Recognize the Hints That Car Needs a Tune Up

Tune up is one of the ways to maintain your car life expectations. Cars have a way of telling us when a tune up is needed. Usually, there are signs or hints to make you aware that there is a change in your car’s performance.

The key to avoid costly car tune up is to identify these signs or hints and repair it as soon as possible. It is important that you know how your vehicle works, so that you can quickly recognize the signs or hints for a tune up.
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2012 MINI Coupe Spy Shots Leaked

2012 MINI Coupe spy shot photos leaked and we think it does not look different than the Cooper from the front, but you would still buy one because this adorably MINI has got two seats and a MINI badge at the front.

Here we are, revealing the latest spy shots on 2012 MINI Coupe which definitely showing very little in the way of camouflage which also means that the production is anytime soon.

2012 MINI Coupe spy shots showed the camouflage is concentrated mainly on the rear upper body area, so we predict that the MINI is trying to hide the dimension of the greenhouse and steeper windshield compared to the concept.
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2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid Test Drive

Porsche drops the 380-hp hybrid V6 powertrain from its Cayenne crossover into the Panamera luxury sedan. Does the leather-lined super cruiser live up to the Porsche image?

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The Top 10 Cars for Audiophiles

Car stereo robberies are on the decline. So are sales of aftermarket audio solutions. Why? Factory systems simply have become too good, essentially making both theft and the aftermarket unnecessary. Thanks to ever-increasing commute times, modern cars feature practically all the entertainment and amenities you'd expect from your living room—in fact, many offer audio quality that puts home theater systems to shame. So if you're a car-shopping audiophile, checking the stereo system that comes with the car is more important than ever. Here are our ten top picks, including obvious luxury players and some surprisingly affordable examples.

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2011 Ferrari FF: First Drive

Out with the old and in with the new. Ferrari is saying bye-bye to its 612 Scaglietti and hello to an eagerly awaited all-new grand tourer, the FF. The luxe 4-seater, Ferrari's new flagship, features V12 power, bold "shooting brake" styling (Euro-speak for an upmarket station wagon), seating for four and a radically innovative part-time all-wheel-drive system for all-weather usability, a Ferrari first.

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2001 Lincoln Town Car

The 2001 Town Car is a 4-door, 6-passenger luxury sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the Executive

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Jaguar Will Build 200 mph C-X75 Battery Supercar

Bowing to strong public pressure, Jaguar has announced plans to put the well-received C-X75 supercar into production.

The striking two-seater will use an extended-range electric drive system capable of running entirely on batteries – yet also able to launch from zero to 60 in less than 3 seconds and reach speeds in excess of 200 mph. But the maker has opted to go for a relatively conventional gasoline “extender” engine, rather than the futuristic twin turbine system that drove the original C-X75 concept vehicle.

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GM to boost Volt output; tight supply expected this summer

DETROIT -- General Motors said today that it will boost production of the Chevrolet Volt, although a month-long retooling of the assembly plant will make the plug-in hybrid even tougher to get this summer.

Early next month, GM will close its Detroit-Hamtramck plan for four weeks to complete scheduled upgrades. That means retail deliveries “will be further restricted over the next three months,” GM said in a statement.

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2011 Dodge Durango AWD CrewLux

Wow, Dodge really did a great job with the Durango. I was never blown away by the body-on-frame Durango that died a few years ago, but the new unibody version feels very solid and well executed. Having driven the Ford Explorer only a few nights before the Durango, it's difficult to find fault with the Dodge.

Comparing spec sheets you'd think the Durango and Explorer were almost exactly the same vehicle, but the execution is quite different. While the Explorer's thick A-pillars, high beltline, and smallish window openings make it feel claustrophobic (or at least like you're trapped in a cave), the Durango lets in more light and offers better visibility through its large windshield and windows and seemingly thinner A-pillars. Both of these SUVs-turned-crossovers offer touch-screen infotainment systems, but only Dodge offers honest-to-goodness physical buttons and dials to adjust the temperature or volume. I much prefer the idea of using muscle memory to adjust the volume to taking my eyes off the road and fiddling with a fussy touch screen.

This is the heaviest vehicle I've sampled with Chrysler's new Pentastar V-6, and the engine performed admirably with nearly 5000 pounds of Durango to motivate. I presume the Durango would be a lot of fun with the Hemi V-8, but there's no need for more power unless you're planning to tow trailers frequently.

Driving dynamics are at the top of the class thanks to the rear-wheel-drive architecture. Of course handling is a relative term when you're talking three-row crossovers, but I seriously want to drive the R/T model after experiencing how buttoned-down and solid the base Durango feels on off-ramps and country roads.

