Expect greater differentiation in GMs next generation SUVs

Expect greater differentiation in GMs next-generation SUVs General Motors says its next-generation Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade models will offer shoppers improved interior differentiation. Car and Driver recently caught up with Chris Hilts, GMs creative manager of interior design, who said that the cabins will all feature unique instrument panels, consoles, center stacks and switchgear moving forward. Apparently GM is now aware that consumers may be bothered by the fact that todays $85,000 Escalade has effectively the same cabin as a $45,000 Tahoe. Hilts says SUV buyers want more refinement than their pickup purchasing counterparts – and those same buyers also want their SUVs to have more exterior differentiation between the companys Silverado and Sierra pickup lines. Shocking.

Expect greater differentiation in GMs next-generation SUVs

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum front 3/4 view

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum rear 3/4 view

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum front 3/4 view 1

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum rear 3/4 view 1

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum side view

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum front view

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum rear view

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum cup holder

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum dash

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum badge

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum engine

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum hybrid system info

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum headlight

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum rear seat television screen

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum front 34 view 4

That all sounds good to us, but weve heard this song and dance before. GM made big waves about how different the new-for-2013 Silverado and Sierra would look from each other, but judging by what weve seen so far, GMs stylists are painting in shades rather than with the full spectrum. For more on the what to expect out of GMs new SUVs, click on the C/D link below.

Expect greater differentiation in GMs next-generation SUVs

Ford C Max Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California

Ford C-Max, Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California The article states that there are hundreds of C-Max and Fusion Hybrid owners who have joined the lawsuit, but the issue isnt limited to customers. In December, Consumer Reports extensively tested both the Fusion Hybrid and C-Max and found that both hybrids performed significantly worse than their EPA claims. This all comes just a few months after Hyundai and Kia took the unprecedented step of lowering the fuel economy ratings for all of their 2012 and 2013 model-year vehicles.

Ford C-Max, Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California

Ford C-Max, Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California

Ford C-Max, Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California

Ford C-Max, Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California

Ford C-Max, Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California

Ford C-Max, Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California grill

Ford C-Max, Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California front view

Ford C-Max, Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California rear view

Ford C-Max, Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California

A California lawsuit over the fuel economy claims for the 2013 Ford C-Max was first reported back in December. Based on the numerous reports weve heard of disgruntled owners failing to get their cars EPA fuel economy ratings on the C-Max and 2013 Fusion Hybrid, we suspected there would be more to this story. The Detroit News is reporting that two California law firms are combining their lawsuits against Ford on this matter for "false and misleading" claims.Ford C-Max, Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California

How to Replace a Battery in a Mercedes ML430

1. Pop the hood. Locate the battery at the rear of the engine bay. Push down the black tab on the top of the battery with your thumb, then pull it out of the strap. Press down on the metal strap to unhook it at the base of the battery tray.
2. Pull off the rubber strip around the perimeter of the battery. Unbolt the guard at the base of the positive terminal using a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
3. Locate the battery surround, which is the steel tray running around the perimeter of the battery. Push down on the battery surround using your hands, then lift it up and out of the engine compartment. Unbolt the battery terminals from the battery using an open-end wrench. Lift the battery out.
4. Set the replacement battery in the engine compartment. Reconnect the battery terminals with an open-end wrench, starting with the positive terminal, then finishing with the negative. Push the battery tray back into the engine compartment. Slide the black tab that you removed in Step 1 back under the battery tie down. Push the rubber molding back onto the tray.
5. Push the metal strap that goes over the battery down to hook it into the chassis. Slide the black rubber stopper back under the strap so it looks like it did in Step 1.

Second Generation of Camaro introduced in February 1970

The second generation of Chevrolet Camaro was introduced in February 1970 through the 1981 model year. The car was really restyled become wider and larger. It becomr new styling at that time. The design based on  the F-body platform, unibody structure,  the new styling Camaro was similar to its old, an A-arm front suspension and leaf springs to control the solid rear axle and  front subframe. the news about the 10 best cars in the world was realized by Road & Track magazine in August 1971. The magazine picked the 1971 SS350 as one of them. SS, RS, and Z28 performance gradually disappeared. The Z28 was republish in 1977, great in response to the success of its corporate stablemate, the Pontiac Trans Am.

