Ford Focus RS – What’s in a name?

Popular culture has an additive personality.  The two main addictions being the lives of celebrities and the power of a brand.  Sometimes a name or a few words is more than enough to make hordes of people rabid with excitement, Britney Spears, Coca Cola, Ford Focus RS – all have their status as icons of modern society.

 

If someone has talent I’m all for them earning masses of money, being idolised and I may even listen to them preaching to me about global warming issues that they’ve contributed to with their private jets – Bono you know who you are.  What I don’t have any time for are the reality television ‘stars’ who crave any form of attention and limelight without having any discernable talent.  Since the advent of Big Brother, we are inundated with reality television programmes covering every conceivable topic: from being stuck on a desert island, being gifted a modelling contract, dancing and now even conducting an orchestra.   

 

Even supposed A-list celebrities get on my wick.  If anyone can tell me the talents of LiLo (that’ll be Lindsey Lohan to the uninitiated) or Paris Hilton, please send me a postcard.  Combine these two with their ever-changing fashions and you’ve got content for a year’s worth of OK! Magazine.

 

I must admit that despite my rant I’m a sucker for a label on clothing.  Despite the fact that a t-shirt from a supermarket will cover my chest as ably as one with a designer label, there’s something comforting about a well known brand, despite the fact it’ll cost ten times more and be 95 percent the same as the supermarket’s version.  The problem is that even if you look past the obvious increase in price for a branded product, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s as good quality as you’d hoped – much like finding out the new album from a band you love is rubbish, after you’ve bought it.

 

Ford find themselves in this quandary as the world waits with baited breath for the return of the iconic RS badge that will adorn the updated Focus early next year.  The RS badge has always symbolised a great Ford, regardless of the base model it’s built upon.  The RS200, Sierra, Fiesta and previous Focus were all barnstorming cars full of power and every boy racer’s dream once the RS treatment was delivered.  There is no doubt however of the one Ford that the new Focus RS must beat – the Escort Cosworth.

 

The Cossie as it became affectionately known was a perfect example of what a good performance overhaul can do to improve the base model.  The Escort in standard trim was quite simply awful.  It was built to a cost so low that you’d be lucky if half the car didn’t fall apart on the way to the shops.  The styling was woefully bland; the handling distant at best and as for reliability, well you could rely on the fact that it would always break down.  However, a 225bhp engine, chassis upgrade, wide body kit and the iconic ‘whale tail’ spoiler transformed the car into a world beater on the rally circuit that you could happily take to the shops and return in one piece.  It was a supercar for the working class.

 

Clearly then the excitement surrounding the new Ford Focus RS is justified based on history.  The opportunity for disappointment however is also higher than ever.  So how do I rate its chances?  Firstly it’s available in a lime green so vivid that my retinas detached themselves.  Secondly it has styling that is somehow modern yet harks back to the 90’s look of the Cossie whilst being more aggressive than Joey Barton on a night out.  A rear diffuser gives it F1 chic and there are more vents than a supercomputer could count.  It all sounds a mess but let me assure you it works.

 

Performance promises to be blistering, with a 2.5 litre turbo-charged engine developing over 280bhp.  Basically on paper the Focus RS will crush every competitor in its class and embarrass a few in the upper echelons too.  My only concern would be that 280bhp through the front wheels shouts ‘torque steer’ louder than a billboard in Times Square.  Ford have allayed these fears stating that a electronic limited slip differential will solve these problems making the Focus RS not only the most powerful RS ever, but all being well a very drivable one.

 

2009 promises to be the return of an icon.  Let wallets of all sizes rejoice.

Vauxhall Corsa Capital

London is chock-full of unique landmarks and Vauxhall have added another.Its not an addition to Big Ben or the Millennium Dome , I’m on about the four wheeled type of Vauxhall, in this case the Vauxhall Corsa Capital.  Only by visiting a London Vauxhall dealer will you be able to pick one up, as Vauxhall aims to show its city car can take on the biggest conurbation in Britain.  To help you deal with not only the congestion, but the charge that goes with it, Vauxhall are enticing Londoners to the Capital – pun intended, with (deep breath): 15” alloy wheels, a CD player that’s MP3 ready, rear spoiler, body coloured bumpers, electric front windows and air conditioning to name but a few, for only a slight price hike over the standard model.

