Desde los pits

Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG for First Drive -2012

2012-01-31T04:01:00.000-08:00

Given adequate social lubricant it’s possible to mate the rough edges of performance with the loving constrictions of magnificence. And as Mercedes-Benz AMG is now demonstrating so handsomely in its third generation ML, the trick can be done with that most difficult of platforms, the sport utility.

Already fast and contented, the 5-passenger mid-size ML has been thoroughly upgraded with improved fuel economy and improvement foremost, but as this is an AMG, with increased performance as well. Thus, the 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8 has been replaced with a more fuel-conscious, direct-injected, 4-cam 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 rated at 525 bhp. This slightly improves ML performance while gaining a third more fuel economy, now rated at 16 mpg combined. That’s still dismal, of course, but in the ML’s nearly six-figure price range saving at the pump is as much societal statement as selling point.

More germane is the higher-boost schedule package option offering 557 bhp and 560 lb.-ft. of torque. So equipped, our test car rocketed away from standing starts, its AMG-tuned 4MATIC all-wheel drive grabbing with cat-on-a-carpet traction. At street speeds the AMG’s 4.7 zero-to-sixty acceleration is truly spectacular, flattening only slightly on the expressway as the SUV’s 5000-lb. mass and wind fighting come in play.

Nissan Frontier Review

2011-07-20T23:20:00.000-07:00

Performance and Handling:

The Nissan Frontier is built on the company's F-Alpha platform, which is shared with the Titan, Armada, Pathfinder, and Xterra. This F-Alpha architecture gives the Frontier a solid foundation that can be tuned for hauling cargo, traversing rough trails and for providing a comfortable ride around town or at expressway speeds.

The Nismo off-road model is as capable at highway speeds as it was driving through nearly two feet of rushing water flowing from creeks. The Nismo's trail capabilities include a 31.5-degree approach angle. Technology further enhances its worthiness off the beaten trail. Hill Descent Control walks the vehicle down steep descents. Hill Start Assist holds your position when you lift your foot off the brake while heading uphill. Limited-slip traction control helps redirect engine torque to the non-slipping drive wheels on low traction surfaces. It operates on the rear wheels on 2WD Nismo models and on all four wheels on 4WD models.

On the road, Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control can help the driver avoid accidents. It's set up to allow a little more sideslip than some electronic stability control systems. Similar electronic stability control systems from other manufacturers often intervene too quickly to suit advanced drivers, but Nissan's VDC reminds us of the system in Porsches, effectively helping the driver maintain control without feeling it has taken over.

The speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering provides good feedback. The Frontier was stable and sure even when driven aggressively around curves. The four-wheel disc brakes use big brake rotors for efficient cooling in repeated hard use.

The Frontier's 4.0-liter V6 engine is rated at 265 horsepower at 5600 rpm, which makes it the most powerful V6 in the mid-size pickup class. It provides 45 more horsepower than the largest engine available in the Chevrolet Colorado, 29 more horsepower (and while using regular fuel) than the V6 in the Toyota Tacoma, and 5 more horsepower than even the strongest V8 available in the Dodge Dakota.

The Auto Transport Standard Services and Information about International Car Shipping

2011-07-06T05:23:00.000-07:00

The laws linking to registration of motor auto transport differ from state to state, so this is just an archetypal description. Most states want the owner of a motor vehicle transporter to have a car title or certificate of rights or the ownership that must registered with the state motor car government department. When you get a vehicle, the seller must make these ownership papers for transport. Generally, the buyer and seller must come out before a motor auto registration bureaucrat and affirm the sale, mark the papers and send the catalog to the state motor vehicle bureau to trace.

At present, the buyer has to pay a registration cost, must pay any sales tax on the purchase and can obtain license plates for the auto and for their transport. These registration officials are positioned at all automobile club offices, at lots of large auto dealers and in small offices in the majority towns and cities. Be cautious when somebody offers to sell you a vehicle lacking correct papers or provides to offer you his license plates for any vehicle transport. You could be purchasing a stolen car and may use up part of your break in prison. Just inquire a rightful vehicle dealer, an automobile club or a police bureaucrat about the suitable process for buying a car in the state for car transport or for auto transport.