Second Generation of Camaro Black

Second Generation of Camaro Engine

Second Generation of Camaro Engine

Second Generation of Camaro Silver

Second Generation of Camaro Silver2

Second Generation of Camaro White

How Do I Get the Phone to Work in My BMW

Pairing a Phone
1. Press the Send/Receive button and hold it down. This button is located in the console of the BMW, just above the cup holders.
2. Turn on the BMW and release the Send/Receive button. You will see a message on the display screen that says Bluetooth Pairing.
3. Turn on the Bluetooth feature on your cell phone. Refer to your cell phones user manual to activate this feature.
Making a Call
4. Press the Send/Receive button to activate the Bluetooth feature. Depending on the model of your BMW, this button is either located on the steering wheel or in the center console of the vehicle.
5. Hold down this button until you hear one beep from the stereo system.
6. Pick a number to call either from your phones phone book or by saying the number with area code out loud.
7. Say Dial Number or Dial Phone to place the call. The Bluetooth feature will call the number.
Answer or End a Call
8. Press the Send/Receive button on the steering wheel or center console of the car to answer a call.
9. Press the Send button on the cell phone to answer a call.
10. Press the Send/Receive button in the car or the End button on the cell phone to end a call.

Why Cadillac thinks it needs to succeed in Europe to sell cars elsewhere

Why Cadillac thinks it needs to succeed in Europe to sell cars elsewhere Wards Auto has taken an interesting look at the renewed focus General Motors is showing towards Cadillac in Europe. Susan Docherty, president and managing director of Chevrolet and Cadillac in Europe (pictured), says in order for the luxury brand to thrive in China, it first needs to succeed in the old country. The reason? Chinese buyers look to Europe for cues as to whats deemed worthy of the term "luxury." There are hurdles to the plan, however. In addition to the fact that the EU is flooded with high-end nameplates, GM doesnt necessarily have the distribution network in place to put buyers behind the wheel.

Why Cadillac thinks it needs to succeed in Europe to sell cars elsewhere

Why Cadillac thinks it needs to succeed in Europe to sell cars elsewhere

Combine that with persistent economic woes and Cadillacs checkered past marred by a lack of diesel engine options and a bankrupt distributor, and the road ahead for the brand looks like less of an uphill climb and more like a straight-up cliff face. But Docherty is optimistic and says she has a plan for the brand. We recommend heading over to Wards for a closer look at the full read.

Why Cadillac thinks it needs to succeed in Europe to sell cars elsewhere

How to Refill the Transmission in a BMW 318

1. Drive the BMW 318 for at least 20 minutes. The most accurate measurement of transmission fluid level can be achieved only when the fluid is warm.
2. Park on a level surface.
3. Apply the hand brake (emergency brake).
4. Apply the foot brake and move the gear selector through each gear. The engine should be running for this run through the gears.
5. Check the transmission fluid level on the dipstick located under the hood, near the left fender. First wipe the fluid from the indicator, replace the dipstick then pull it out again to read the level. There are two lines indicating low and full measurements.
6. Add fluid to the transmission via the dipstick opening using a funnel. Apply the fluid slowly with intermittent checks to avoid over-filling.
7. Stop filling the transmission when the indicator shows fluid at or near (but not exceeding) the full line.

How to Replace an Oil Pan Gasket in a Mercedes Benz E320

1. Remove the oil pan from underneath the engine. Wash the pan and bolts with soap and water to remove any oil residue. Dry both the pan and bolts completely with a rag before moving on to the next step.
2. Line the gasket ridge and bolt holes on top of the drain pan with a rubber sealant. Arrange the gasket on top of the pan by lining up the bolt holes. Press the gasket down firmly. Place the bolts in the holes to hold the gasket in place and to ensure they go through easily.
3. Allow the pan and gasket to dry for at least 30 minutes before reattaching it to the transmission casing.

