature that will surely be liked by Dodge fans are the High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights. In general, the design looks more smooth and refreshing.

Its Dodge catalytic converter is also possibly reengineered.

Inside the Dodge Magnum are changes such as the cabin with higher quality materials, chrome trim and the now trendy LED backlighting.

So if you want a car that is really refreshing, choose the 2008 Dodge Magnum ? it is worth your budget.

Officials said last Friday that Romania’s privatization agency will begin its dialogue with Ford Motor Co., the only bidder in the sale of a former Daewoo car factory in southern Romania.

At an event in Bucharest, Ford’s bid was opened but no details of the offer were revealed.

Sebastian Vladescu, who is the deputy Finance, and Economy Minister and head of the privatization committee in charge of the sale, said that it looks like all the documents requested have been submitted at a glance. He added that talks were to begin on Monday with Ford to negotiate on the terms of the sale.

As the only bidder in the sales, Ford confirmed in a press release that it wants to buy the plant. According to John Fleming, Ford of Europe President and CEO, their company offers the best combination of financial, technological and environmental commitments to be able to modernize the Craiova-based plant.

Maker of quality Ford catalytic converter, Ford adheres to the fact that the facility in Craiova is a strategically significant site for the future growth of the company. Ford of Europe produced 1.86 million units at its seven assembly plants in 2006 and additional manufacturing space is required to meet its emulous new product as well as growth plans.

Fleming also said that if they would be successful in their bid, they would expect to expand and improve the Craiova manufacturing operations, augment employment opportunities and attract additional suppliers to the area.

Other two companies – General Motors Corp. and JC Russian – which sent letters of intent to participate in the sale have not submitted bids.

The government has said that price would not be the only factor considered in the sale. It would also consider the ability of the buyers to maximize production and use Romanian-based suppliers.

The privatization agency, which is selling the government’s 72 percent stake in the company, will sign a memorandum with several smaller shareholders in order to sell their stakes as well, thus allowing the buyer to take over 95 percent of the stock.

The factory, which was owned by the insolvent Korean company, has nearly 4,000 employees and can produce a maximum of 200,000 cars and 300,000 engines every year.

Last year, Romania paid US$60 million (?44 million) to purchase back a 51-percent stake in the company from Daewoo’s creditors.

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich. It manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets in six continents. With nearly 300,000 employees and 108 plants worldwide, the company?s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Ford Motor Credit Company is one of its automotive-related services.

The 2007 Aveo sedan is much-enhanced and coming to Chevy dealers across the country as a four and five-seater. It has the presence, emotions and looks of a car in the compact class. Pricing of the Aveo LS starts at $12,950 while the LT is at $15,450.

The power for the Aveo comes from a 1.6-litre, 16-valve four-cylinder producing 103 hp and 107 ft/lb of torque with what Chevrolet calls its Variable Geometry Induction System. There is a standard five-speed manual transmission with an optional four-speed automatic for this front driver.

The automatic features what Chevy calls Hold Control Mode. It lets the driver select and hold the transmission in a higher gear that yields torque to the front wheels to reduce wheel spin and traction loss on clever road surfaces.

Though fuel economy figures have not been released, the 2007 Aveo sedan assures a quality Chevy catalytic converter for cleaner emissions.

The Chevy Aveo is equipped to meet Canadian safety standards with standard duel rate front airbags and optional side-impact airbags for more torso and head protection. Standard safety features include four channel ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, front-seat belts with front-load limiters, lower anchors for children’s’ seats and height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors.

Its trunk behind the 60/40 split rear seats offers 350 litres (12.4 cu ft) of luggage capacity. And it is quite easy to stow ski bags with all the boots and poles with the back seats folded flat.

Aside from the standard front headrests that tilt, the doors and seatbacks have pockets and hooks on the headrest posts to hold grocery bags or even backpacks. The Aveo also has a tilt steering wheel, remote keyless entry and cruise control is an option.

The LT has fog lamps, power heated side-mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power windows and a “no charge” sunroof.

A special edition RS is also available. For $1,095 more, it your Aveo will get an iPod, premium six-speaker sound system, steering wheel audio controls, 15-inch aluminum wheels and spoiler.

The interior has a two-tone color scheme, stain chrome plus carbon-fiber look accents and very realistic looking “simul-wood” trim pieces. The LT also offers a power sunroof and heated body-color outside mirrors that are seldom optional extras in this segment.

Another standard is the AM/FM stereo with four speakers plus an optional system that supports MP3/CDs. An auxiliary jack for MP3 players is standard. A six-speaker sound system that supports MP3/CDs and an optional six-disc CD changer are still included in the list of options.

Chevrolet has the steering box fixed to the cross member of the front suspension for stability. The speed-sensitive power steering allows quick turns at slow speeds. Shorter wheelbases always mean quick reaction in cornering and this is enhanced by a front stabilizer bar.

So, are you looking for a stylish, but stout subcompact? The Chevrolet Aveo is a perfect choice.

Ford part of the once renowned Detroit?s Big Three and producer of top-of-the-line Lincoln catalytic converter has released a statement refuting reports circulating in both UK and US that the automaker will dispose of its profitable Swedish unit, Volvo.

Sunday Times has reported yesterday that Ford has decided two weeks ago to sell Volvo for as much as US$8 billion. The Sunday Telegraph has also reported that Ford was willing to listen to offers from potential buyers of the automaker and would make a final decision on whether to proceed after completing the sale of its Land Rover and Jaguar businesses.

Ford said last month that it was conferring with investment bankers about options for Jaguar and Land Rover. The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker is trying to restore a profit after recording a US$12.6 billion loss last year. The Sunday Times has reported last July 8 that Ford has set a deadline for bids to buy Jaguar and Land Rover.

Ford spokesman John Gardiner has declined to comment on reports in UK newspapers and refrain from saying whether there was a deadline for expressions of interest in Jaguar and Land Rover.

It can be remembered that Ford bought Volvo Cars from Volvo AV in 1999 for US$6.45 billion to become a part of the Premier Automotive Group of luxury-brand cars together with Jaguar, Land River, and Aston Martin. Ford sold its Aston Martin last March to a group of investors led by the UK auto-racing champion David Richards for US$848 million. However the sale was concluded only last May.

With the sale of the Aston Martin, rumors have started circulating of the possible sale of Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover brands.

Volvo?s sales for this year is expected to surpass its 2004 record of 456,000 cars and sport-utility vehicles with the helped of new models and the increased in demand in Russia that is according to Fredrik Arp, the division?s chief executive officer in an interview last June 26.

At present Volvo is focusing its efforts to expand other markets such as in Russia, China, and India in order to match the growth of its competitors such as Volkswagen?s Audi luxury division and BMW?s luxury cars.

Speaking of BMW, the Sunday Times has reported that the world?s largest maker of luxury cars is interested in bidding for Volvo. Other automakers were also reported of showing interest on Volvo and these are Renault SA, Hyundai Motor Co and an unnamed Chinese manufacturer.

The Sunday Times has also stated that private-equity companies may also be attracted to buy Volvo. But of course all these would remain as mere speculations unless Ford will formally announced that it will sell Volvo.