Monday, June 30, 2014

Toyota's Fuel Cell Vehicle

Since January, Toyota has put fuel cell vehicles on the fast track, ending its electric-car partnership with Tesla and promising to deliver the first FCVs to consumers as early as next year. no later than April 2015  in Japan will the car go on sale. In the summer of 2015 it will arrive in the United States and Europe. Sales will be limited to areas with established hydrogen infrastructure. Pricing for Japan starts at ¥7,000,000 (around $69,000), which is ¥3,000,000 below previous estimates. Pricing for the U.S. and Europe hasn't yet been announced. Coming out with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles won't be a piece of cake. fist of all there is the he hydrogen infrastructure -- or shortage of it. To provide the ease and convenience of gas-powered cars, Toyota and other FCV enthusiasts would need to create some 175,000 fueling stations in the U.S. alone, at a cost of $1 million each. Holy cow!!! That is a lot of  money to get these cars accepted and in the mainstream. Without the infrastructure to support FCVs, consumers will likely suffer from range anxiety. Processing hydrogen is neither easy or cheap -- especially when it's needed in huge quantities.  The price will be reduced, but only little by little as more of the processing facilities become more accessible.  Cars are very obvious, very expensive social markers. No matter how green or eco-friendly the driver, few people are willing to spend big bucks on an unattractive car. Many of us have believe in fuel cell vehicles. We can grasp that the technology isn't "there" yet, but it's progressing. Will it win the race against battery electric vehicles, which are also making great strides?


Friday, June 27, 2014

The Land Rover

Land Rover is a brand of the British car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover, which specialises in four-wheel-
drive vehicles. Land Rover is the second oldest four-wheel-drive car brand in the world after Jeep.
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 The design for the original Land Rover vehicle was started in 1947 by Maurice Wilks, chief designer at the Rover CompanyThe first Land Rover prototype, later nicknamed 'Centre Steer', was built on a Jeep chassis and axles. The early choice of color was dictated by military surplus supplies of aircraft cockpit paint, so early vehicles only came in various shades of light green; all models until recently feature sturdy box section ladder-frame chassis. The Land Rover was the product of continuous evolution and refinement 

throughout the 1950s and 1960s with improved stability and a tighter turning circle. It was a period in 

which Land Rover took the lead in the emerging market for four-wheel drive vehicles.  In keeping with the 

forward-thinking philosophy that founded Land Rover, a radical, entirely new product was introduced in 

1970 and created its very own vehicle category. This overnight sensation was the original Range Rover.

The ongoing commercial success of the original Land Rover series models, and latterly the Range Rover in the 1970s in the midst of BL's well-documented business troubles prompted the establishment of a separate Land Rover company but still under the BL umbrella, remaining part of the subsequent Rover Group in 1988, under the ownership of British Aerospace after the remains of British Leyland were broken up and privatised. This culture of innovation has developed ever since with both Land Rover and Range Rover 

vehicles: new models, more refinement, more innovative technology, more efficiency and fewer emissions. 

And it continues with initiatives such as e_Terrain Technologies (which improves the environmental 

performance of vehicles by reducing CO2 emissions), Sustainable Manufacturing and CO2 Offsetting. Land 

Rover will remain at the forefront of advanced design – the new small Range Rover is a testament to the 

vision that takes the company forward and keeps it at the cutting edge of technology and engineering.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

The Jeep

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Jeep is a brand of American automobiles that is a division of Chrysler Group LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Italian multinational automaker Fiat S.p.A..The brand has gone through many owners, starting with Willys, which produced the first Civilian Jeep (CJ) in 1945 and who were the first granted the trademark in 1950. Willys was sold to Kaiser Motors in 1953, which became Kaiser-Jeep in 1963. American Motors Corporation (AMC) purchased Kaiser's money-losing Jeep operations in 1970
 The French automaker Renault began investing in AMC in 1979. However, by 1987, the automobile markets had changed and even Renault itself was experiencing financial troubles. At the same time, Chrysler Corporation wanted to capture the Jeep brand, as well as other assets of AMC. Chrysler bought out AMC in 1987, shortly after the Jeep CJ-7was replaced with the AMC-designed Jeep Wrangler or YJ. The first Willys MB Jeeps were produced in 1941, making it the oldest off-road vehicle ever made, and the first civilian models were produced in 1945. Inspiring a number of utility vehicles such as the Land Rover. The original Jeep vehicle that first appeared as the prototype Bantam BRC became the primary light 4-wheel-drive vehicle of the United States Army and Allies during World War II, as well as the postwar period. These pioneers of the sport utility vehicle quickly gained a cult following as the primary lightweight 4-wheel-drive vehicle for the United States Army and Allied Forces during World War II. For over 70 years, Jeep has evolved to the demands of the modern era, while staying true to their roots and subsequently developing one of the most loyal fan bases of any vehicle on the road today. The legendary performance and off-road capabilities of the Jeep are unmatched and make Jeep the perfect all-weather, all-terrain, all-season, vehicle for anyone from the novice Sunday driver to the extreme off-road adventurer. Click on our website and check out what we have in stock!!!