How to Replace a Fuse in the BMW 325

1. Remove the contents of your glove compartment.
2. Remove by hand the two plastic screws holding the rear panel in place, and remove the rear panel to reveal the fuse box. Turn over the rear panel to view the fuse diagram.
3. Pull the red, plastic fuse puller from the fuse box and use it to remove the fuse you want to change and to insert the replacement fuse. Replace the fuse puller and reattach the rear panel.

Acura The First In Japanese Luxury

History

In 1986, Honda launched into the luxury market with the Acura, marketing these vehicles in the US, Canadian and Hong Kong markets. It was the first Japanese brand to appear on the luxury market. Styles were limited really to the Legend and the Integra, the Legend being a sedan while the Integra came in either a sporty coupe or a sedan. Acura built on Hondas reputation for reliability and low cost for the quality was instantly successful and while it lacks the glitter of luxury European models, there is no doubt that the Acura is packed with luxury features and desired performance. In the early 1990s, Honda introduced the NSX sports car to its Acura line up. It stayed true to Hondas reputation and matched its competitors while undercutting their prices. During the 1990s, the Acura name experienced difficulties as Honda tried to determine and establish the image it wanted to project for this line with renamed models, and a renamed version of a competitors SUV. It tried to meet rising consumer interest too quickly.

In the 21st century, however, Acura has buckled down and revamped its range of available products to meet the variety of consumer interests. The MDX appeared in 2001 and is Acuras answer to the Luxury SUV, featuring family friendly amenities. In 2002, the RSX sport coupe was introduced to replace the Integra and in 2004, the TSX an entry level sports sedan was added to the Acura fleet. It also redesigned the midsize TL sedan, Acuras most popular fleet model and in 2005, redesigned its RL flagship model

Current Fleet

Acuras current fleet consists of six models the RL, Acuras flagship model is a 5 passenger midsize luxury sedan, the TL is a mid-sized sport sedan also featuring space for five passengers, followed by the TSX, a five passenger mid-sized sedan classified as near luxury. Acura also produces the RSX and the NSX a 4 and 2 passenger sport coupe and car respectively. For those customers who love Honda and luxury and are looking for a sport utility vehicle, Acuras fleet includes the MDX a seven passenger luxury SUV.

The Future of Acura

In 2008, Honda plans to introduce the Acura fleet to its native country, Japan. Future model concepts include the advanced sports car; this model is a replacement though not directly of the 1990s NSX. New features include a front sitting engine, and a non-aluminum body, totally different from its predecessor. It also features a v-10 engine and all wheel drive with rear drive bias. This new design is low to the ground and wide with a 108.8-inch wheelbase anchored by a 19-inch front and 20-inch rear performance tires for stability and control. This advanced sports car concept if full of sweeping curves and dynamic lines creating a mouthwateringly exotic looking sports car at a still very attractive price. Look for this model to arrive in showrooms in the 2009 model year.

The advanced concept in Acuras luxury sedan, modern, yet classical, sophisticated and edgy with an air of mystery this advanced concept luxury sedan design takes your breath away. Like most luxury models this concept car sits low to the ground anchored by large 22-inch front and 23-inch rear tires, the large proportions scream power and the tinted glass roof offers a panoramic view of the world while still giving you privacy and shade. This sedans impressive 79.5-inch width is emphasized by low positioned narrow headlights and a large aluminum grill. The rear of the advanced sedan concept is equally impressive featuring a flush mounted rear bumper, integrated stop lamp, taillights that sit on the outer edge of the bumper to draw attention to the wide, low appearance giving it a touch of performance style. This isnt your average luxury sedan it screams power while offering the sleek lines one expects of luxury currently there is no release information on when we can expect to see this model in our show rooms.

For those of us who want luxury at affordable prices, the options provided by Acura give us the flexibility to meet our concept of luxury. No matter whether youre looking for the sophistication of a sedan, the edge of a luxury sports car, or the power of a sport utility vehicle, Acura has something for everyone. The Acura fleet backed by Hondas stellar reputation of quality, dependability and affordability makes Acura a leader in affordable luxury.

