IIHS Releases New Crop of Front Crash Prevention Scores

IIHS Releases New Crop of Front Crash Prevention Scores
In 2013, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety added a new component to its Top Safety Pick Plus designation; only vehicles with front crash prevention systems could qualify for the agency's highest safety score. Automakers are taking notice. Once only found as optional equipment on high-end cars, the IIHS says that some form of forward collision warning is available on half of the models in its database.
In IIHS' most recent round of testing, more than a dozen new models earned the highest rating of superior for front crash prevention systems. The agency rates vehicles as basic, advanced or superior depending on the type of automatic braking system and how effective it is in tests at 12 and 25 mph.
Related: IIHS Launches Crash-Prevention Ratings Program
Acura leads the list of new models that earn a superior front crash prevention rating. The 14 new models include the:

• 2016 Acura ILX
• 2016 Acura MDX
• 2016 Acura RDX
• 2016 Acura RLX
• 2016 BMW X3 (when equipped with a camera- and radar-based system)
• 2015 Chrysler 300
• 2015 Dodge Charger
• 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (both Collision Prevention Assist Plus and Pre-Safe Brake equipped versions)
• 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA (both Collision Prevention Assist Plus and Distronic Plus equipped versions)
• 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• 2016 Mazda6
• 2016 Mazda CX-5

Five new models earn an advanced rating. They include the:

• 2016 BMW X3 (when equipped with BMW's camera-only system called City Braking Function)
• 2016 Volkswagen Golf
• 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
• 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
• 2015 Volkswagen Touareg

IIHS commends Mercedes-Benz for being the first automaker to offer a standard front crash prevention system that earns a superior rating; its Collision Prevention Assist Plus system is standard on the 2015 C-Class, CLA and E-Class.
Other automakers have made improvements to their systems in order to raise their rating. The 2015 Mazda6's system, for example, earned an advanced rating; improvements for model-year 2016 bumped it up to a superior score.
"Most motorists won't be riding in driverless cars anytime soon. In the shorter term, automatic braking is an accessible technology that's within reach for many drivers. We've seen an uptick in the number of luxury and mainstream models with available autobrake. That's a welcome sign for highway safety and helps pave the way for the eventual deployment of fully autonomous vehicles," David Zuby, IIHS' executive vice president and chief research officer, said in a statement.
 

2014 Chrysler 300 Touring 3.6L 8 spd Auto Well Equipped

 2014 Chrysler 300 Touring #1147
3.6L 6cyl 292hp @ 6,350RPM, 260 lb.-ft. @ 4,800RPM, 8 speed automatic, Automatic temperature control, Front dual zone A/C, CD Player, Heated door mirrors, Brake assist, Ignition disable, Traction Control, Split folding rear seat, Four wheel independent suspension, Speed-sensing steering, Alloys, Cruise control, Power door mirrors, Dual front impact airbags, Knee airbag, Front centre armrest, Compass, Fully automatic headlights, Rear window defroster, Front anti-roll bar, Power moonroof, Air Conditioning, Driver vanity mirror, Power Windows, Telescoping steering wheel, MP3 decoder, ABS Brakes, Dual front side impact airbags, Occupant sensing airbag, Leather shift knob, Delay-off headlights, Low tire pressure warning, Tachometer, Power Steering, Heated Front Seats, Auto-dimming rearview mirror, Tilt steering wheel, Steering wheel mounted audio controls, Anti-whiplash front head restraints, Electronic stability, Overhead airbag, Rear seat centre armrest, Front fog lights, Outside temperature display, Variably intermittent wipers, Rear anti-roll bar, Leather upholstery.
Credit Guys Indoor Auto Sales 33 Emes Road (McPhillips just inside the Perimeter) 
204 338 8625
Dealer Permit # 0255

2014 Chrysler 300 Touring 3.6L 8 spd Auto Well Equipped

Keanu Reeves' motorcycle company debuts first bike

Keanu Reeves is setting out on another excellent adventure.
 
The actor and motorcycle enthusiast has teamed up with bike builder Gard Hollinger to launch the Arch Motorcycle Company.
The Los Angeles-based outfit has started taking orders for its first ride, the KRGT-1.
Not just another custom rod, the big V-Twin features an all-original design built with handmade parts and powered by a unique 2032cc motor developed with S&S Cycle good for nearly 122 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque sent to the rear wheel through a 6-speed Baker Drivetrains transmission.
The motor breathes through a unique downdraft induction system that channels air from intakes next to the headlamps through the center of its twin fuel cells, which take 66 hours to produce from a 534-pound hunk of billet aluminum.
The bike itself weighs just 538 pounds, thanks in part to a set of carbon fiber wheels. LED lighting is featured front and rear, and the retro-futuristic bodywork would look right at home on the streets of Mega City.
You may need to cut a deal with the devil to buy one, however: The price is an eye-opening $78,000.
motorcycle company debuts first bike FOX NEWS
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$3,670 pickup truck unveiled in India

 

Meet the Multix. It looks like an auto rickshaw that has been to the gym. But this mini-pickup truck is more than that.

