Saturday, August 20, 2011

Ripspeed Car Seat Cover Set - Blue


Ripspeed Car Seat Covers Product Description

Revive your car interior with the Ripspeed Car Seat Covers, specifically designed to give your interior a racing look without the need to replace your seats. The double stitched blue centre panels feature extra padding for an authentic look and added comfort.

Features and Benefits

  • Universal fit, suits most car seats

  • Stylish design, allowing you to transform your car interior

  • Side airbag compatible for your safety

  • Rear zip system, compatible with most rear seat formats

  • Embroidered Ripspeed logo

  • Pack contains: 2x front seat covers with headrests, 1x 2-part rear car seat cover with headrests, mounting hooks and eyelets

  • Colour: Black mesh sides with blue centre panel

Friday, August 19, 2011

Ford Lightning

The First Generation 1993 1994 1995

The first Lightning was the 1993 Ford Lightning F-150. Produced in limited number in 1993, 1994 and 1995. Originally offered in black or red, the color white was added for 1994 and 1995. There were a total of 11,563 Ford Lightning trucks procuded of the first generation. Offered only in a standard-cab short-bed fleetside (styleside).
The truck was born amongst the engineers and marketing executives at Ford's Special Vehicle Team. This team transforms pedestrian production vehicles into asphalt-pounding race machines.

The Second Generation 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Ford re-introduced the Lightning in 1999 based on the new-for-1997 F150. The new truck features an Eaton supercharger to boost power. Produced from 1999 through 2004, a total of 28,124 trucks were made. The truck was only offered as a two-door standard-cab truck, with step-side bed. The truck offers 360 horsepower and 440 lbs-ft torque, and records a 6.2 second 0-60 time.
For 2001, the truck receive several upgrades. The air intake manifold offers improved airflow, to yield 20 additional horsepower to reach 380hp. Torque also improves to 450 ft-lbs. Resulting 0-60 times have dropped to 5.8 seconds. The truck features an aluminum driveshaft, and a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio. Mono-tube Bilstein shocks improve handling, while the passenger side shock is repositioned in front of the axle to reduce axle-wrap.
Goodyear stepped up with unique Eagle F1-GS tires with a new rubber compound. The wheels are also new. Unique headlamps, corner lamps, fog lamps and tail lamps with a modern clear front lens have been introduced. The roof-mounted third brake lamp is now illuminated by a sindle row of LED. Upper and lower grill inserts get a new design.
The upgraded Lightning reflected the high-mark for Lightning production. Subsequent years retained many of the same features while demand lacked until it was dropped in 2004.

The Lost (3rd) Generation 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008...

Ford built a SVT F-150 Lightning concept based on the new-for-2004 F150. It debuted at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The truck featured a Tremec T-56 manual transmission (borrowed from the SVT Mustang Cobra), 500-horsepower supercharged V-8 engine, independent rear suspension, massive Brembo six-piston calipers and gigantic 22-inch wheel wearing Gooyear tires.

The Next Lightning ...2010?

Rumors circulated in 2008 about a new Lightning based on the new-for-2009 F150 platform, perhaps as a 2010 model. With potential power anywhere from 450 to 550 horsepower, if it sees the light of day.

Lightning Bolt Prototype (Ranger)

Ford SVT produced a prototype Lightning Bolt Ranger in 2002. This standard-cab Ranger boasts a 5.4-liter V-8 complete with supercharger from 2002 Lightning. Custom engine mounts keep the motor nested snugly under the otherwise stock sheetmetal. The designers appropriately reenforced the stock frame rails by fully boxing them and adding cross-bracing. In addition, the front a-arms, spindles and springs were pulled straight from its full-size benefactor. Likewise, the truck uses a narrowed Lightning rear-end and brakes all around. Topped off with 18-inch Lightning wheels.





 

The 2011-2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a major launch of Chrysler; the first after the departure of Cerberus and Daimler, it represented what was to come, with far higher standards for the new engine, the suspension, and the interior. Journalists almost universally praised the new Grand Cherokee, which swept numerous awards and put Chrysler back on the map.

The standard engine is the smooth 290 horsepower Pentastar V6, which gets just 1 mile per gallon less than the diesel-powered Mercedes ML350. The Hemi is optional across the board, and Europeans have a new 237-hp VM Motori 3-liter V6 diesel; all use the W5A580 five-speed transmission.  Thanks to the Hemi option, the V6 has a large engine bay, with around five inches in front of the serpentine belt. For 2012, Hemi models move to a six speed automatic; various wheel and option package changes were made, as well.