There are numerous gains of receiving multiple vehicle shipping quotes. The primary reason is for those who are accusing shopping and trying to place the best auto shipping quote. Just think cost is not all when it comes to auto shipping quotes.

Second, keep your vehicles with the car shipping company with the top customer service. You do not want to contract with someone who is discourteous, and unknowledgeable. There are many better-quality and knowledgeable auto shipping companies elsewhere there.

Third, you can keep your car with the vehicle shipping company who can get the car moved when you need it moved. Keep in mind, the auto shipping company cannot promise accept or delivery dates. Also a few shipping companies can put ahead a certain way cheaper then another, as they have a truck or trucks that force that route on an ordinary basis, where as a new car shipping company may be capable to bid other routes for a smaller amount.

Points to Be Kept In Mind Prior To Vehicle Transport

2011-06-23T03:01:00.001-07:00

At any point of time in your life if you are going to shift relocate or plan to transport your vehicle to a new destination then you need to do a lot of research work for the best auto transport company to serve as there are a lot companies at present. So be very careful and cautious in selecting it because only a reliable transportation company will be able to transport your vehicle safely without any damage at a reasonable price. Make sure that the company is in to this profession for a long period of time because only the expertise and well-experienced people can perform this task as it is a very daunting task.

Your automobile has been for you a large asset and probability is also that you are also sentimentally or emotionally involved into your car. Even though you hand over it for vehicle shipping of your vehicle to a trustworthy and reputed car transport company, you are required to confirm your auto carrier insures your automobile. Those who have had terrible incident of receiving cars shipped to them with dent and scratch will tell you the worth of insurance.

Difference Between Car Transport and Car Driving

2011-05-16T23:40:00.001-07:00

Car transport means transporting your vehicle from one destination to other with the help of Auto Transport Company. Auto Driving is self-driving, driving your van yourself to its new destination. There are lots of reasons where you may have to use an auto shipping service to ship your van from place to place. If you are scheduling a long distance move, then an auto transport service is something you should think about. An vehicle shipping service uses a easy method to transport your car to any place from your house or place where you may have bought your vehicle.

Car transport is a brilliant and excellent substitute to driving a truck. When you self-drive your van, the cost is double than a car shipping company. Transporting costs are fixed and it is based on the size, weight, origin and destination of customers but the cost in self-driving is not fixed. The expenses you have to bear are the petrol charges, your refreshments expenses, your staying (hotel) expenses and finally you will be exhausted to the heights. Truck shipping is better based on your budget, or the urgency with which you need your car to land. By selecting the vehicle transport company, you can be sure that your car will be transported in time. And in case of car driving, it all depends on the vehicle driver and its speed and on the whole no assurance of time.

How to Find a Car Shipping Company at Reasonable Cost

2011-05-06T01:43:00.001-07:00

Auto transport and car shipping companies can be very helpful when you desire to move your vehicle. Most of the vehicle transport companies have state of the art carriers equipped transporting various vehicles at once, strongly and quickly.

Many Car transport companies regularly advertised in local papers, phone book and of course the online. A vehicle shipping companies is committed to working with industry professionals only and if you are in need for a car transport company and requisite unmatched service. If you want to find the finest services, worthy and a best auto for yours taste simply submits call for quote on the site to find the best company for vehicle shipping.

Having transport companies complete for your business in an unlock market; it is a top way to discover the service you need for a cost that you can pay for car, auto or vehicle. Qualified and skilled shipping companies for auto, car or vehicle compete for your moving job by posting a bid for the lowly cost they can pay for to give you for your job. Using this selection will also let you to check out a shipping company's reviews and suggestions from clients who have used the marketplace for auto, car or vehicle.