The new Dodge Durango's exterior styling is one of its strongest points. It is cohesive, interesting, different, and very American, and it helps the Durango stand out from the crowded pack of crossovers. The interior is also nicely designed and pretty well executed, but I don't care for the huge, tall dash and the large A-pillars, which are to me just as big and bothersome as the ones in the Ford Explorer. Outward visibility is only OK due to the high front cowl.

Dynamically, the Durango is surprisingly good for such a big, heavy vehicle. I drove 60 mph on a twisty two-lane road that I often use as a test loop, and the Dodge had good body control, nice brake-pedal feel, and accurate steering. I agree with Phil that the Pentastar V-6 provides good performance, and since it manages to achieve only 22 mpg in the highway EPA cycle, I certainly wouldn't want the V-8 (rated at 20 mpg on the highway) if I could get along without it. Although I suppose that if you are truly concerned about fuel economy but still want to haul around your family of seven, you ought to be looking at a Dodge Grand Caravan minivan rather than the Durango; the Grand Caravan is rated at 25 mpg. That said, if you get a rear-wheel-drive Durango, it's rated at 23 mpg. Our test vehicle was an all-wheel-drive model.

The nice thing about the Durango is that it was part of the joint-development program between Chrysler and its former owner, Daimler, wherein the Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee got a big engineering assist from the team at Mercedes-Benz, which was also developing the new Mercedes M-class. We recently met Jack Dolan, the Chrysler engineer who is responsible for the development of the 2011 Dodge Durango, and he explained that, with the Durango, "we were freed from having to make it a serious off-roader, like Jeep did with the Grand Cherokee. We were able to concentrate on optimizing its on-road performance." Dolan went on to explain that, although the Durango is based on the same platform as the Jeep, it is ten inches longer overall. Of that ten inches, five inches went into a longer wheelbase, to make room for the third-row seating. Some of the additional length also allowed the engineers to package a full-size spare tire.

2011 Dodge Durango AWD CrewLux

Base price (with destination): $36,045

Price as tested: $41,340

Standard Equipment:

3.6-liter V-6 engine

5-speed automatic transmission

Electronic stability control

Parkview rear backup camera

Parksense rear park assist

Keyless entry with remote engine start

Hill start assist

Trailer sway damping

Cruise control

Dual-zone automatic climate control

Power windows/locks/mirrors

60/40 split fold 2nd row

50/50 folding 3rd row

Sirius satellite radio

Media center 430 CD/DVD/MP3/HDD touch screen

Bluetooth connectivity

9 speakers with 506-watt amp and subwoofer

Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls

18-inch wheels

Power liftgate

Fog lamps

Options on this vehicle:

Customer preferred package 26G -- $5000

20-inch polished wheels

Leather-trimmed bucket seats

Heated front and 2nd row seats

Power tilt/telescoping steering column

Media center 430N CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/NAV touch screen

USB port

Garmin navigation system

Rain sensing wipers

Smartbeam headlamps

Inferno red exterior paint -- $295

Key options not on vehicle:

5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine -- $1895

Rear DVD entertainment system -- $1695

Power sunroof -- $850

Trailer tow group -- $695

Fuel economy:

(city/hwy/combined)

16 / 22 / 18 mpg

Engine:

3.6L V-6

Horsepower: 290 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Drive:

Four-wheel

Transmission:

5-speed automatic

Curb weight: 4987 lb

Wheels/tires: 20 x 8.0-inch polished-aluminum wheels

265/50R20 all-season tires

Competitors: Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot

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2011 BMW 335is Coupe

As BMW continues to cut the 3-series pie into thinner and thinner slices, it's becoming difficult to discern the subtle differences among the models. This 335is slots in below the M3, and although its straight six has about 100 fewer horses than the M's V-8, it's more than quick enough to satisfy nearly any speed junkie. Some may argue that, at just under $52,000, the 335is is well worth the money, but to me, the extra power and M3-level hardware upgrades over the base 3-series model -- the superb 328i starts at a far more attainable $37,000 -- can only be appreciated on a closed course. If you don't plan to run your 3-series on the track, the less-expensive 3s will provide just as many smiles while having a more forgiving ride with only minor concessions to handling.

All that power is fun to play with, though. In fact, a stab of the throttle in any gear results in neck-snappingly strong thrust. The twin-turbos are extremely linear, and there's very little turbo whine to compete with the glorious racket that -- even in fairly restrained driving -- exits the dual exhaust pipes. It may not wear an M3 badge but it imitates, and ultimately competes with, its big brother quite convincingly.