Targeted at small businessmen, the Multix can also double-up as a generator to light up homes, power tools or even run a DJ console.

A joint venture between U.S.-based Polaris Industries and India’s Eicher Motors, the vehicle is designed to be small enough to steer through congested city roads in the South Asian country, but still it comes with an independent suspension system and 225 millimeters of ground clearance to tackle potholed or flooded streets.

The Multix will be offered for test rides from July in 30 Indian cities with customer deliveries starting in August.

Dealership prices start at around 233,000 rupees ($3,670.)

Eicher Polaris Pvt.—the equal joint venture company formed in July 2012—says the Multix went through rigorous testing, equivalent to traveling 1.8 million kilometers in both the U.S. and India. They say the vehicle has a “tubular frame structure and roll-over protection system that provides structural stability and reinforced safety.”

With its 511-cubic-centimeter diesel engine, the Multix can travel more than 28 kilometers to a liter, according to the companies. Its dual-cab can transport up to five people and has up to 1,918 liters of luggage space—big enough for a family vacation.

Pickup truck unveiled in India0

Ward's Auto names its 10 Best Engines for 2015

By Stephen Edelstein

Published December 16, 2014

High Gear Media

Hellcat (Dodge)

It's the end of the year, which in the auto industry means various 'of the year' lists are appearing to sum up the most significant new cars and trucks of the past 12 months. In addition, one of the most watched parts of this automotive award season is the annual Ward's Auto 10 Best Engines list.

The jurors at Ward's evaluated 37 new or improved powertrains and—showing automakers' current emphasis on fuel economy—that group included 15 turbocharged four-cylinder engines, four electric powertrains, and the first-ever hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain to be eligible for the award. They made up what the jurors called the most diverse field ever.

Here are Ward's 10 best engines for 2015:

• 127-kilowatt electric motor (BMW i3)
• 6.2-liter OHV V-8 (Chevrolet Corvette Stingray)
• 6.2-liter Supercharged OHV V-8 (Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat)
• 1.0-liter Turbocharged DOHC 3-cylinder (Ford Fiesta)
• 100-kW Fuel Cell (Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Vehicle)
• 1.5-liter Turbocharged DOHC 3-cylinder (MINI Cooper)
• 3.0-liter Turbodiesel DOHC V-6 (Ram 1500 EcoDiesel)
• 2.0-liter Turbocharged H-4 (Subaru WRX)
• 1.8-liter Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Volkswagen Golf)
• 2.0-liter Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Volvo S60)

The supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V-8 from Dodge has generated plenty of buzz everywhere else, and with 707 horsepower it certainly has the muscle to be considered a great engine. It's joined by another 6.2-liter V-8, the naturally-aspirated small block from the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, which was eligible again because it made the list last year. The 2015 Subaru WRX's boxer four also made the cut.

The two V-8s were outliers. They each have just over twice the displacement of the next biggest engine-—the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 from Ram—and the Chevy small block was the only naturally-aspirated engine to make the list this year.

Stretching the definition of "engine" were the BMW i3's electric motor—the second electric powertrain to make the list—and Hyundai's fuel-cell powertrain.

Ward's Auto names its 10 Best Engines for 2015 

Make Traveling With Your Pet Easier, and Safe

Traveling With Your Pet Easier

Cars.com photo by Jen Burklow

Automakers are constantly creating new features for your whole family, even the four-legged members. In 2015, Americans will spend an estimated $60.59 billion on pets, according to the American Pet Products Association, $2.55 billion more than in 2014.
That's no surprise as 65 percent of U.S. households own a pet, encompassing 79.7 million homes, the National Pet Owners Survey notes.
Related: Center for Pet Safety, Subaru Name Top Pet Crate and Carriers
A wide range of products are available to help make traveling with your pet easier, though most are designed to fit particular car models. The following are offered for Subaru, Jeep, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen models:

• Ramps allow pets an easier way to enter and exit the car
• Restraints keep pets in place for safer, less-hectic travel
• Crates ensure that your pet will not roam around the vehicle or disrupt passengers
• Seat covers help keep upholstery clean and damage-free
• Easy-to-clean flooring and mats provide hard surfaces that can be washed easily
  
  Cars.com photo by Jen Burklow
  Beyond pet-specific products, some cars offer useful convenience features that make it easy to travel with pets. These include:
  
• Flip-up backseat lets you transform passenger seating into an open space for pets.
  Available in: Ford F-150, Honda HR-V
   