These analyzes will place next to each bid so that you can examine them before you make a decision which shipping company to appoint for car, auto or vehicle. This manner you can be definite you are getting real and perfect accounts of the excellence of service you will receive from an individual or small business source for vehicle, auto or car transport companies. Online request is a top way to save money on your shipping expenses, as well as receive personalized service from a customer familiarized shipping company for auto, vehicle or car.

Michael Schumacher: 2011 season starts now, first three races a roller-coaster ride – Formula 1 News

2011-04-30T00:08:00.001-07:00

Seven-time World Champion, Michael Schumacher, has said that the 2011 Formula 1 season for the Mercedes team will start in Turkey for real. Schumacher added that the first three races were a little like a roller-coaster ride.

Mercedes team had an off start to the 2011 season opener in Melbourne, where both Schumacher and Nico Rosberg were not able to see the chequered flag after crashing their cars in the opening part of the race.

The same demon followed the team in Malaysia where their Qualifying speeds were not impressive and then in the race, both Germans were unable to bring the car home in satisfactory positions.

Mercedes team showed their true pace only in China, when Rosberg was the race leader for a good part on the circuit, before his fuel level got critical and slowed him down.

International shipping at All America Auto Transport

2011-04-19T02:43:00.001-07:00

It is common knowledge that car transport from one destination to another is a risky proposition and it becomes increasingly so if you are moving your vehicle internationally. For this reason, many moving companies were quite reluctant to accept assignments for overseas auto transport.

However, things have since changed with the arrival of some frontline auto transport companies like All America Auto Transport (AAAT). AAAT in America has been transporting vehicles both within USA and overseas for the last four decades and more. Auto transporting – be it nationally or internationally - needs lot of experience and skills and AAAT is adept in doing this.

Further, the advantages of entrusting your auto transport assignment to AAAT are - the company is scrupulously honest, thoroughly reliable, known for its professionalism and unique sense of customer service. Surprisingly, the rates quoted by AAAT are extremely competitive and in keeping with market norms – that is to say, you will not be spending more though engaging a frontline auto transport company.

The company is known to provide free auto transport tips and suggestions to its prospective customers and have all the auto transport resources at their command. AAAT will send you free international car shipping quote without obligation.

If you are planning to move your vehicle internationally and at the same time want to feel relaxed and carefree, it is necessary that you engage an auto transport company that has a sound track record in overseas auto transport – and AAAT can easily be the right choice.

AAAT is known to deftly handle the complicated task of international auto transport using the best tools and professionally qualified workforce. The company has a team of seasoned personnel to do all the related functions like car inspection, preparing the vehicle for shipping, pick up and drop etc.

Like all vehicle shipping companies, AAAT also offers you two modes of vehicle transportation - open and enclosed and it is a question of your personal preference to select the one you need. Either enclosed or open, AAAT offers you these services at an affordable and competitive price.

All the same, you must appreciate that moving your vehicle overseas is a costly proposition and the rates will vary depending on the distance to be covered and taxes and other levies of the destination countries. Remember that to drive your vehicle after it reaches its destination country, you should possess a state/country issued valid driver’s license and also pay the applicable registration fees and obtain the new license plates.

Following are some valuable tips to help you successfully transport your vehicle overseas:

Please ensure that your vehicle doe not contain more than ¼ tank of fuel.
Ascertain from the U.S Department of State details regarding the applicable fees and the nature of documents needed to drive your vehicle after it reaches the new destination country.
Note down the vehicle speedometer reading and thoroughly clean the vehicle before bringing it to the port.
Make sure to carry a valid ID card and two sets of keys.
In the event the vehicle is financed or leased, you should possess a clear written permission from the finance or leasing company allowing you to move the vehicle overseas.
Make it a point to read and understand the liability statements and obtain all the relevant documents from AAAT.

