E-Wolf

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A Wolf In Wolf's Clothing: The 2007 Dodge Charger

By Saurabh Sharma

For the brave who crave cloth of a different cut than the status quo, it is possible to transcend the norm, to attain invincibility when behind the wheel of the stylish, mythic machine. Back in the '60s and '70s the Dodge Charger appealed to a certain segment of the population who craved the visceral feel of a two-door muscle car. Today, this heroic vehicle has been reinvented to charge past the competition from the Infiniti M35, Lexus GS300, Mustang GT, and the Chrysler 300 with three variations of engines. Although the 2007 Charger is a much different than the original Coke bottle design that was introduced in 1964, it still retains the spirit of the original. With broad shoulders in the front and rear quarter-panels cutting into the doors, the car looks like a linebacker in uniform. With a MSRP range between $22,570 - $35,320, and a fuel efficiency of 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway, you almost need to be an extrovert to drive this modern interpretation of fastback design.

The 2007 Charger has been fortified with technologies to provide efficiency and unparalleled control from a thoroughly reinvented rear-wheel-drive technology, and its completely re-engineered engines. Step inside the car and you'll not be disappointed. First, you'll notice the large 60s inspired steering-wheel, large (vintage) air vents, clean and classy black on white rpm/speed dials, and supportive seats. The model we tested also had a DVD navigation system, and BOSE sound system - which was an added plus. But with the engine turned on, the menacing howl will quickly make you forget all the refined creature comforts of the cabin.

Driver input is the name of the game for the 2007 Charger. Put the car in "gear," lift your foot off the brake, and let the rapturous engine do the rest. The base Charger comes with a 3.5-liter SOHC, 24-valve V6, with 250 horsepower (250 pound-feet of torque driving through a five-speed automatic) that effectively feels like a V8. But if that isn't enough, there is the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which puts 340 horsepower (with 390 pound-feet of torque) on the tarmac. At the top of the line, is the 6.1-liter Hemi SRT8 with 425 horsepower at 460 pound-feet of torque. These are incredible numbers. Both Hemi engines feature de-activation cylinder technology increasing the V8's fuel efficiency to 16 mpg city; 22 mpg highway. On our road test, we found the base V6 to have enough pep without compromising on fuel. Both the V8 Hemi's seemed a bit too supercharged for today's roads, and geo political situation. At times, driving the Charger SRT8 with 425 horsepower felt like you were trying to control an overpowered carriage rather than enjoying the sporty ride.

The overall ride of the Charger is quite good, as its chassis and transmission are the same as Mercedes Benz E-Class. However, there's still a lot of body roll. The car is not as deft as it could be, this is partly due to its large size - the 2007 Charger is 17 feet long and over 4,400 lbs in curb weight, so you do feel it while taking corners. The independent multi-link suspension with stout structural members makes for a stiffer body, but the torque-rich engine and the overall larger size do take some getting used to.

Choices abound when it comes to finding the right Charger that suits your needs. The new Charger is available in five trims: the SE, SXT, R/T, Daytona R/T and the SRT8. The models vary in engine size, but share the highest, five-star government front crash test ratings due to well-engineered crush zones, advanced multi-stage air bags (though side air-curtains are optional), and self-sealing tires. The ABS brakes are standard as well, but are not too communicative in reducing speed when the Dodge is really "charging". The heavier car accelerates well, but doesn't decelerate with confidence. If going for the Hemi versions, it is recommended to opt for Viper calipers, given the Charger's torque and horsepower.

In 1973, Richard Petty commandeered the Dodge Charger to its last win at the Daytona 500. Individuality, muscle, and a timeless sense of freedom have always been associated with the Charger's heritage. The 2007 Dodge Charger succeeds in resurrecting a time when life was simple. Former owners of the Charger are now mature family folks who need the two extra doors. The 2007 Charger is a valiant attempt at bringing back the brave, the unbreakable, the insurmountable - the all-American muscle car.

Saurabh Sharma is an avid motoring enthusiast who is inspired by cars, and emerging automotive technology. His fascination with automobiles began during his infancy when his father brought him matchbox cars from a trip to Singapore.

New Car Buying Made Easy

2007 Dodge Charger

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saurabh_Sharma

EDAG Car

EDAG Car

EDAG Car Videos

EDAG Car Review

EDAG, worldwide provider of engineering services, will be presenting the world premiere of its vision of an environment-friendly, future-orientated vehicle for everyday and leisure use at this year's International Motor Show in Geneva.

For the body concept of the “Light Car - Open Source”, EDAG has broken new ground, and for the first time ever in automotive engineering, used ASA.TEC's innovative basalt fibre, a lightweight, stable and - above all - 100% recyclable material. Propulsion is taken care of by intelligent, electric drive systems in the wheels, which not only feature a high degree of efficiency to get the power of the lithium-ion batteries onto the road, but will also provide considerably greater creative scope for the vehicle package. In addition, with its innovative light concept, the "Light Car - Open Source" will be one of the first vehicles to utilise (O)LED technology as an individually adaptable design and communication element.

The EDAG Group would like, as a design engineering company, to apply its experience to contributing to the development of new vehicle concepts and processes. Rising energy prices, the CO2 discussion and the increase in demands for reasonably priced cars are all pressing questions which now, more than ever, call for innovative concepts. With its concept cars, EDAG has been producing pragmatic ideas for the evolution of the automobile since 1999. Motivated by the current discussions about the cars of tomorrow and future direction of the automotive industry, EDAG has risked taking a visionary and courageous look towards the future. With the "Light Car - Open Source", EDAG gives possible answers to the question of how new materials, new body concepts and alternative drive systems can be implemented in the future, while conserving resources and keeping costs down for the manufacturer and customer alike.