 

Of course the Capital is just one derivative of the all-new Corsa range and the new cars find themselves in the middle of the most competitive sector of motoring – the hatchback.Vitally then, the new Vauxhall Corsa must score well for in likeability, drivability and must be available for the right price?).As Vauxhall are pitching their Corsa against their biggest rivals Ford and VW it needs to be extremely good to become the best in its market segment.  Those cutesy little fellas in the advert seem to be having fun mind - but you can’t trust cuddly fabric, so crucially how is it to drive and how does it look in the flesh?

 

As I am still the new boy when it comes to road testing cars, I am faced with the daily anguish of opening my letterbox to find a distinct lack of keys to the latest Ferrari or Lamborghini, with a “have this for a week” note attached from Mr Lamborghini.  I have however, had the joy of driving the new Corsa and I don’t use the word ‘joy’ lightly.  Firstly however an anecdote…

 

My own car is a Hyundai Coupe, the automotive equivalent to Kelly Brook – pretty to look at with racy curves aplenty and great handling (particularly dancing the Salsa).However thanks to the balance of the universe , the stunning looks come at a price - it’s very slow and drinks like George Best did back in his more boozy days.  Despite this fact, one rain-drenched evening when all the sensible people were fast asleep, I found myself meandering around the twisty back roads on the outskirts of Cardiff, when what looked like a B & Q shed with wheels pulled up alongside me. 

 

It appeared the four youths had been on the sun bed, as there was a blue neon glow emanating from the shed and that’s when my inner eight year-old took over.I strained the small rodent in its little wheel to run quicker than ever before and the engine jumped into action.  As I left the shed and sun bed combo behind with Kelly’s wonderful handling, I thought to myself “nothing could handle this well”.To my surprise six months later I was proven wrong.

 

If my Coupe is Kelly Brook, then the new Vauxhall Corsa is Kate Thornton.  The design doesn’t rip your eyes clean out or make you go weak at the knees but it’s still an attractive hatchback.  Crucially though, this car has brains with: ABS, CBC, SLS EBA and DTC.You don’t need to concern yourself with what all the different acronyms mean, they pretty much all relate to safety and importantly for a city car handling.  I drove a 1.2 litre Corsa derivative during my high-brow summer break to Ibiza and fell in love. 

 

The island is split into the two best environments for testing a car: twisty mountain roads and city driving.Thinking of this I left my hotel high up on a sun soaked hillside and set of for Ibiza Town.The A/C quickly cooled the car, but I still felt the need to lean out the window and show the world the smug look on my face as I still had all four wheel trims.  I didn’t however shout “C’MON!”  The 1.2 litre engine was surprisingly willing and the car gripped as tightly through the hairpin turns as it did through the s-bends.

 

Hitting the main road towards the capital gave me time to reflect on the interior.The car seemed to be well built (all the parts fitted together well) there were no annoying noises to speak of and the driving position was also good.  At times, I really did think I was in Beirut, as no-one seemed to understand the old adage of ‘don’t crash into another car, it’ll do neither me nor you any good’. 

 

Emerging unscathed with a combination of cheeky handling and dumb luck, I arrived at Ibiza Town, wheel trims and all.  Parked against the backdrop of a billionaires’ playground of yachts in the harbour, the Corsa seemed somehow prettier.  The funky looks seemed in-keeping with the fashion boutiques and hustle and bustle of the city.As night time set in, the light weight steering system and ultra responsive gearbox came into their element.  At one point I took a wrong turn.  Well by wrong turn I mean turning into a dead-end street complete with drug dealers, ladies of the night and no La Policia in sight.