Moving Heavy Duty Vehicles

2011-04-08T04:38:00.000-07:00

Everybody in this world loves cars and bikes. Invariably you would come across of people ordering for them online or collect it from the whole sale market showroom in person. These are the two ways in which people purchase vehicles. The former involves delivering the vehicle at your door step. The vehicles you buy can be brand new or used models. You might require the services while you are shifting them from one state to another as well as across different countries. Vehicles in general can be classified into two types. Domestic vehicles and international vehicles. Domestic vehicles are vehicles you can purchase on shore whilst International vehicles are purchased off shore. The latter involves shipping charges and taxes to be paid to the government. Thus invariably you end up paying more than the actual cost price of the vehicle you are purchasing. Besides international vehicles are not available in the local market and thus it adheres its name.

Not only customers, but even companies need to transport the vehicles from its manufacturing industries to all its showrooms. This involves transporting these huge vehicles over long distance. Manually it is not feasible for companies to transport such a huge number of vehicles to all of its showrooms. Thus what is the best solution for that? Hiring transport services comes to the rescue. They are the best solution to the problems faced by many companies as well as the customers. They are experts when it comes to executing the task and they carry out their tasks in a very professional way. These services are solely used for the shipment and relocation of vehicles such as cars, bikes, mini-vans etc from one location to their respective destinations.

There are different kinds of car shipping services that can be availed. However there are some precautionary conditions you have to adhere before doing so. Reputation of the service provider is very significant. Of course they need to be recognized in the market, they should have been legalized, and they should have the license to carry out the task. This factor should be seriously considered as there are many crooks and fraudulent companies in the current market who tend to cheat customers financially as well as improper services. You need experts and these companies follow strange policies when it comes to responsibility issues. Always go for experience and reputation.

Take heed of charges estimations and general assessments. Good service providers give you these details before you could even hire them and make a deal. It helps you to meet your financial constraints and get the work done with best quality. However do not settle down for cheap deals as companies which tend to give such deals often fall under fraudulent companies.

It all revolves around one factor and that is proper home work. Yes, research is the most significant part of the whole concept. You have the internet which provides you all kinds of details and these details are easily and quickly available without much effort. There are websites which rate the service providers and their websites. Thus you can get a clue of which sites and service providers are well reputed.

Motor racing: crashes, blood and burning cars

2011-04-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

Bernie Ecclestone, the hyper-energetic billionaire who runs Formula 1, recently claimed that the sport needs an injection of oomph. It has grown too staid, he reckons. And he suggested a few improvements, like hosing the track to make the cars skid. Make it all a bit less health and safety was his idea. A bit more like the old days.

From many who watch Formula 1 on the television, there was a nod of acknowledgement at Ecclestone’s observation. The sport has indeed become moribund, a procession of lookalike vehicles swooping round sanitised tracks. These days the grandest money-making circuit in sport is not so much a showcase of skill as a shop window for computer design.

But anyone wishing to see a return to the Sixties and Seventies glory days when the drivers were real men and the cars looked like cars, rather than advertising hoardings with wheels, should watch a new documentary, Grand Prix: the Killer Years, on tomorrow night on BBC Four. For those involved, the memories of that time are so far from happy, any attempt to return the sport to its past ways would be dismissed as madness.

“One night my wife and I totted up how many people we had lost,” the former world champion Sir Jackie Stewart tells the programme. “It was 57.”

The documentary is a chronicle of the decade and a half between 1960 and 1975, when, as technology sped up the cars and safety was left behind, grand prix drivers were dying at an average of four a season. Usually they went in the most brutal of circumstances: wrapped around trees, splattered against walls, trapped in flaming cars, the smell of burning flesh a familiar feature of the times.

Necessity of car shipping transportation

2011-03-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

Lot of times in our lives we have come across moving and settling in newer places. The process of shifting is a complicated one and it involves lot of planning and focus. In fact people plan ahead of months for shifting houses or offices. Larger the property to be shifted, involves more overhead on planning process. Finding a newer place is primarily the biggest concern. However it all starts with the location. But that is just a small factor influencing our troubles of life. The following issues are when is the right time to move, how to go ahead with the moving, what are the things to be sold or left behind, what are newer things to be purchased to make our dream house come true etc. If you have a heavy vehicle or car, transporting it is one of the biggest concerns. Cars are huge properties and they impose very high responsibilities upon us, smallest of jerks can impose heavy damage on these properties. It has to be handled with at most care. These problems become bigger if we are locating to a newer state or country itself as the distance increases when compared to normal circumstances.