Jennifer Misaros, Managing Editor, Digital Platforms

I really like the optional ($1000) thin-spoked wheels on the 335is, as well as the cabin's brilliant red leather upholstery and cool snakeskin-like aluminum trim. The 335is is no appearance package, though. It's got twenty extra horsepower, seventy more pound-feet of torque, and an available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (a first for a U.S.-market 3-series). I prefer shifting gears on my own with a traditional manual, but I cannot argue that BMW's so-called DCT is an awesome, ultraquick gearbox.

I found the steering feel to be less lively than that of an Audi S4 I drove the previous day, but that's more to the Audi's credit than to the BMW's detriment. The 335is coupe has lots of room in the back seats, too: a quartet of five-foot-six people could drive a long distance with no trouble or complaints. Still, $61K (as tested) for a 3-series does give one pause.

Infiniti and Audi are breathing down BMW's neck with their latest 3-series fighters, but while the G37 and A4 are fun, competent sport sedans, BMW still dominates the discussion when it comes to sportier variants. Audi's S4 comes dang close to performance-commuter Nirvana, but the 335is offers a better balance between powertrain, chassis, steering, and braking. The 335is packs the same all-around proficiency that has been the M brand's signature for decades.

The twin-turbo inline-six is responsive, the suspension is beautifully tuned, and the brakes bite nicely, but I can't stop thinking about the transmission in our BMW 335is. BMW's seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is the best execution of the technology in the industry. It pulls away from stops with torque-converter-like fluidity, rather than the soft hesitation or slight chatter found in other two-clutch transmissions. At speed it executes flawless shifts up and down all day long. In any mode, at any speed, the shifts are phenomenally quick and exceptionally smooth. I love a six-speed manual, but I think I might love this transmission more for how incredibly impressive it is. And at $450, it's curiously cheap.

Of course, the same cannot be said for the BMW 335is as a whole. At $61,025 as tested, our coupe is uncomfortably close to the M3 in price. In fact, it's more than an M3 coupe if you can live with a car with less equipment. I could. Because as good as this 335is is, it's not as great as an M3.

Eric Tingwall, Associate Editor

The 335is is downright addicting! The 320-hp, 3.0-liter, turbocharged in-line six sounds so sweet, I drove around with the windows down to hear every note. I am deeply envious of my friend who just bought a 335is -- although I suspect she is now in danger of losing her license. This is one of those cars where speed comes so effortlessly, it's common to glance at the speedometer and realize you're vastly exceeding the limit. Part of the blame for that goes to the lightning-fast, seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission that seamlessly swaps cogs to keep the car in the sweet spot at all times. But I'm not complaining.

Donny Nordlicht, Associate Web Editor

I have two overwhelming impressions of the 2011 BMW 335is coupe: 1) Wow, is it ever great to drive! 2) Wow, is it ever expensive!

Other thoughts: I love our test car's red leather seats over black carpet and a black instrument panel, with dark gray exterior paint. What a cool color combination.

Joe DeMatio, Deputy Editor

2011 BMW 335is Coupe

Base price (with destination): $51,975

Price as tested: $61,025

Standard Equipment:

3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine

6-speed manual transmission

Dynamic stability control

Dynamic traction control

4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS

Tire pressure monitoring system

Xenon adaptive headlights

Heated dual power mirrors and heated windshield washer jets

8-way power adjustable front sport seats

Cruise control

2-way power glass moonroof

Rain-sensing windshield wipers

AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 player audio system with HD radio

Auxiliary audio input

Adaptive brake lights

Options on this vehicle:

Navigation system -- $2100

Voice command

Convenience package -- $1500

Anti-theft alarm

Comfort access keyless entry

Power rear sunshade

Park distance control

Coral red/black Dakota leather -- $1450

19-inch alloy double-spoke wheels -- $1000

BMW assist with Bluetooth -- $750

Space gray metallic -- $550

Heated front seats -- $500

7-speed double clutch transmission -- $450

iPod and USB adapter -- $400

Satellite radio -- $350

Key options not on vehicle:

Premium package -- $2650

Active steering -- $1550

Harman Kardon surround sound system -- $875

Cold weather package -- $750

Automatic high beams -- $250

Fuel economy:

(city/hwy/combined)

17 / 24 / 19 mpg

Engine:

3.0L turbocharged I-6

Horsepower: 320 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque: 332 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

Drive:

Rear-wheel

Transmission:

7-speed double-clutch automatic

Unladen weight: 3571 lb

Wheels/tires: 19-inch alloy wheels

225/35R19 front; 255/30R19 rear Bridgestone Potenza performance run-flat tires

Competitors: Audi S4, S5, Infiniti G37 IPL, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

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