 

For some this may seem like a perfect night out, not for me and Kate though.  It was a ludicrous situation really, these burly druggies being crept up on by the Corsa, with its lop-sided grin and surprised eyes.  I’m pleased to announce that the excellent turning circle allowed me to deliver a swift three-point-turn and chirp off onto better climes within the big smoke.  The next day, Kate had to be returned and with a heavy heart I did so, wheel trims and all – she really will be the envy of the rental company’s car park.

 

The small hatchback market is one of the toughest to conquer, but I really think Vauxhall have produced a worthy competitor.  When I think of the Corsa I think of chirpy, cheeky, cute and cuddlesome.  Coupled with the handling this is a fun car and ideal for any urban jungle.So if you want to get yourself a nice city car just remember: city plus fun take away cost equals Vauxhall dealer.  “C’MON!”  Ah damn it.

 

Ordering Cheap Used Vans

You can normally purchase previously owned vehicles at any local dealer. You can also get a car auto insurance quote. They are also available in any classified advertisements and related websites that allow a customer to find and purchase a truck online.

Purchasing a car is already a large asset to the great majority of people. Whether if it is a never previously owned or used vehicle, you still must pay up a set amount in order to buy the truck you really want.

Before purchasing the car, it is best to ponder the sort of truck you need to purchase and the options that go with it. You are recommended to do some research and visit several shops. In this way, you are able to choose the best price and have a superior experience.

There are a few explanations why the majority of second hand vehicles are not costly. First, second hand vans easily need repairs. Each year, cars like this reduce 20 percent of its MRSP price that makes it simpler for the customer to buy a used truck.

The second thing is that it is quiet difficult to purchase a truck and pay the complete amount on hand. By getting the services of a financial organization like a loan officer, a driver might pay their loan through monthly bits. Unfortunately, some people failed to keep that contract which gives the financial organization no choice but to take back the vehicle.

For the lender to stop having the many cars that they have reclaimed and add up to their lost cash, these vehicles are auctioned to the public right away which makes it simpler for some customers to buy like new trucks and stop being taken advantage of by some truck dealerships. For more read about auto insurance company quote.

It is also advised if you look into the history of the car. This is mostly available on the web. All you must to do is type the car identification number or VIN. This will aid you confirm the troubles the vehicle has needed, if the truck was stolen and know the former owner of the car.

Most of the time, vehicles have a maintenance history. The orderer needs to request the seller to give it and if it is not available, ask about the auto mechanic where the most of the work was done. In this way, you should know if the low cost previously owned car you ordered is still ok to operate.

Keep in mind to test drive the truck on the road and highway in various conditions and let it be looked at by a notable and highly though of auto mechanic to be sure that the car you will buy is road ready.

On top of all, you are recommended to inquire about the guarantee. If there are things not included with it, it is nice to have a repair assurance to be safe. Cheap vehicles specifically the previously owned vehicles are merely a good choice to those who cannot afford to order new ones. 

If needed, be wise in picking a truck brand and a dealer. Do your homework. Make some comparisons. You hopefully realize it is worth all your efforts when you end up with the best cheap used car in your state. More information about online automobile insurance quote is here.

However, don't just order vehicles because it is cheap. From time to time low cost vans are good, but they may also be harmful especially if not inspected thoroughly. So, if you have a desire to order for a cheap one, be sure to research its safety.

Even The Best Car Alarms Will Not Guarantee Theft Prevention

Allowing for the fact that the purchase of a high quality car alarm could be one of the more expensive investments you will make, it is obviously important to you. However, even the very best car alarms may not be able to stop a determined and highly skilled car thief. Amateurs and first time opportunity car thieves will almost certainly be scared away when the alarm is activated, but many professional car thieves will see it as a challenge and persist in their attempt to steal your car, even with one of the best car alarms fitted.