Car shipping companies understands these issues when it comes to shifting. The objective of these companies and the biggest factor that gives them business is to shift these heavy vehicles with high quality service and attain customer satisfaction. They understand the importance of moving these vehicles. For them to attain profits and get reputed, it is important for customers to believe in them and be confident about the protection and care when they fix up a deal. Thus they provide good price deals, assure commitment, and values customer satisfaction for all levels, both for individuals as well as corporate.

Auto transport companies must have a public liability, load assurance, care for possessions, and abide by the laws of state government as well as transport department. In order to be successful, the company needs to be well equipped and provide complete guidance and transport assistance. Their reputation increases with the quality of service they provide and in the end it is all about which company provides the best service amidst all competitors stands out best.

These are the background factors contributing to the company’s success. However, in reality, when it comes to service providing, it is the actual driver who needs to perform and represent the company. He has to be highly qualified for the job; he should be an expert in terms of driving and aware of all possible routes to every destination. He should be licensed by the government to drive. He should always have his paperwork while doing his job. The companies are in a way responsible for training these drivers to be an expert as these people act at the front end portion of the job and they carry the face of the company.

As for us, we have so much to worry about and there are experts to help us when it comes to transporting our properties. So our only responsibility in this matter is to seek for the right company.

FORMULA INDY - ST PETERSBURG

2011-03-31T06:03:00.000-07:00

And the Formula Indy gave the start this Sunday for the 2011 season. A prova foi no circuito misto de São Petersburgo , com algumas novidades, como a relargada pós bandeiras amarelas com os carros obrigatoriamente lado a lado, o que garantiu as tradicionais "pancas" na primeira curva. The evidence was mixed in the circuit in St. Petersburg, with some innovations, such as the restart after yellow flags with the cars necessarily side by side, which guaranteed the traditional "bounce" in the first corner.

Dario Franchitti , o bi-campeão e marido da bela Ashley Judd já começa o ano papando mais uma corrida, com Scott Dixon em segundo ea ótima surpresa do bom baiano Tony Kanaan na terceira colocação. Dario Franchitti, the two-time champion and husband of the beautiful Ashley Judd is starting the year papando another race, with Scott Dixon second and the great surprise of the good Baiano Tony Kanaan in third place.

Por que surpresa? Why surprise? Porque o cara teve o primeiro contato com o carro da KV há menos de uma semana da corrida, testou um único dia e já começa no podium...boa !!! Because the guy had his first contact with the car's KV less than a week of the race, we tested a single day and has already begun on the podium ... good!

Outra surpresa agradável foi a quarta colocação da suiça de 23 anos Simona de Silvestro , que deu um calor no baiano, ela que chegou a liderar a prova de Sampa ano passado. Another pleasant surprise was the fourth in the 23 years of Swiss Simona De Silvestro, who gave a warm glow in Bahia, which she had led the race last year by Sao Paulo.

Uns dizem que foi por conta do último jogo de pneus do Tony, mais duros e mais lentos; outros dizem que foi o patrocínio da fofa, a empresa de energia nuclear Entergy Nuclear , que garantiu 3 temporadas pra menina...mas foi legal vê-la dando uma canseira no Tony. Some say it was on account of the last set of tires for Tony, the harder and slower, others say it was sponsored by fluffy, the nuclear energy company Entergy Nuclear, which ensured that girl for 3 seasons ... but it was nice to see giving it a weariness in Tony.

Aliás, bem mais interessante que outro campeonato que começou no domingo... In fact, much more interesting than another championship which started on Sunday ...