Monday, June 23, 2014

2015 Ford Mustang

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If you're a fan of Ford's redesigned 2015 Mustang, you'll be able to drive off with one of your own for $24,425 (including $825 for destination) when it hits showrooms this fall. Ford's new EcoBoost-powered Mustang, which features a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, starts at $25,995, while the Mustang GT, powered by a 5.0-liter V8, starts at $32,925 for the fastback. Opting for the base 2015 Mustang convertible costs $5,500 more than the base Mustang fastback.All 2015 Mustangs come standard with a rearview camera, push-button start, an audio input jack and Ford's voice-controlled SYNC system, which includes Bluetooth and a USB port.models are available with a performance package that adds sport-tuned suspension components, larger brakes and 19-inch wheels. Other optional features include adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation, rear parking sensors, navigation, the MyFord Touch infotainment interface, a 12-speaker Shaker audio system and Recaro front sport seats.The all-new Mustang has twice as many airbags, twice as many peripheral crash sensors and additional pretensioning safety belt technology compared to the outgoing model.Yes, there has been some weight gain, but no it is not the reported 300 pounds as previously rumored.

Friday, June 20, 2014

The Dodge Viper

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The Dodge Viper (formerly the SRT Viper between 2012 and 2014) is a sports car, manufactured by the Dodge(SRT for 2013 and 2014) division of Chrysler In 1991 Production of the two-seat sports car began at New Mack Assembly and moved to its current home at Conner Avenue Assembly in October 1995. All Vipers are V10-powered with a manual transmission. The car first appeared as a concept at the North American International Auto Show in 1989. The first prototype the RT/10 Roadster was tested in January 1989 and it debuted in 1991. coupe model called the GTS was introduced in 1996. Dubbed "double bubble", the roof featured slightly raised sections above each seat to accommodate usage of helmets. The Dodge Viper underwent a major redesign in 2002, courtesy of DaimlerChrysler's Street and Racing Technology group. The new Viper SRT-10, which replaced both the GTS and the RT/10. The Viper SRT-10 Coupe was introduced at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show as a 2006 model. It shares many of its body panels with the convertible, but takes its side and rear styling from the Competition Coupe. In 2008, with the introduction of the 510 cu in (8.4 L) V10, the Viper produced 600 bhp (450 kW) at 6000 rpm and 560 lb·ft (760 N·m) at 5100 rpm, and also received better flowing heads with larger valves, Mechadyne cam-in-cam variable valve timing on the exhaust cam lobes, and dual electronic throttle bodies. Changes outside of the engine were less extreme. Another performance upgrade was the removal of run-flat tires; the new Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires increased grip and driver feedback and, along with revised suspension. At a dealer conference on September 14, 2010 in Orlando, Florida, Chrysler Group and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne reported  there would be no 2011 Viper  by unveiling a rolling 2012 Dodge Viper prototype. The all-new 2013 SRT Viper features a cruise control and controls on the steering wheel. U Connect Bluetooth phone with Bluetooth Audio streaming is standard, as is an 8.4-inch touch screen display and  Alpine surround sound system and many exterior, interior, and wheel combinations. So if you are looking for a sleek and sexy SRT come down and take a look at ours it could be yours today!!! 

Monday, June 16, 2014

Go Pro , Mini & Bmw To Come As One

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BMW, Mini and GoPro have announced a partnership that gives drivers the ability to control GoPro cameras from the dashboard of BMW and Mini vehicles. Owners of an Apple iPhone can download the new Mini Connected app for free from the Apple App store starting this month. The new setup will be available starting in July on all model year 2012 and later BMW vehicles equipped with the BMW Apps or Mini Connected option. Drivers will be able to shoot videos or take photographs with a GoPro camera mounted on or inside the car while traveling. This integration is designed specifically to reduce driver distraction which should cut down on accidents caused by phones. You will be able to take that selfie while keeping your hands on the wheels. With BMW vehicles, the on-board operating menu streamlines the camera's operation. Menu choices appear to the left of the screen in the car and the camera's field of view is displayed in "near real-time" while the vehicle is stationary. With the Mini Connected app, the camera functions can be operated via the high-resolution color display of the center instrument panel and the Mini joystick or Mini controller in the center console. The driver can use a menu on the Mini operating system to start and stop the camera and set the shooting model. In BMW and Mini vehicles with the GoPro setup, drivers can choose special modes, including night driving. 