The more basic car alarms will have door switches wired up to the car’s horn, or perhaps even a loud siren. However, the better car alarms will also be equipped with sensors on the windows as well, just in case the thief bypasses the doors and breaks the window to gain entry instead. This allows the thief to help himself to any valuables left in the car or, alternatively, haul the vehicle away with a tow truck. Even the motion sensors and temperature sensors that form a part of the best car alarms, are not guaranteed to stop the thief who uses a towing vehicle to remove your car.

The absolute best car alarms will also have tilt sensing switches to recognize when the vehicle is being lifted by a tow truck, or even when it is moved using wheel sensors. All of this means that even when your vehicle is equipped with one of the best car alarms around, incorporating all the bells and whistles, an experienced and sophisticated car thief could still be able to disable the alarm.

Remote Control Alarms May Slow The Thief Down

Many of the best car alarms are activated by the use of a remote control that is an integral part of your door lock system. This remote control, with a unique code built in, can only be deactivated by using the specific remote control transmitter codes. You would expect that to ensure the safety of your car, but technologically savvy car thieves can position themselves nearby and, when the car’s alarm is deactivated by using the remote control, hold a device which can capture the code. This device will then save the code and the next time the vehicle is not in use and the alarm turned on, they will have in their possession the code with which to turn it off.

Some of the best car alarms, which can cost considerably more, use a code system that changes automatically every time the alarm button is pressed. Using a progressive algorithm assignment system each time the alarm is deactivated, the alarm receiving unit’s computer will change the code to render the code useless should it be stolen by the thief.

Not everyone’s budget will allow for the purchase of the very best car alarms, but when used as a deterrent they can keep all but the most determined and experienced car thief from driving away with one of your most prized possessions. How much you can afford for one of the best car alarms will determine how well protected you are against having your vehicle stolen.

Find out about the best car alarms choices available for you to protect your investment and which one is best suited to your requirements and budget at http://www.caralarmstips.com

The Wonders Of The Paintless Dent Removal Technology

paintless dent removal

Paintless dent removal is a methodology where a paintless dent removal specialist uses specialized precision tools to reshape the metal to it's original position, leaving the paint finish untouched. The dent is completely erased--as if the dent was not there in the first place.

be considered a metal working art, as it requires a great deal of experience and skill to execute perfectly.|Paintless dent removal is a metalworking art that demands years of experience, patience and skill to execute precisely.] Paintless dent removal experts go behind the damaged panel and massage the metal back to its original finish.

Paintless dent removal is very effective when your automobile’s paint is not cracked or damaged. A dent is carefully massaged from the inside of the damaged panel, eventually leading to an undetectable repair.

Also, paintless dent removal is incredibly effective for hail damage caused by hail stones] that a large number of insurance agencies use "hail teams" that "chase hail storms.".These hail teams travel to an area that was hit by hail to repair vehicles using Paintless dent removal technology.


Paintless dent removal literally preserves the value of your car. The paintless dent removal process gets rid of car damage like dents, dings, creases, hail damage and minor body flaws so the vehicle's previous condition looks as good as [new]. Paintless dent removal, known as PDR, has recently become a well known method of repairing small damage such as dings and hail damage. Paintless Dent Removal ( PDR ) is the art of getting rid of minor dents and dings without sanding, filling, or painting.

Paintless dent removal experts booast that the paintless dent removal technology is the convenient] way to repair dents. Others say it does not compromise the car as traditional auto repairs may. Paintless Dent Removal, as the name indicates, does not need the surface to be repainted once repaired, which equates a significant amount of savings.

Don't take a chance having an inexperienced auto technician do a lousy job on your vehicle. Why take chances and risk having your car damaged by some amateur car technician?

Rather, look for experienced paintless dent removal professionals who are able to provide you with a complete menu of services such as door ding repair, hail damage repair, full auto detailing, windshield repair, and paint touch-up. .

Antique Car Vehicle Insurance

When looking for insurance corporations that provide for old cars, you should discover a large range of corporations to choose from.  Many of them could have a wide range of products and services for you to pick from. Some will offer to have the vehicle appraised to determine exactly how much it is worth. You can check out some options at car insurance rate quote. This is necessary so that the right value can be placed on it. 