How to Install a Stereo in an Audi A5

1. Loosen the bolt on the negative battery cable with the wrench. Lift the cable from the battery and set it aside.
2. Slide the two Audi/VW stereo keys into the slots at either corner of the stereo. Push the tools into the openings until they lock into place.
3. Place your fingers into the loops at the ends of the tolls and pull the stereo from the dashboard stereo dock. Disconnect the stereo wiring from the back of the unit and unplug the antenna cable.
4. Slide the installation sleeve included with the aftermarket stereo deck into the vacant stereo dock. Pull the two stereo wiring connectors and antenna cable from the back of the dock to the front of the dashboard. Plug the stereo wiring connectors into the wiring harness adapter leads.
5. Connect the wiring harness adapter lead connectors to the corresponding outlets on the rear panel of the new radio. Insert the antenna cable lead into the antenna input on the back of the aftermarket stereo deck. Slide the unit into the sleeve (inside the stereo deck) until it locks into place within the dash.

Audi DTM in Moscow

Stomp Audi in Russia before the DTM debut in this country. The drivers Mattias Edstrom and Edoardo Mortara, next to the new Audi A5 DTM, were presented at the Red Square in Moscow.

The place of introduction is very significant, as the August 4th will be run for the first time in its 30 year history, a career German Touring Car Championship (DTM).

Will adding a race in Moscow in addition to the DTM calendar is a decisive step? Said Wolfgang Ulrich, Head of Audi Motorsport. Is a very good opportunity for us to introduce in a very important market that has high affinity for racing Cars.

The numbers support the words of Ulrich. Last year the house with the four rings sold 35,500 cars in Russia, representing 44.1 percent more than in 2011. Furthermore, of the 10 largest markets in the world Audi, Russian was the one who had the highest percentage growth of sales in the previous year.

Have we had a very warm welcome by fans and journalists? Said DTM champion Edstrom, who had never visited the land of the czars. You still do not know in person the route of the road course, but at the looks very interesting and lots of action promises .

How to Remove amp Replace Fuel Pumps in a 1988 Mercedes 560SEL

Prepare to Remove the Old Pump
1. Open the gas tank to relieve the pressure inside the fuel tank. Disconnect the battery cables. Use a wrench and pliers if the bolts are tight or corroded with battery acid.
2. Siphon as much fuel from the gas tank as possible and put the fuel into a gas can. Use a funnel to avoid spilling any gas and avoid siphoning with your mouth so that you dont ingest any gas fumes or gas.
3. Raise the vehicle on jack stands to access the gas tank underneath the Mercedes. If you only raise up the rear of the vehicle, put wheel blocks against the front two wheels of the car.
4. Disconnect the fuel filler tube from the gas tank with a flathead screwdriver, wrench or a socket set depending on the type of screw holding the filler tube in place. Set it aside near by.
5. Disconnect the fuel lines connected to the top of the fuel pump, which sits on top of the gas tank. Remove the lines by hand or with pliers.
Disconnect the Gas Tank From the Mercedes Body
6. Hold up the bottom of the fuel tank with one hand or an object.
7. Loosen and remove the fuel tank straps holding the fuel tank to the body of the Mercedes with a socket or wrench. Inspect the fuel tank straps for any signs of corrosion, abnormal or dangerous wear or damages. Replace them if necessary.
8. Lower the fuel tank to the ground and pull it out from underneath the Mercedes so that you can access the fuel pump.
Remove and Replace the Old Pump
9. Remove the fuel pump locking ring that holds the pump to the gas tank with a brass punch tool and a hammer.
10. Pull out the fuel pump assembly from the gas tank and strainer connected to it.
11. Install and clean surface of the gas tank where the locking ring will go. Install the new fuel pump assembly, including the strainer that comes with it, into the gas tank.
12. Reinstall the locking ring with a hammer and punch tool.
Prepare the Car to Drive
13. Reattach the fuel lines and fuel filler tube to the gas tank and install it back into its proper place on the body of Mercedes with the metal straps.
14. Lower the jacks on the car and reattach the battery cables to the battery.
15. Turn the car on and inspect for any fuel leaks or other problems.