Friday, June 13, 2014

The Pros & Cons Of Autonomous Cars

The first generation of autonomous cars to hit the roads in Europe,China, and the U.S. over the next few years won't be fully self-driving, but they'll be able to handle much of the dull, mind-numbing motoring that commuters do on a daily basis. You know who may not be excited? City administrators and law enforcement agencies. Google's autonomous cars have traveled more than 700,000 miles on public roads, and to date, they haven't received a single ticket.  That is great for motorists and pedestrians means fewer accidents and fatalities. In the U.S., speeding tickets generate upwards of $6.2 billion each year. Combined with other kinds of moving violations, including DUIs, these citations form a significant source of revenue for cities and their law enforcement agencies. Autonomous cars will not create a world of zero auto accidents and driver errors, but they  will reduce traffic accidents by 81 percent. The remaining 19 percent will presumably result from humans fiercely dedicated to screwing up. There would also be a better management of traffic flow, which would be monitored over a controlled system. Parking scarcity would also be resolved, as the car could drop off passengers, park far away and then return to pick them up whenever it is required. There would be fewer cars on the road, as families would only need one car to suit the needs of every member. This would sequentially cut down on carbon dioxide emissions, thus being more environmentally friendly. Some cons would be:



  • Firstly, car enthusiasts would most certainly disagree to give up driving their own vehicle. To many, driving a car means much more than reaching a simple destination, as it seems to be reduced to when adopting autonomous cars.
  • It would be an economic disaster, if autonomous cars were implemented everywhere. Job losses would be monumental, as there would no longer be a need for professional drivers, such as cab and lorry drivers. To add to this, autonomous cars would be much more expensive to buy, not to mention setting up electronic sensors on every accessible road or highway.
  • Autonomous vehicles rely heavily on GPS satellites. If a signal were to be blocked, this would affect the cars functionality. 
  • Finally, autonomous vehicles are still undergoing research and can’t be trusted to operate without error, until further advances are made. Until then, they should be kept as ideal prospect for the future, which should still be visualized with caution. 
  • Monday, June 9, 2014

    The 10 Most Popular Used Cars of 2014

    If you're in the market for a used car -- whether you need to replace your current ride or want to give a recent grad a set of wheels for college -- you know that demand for many models is high. Understanding which are the most popular could help you haggle and boost (or diminish) the resale value of your vehicle.  There have never been more reliably-made cars across the board than in the last decade. It's one reason (besides the recession) why Americans are keeping their cars longer. Still that doesn't mean every used car on the road with 100,000 miles is created equally.  1. Lexus LX470/Toyota Land Cruiser  2. Ford E-Series  3. Lexus LS  4. Chevy/GMC full-sized trucks and SUV's   5.Ford full-sized trucks (V-8 and V-10 models)  6. Toyota Camry / Lexus ES / Toyota Avalon  7. Toyota 4Runner / Lexus GX470 8. Honda S2000  9.Toyota Prius  10. Lexus GS There are plenty of good used vehicles out there that are capable of offering the highest levels of long-term quality and owner satisfaction. However, since manufacturers often sell multiple vehicles over the same platform, to increase reliability and lower cost, for this study we have decided to broaden the field a bit and highlight the ten most successful platforms. This way those less popular models in our study don't get overlooked. If you are in the market for a used vehicle check out our website and schedule a test drive today http://www.stgautogroup.com/