The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, with a new, upscale interior, advanced four wheel drive system, 290-horsepower Pentastar V6, five-speed automatic, numerous standard features, and towing capability, started with a U.S. list price of $32,995 including destination.

Give up the four wheel drive, and the price dropped by $2,000 on the Lardeo, $2,500 on the Limited, and $3,500 on the Overland. Add a V8, and towing went from 5,000 to 7,400 lb (when properly equipped).


Dealer invoices were set close to the list prices (excluding holdbacks), so there’s not much negotiating room. A Grand Cherokee Laredo, the well equipped base model, was listed at $32,995 with no options; the dealer cost was $31,402, with a $966 dealer holdback. The Friends & Family Program dropped retail down to $31,088. The 4x4 ran $32,995 list — $31,402 invoice.


The Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 listed at $39,600; the dealer invoice price was $37,402. The Hemi V8 engine added $1,495 list, $1,331 invoice; aluminum painted wheels ran to $1,095 (list), the hard drive/navigation system stereo added $750; and the trailer towing package added $695. Dealer invoice for options varies quite a bit, with a hefty profit on some options but a narrow profit on most. 


Announced at the L.A. Auto Show for sale in December 2010 was the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit, which added more luxury to the already luxurious Overland model. Available in an exclusive Rugged Brown paint scheme (as well as gray, white gold, and black), it has a chromed grille and fog lamp bezels, with 20-inch bright, polished aluminum wheels. The interior has real Black Olive burl wood trim blended into the instrument panel, the standard heated steering wheel, and the upper panels of both front and rear doors. The interior is two-toned, black and New Saddle, with saddle-color Nappa heated and ventilated leather seats, and Berber floor mats with Black and Chestnut accent binding. Standard features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-path detection systems.
The Grand Cherokee Overland Summit edition listed at launch at $42,495 (plus $780 destination) for 4x2 models, and $45,995 (plus $780 destination) for 4x4 versions.

2012 Fiat 500

What's New for 2012

The all-new 2012 Fiat 500 ushers in the return of the Fiat brand to North America.

Introduction

There was once a car so small it made the Mini seem like a Big. A car that if you saw one on the streets, you'd swear it was a child's scale replica. That car was the Fiat 500, or Cinquecento en Italiano, and it left such an indelible impression during its 18-year lifespan that Fiat performed a Mini-like resurrection to it three years ago. Now, with Fiat purchasing Chrysler last year, the 500 has been chosen to be the pioneer model to reintroduce the Fiat brand to North America.
The 2012 Fiat 500 certainly has the potential to be the next big (or rather, small) thing. While the original 500 was the size of a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, the nuova 500 looks far more like a regular car -- albeit a tiny one. Compared to a Mini Cooper, it's 6 inches shorter in overall length and 2 inches narrower. However, it is also more than 4 inches taller, allowing for an elevated seating position that not only increases visibility but creates more interior legroom.
Should you want some sun, the 500C convertible (a.k.a. Cabrio) may be to your liking. It maintains the 500's side roof structure, but the center portion is replaced by a power-sliding cloth piece that stacks atop the flip-up trunk. Imagine a cross between a Porsche 911 Targa and an automatic pool cover. The upside is reduced wind and the ability to lower the roof at speeds up to 60 mph -- the downside is horrible rear visibility with the roof lowered.
Initially, there will be one engine offered: a 1.4-liter 101-horsepower four-cylinder attached to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. No, that doesn't sound like a lot of power (and it isn't), but at only 2,350 pounds, the Fiat weighs 218 pounds less than the 121-hp base Cooper, which manages to be reasonably sprightly. It's an energetic engine that sounds happy to work hard, but we'll still keep our hopes up for Europe's hot Abarth 500 model as well as the impressive TwinAir turbocharged two-cylinder that promises fuel economy in the range of 57 mpg.
Like the Mini Cooper, the 2012 Fiat 500 promises lots of character and personalization in a price category not usually known for it. It's also competitively equipped, but you could easily leave the dealership with a reasonably optioned 500 for nearly two grand less than the Mini's base price. The 500 barely tops $23,000 when loaded to the gills. Of course, cars like the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Mazda 2 offer more room for even less.
However, as sunny as the skies may seem over the new 2012 Fiat 500, there is an enormous cloud hanging over it. Italian cars are not known for their reliability, and neither are Chryslers. An Italian car built by Chrysler in the same Mexico plant that built the K-Car, the Neon and the PT Cruiser? Doesn't sound like a recipe for a long-lasting, trouble-free product. But the 500 has been sold in Europe for long enough to work out a few kinks, so who knows? We'll keep our hopes up and our ears open to early customer reviews, but buyer beware.
The 500's limited Chrysler-based dealer network is still to be determined, but when the car begins to trickle out onto America's congested streets, this adorable little hatchback could enjoy a reaction similar to that inspired by the Mini half a decade ago. Of course, the 500 has a growing list of impressive other cheap and cheerful small cars against which to compete. But even if the 2012 500 isn't the most spacious or reliable, it certainly has the attributes of "cute" and "adorable" down pat.








Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Fiat 500 is a two-door subcompact hatchback available as a hardtop or 500C convertible. Both body styles are available in Pop and Lounge trim levels, while the hatchback adds a Sport midgrade trim.
Standard equipment on the 500 Pop includes 15-inch steel wheels and chrome-trimmed wheel covers, keyless entry, full power accessories, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The Convenience package (standard on the 500C) adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Fiat's Blue&Me Bluetooth phone connectivity and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Bose Premium Audio package adds satellite radio along with an upgraded six-speaker system and subwoofer.
The Fiat 500 Sport gains 16-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, retuned steering, slightly different styling, a roof spoiler, foglamps, sport seats, cloth/vinyl sport upholstery and the Pop's two optional packages. Satellite radio is a separate option, however. The Safety & Convenience package (automatic transmission required) includes automatic climate control, a compact spare tire and heated front seats.
The 500 Lounge reverts to the Pop's mechanical tuning and includes its optional packages as well. Also included are 15-inch alloy wheels, exterior chrome accents, foglamps, a fixed glass roof (hatchback only) and upgraded cloth upholstery. The Convenience Group adds rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated front seats. The Luxury package adds leather upholstery and upgraded trim. A sunroof and an integrated TomTom navigation system are optional on both the Sport and the Lounge. Dealer-installed accessories like interior ambient lighting and exterior graphics are also available.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 101 hp and 98 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the Pop and the Sport. A six-speed automatic is standard on the Lounge and optional on the other trims. In Edmunds performance testing, the Fiat 500 went from zero to 60 mph in 10.8 seconds with the manual transmission -- a good 2 seconds slower than a Mini, but closer to other underpowered subcompacts. The automatic is likely to be slower.
EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at an excellent 30 mpg city/38 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined with the manual transmission. This drops to 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the automatic, which is still thrifty, but worse than almost every competitor.

Safety

The 2012 Fiat 500 comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, a driver knee airbag, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, a 500 Sport came to a stop from 60 mph in a short 119 feet.

Interior Design and Special Features

While the Fiat 500's retro styling screams "Mini fighter," its interior raises the decibels even further. It doesn't possess as many customization options and accessories as its British archrival, but the 500 does offer snazzy two-tone color schemes and plenty of neat little design cues. It also has a more straightforward control layout than the form-over-function Mini. However, the available "Blue & Me" voice-activated iPod control is practically unusable, leaving you to use the standard auxiliary jack.
As for interior quality, the Fiat is not quite up to the Mini's level. There are more hard surfaces, but compared to other cars in its modest price range, they are pleasingly textured and generally higher in quality.
Other than the Smart Fortwo, the Fiat 500 is the smallest car sold in the United States. Nonetheless, the high-mounted front seats allow for an impressive amount of legroom even for tall drivers. Sadly, however, those same tall drivers will find their heads grazing the headliner should they get a car with the available sunroof. Headroom is always tight in the backseat, as is legroom.
Behind the backseat you'll find only 6.5 cubic feet of luggage space, but here again, it's more than what's offered by the Mini. Lower the backseat in the hatchback and you'll discover a less boxy, less useful space, but it's still good enough to carry the odd bulky item.

Driving Impressions

It may be one of the slowest cars on sale, but the 2012 Fiat 500 is willing and eager to pull its weight (especially with the easy-to-drive manual transmission), and exhibits more pleasing noises than other underpowered subcompacts. The steering is rather devoid of feel and numb on center, but press the Sport button on the dash and the 500's steering firms up pleasingly. This is especially true for the 500 Sport, which we think is the model to get given its more responsive handling and ride quality that still betters a Mini Cooper's.