• Split-folding backseat, a common feature, lets either side of the backseat fold for additional pet space while retaining some passenger seating.
  Available in: Nissan Rogue, Subaru Outback
   
• Low lift-over height makes it easier for a dog to hop into the cargo area.
  Available in: Honda Fit, Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
   
• Rear air conditioning with separate controls to help maintain an optimal temperature for your pets, which may be different than what passengers in front want.
  Available in: Chrysler Town & Country, Toyota Sienna

While automakers typically offer specialized products, many cars can accommodate pet gear you already own. No matter what car you're considering, be sure to bring the pet products you use, whether it's a crate, a carrier or a ramp, to the dealership to make sure a potential new car is compatible with the things your pet needs.


Cars.com photo by Jen Burklow
Since your pet is a big part of your family, finding a car that matches your entire family's needs is an important task. By determining the products and features your pet needs, you'll be able to find a car that will keep everybody safe and happy.

2008 Gulf Stream Crescendo Trio 40K 8.3L Cummings 6spd Allison

   2008 Gulf Stream Crescendo Trio 40K powered by an 8.3L 360hp Cummins diesel engine with an automatic Allison 6-speed transmission on a Freightliner chassis. Its equipped with three slide outs, power leveling, air suspension, twin air conditioning units, In-Motion satellite, a powered patio awning, furnace, roof ladder, backup camera system, and an Onan Quiet Diesel 8000W diesel powered generator. The cab has leather captains chairs, power heated mirrors, and an AM/FM/CD stereo. Through the living area are two sleeper sofas, a large booth dinette, overhead cabinets, and two flat screen televisions.

 Kitchen amenities include a solid counter top, dual basin sink, filtered water tap, convection microwave, and a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer. The walk-thru bathroom is equipped with a toilet, vanity sink, and a shower with skylight. The spacious master bedroom has a King size bed, mirrored wardrobe cabinets, washer/dryer, his & hers vanity sink, and a flat screen television, Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Extended Mirrors, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Rear Air, AM/FM Stereo, Intermittent Wipers, CD Player, DVD, Power Locks, Power Seats, Power Windows, Tilt Wheel, Reverse Park Assist, Premium Audio.Credit Guys Indoor Auto Sales 33 Emes Road (McPhillips just inside the Perimeter) 204 338 8625
Dealer Permit # 0255

2008 Gulf Stream Crescendo Trio 40K 8.3L Cummings 6spd Allison

Why Do I Need to Rotate My Tires?

 

Cars.com by Rick Popely

Virtually every vehicle manufacturer, tire manufacturer and tire dealer recommends you periodically rotate your tires so they wear evenly and last longer, but is it really necessary?
Many motorists apparently don't think so, as tire rotation is one of the more neglected routine maintenance items. You can even spot many vehicles that suffer neglect: They're the ones with front wheels that are nearly black from accumulated brake dust. The front brakes are larger than the rears on most vehicles and do 75 percent or more of the braking, so they generate more pad dust.
Whether your vehicle has front-, rear-, all- or four-wheel drive, your tires benefit from a change of scenery from time to time because the weight and workload they carry is unevenly distributed among the four wheels. That makes them wear unevenly.
A majority of vehicles on the road are front-wheel drive or have all-wheel-drive systems that operate in front-drive most of the time. The front tires carry an extraordinary load on those vehicles.
First, they carry far more weight than the rear tires because the engine and transmission are usually mounted transversely over the front axle. When you apply the brakes, more weight shifts forward, further adding to the load. The front tires also endure wear and tear from powering and steering the vehicle, and they bear the brunt of cornering forces, when weight shifts to the outside of a turn. In contrast, the rear tires on front-drive vehicles are just along for the ride.
Rear- and four-wheel-drive vehicles spread more of the load to the rear tires because they drive the vehicle, but the fronts still carry a significant burden, including steering and more weight.
How frequently tires should be rotated depends on the vehicle and the manufacturer's recommended interval, which should be listed in the service section of the owner's manual. A good rule of thumb is to rotate them at least as often as you change the oil, or more often if the oil-service interval is, say, 10,000 miles. For example, if you drive 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year, you should rotate the tires twice a year.
The rotation pattern also depends on the vehicle, but for most front-drive vehicles a typical pattern is to move the front tires to the rear on the same side and crisscross the rear tires to the front. The pattern might be different for rear- and four-wheel-drive vehicles and will be different on cars that have directional tires or different size tires in the front and rear.
With directional tires, for example, the tires have to stay on the same side and only move between front and back. If the front and rear tires are of different sizes, they are rotated to the other side of the same axle.
https://www.cars.com/articles/why-do-i-need-to-rotate-my-tires-1420680854287/