    Friday, June 6, 2014

    The Most Popular Celebrity Cars

    Actors, music artists, and athletes are making millions and lets face it love the finer things in life they have beautiful homes ,take lavish vacations and sport luxurious cars.What are the most popular celebrity cars? Well, first we should say that the most popular celebrity cars usually don’t go for under six figures, BUT there are some that do. With that said, there are also some rides that go for well over seven figures
    First there is the Maserati driven by Miley Cyrus, 50 Cent, a whole host of athletes, and Lindsay Lohan. Next we have the Porsche driven Rapper The Game, Gwen Stefani, Jim Carrey, Jonah Hill Rob Kardashian and once again a ton of athletes own the various models of Porsche. The G Wagon is one of the most popular SUVs amongst female celebrities. Every single Kardashian female owns a Mercedes G Wagon, Audrina Patridge, Ashley Tisdale, Megan Fox, and Hilary Duff also own one. The Cadillac Escalade is driven by Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade,David Beckham, Teri Hatcher, Whitney Port, Travis Barker and Paris Hilton. The Range Rover is driven by celebs such as Ryan Seacrest, Aaron Eckhart, Jeremy Piven, Jessica Simpson, Michael Phelps, Olivia Wilde, Angelina Jolie, and Kiera Knightley. The Aston Martin takes our list of celebrity cars to the next level not unobtainable for the common man. Daniel Craig (that’s James Bond’s car for the record), Hugh Grant, Sly Stallone, Halle Berry and a dozens more own this sweet ride. The Bentley is a particular favorite among rappers and athletes, hip-hop stars Nicki Minaj, Soulja Boy, Rick Ross, The Game, and Bow Wow. The Lexus is driven by Mila Kunis, Al Pacino, Tony Hawk, Charlize Theron,  and George Clooney all drive Lexus. the BMW a classic is driven by Brad Pitt, Kristen Stewart, Laura Dern, Taylor Lautner, THE SITUATION, and Anne Hathaway . Sporting the Mini Cooper is Elijah Wood ,Wayne Rooney, Jimmy Fallon, Britney Spears, and more. These are just some of the luxurious vehicles owned by celebrities . If you are in the market for one of these beautiful vehicles check out our website and see what we have in stock http://www.stgautogroup.com/

    Wednesday, June 4, 2014

    Luxury Eco-Friendly Cars

    When it comes to gassing up your car these days it has become something almost everyone dreads. With gas prices constantly fluctuating it seems like the best car to drive is a Prius. Well I am here to tell you there are 10 sexy Eco-friendly luxury cars that you can afford to drive. The BMW 335d  is the most fuel-efficient BMW in the US.  It has 30 percent less C02 output than gas vehicles, and it's far from what a diesel used to be thanks to a quiet cabin and ultra-low sulfur emissions and there is no loss of performance: 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds. The Fiat 500 Abarth  has a sportier drive and appearance than the standard 500, with responsive steering, better torque and a distinctly tougher attitude thanks to splashes of red. The Fisker Karma is designed by the man who designed the Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage. With a price tag exceeding $100,000 and limited quantities available, not just anyone can get into one of these sports cars. The Lexus CT 200h is a 4 door compact that may seem small, but moves with style. The Mercedes Benz S-Class S350 BlueTEC The BlueTEC diesel gets 21/31-mpg (city/hwy) and plenty of oomph from 240-hp, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine.  The Porsche Panamera S Hybrid  The Panamera goes from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. It has a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine with 333 hp, and it reaches a top speed of 167 mph. The Range Rover Envoque gets good fuel economy (18-mpg city/28-mpg hwy makes it the most fuel-efficient Rover ever), it's easy to handle in the city and it's great off-road. The Tesla Model S at at first glance makes you think of a Jaguar, Aston Martin or Maserati.  It has pulses racing thanks to its larger battery that allows driving distances of 300 miles on one charge. Last but not least there is the Volkswagen Golf TDI with Tech Package with compact hatchback thanks to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 140 hp. With a noteworthy 42-mpg hwy fuel economy, it's also an efficient way to drive.  If you are in the market for a luxury car check out our website http://www.stgautogroup.com/

    Monday, June 2, 2014

    Smart Car or Mustang

      In a race who do you think would win a Mustang or a Smart Car ? Well lets think about it a smart car is 8 ft 10.1 inches long and a Mustang 15 ft 8.5 inches long. Smart car engine size is 1.0 liters and its torque 68 ft-lbs. @ 4500 rpm and a  Mustang is 3.7 liters 280 ft-lbs. @ 4250 rpm. As for horsepower a Smart car has 70 hp @ 5800 rpm and a Mustang has 280 ft-lbs. @ 4250 rpm. Now given a few specs. you're probably still thinking how could such a cute little car beat a Mustang on the track?Since 1964 the Mustang has been one of Americas favorites on the race tracks and a Smart Car well has not really been a big race track favorite. Given the right engine though it has been proven that a Smart car can beat a Mustang  on  the track. What kind of engine could give this little car such power you ask surprisingly a Toyota Paseo engine could.  This engine gave the Smart Car
    enough power to take off doing a wheelie!!! An interesting and yet fun sight to see. check out the video on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqZ953uS9dY. If you are in the market for a Mustang check out our website to view our wide selection http://www.stgautogroup.com/