Light as a design and communication element

The body: an individually adaptable desktop

With its innovative light concept and minimalised lighting technology, the "Light Car - Open Source" is one of the first vehicles to use (O)LED technology as a variable design and communication element. Not until it is started up does the "Light Car - Open Source", with a body that looks as though it is made of glass, come to life and reveal its true looks. In the glass panes, (O)LED lamps mark out the outlines of the headlights and rear lights on the "Light Car - Open Source". The driver can design the outlines of the lights to his individual taste to give the car a unique appearance, something he is already used to doing, from setting up his PC desktop. The driver also has a free hand when it comes to arranging his "workplace" in the cockpit. Whether he wants the tachometer in the middle or the climate control gauge on the right-hand side, the driver can individually configure his cockpit as far as size, position and style of the instruments is concerned.

"We have transferred today's multimedia and lighting technology standards to the car, and in future want to offer the customer scope for free configuration, as the entire surface of the vehicle functions like the display of a multimedia installation, and can be used intelligently and individually, " explains Johannes Barckmann, Head of the EDAG Design Studio.

With the aid of state-of-the-art (O)LED technology, EDAG uses the transparent tailgate as a projection screen, making car-to-car communication visible and usable to all motorists. For instance, the braking force can be communicated to the next vehicle by means of an illuminated scale on the back of the car. Other information, such as a distance reading or if there is the tail end of a traffic jam ahead, can be clearly displayed on the back of the car, even if the vehicle behind does not have a car-to-car communication system of its own. Further, the driver of the car behind can see the information straight away, without needing to take his eyes off the road!

Dodge Avenger

Dodge Avenger Rally Car

Dodge Avenger Videos

2011 Dodge Avenger Strikes Back!

By Matthew Keegan

Dodge hasn't had much success in the midsize sedan arena something it has enjoyed with its full-size Dodge Charger. That shouldn't be much of a surprise to anyone given Dodge's reluctance to stay with the same model name from generation to generation.

Model Circus

In the 1980s, the Dodge 600 was succeeded by the Spirit and in the 1990s, the Stratus was the midsize offering until it was replaced by the Avenger in 2008. That Avenger got lost in a sea of competitive models, but for 2011 it appears that Dodge has found the right kind of model for consumer consideration.

And, unlike in times past, the Avenger name will be retained. That's probably good because the outgoing Avenger, although not particularly competitive, had enough going for it to keep Dodge fans happy. With the 2011 model Dodge will finally have a midsize offering to crow about.

True Performance

The biggest changes for this front-wheel-drive Avenger will be found underneath its hood. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine returns, but it gives up its dated four-speed automatic for a modern six-speed transmission. That will help the Avenger squeeze more mpg out of a car that was getting 30 mpg on the highway in 2010.

The Avenger's optional engines -- a 2.7-liter V-6 and 3.5-liter V-6 are now gone, replaced by the automaker's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. That engine has already found its way under the hood of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and will, according to Chrysler, power 13 separate models over the coming years.

Potent V-6

The Pentastar V-6 is rated at 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Significantly, while other midsize models no longer offer a V-6 or minimize its availability in favor of four-cylinder models, Dodge is taking the approach that some customers still want performance. And, with 1.6 million buyers choosing mid-size cars annually, the Avenger will target those customers wanting more.

Other changes for the 2011 Dodge Avenger include the cosmetic. This sedan gains a new grill, hood and headlamps and offers new rear deck treatment. Inside, the Avenger gains a new dash, fresh gauges, nicer materials and sound deadening materials. Soft touch armrests, new heating and cooling outlet units, a three-spoke steering wheel and ambient lighting upgrades are also evident.

Technology Updates

The Dodge Avenger is now better suited to compete on the technology front, offering Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free voice command for cell phones and a larger hard drive capable of downloading 6,700 songs. Today's car shoppers are demanding tech access and the Avenger delivers.

The Avenger also gains new paint color schemes, improved cloth seating, interior color updates and other touches. Place the Avenger next to the Charger and you'll behold a pair of vehicles much more alike than they are different, a logical relationship Dodge hopes will keep you in the Dodge fold for a very long time.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including coilovers and tail lamps.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan

Motorcycle Bike Car Modification Wallpapers | New Alfa Romeo Giulietta aka Milano

New Alfa Romeo Giulietta (Milano)

New Alfa Romeo Giulietta aka Milano have a five door, Golf-attacking car from Alfa using Fiat’s new C-Evo platform that will find plenty of use across not just the Fiat range but that of Chrysler too. It’s a bit bigger all round than the outgoing 147 and when it arrives in 2010 it will get a choice of two pertrol and two diesel engines. The petrols will be a 1.4 litre and a 1.4 litre Multiar with 120bhp and 170bhp respectively and the diesels will be a 1.6 litre and a 2.0 litre with 105bhp and 170bhp.

Toyota Auris HSD rear New Car

Toyota Auris HSD rear

Toyota Auris HSD

Exclusively designed for the European market, the Auris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) introduces full hybrid technology to a core model at the heart of Toyota’s model line-up. (Source: Toyota)