Some could have more valuable cars than other people. The model of van coverage that you get will likely be that which is properly suited for your exact needs. When phoning your truck insurance corporation, make certain to provide them with accurate info regarding your vintage truck. If you do not, you are not going to be able to use your car insurance should something go wrong down the road.

Classic car van insurance is provided to people that have a classic vehicle. There are several differences in this kind of insurance and they will change for each person. Some individuals could not drive their vintage cars while others will. Either way you will need to compare on line auto insurance quotes.

If something does go wrong and the truck ends up being destroyed, you might want to make sure to find the full worth of the truck back from the insurance firm. They might also want detailed records about just how you store your classic car. The more that you drive it, the increased risk there is of anything happening to it. Being straightforward here is required as you do not need to risk the insurance firm not offering you with insurance should something go bad.

Nevertheless, don’t forget that you are looking for car insurance and that you should get the plans of several auto coverage companies. Discovering the cheapest price for your car is important and there is no reason that you need pay too much for it. Finally check out instant auto insurance quotes.

Build DIY Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars - Save on Gas - Hydrogen Fuel Car Kits

If you are looking into the possibility of building a hydrogen fuel car kit and have no inkling of how to do this, then I suggest that you read on. There has been so much buzz going around, especially on the Internet about the concept of converting your car to run on water. Some people hear that and are in disbelief, but yet they want to save on gas and increase their gas mileage and want to know if “run car on water,” is a scam or a reality.

Hydrogen fuel cell cars, in my research, consisted of variety of sources providing free information on how to run car on water. The technology basically introduces the idea of creating Brown’s Gas or HHO gas extracted from water to improve the gasoline combustion in your vehicle.

You end up getting improved gas mileage, a cleaner and long-lasting emission system that will cause less air pollution, save you gas and protect the environment. If that is what you are looking for, please continue to read more about this.

We all have felt the increasingly agony of prices at the gas pump, a slow and declining economy and the uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring. Oil shortage globally is affecting all of us, but the great news is that there is an alternative solution that some people are scared to consider and that is the hydrogen fuel car kit.

If someone were giving you one million dollars and you were scared to take it from them because you did not know where it came from, but the person is giving you the option of doing your own research or providing a bank statement to legitimize the transaction, would you take the one million dollars?

It is the same idea here. The information about hydrogen fuel cell has already been researched and reviewed at a particular website to give you unbiased information that will help you to improve the mileage on your car, save about 40% in gas cost and make your car run better. If you are now receiving this information that will save you thousands of dollars, wouldn’t you want to tap into that information?

I felt like I had just found a million dollars when I learned how I could convert my car to run better and last longer. I hated to go to the gas pump. It gave me an ulcer and I was sick and tired of no relief in sight.

There are many people who are at that very stage and are seeking answers to this ongoing problem and if you are still reading to this point, I know you must be curious as well.

The ready-made hydrogen fuel car kits were too expensive and could run you over a thousand dollars easily. So, I did a test with the DIY hydrogen fuel car kit using a group of my friends who were also drivers like me. I found out that the hydrogen fuel cell kit was very easy to put together. It took only about three hours to complete when I used the guide that walked me step by step through the process

The hydrogen fuel generator that I put together right in my tiny garage cost only about $110 in total. I was able to purchase all of the parts from my local hardware store. I found out that the cell stands alone so there is no need to make changes to your engine to do this either.

What I really liked about the concept was that it is reversible. Anytime I want to change back to what I had before, it is as easy and safe.

It has been six months now and today, I look back with no regrets. I have joined thousands of other wise drivers and consumers who saw the opportunity to convert their vehicle using the hydrogen fuel kit and like me are enjoying the benefits while others are struggling at the gas pump.

You can improve gas mileage, save on gas and contribute to a safer environment by building your own HHO hydrogen generator with the step by step guide on How to run your car on water for much less than $120. Start Now to Spend Less On Gas and Download Hydrogen Fuel Car Kit Today!